Rifle Scopes Frustrated with this NF scope..

[Flynn]

I have a NF 3.5-15x50 scope that I can't get a clear picture through at max magnification. I should also add that I have another NF scope (2.5-10) which I like ALOT.

I've had this scope for about a year and have had this trouble since day one. Understanding these scopes can be a bit sensitive, I've gone through several methods to focus this scope correctly:

bright light with objective lens covered with a white material:

bright white back ground at max magnification and focus set to infinity..etc..

I'm able to get the reticle very sharp and clear, but the background (POA) is not. The problem I'm describing occurs at magnification > 10ish.

After my initial concerns, I sent the scope to NF for evaluation and after a few days I received a call for a representative.

The rep shared his qualifications (Marine scout sniper, combat vet) and assured me there was nothing wrong with the scope).

Respecting his experience and opinion, I assumed I was at fault. As my receipt of the scope from evaluation was during winter, today was my first chance to use the scope again.

My results today were exactly the same today as they were last year: poor clarity on POA at max magnification. The reticle is very dark and crisp, but with poor clarity on the background.

I'm frustrated and dissapointed with this scope with no recourse at this point (as it's been blessed by NF).

Before I"m flamed, I want to be clear in that I'm not in any way bashing NF. I can focus the scope to make the POA/background very clear, and I can focus to make the reticle very sharp, but I'm unable to accomplish both.

After my experiences with this particular scope, I'm at a complete loss...

THIS IS NOT A NF BASHING THREAD. I should add that I do not have vision problems. I'm looking for help before I sell this at a loss (HELP).

 

[turbosa22c]

Re: I am hating this NF scope..

i had a situation like that. it turnedout that my vision isnt what it used to be. after a new presciption, everything cleared up for me. hope it works out for you.

 

[VKC]

Re: I am hating this NF scope..

Call NF customer service and tell them you are still having the same problem.

 

[1911fan]

Re: I am hating this NF scope..

I'll give you $100 for it.

Do you wear glasses while shooting or reading? I know I hate my new prescription. I used to be able to shoot with glasses on, now I don't.


1911fan

 

[Flynn]

Re: I am hating this NF scope..

I had my vision checked a few months ago, I was told it's 20:16. At the range today I was able to shoot 5" groups with a 16" middy with open sights and milspec m193 ammo....Shrugs..

 

[SScott]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

????Maybe it's you, maybe it's the scope.
Have you let a friend use it and see if it works any better for them???
What outcome are you looking for??
Best of luck.
SScott

 

[Uhlan]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I upgraded from a 10x42 SS to the same NF scope a year and a half ago and have had the same problem that has been verified by my shooting partners. I found another thread talking about this issue and tried all the different methods of focusing the reticle mentioned in it to no avail. So I learned to live w/ it by not shooting paper(lines are hard to focus on) and shooting steel instead. Hopefully Tuesday I will get a RMA# from NF for a different issue on the same scope and I will mention this dilemma of choosing between target or crosshairs being in focus. Not really expecting a resolution though as this appears to be not uncommon.

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Uhlan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I upgraded from a 10x42 SS to the same NF scope a year and a half ago and have had the same problem that has been verified by my shooting partners. I found another thread talking about this issue and tried all the different methods of focusing the reticle mentioned in it to no avail. So I learned to live w/ it by not shooting paper(lines are hard to focus on) and shooting steel instead. Hopefully Tuesday I will get a RMA# from NF for a different issue on the same scope and I will mention this dilemma of choosing between target or crosshairs being in focus. Not really expecting a resolution though as this appears to be not uncommon.
</div></div>

It sounds at though you're/have been going through the same frustrations as I have. My shooting partner suffered the same/worse as I did. I've done the "RMA" route and was told "all is well". Paper or steel, the clarity should be good on the reticle as well as the POA.

My frustration is not being able to get good clarity on the reticle as well as the POA (again this only occurs at magnification 10ish >.

This isn't something I can learn to live with. I'm very satisfied with my other NF scope. I'm an experienced shooter with good eyes. I do not have the same challenges with other scopes.

It's as though speaking ill of NF is a sin and the only possible explanations for marginal performance are user error.

Again, the problems only occur at magnifications > 10. When I sent this to NF last winter, I was told the problem is most likely "mirage".

