Rifle Scopes NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

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blurry6

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Jul 2, 2008
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#1
Hey Guys!

I was thinking of getting a 'really' high-powered scope (35+) for doing load development and possibly some benchrest competition in the future (still need a BR rifle), and was looking at the NighForce 12-42x56mm Benchrest model. It looks like a nice range of magnification and while I don't need all that much elevation travel for this scope, it only has 40-MOA of elevation adjustment and I would like to utilize it for load development on a few rifles I have with 20-MOA bases. While 'in-theory' it would work, I'm nervous about it running out of room. It looks good on paper, but none of this stuff, as we either know already, or learn the hard way, is 'exactly' like the marketing department describes it
smile.gif


I know the NXS has 45-MOA of adjustment, which would be great, but it's also considerably more money,... Anyone ever try this scope on a setup like I've described? Let me know your thoughts or an alternative I haven't thought of.

Ryan
 
#3
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

Hello Ryan,
We've sold hundreds of these scopes and don't find complaints about running out of MOA, so I don't think you would have a problem. Especially if you have a 20 MOA base. If your still concerned you should look at the NPR2 reticle option, it has an additional 20 MOA of reticle references under the main cross which would effectively extend your scope another full 20. This scope would be ideal for what you would want to do. Give us a call if we can be of help answering any more questions. Chris
 
#5
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

A lot of F-Class shooters use the NF 12-42 and 8-32 BR scopes with a 20moa base. I am just waiting for Sport Optcs to get a NP-2DD in.

And if you want to buy new get it from them, Mike and Chris are great people and very helpful.

Kirk
 
#7
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blurry6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey Guys!

I was thinking of getting a 'really' high-powered scope (35+) for doing load development and possibly some benchrest competition in the future (still need a BR rifle), and was looking at the NighForce 12-42x56mm Benchrest model. It looks like a nice range of magnification and while I don't need all that much elevation travel for this scope, it only has 40-MOA of elevation adjustment and I would like to utilize it for load development on a few rifles I have with 20-MOA bases. While 'in-theory' it would work, I'm nervous about it running out of room. </div></div>

What's lacking is not the marketing specs provided by scope makers. It's your comprehension.

What the hell does "running out of room" mean?

The answer as to any scope's suitability for an intended purpose is to first determine the intended purpose. Then try applying a little math and common sense, and you just might find an answer instead of relying on mostly anectdotal BS as the other replies contain.

Like "I've never run out of room with mine". (Shooter using his on grandpa's .22 pump at 50y... for all we know.)

 
#8
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

Everyone that answered his question understood what he meant by running out of room, infact he specifically referred to the elevation. If you cant be helpful dont be an ass. and learn how too read and comprehend using some common sense and be curtious
 
#9
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nate Haler</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blurry6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey Guys!

I was thinking of getting a 'really' high-powered scope (35+) for doing load development and possibly some benchrest competition in the future (still need a BR rifle), and was looking at the NighForce 12-42x56mm Benchrest model. It looks like a nice range of magnification and while I don't need all that much elevation travel for this scope, it only has 40-MOA of elevation adjustment and I would like to utilize it for load development on a few rifles I have with 20-MOA bases. While 'in-theory' it would work, I'm nervous about it running out of room. </div></div>

What's lacking is not the marketing specs provided by scope makers. It's your comprehension.

What the hell does "running out of room" mean?

The answer as to any scope's suitability for an intended purpose is to first determine the intended purpose. Then try applying a little math and common sense, and you just might find an answer instead of relying on mostly anectdotal BS as the other replies contain.

Like "I've never run out of room with mine". (Shooter using his on grandpa's .22 pump at 50y... for all we know.)

</div></div>

You're right, I should have been more specific. I've never run out of room with my NF 12-42BR. I just assumed he knew what I meant.
 
#11
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

I was shooting F-Class at 1,000 last year and the guy next to me 'ran out of room' on his NF 12-42X even though he was using a 20 MOA base. He was shooting a .308 match rifle, and ended up having to hold on the top of the target frame. He was unhappy about the limited elevation available.

FWIW,

DC
 
#12
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

I just came back from a practice session at 1000yrds and i was 4 min short of centering on target using the 12-42x56BR model. I also had the 20MOA rail on mind and had calculated there should be at at least 3-4 min of elevation more then needed not short. The only thing I could come up with was that my mechanical zero at 100yrds had 7 minutes right windage and the right windage shortened the amount of elevation I could get. I emailed Nightforce today to see what is the correlation between the two, will see what they say.

These are my options as i see it buy a 25 or 30 rail, teak my load more (hotter) or have them check the glass. (this is my least favorite option)

Trevor
 
#13
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

I guess I should have been clearer. While I'd like to be able to shoot with this scope at long range, and the 20-MOA base will certainly help with that and allow me to shoot my pet loads for my .260REM and .308Win out to 1150-yards and 1000-yards respectively before I run out of adjustment and have to hold-over with the reticle,... which is OK, but not ideal. What I'm also worried about is the load development I usually do at a target 100-yards away. While not a deal breaker, it would be a pain to have to always zero for distances over 100-yards given that this would be mounted on a 20-MOA base. You follow? Having to dance on the edge of the scopes adjustment range when on a 20-MOA base while trying to zero at 100-yards could be a real pain in the rear,... What are your thoughts on this,... Does the NF 12-40x56 BR scope 'really' have only 40-MOA of adjustment or is that conservative. What about those adjustable ring inserts ala Burris' Zee Rings and offset inserts,... Do they work alright?
 
