Rifle Scopes Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

R

rsimpson

Private
Minuteman
Jul 13, 2011
9
0
41
Texas, USA
#1
Hi all,
I just received my Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40. Reading the include information, I realized that the scope has a maximum internal adjustment of 50 moa. I was not aware that this was the case when I purchased it. Even though the magnification is relatively low on the top end, I was really wanting the my setup to be 1000 yard capable. I have a Nightforce one piece 20 moa rail on back order, but now I'm wondering if I should order the 40 moa base instead. Can anyone offer some advice?

Setup:
Remington 700 SPS Tactical
Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40
Burris 1" Xtreme medium-rise rings
 
#2
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Is it plus & minus 50MOA from center?...or 50 MOA total?

A quick look at the ballistic calculator on my phone shows 42.4 MOA to get to 1,000 yds with Federal 168 GMM at nominal conditions. If you have 50MOA + 20 MOA in the base I don't see that it would be an issue.
 
#4
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Bugsby: Thanks for the quick reply bugsby. According to the documentation, the scope offers a total internal adjustment of 50 moa, so up and down total is 50 moa, which is odd because many of the other Nikon buckmasters have 60-80 total moa adjustments.

Boltripper: Can you tell me how my profile is incomplete? If my post us lacking pertinent information, I would happy to expound... But, something tells me you won't have anything to contribute. Just call it a hunch.
 
#5
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsimpson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bugsby: Thanks for the quick reply bugsby.

Boltripper: Can you tell me how my profile is incomplete? If my post us lacking pertinent information, I would happy to expound... But, something tells me you won't have anything to contribute. Just call it a hunch.</div></div>


for fucks sakes dude......could you be any more dense , could you,,really
 
#6
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Boltripper, I honestly do not understand what information you are lacking. I believe that there is enough information in the original post for a person with the knowledge that I'm looking for to produce an answer... If not, request the needed information.

I am a married man, I don't need any more drama.
 
#7
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

i know all married men are not a dense as you so here goes sport


go back and complete you profile,,,,,,its the stuff that tells people where you dense silly ass resides,,,,,,that way maybe just maybe some one in your local AO can hold you hand and guide you in not making ......mistakes and errors,,,,,,

additionally.......you may wish to search the errors of your ways before doing some question and answer on topics that have been discussed here ad nausium
 
#8
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Thanks for your help boltripper, but if was trying to meet up with an individual, i wouldn't have asked the question on a forum. I have already searched the forum, oh wise one, and I was unable to locate a scenario such as this. By the lack of (friendly) responses, I'm guessing that very few people have had this issue. I am a beginner when it comes to long range marksmanship (dense), but that doesn't mean my question cannot be intelligently answered. If you don't have an answer, that's fine, but try to at least allows to have a pleasant experience interacting with others on the forum.
 
#13
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StanwoodSpartan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">and he has yet to fill out his profile...</div></div>





some think this place is like some fast food-strap-on-the-feed-bag-tell-me-everything-i want-to-know-because-its-the-internet, sort of place.....


boltripper grows tired
 
#14
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I am pretty much a newb here too, but there are some added benefits of filling out your profile.
1. Someone might just be in your neck of the woods and would be willing to meet up with you. You could get hands on help from someone you did not even know, and now have a new shooting buddy.

2. When you are cutting down adjustments in MOA and just barely having enough versus not having enough elevation adjustment, we would know to advise for/against a product. For instance: If you lived in say, Colorado, at say, 1 mile of elevation, you might just have enough elevation for your barometric station pressure and air density. However, if you lived in southern Florida where it is muggy and higher air density, you may not have enough.

3. It would just keep people from using the "F" bomb on you just to use it (No harm meant to anyone in particular).

4. Unless you are a total freaking moron, stay the hell away from ar-15.com. You might end up with all kinds of tactical bullshit that people push you on and say that it helps your bullet deflect the coreolus effect of the earth and crap like that.

5. It is just useful info for us. Lets us know you are not a troll.

So, upon looking at the scope, I see that it does in fact have 50moa internal adjustment (assuming +/- a little moa). If you require 42 mins adjustment to reach 1000 (not sure why you would utilize a scope of this little adjustment to reach 1000, but we will go with it), you have 50 moa internal, centered at 25, less the 20moa base, gives you 45 moa travel. So sure, it would reach.