 

[nohair]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I have a 2.5-10x32 and a few 5.5-22x50s and you mentioned "focus" and not the parallax adjustment. You do know that there is a parallax adjustment on the left side, as there is not on the 2.5-10, right?
Was just a thought.

 

[AKAce]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Did you adjust the Diopter on Max Power and Paralax set to Infinity ? It's possible you have it out of wack

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ~Ace~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did you adjust the Diopter on Max Power and Paralax set to Infinity ? It's possible you have it out of wack
</div></div>

I've focused the eyepiece (several times) per instructions: Parallax set on infinity and magnification at maximum.

 

[z71rat]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Sell it... get an SWFA 5-20XSS... you will LOVE IT!!

DK

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I'll probably sell it. I'm not happy with the optics and NF tells me there's nothing wrong with it. I'll probably go with a USO SN-3 T-PAL.

 

[steve123]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Send it back regardless of what NF says.If you've had a few of your friends look through it and they have the same impression as you then the scope is jacked up.

 

[cuffm4615]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I had the same problem which seemed to be particular to blak lines on targets (I think largely due to the scopes thin reticles). I have since created some tagets with a grey background and white lines which have been great. If interested I can email you the target for you to try.

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cuffm4615</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same problem which seemed to be particular to blak lines on targets (I think largely due to the scopes thin reticles). I have since created some tagets with a grey background and white lines which have been great. If interested I can email you the target for you to try. </div></div> kick ass deal, have to custom make targets to get your expensive scope to function.

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Send it back regardless of what NF says.If you've had a few of your friends look through it and they have the same impression as you then the scope is jacked up. </div></div>

It costs me money to ship it to them. I'm afraid I'll get the scope back as is (again) and told nothing is wrong with the scope (again).

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Seems that this is a common theme with the NF scopes...same thread pops up every month or two. Even then, I'm surprised people aren't telling you that you are just crazy.

 

[cuffm4615]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyDonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cuffm4615</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same problem which seemed to be particular to blak lines on targets (I think largely due to the scopes thin reticles). I have since created some tagets with a grey background and white lines which have been great. If interested I can email you the target for you to try. </div></div> kick ass deal, have to custom make targets to get your expensive scope to function.</div></div>

We do what we have to. We custom make our ammunition to get our expensive sticks to shoot the groups we want everyday, aswell. My NPR1 reticle is OUTSTANDING at long ranges and steel targets I just figure 100 yard paper was not necessarily what NF had in mind when they designed it so thin.

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flynn</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Send it back regardless of what NF says.If you've had a few of your friends look through it and they have the same impression as you then the scope is jacked up. </div></div>

It costs me money to ship it to them. I'm afraid I'll get the scope back as is (again) and told nothing is wrong with the scope (again). </div></div>Even better, you had to pay to send it back to get checked.

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Update: I received a call from a NF rep who was following up on the message I left yesterday. I described my history with this scope and their response to me before sending it back. Initially I was told “there was nothing wrong with this scope and it has passed all of their stringent testing”. When the rep looked up the history on this scope, their records show the parallex adjustment and objective lens were replaced, tested and shipped back to me.

At this point I don’t know what I have, I’ve been there was nothing wrong with the scope and there wasn’t anything they could do, now I’ve been told the scope has been repaired. Regardless which is the case, I’m experiencing the same problems and have no confidence in the product.

I shared my frustration with the rep and he said he would talk to the “boss” and discuss my experience with him and get back with me.

 

[2Shots]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Had a friend of mine that had an elevation problem with his, once he zeroed his gun with a 20moa base he had only about 10 moa of adjustment left, this is on a 5.5 x 22 scope. He has four of them. He thought something was wrong with the base/gun set up so he put another scope in the sme rings and base set up. He had like 40 or 50 moa left, put the problem scope back on, same thing, no elevation left. He called nightforce, explained the problem, they said it was impossible but send it in we'll check it. Got the scope back worked fine, plenty of elevation, he called nightfoce to see what they did to repair it, they looked it up and they said they did nothing, the scope was fine. Maybe you find that magic ups truck and see if the ride fixes it!

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I got the call back and was basically told there's nothing left to do and they pointed to Euro optics, as they purchase used NF scopes. Euro offered me 1k for it.

Anyway, I’ve done enough pissing and moaning over this. I’ll close this thread by saying I truly believe NF makes a fine scope. The folks at NF are good people. This scope passed their stringent QC. I just bought the wrong scope for my needs, shrugs...