#14
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

Trevor,
the amount of windage input in your scope will affect the total elevation. Remember that the scope tube is round, and the further up you move, the less movement your reticle has for windage.

Ryan,
setting your zero at longer ranges will not in any way affect your total amount of elevation travel. If that were the case you could zero it at 1000yds and still have full elevation left over. If you're concerned, I'd suggest going with a 30moa base.
 
#15
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

A 20 minute base, combined w/ burris signature rings w/ inserts works well too, but I don't think you'll have any problem getting to 1000yrds. My F/Tr gun has a 20 minute base, and I have no problem getting to 900m w/ room to spare. Running 155.5 bergers at 3000.
 
#16
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

It's not that I'm worried about getting out to 1000+ yards, I know I can get there, it's ALSO getting it dialed down to zero at 100 yards,... you follow? This scope is going to spend a lot (probably the majority) of its' time on a 100 yard range dialing in loads for my various rifles.

Ideally, I'd have a scope with enough elevation to hit 1000+ (which will require a 20+MOA base) AND work with loads at 100 yards. The 40-MOA of travel (20-MOA UP elevation) makes working at these very different ranges a little challenging. By coupling this scope with a 20-MOA base, whenever I'm shooting at 100-yards, I'll be hovering right at the limit of it's travel range in order to set a 100-yard zero,... This scope's elevation travel might be too limited to do this,... but I still want it ALL!!
smile.gif
 
#17
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

I am afraid if you want it all, you are going to have to buy another scope. If I had it to do over again I would probably buy the 8-32X Nightfore since it has more internal adjustment; besides my 12-42X BR gets pretty muddy above 30X anyway. The NXS's have more internal adjustment range, but come with .25 MOA adjustments. If you are going to stick with Nightforce, those are your choices.

I use the big scope primarily for load development and an occasional point blank benchrest match. One of the Big March or S&B's would be nicer, but at a whole different price point...

Cheers,

DC
 
#18
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

I hear ya about the March and S&B - yeah, they would be fantastic to have, but it's a bit of an extravagence for the limited use it would see. I decided on going 'cheap' with this 'LOAD DEVELOPMENT' scope. I ordered a Weaver T-36 (36x-fixed) for considerably less than the NF. Granted, the NF is a much more robust and feature-packed scope, but the elevation limitations turned me away. The Weaver, because it's fixed, has plenty of travel and won't cost an arm and a leg,... and all I'm really looking for a is something with ridiculous magnification in order to hold an extremely tight POA. Besides, going cheap on this scope allows me to justify the Premier 5-25x56 I have on order
laugh.gif
Now that'll be a nice scope!! Thanks for the input!


Ryan
 
#19
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

The 5-25X Premier looks awesome. I handled one at the Premier plant while they were swapping the reticle and conveting the knobs on my 3-15X Heritage. To my mind Premier has established a new plateau above all the others with the Heritage. I am sure you will love your 5-25X.

Cheers,

DC

 
#20
Re: NF Benchrest 12-42x56mm for Load Development & BR

Update.
I was too impatient to wait for an email from Nightforce and called them; we ran some simple test and ruled out the scope not having enough elevation even with 7min windage I was told there was more then enough elevation remaining to get the scope to 1000 using my reloads.

I decided to start over and check my hundred yard zero, using the 20moa rail I bottomed out the NightForce less 1moa and shot to see where I was hitting. First shot couldn’t find it then the 2nd what the F got a big piece of cardboard and tacked it up. 1st shot was WAY low brought up the elevation 5 minutes not enough added another 5 more still not hitting point of aim it took me 12 min to get zeroed in at 100. You and I are both thinking that can’t be right the badger base must be 10moa not a 20. Wrong there to; did some quick measuring and calculation and the Badger was 20moa. But once the base was off the receiver (Remington receiver) I could clearly see a difference in height between the front and rear. Turns out the front part of the receiver is 12 minutes higher then the rear. Never notice this with the other scope on it as it had 100moa of adjustment.

Solution
So who do you speak to about this problem someone that knows their stuff Richard Near. Called him up and discussed what was going on, the conversation lasted 40 minutes. He had me give him some measurements and how much clearance the scope bell cleared the barrel. I figured he would have given me a 30min rail and I would be 2 minutes off the bottom. That would have been the quick off the shelf solution but not Richard; that is not his idea of customer satisfaction. He sent me a rail and told me it would be what I need. (able to zero from 100 to 1000yrds). Went to the range today to zero in at 100 yards turn the scope’s elevation down and the first shot was directly in line with my aiming point 2nd one was the same, Richard Near had built me a 32moa rail to overcome the receiver’s difference in height. I am more then impressed with his product and his time to accurately determine what my needs were. Please also note the scope bell did not touch the barrel.

I will be buying Near bases in the future.

Trevor
 
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