That said, you will be 3 mins from max adjustment. At 1000 yards, you will be dialing a TON of windage with the mighty and all powerful .308 cartridge. This is not bad in and of itself, however, as you begin to max your adjustments out top or bottom, you lose a whole lot of windage adjustment. Imagine, if you will, your scope tube. In the dead center, you will have the maximum amount of windage adjustment. As you near top/bottom of adjustment, you start getting a smaller and smaller area of movement due to tube internal dimensions. (I hope you get the idea. I can see it in MY head, but putting it on paper is a bit more difficult)

So, Would I use that scope? Never. At both 100 and 1000 yards I have no windage adjustment should I encounter an ant fart or, god forbid, a 10 mph wind, I will have no way to adjust for that kind of windage properly and accurately.

I hope I have helped. Per Boltripper, take off the feed bag! lol

Ogre
 
#15
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Awesome, Ogre. Thanks for your knowledgeable response. When you actually explain it, I can see the sense in filling out the profile information. See how easy that was? But, no, I'm not interested in meeting up with anyone at this time, like I mentioned earlier.

I was actually posting to this forum a number of months ago (at the end of March), but I took a break from it since I was not ready to invest in my scope at that time. When I came back today to post, I tried to login numerous times, even referring to my original emails for my login information, it appears that my original account has been terminated or deleted. Any more questions as to why my profile has not been filled out?

It really doesn't make any sense to me why regulars on this forum would try so hard to turn other learners away over that nonsense. What a warm welcome...
 
#16
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Yes Boltripper was pretty hard on you but some of us are even harder. I will try to be as gentle as possible.
You bought the wrong friggin scope. Get rid of it and get a scope with some decent internals as I am about positive that Buttmasher has 1/8 minute internals which make it an even bigger PITA. If you get a 40 minute rail with that kind of scope you may end up running out of adjustment at closer distance. The Nikon Buttmasher is not made for long distance no matter how tacticool they look.
 
#17
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Thanks for the info, armorpl8chikn. Yeah, I didn't choose the scope based so much on looks, as budget and reviews. For the price they seem to be pretty nice. I don't plan on trying to reach out to 1000 yards immediately, but I was hoping that when the opportunity arose to take shots at those distances, that my setup would not require an overhaul. Apparently, it will, and I am fine with that. If this becomes a long-term hobby that I pursue avidly, then I will consider what uupgrades/changes need to be made.

I know there are plenty of people who decide they want to become a "sniper" and go out with Visa card firmly in hand and buy a Remington 700P and a Nightforce and become instant experts on the subject.

This is my first attempt at long-range precision shooting, and I understand that I will not know everything and I will not have the best gear. Based on my budget and research, I am happy enough with my setup (for now). Thanks for shedding some light on the 40 moa rail for me, I figured the trade off would be the close-range adjustment.

Oh, and the scope has 1/4 Mia adjustments.
 
#18
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I think your $300 scope will do just fine for the vast majority of shooting you will end up doing.

There is a lot of credence to "buy once/cry once" but IMO its foolish to invest thousands of dollars into a rifle when you are new to the vocation and not certain your interest will stick.

Shoot the Buckmaster for a year or two while developing your skills, and if you start outshooting the capability of your equipment or NEED more scope for LR shooting, you can always sell it for $200-225 and use those funds for a "better" optic. Who knows, maybe by then you'll have a .22LR trainer or a 223 and can put the Buckmaster to good use on it.
 
#20
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

"Welcome to the 'hide attitude forum. Don't mind 'tripper, he still has the attitude of a 7th grader.
You didn't neccesarily buy the wrong scope. I have two, one on my swede, the other on my 6.5-06AI. I absolutely love them. I cannot afford more scope, and these are very hard to beat for the money. the optics are great, although I have no doubt they can be lacking for serious low light situations.
I got lucky with my 6.5 set-up. After mounting it, I checked the adjustments. IIRC, it has about 57min total, and with a zero base, I am setting at 44min left for elevation. By coincidence, I have what amoounts to about a 15min base. I couldn't have asked for better. With this cartridge, I only need between 20 and 23 min at 1000yds, so this gives me enough for about 1300. That is all I will need for the immediate future.
I haven't checked what is there on the swede, I doubt I will get that lucky, but it will still have enough for my usage.
I have found the adjustments to be absolutely reliable, and have no worries about cranking them up and down. I have not shot a box with them, or determined whether the clicks are actually 1/4min, but when I dial my come-ups, I know it will be good.
Let's say you mount your scope with a zero base and you are dead center on the adjustments. That will give you 25 min of elevation. If you add a 20min base, that will give you a total of 45min. I don't shoot a 308, but I'm thinking you will need 30-something at 1000. That should be all you need for what you will do for a while, and will not give you a problem at close range. If that base is still on backorder, I would cancel it and go with an EGW 20min. A LOT cheaper, and it will be more than enough for your current needs.
I agree with the statement about using it until you gain more experience, then moving up. When you are ready, I would probably be interested in buying this one
wink.gif

Throw it all together start shooting. It's a lot more fun than putting up with jackasses on the internet, and you learn a lot more.
 