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

wow, great customer service there. i'll make sure to run out and buy one of those scopes ASAP.

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyDonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wow, great customer service there. i'll make sure to run out and buy one of those scopes ASAP. </div></div>

Agreed. They should have done more for you.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I've personally had quite a few scopes that sucked for shooting paper at 100 yards. But when you're in the field where you do real shooting, there's never been an issue.

It is a known "problem" with NXS scopes. Mine sometimes causes me the same issue, but I don't punch paper at 100 enough to really consider it an issue.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I'm not sure how your so calm about this situation. If it was just you that is having this problem then its understandable, but if your saying others have tried it and its a verified problem, then they should deffinitly do something for you. Its too bad its been so long, if it was me I would have done a chargeback the moment they called and said there is nothing wrong and they can't do anything (the first time around). Let the Amex guys figure it out with them.

If this was a 150 dollar scope, then hey you are paying bottom dollar for a precision tool. You are paying 2000+ dollars for a NF over a BSA because you are expecting a top notch product with excellent cust. service no questions asked. Worst case scenario they should have replaced it with a new one, or with a different model.

Also a side note... If you bought it was an Amex, they double manufacturer warranties or stand behind products when the manufacturer wont, depending on the card you have. So if you did, it might be worth a try to call them and see what they can do for you.

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've personally had quite a few scopes that sucked for shooting paper at 100 yards. But when you're in the field where you do real shooting, there's never been an issue.

It is a known "problem" with NXS scopes. Mine sometimes causes me the same issue, but I don't punch paper at 100 enough to really consider it an issue. </div></div>what type of "field" shooting are you doing?

he shoots paper, that's where he needs it to perform.

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure how your so calm about this situation. If it was just you that is having this problem then its understandable, but if your saying others have tried it and its a verified problem, then they should deffinitly do something for you. Its too bad its been so long, if it was me I would have done a chargeback the moment they called and said there is nothing wrong and they can't do anything (the first time around). Let the Amex guys figure it out with them.

If this was a 150 dollar scope, then hey you are paying bottom dollar for a precision tool. You are paying 2000+ dollars for a NF over a BSA because you are expecting a top notch product with excellent cust. service no questions asked. Worst case scenario they should have replaced it with a new one, or with a different model. </div></div> spot on.

 

[problemchild]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sell it... get an SWFA 5-20XSS... you will LOVE IT!!

DK </div></div>

Hmmm

There is 1 person who would disagree with you, me. This is bad news as this is the scope I was going to replace my defective SS 5x20 with. Now what? I have the worst luck.

 

[fw707]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Which reticle does it have?

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

To answer the questions, it has a NPR2 reticle. I purchased this scope for varied use, hunting and target shooting. I purchased it from sport optics and they offer a 30 day return policy (as long as the scope hasn't been mounted.

I received this scope during the winter. By the time I got it mounted and sighted in and then attempted to resolve the problems myself several times, the 30 days had expired. After NF sent the scope back to me, assuring me all was well, I wasn't able to get out and shoot with it until this spring.

In retrospect, I should have handled it all differently (hindsight is 20:20). I wasn't sweating it too much as NF had assured me all was well and I was sure I could get this thing where I needed it. The puzzling thing for me is, it's only at magnification above 10x.

 

[wdhigh]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Glad I read this because I was thinking of trading my 3.5-15x56 nxs in and no way would I take 1K for it.

Sorry to hear read about your issue. Sucks to take a loss on something like these, but I guess if it does not work it does no good.

 

[cuffm4615]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Flynn were you able to try out the targets I emailed you? I'm pretty confident you are experiencing what I did with my NPR1. If so these targets, with white lines, or pretty much any other with lighter colors (EX. RED)will eliminate the problem.

Also have you tried the scope out at longer distances to see if this problem still occurs? Like I mentioned I experienced a similar situation at high magnification within 100 yds. Beyond that you should not have any problems.

One more note: perhaps you can convince the people at NF to change your reticle at no charge to you for one that is slightly thicker. Unfortunately it cant be the NPR1 or you will be back to square one, so most likely you will be losing the moa/moa feature you currently have. Inquire on the MLR, it appears to be a thicker or atleast darker reticle.

 

[Flynn]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cuffm4615</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Flynn were you able to try out the targets I emailed you? I'm pretty confident you are experiencing what I did with my NPR1. If so these targets, with white lines, or pretty much any other with lighter colors (EX. RED)will eliminate the problem.

Also have you tried the scope out at longer distances to see if this problem still occurs? Like I mentioned I experienced a similar situation at high magnification within 100 yds. Beyond that you should not have any problems.

One more note: perhaps you can convince the people at NF to change your reticle at no charge to you for one that is slightly thicker. Unfortunately it cant be the NPR1 or you will be back to square one, so most likely you will be losing the moa/moa feature you currently have. Inquire on the MLR, it appears to be a thicker or atleast darker reticle. </div></div>

Cuff, I appreciate your repeated positive suggestions. My problem isn't so much with "a" target at 100 yards, but the disparity between the resolution(s) of the reticle and point of aim at magnifications beyond 10x (regardless of the distance). At this point, I have nothing to lose by asking them to change the reticle and I'm willing to pay half the regular charge for this service.

After my last post and conversation with NF, I went home, dialed the ocular lens all the way in (treating it as a new scope with no history). When i was at my perceived focus, I then moved the lock ring back out to that point. I then moved ocular lens all the way out and worked my way forward. The reticle was most clear when I moved back up to where the lock ring was. This process was completed at max magnification with the parallax set at infinity.

My problem persists, the reticle is clear and everything else is clear (high resolution) until I look at distant objects (600-800 yards) away with magnification above 10x. When I'm at max power (15x) the clarity of the point of aim is less than what I expect/want.

Perhaps I'm expecting too much. And at this point have nothing to lose by asking for a reticle change and offering to meet them halfway.

Thank you again for the suggestions.

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I would refuse to pay for anything, it is a problem with the scope which they should fix for free and you shouldn't have to pay for shipping it back to them either.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I have some bad news/ good news for you. don't bother with the reticle change it won't help i have the exact same issue you do when using nxs scopes they just plain won't focus clearly for me and i have owned at least 10 of them. they seemed really sensitive to parralax for me. eventually i learned my lesson and quit buying the "reall good deals on used ones" and gave up altogether on them.

I have no issues with nxs scopes whatsoever they just don't work for me, luckily i bought all mine used so i didn't lose my shirt on any of them. Not sure if its my eyesight or what but i know they damn sre don'twork for me.

 

[Captramrod01]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

Team-Send-It did you have this problem with all NXS scopes? I'm looking at the 5.5-22x mostly because it seems when I read about people having the focus issues its mostly with the 3-15x.

 

[steve123]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I'm on my 4th NF scope.None of the problems you've mentioned.

One last thing I can think of.
Do you have the rings torqued to 15 in/lbs ??? If it's much harder than that the mechanism could be binding up in the scope from excessive ring force.Another thing to try would be changing the ring orientation on the scope.What kind of ring/ mount system are you using?

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captramrod01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Team-Send-It did you have this problem with all NXS scopes? I'm looking at the 5.5-22x mostly because it seems when I read about people having the focus issues its mostly with the 3-15x.</div></div>

yes sir i did have same issue with 5.5x22, only one i could use reasonably is the 2.5x10x24 fixed parralax version. i truly think it has something to do with my eyeballs and not the scope. my friends can use them ok, they agree they are parralax sensitive but useable. however for me they just plain don't work

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyDonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've personally had quite a few scopes that sucked for shooting paper at 100 yards. But when you're in the field where you do real shooting, there's never been an issue.

It is a known "problem" with NXS scopes. Mine sometimes causes me the same issue, but I don't punch paper at 100 enough to really consider it an issue. </div></div>what type of "field" shooting are you doing?

he shoots paper, that's where he needs it to perform. </div></div>


Hunting mostly and target shooting on things other than paper at 100 yards.

 

[koshkin]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

I tested a Nightforce F1 scope late last year and did not have this issue. To me it looks like your side-focus simply runs out of adjustment at 600-800 yards (naturally, not having looked at it, I can't tell for sure). That can be caused by a few lenses placed slightly off in the objective lens system.

ILya

 

[wdhigh]

Re: Frustrated with this NF scope..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ILya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tested a Nightforce F1 scope late last year and did not have this issue. To me it looks like your side-focus simply runs out of adjustment at 600-800 yards (naturally, not having looked at it, I can't tell for sure). That can be caused by a few lenses placed slightly off in the objective lens system.

ILya </div></div>

That's an interesting take on it. Im guessing you have seen this happen before?