#21
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

It has 1/4 moa adj not 1/8 moa. Is it the best scope for the job? No. Will it work. Probably. Take it out and shoot ALOT from 300-700 yds. It will for sure work for that. If you like the sport, save your pennies and get something better. Everyone starts somewhere and there are worse scopes to have than the one you got. Go have fun w/it, learn w/it and soon you will know if you need more scope.
 
#22
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I have 2 nik/scopes on hunting rifles and they have never let me down, put it on use it if you find you like LR shooting then save for something else and don't sweat it. don't worry about some of the juvey BS people post. there are alot of very experienced people on here and there are alot of people with money to buy big toys who no matter what still fall into the " been no where done nothing " group and just like to talk trash to newbies i guess it makes them feel better. shoot and have fun man.
 
#23
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I would stick with your 20 rail and shoot it, as others have mentioned, with a 40 you may lose your ability to adjust at closer ranges. I think your set-up's fine, now go have fun with it.
 
#24
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

It will be fine, just use your mil-dots to conpensate for windage. Also, you can use your mil-dots for elevation, if you can't dial it anymore... I use a Nikon buckmaster on my practice rifle, it works jut fine.

Edit: I just notice you have the same set-up I use. I love that rifle, it shoots as good as my custom rifles.
 
#25
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Mount it and zero it, you may get lucky. Thats to say, you may get zeroed in the bottom half of your elevation adjustment. Lets say you end up zeroing 15 moa from the bottom of your adj. range, that gives you 35 moa "up" adj remaining in your scope. Add that to your 20 moa base and you've got 55 moa "up" adj total. That would leave you with plenty of windage adj at 1k also. I'll admit you will really be luck if you end up zeroing that far down in the bottom half of you adj but it is definately a possibility. Oh and BTW, its not gonna take 42 moa for your .308 to get to 1k aaaand, the Buckmasters are well worth the money. Good luck.

okie
 
#26
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I concur with Ga., Mount it up, sight it in and shoot it. See where you end up,see what your abilities are going to be. More rounds down range usually make you a better shooter. If you are going to do some hunting with your rifle, you should be set, practice 300 yards and in. I think in my life I've taken 1 shot on a deer over 400 yards and it was something I had been practicing to do. Practice,keep records, ask questions and see where you end up. The first time you get to a 1000 yard range I don;t think it matters what you have with you,it is intimidating. But I promise you'll have fun and come away with more questions then you had before sending that first shot.Look and see what others are shooting as you get better, maybe you'll decide you want to drop more $ on other equipment.Know that for now you have found a place where you can ask questions, get verbally abused a bit and still get the answer to your question.
Welcome to the Hide and welcome to the shooting sports. It's a lot of fun.
I know I've taken a few lumps,I've also learned a lot and helped a few folks out along the way. Welcome RS !
 
#27
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Hey OP, those scopes get great reviews, but they are really not set up for long range or "tactical" shooting. They are more of a hunting scope with a few options, as shown by the mil-dot but no turrets. I was really thinking of getting one, but decided against it.

Lots of people here will tell you to get a SS10x, and I'm sure they are great. My vote is to check out the 3-10x Weaver Tactical on Midway USA. I really like mine, it's clear and bright, has a great magnification range and it mil/mil which is the best.

I'd definitely say get either the SS or the Weaver. The SS may be more durable, but I bet the Weaver has better glass, and is .1 mil per click vs 1/4 MOA that the SS is. It also is variable power obviously.

Try to ignore people like Boltripper. He clearly has problems he tries to spread to others on this forum. I've never seen a forum with more assholes on it than this one, that's for sure, but there are a lot of great people on here and TONS of awesome information if you can ignore the boltrippers.

Weaver Tactical Review With Video by Lowlight
 
#28
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Wow! I didn't expect the positive responses. Thanks to all who chose to contribute advice! I have chosen to keep the scope because I just don't feel that it can be beaten for the budget and flexibility. I can use this for hunting and medium-long range (by my definition) shooting, and I will be able to become more comfortable with mil-dot range finding. Sure, the scope has it's flaws, but not enough for me to spend another $500-$1000. I do think, if this LR shooting thing becomes a long term interest, I will look into the super sniper scopes for a future investment. When I'm able to get it down to the range, I will try to post up some pics of my first endeavor.

I appreciate the adults on this forum stepping out and sharing their knowledge.
 
#29
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Although the quality of the scope is good, the main thing you will be missing out on is tactical turrets IMO. That's one of the reasons I crossed it off my list. If you only want to use the mil-dots for hold overs this will be ok, but if you wanted to adjust for windage and elevation precisely you will miss the turrets.
 
#30
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I see you have medium rings.

Low MIGHT be the way to go.

Pay no mind to boltripper, if I were to guess, I'd say at least 8,000 of his 14,000+ posts are of the "fill out your profile" variety. The rest are negative attacks.
 
#31
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see you have medium rings.

Low MIGHT be the way to go.

Pay no mind to boltripper, if I were to guess, I'd say at least 8,000 of his 14,000+ posts are of the "fill out your profile" variety. The rest are negative attacks. </div></div>

Yeah, I went by a "recommended ring height chart" on optics planet... If the rings end up being too high, will that affect the effectiveness of the optic? Thanks a ton!
 
#32
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Peace, love, tranquillity and good shooting to all.

It doesn't take a whole lot to be nice.

If I can answer a question for someone to save them hours upon hours of searching old posts, then I am happy to do so.

The questions never change, just the players.

Do a random act of kindness and the go out and shoot at something.
 
#33
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Wahhh I talk in third person and bitch about people's profiles even though it matters not. It makes me feel nice. He asked a question about a scope.

Anyway, to the subject at hand, with a 40 moa base you won't be able to zero anywhere close range. The 20 moa is the max you're gonna be able to use and shoot within a few hundred yards and hold on. Will you be able to reach 1k? It will be close...
 
#34
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Too tall rings may give you some trouble when zeroing at closer ranges, say 100, if you're already close on adjustment. More commonly they give you cheek weld issues.

Please see my first post here, its possible you're getting all worked up for no reason. Trying it wont cost you a dime.

Oh, and BTW, did your Buckmaster not come with turrets? Mine came with low and high (target), finger adj. Just curious, I thought they all had turrets.

okie
 
#35
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

My buckmaster also has turrets that i twist up and down all the time and just hold for windage. Is it the best no but got it for one day of guiding pheasant hunters.
 
#36
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

Not the exact same scope, but my Nikon Monarch has less internal adjustment than the Buckmaster you have. Setting in Leupold medium rings on an EGW 20MOA base I was able to zero at 100yds 6 MOA from the bottom of the elevation adjustment. I have 38 MOA of up elevation left, just enough to get me to 1K with the right loads.

Your setup will work, but it's not going to be the best.
 
#37
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> some think this place is like some fast food-strap-on-the-feed-bag-tell-me-everything-i want-to-know-because-its-the-internet, sort of place.....

boltripper grows tired </div></div>


I don't think you are under any obligation to respond.
 
#38
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: no_1_u_know</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> some think this place is like some fast food-strap-on-the-feed-bag-tell-me-everything-i want-to-know-because-its-the-internet, sort of place.....

boltripper grows tired </div></div>


I don't think you are under any obligation to respond.</div></div>

must not know bolt, can't wait to see his response......<span style="color: #CC33CC">paging boltripper</span>
 
#39
Re: Bought Nikon scope, but having second thoughts...

I found this thread in a search,

Boltripper if I lived in your area I might make an internet date with you (as you seem to greatly desire) just so I could kick your ass for your behavior in this thread.

Honestly, something is wrong with people these days. In my book, if a guy is pro-gun and/or pro-hunting, they deserve at least some respect. Not all of us are experts on long range shooting. I'd be willing to bet I could teach you a thing or two about hanguns, archery, hunting, motorcycles, weight lifting, literature, politics, etc. etc. And I'd be glad to do it for any reticent person with the right mindset. You sound like the kind of 300 lb McDonalds munching loud-mouthed internet tough guy with nothing better to do than bust someone's balls for trivial interweb infractions.

In short, get a life. The last thing we need is turning people off from shooting sports.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Lexyallen2
Vortex Razor LHT HD 4.5-22X50 , 2nd thoughts
Replies
9
Views
4K
Scopeye
S
M
Scope Upgrade - Sub $1500
Replies
44
Views
2K
MikeMiller
M
Rpatton73
Optics **PRICE DROP** - OPTICS, MOUNTS AND RINGS FOR SALE
Replies
18
Views
993
Rpatton73
Rpatton73
Rpatton73
Optics Optics, Mounts and Rings Sets For Sale!! **UPDATED and ADDED**
Replies
1
Views
317
TxLite
TxLite
Rpatton73
Optics ***UPDATED LIST*** OPTICS For Sale... US Optics, NF, S&B, Meopta, Zeiss, ATN, Leupold, BORS, March, Zeiss, Elcan and more.
Replies
0
Views
391
Rpatton73
Rpatton73
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts