Rifle Scopes Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

[Rob.308]

Does anyone have one of these and willing to make a judgment on it?

I am getting a bit older and was hoping to try a stronger optic as my eyes seem to have a harder time focusing on longer range targets.

I am using a Leupold 4.5 X 14 now and feel like I might need to bump that up.

We were shooting pennies yesterday at 200 yards and I had to paint mine bright pink to even see them.

I appreciate any help I can get on this issue.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[madppcs]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

What caliber rifle? I would think a NF 5.5x22 is alot more scope than the 4.5x14. (I have the same leupold). Unless your shooting a 338 or .50 I would not go with a 12x42. At most go with the 8x32.

And seeing a penny at 200yds is no easier than seeing. 308 holes. Depends on what background your target is.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Depends on what you're wanting to do with it. If you're wanting to shoot F-Class, I'd go with either 8-32x56 or 12-42x56; NP-R1 or NP-2DD reticle. Otherwise, you probably don't need 42x for most purposes. 32x or even 22x top end is enough for most purposes and would be noticeably more mag than your current 14x scope. That, coupled with one of the mil-based reticles and matching turrets (the reticles listed above are MOA), ought to get you where you want to be.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

What are you wanting to do? Hunt? Paper punch? F-class? Where are you located? That will go a long way in helping us provide the best possible suggestion.

I currently own a 12-42x56 NXS and a 8-32x56 BR along with a 5-25x56 S&B. The glass on both NFs are excellent and very crisp when compared to my previous Leupold and current PSTs. However neither compare to my S&B (which should be the case for the price!).

My main gripe with both my NFs is that I rarely get to crank them all the way up. Mirage is horrible and the target dances around. The only way "around" this that I've found is my S&B is much crisper and seems to fight mirage better. I can't explain why, how, or whatever. All I know is in identical situations at the range, my S&B shows less mirage.

The NXS 12-42x is an excellent optic for certain applications. Great clarity, turrets, and reticle which will trump most and shine in the right place. However due to where I live, the shooting I do with that rifle (steel), and the gills-required humidity, it is not the best. I would gladly trade it for a 5.5-22x56 NXS.

 

[Rob.308]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

I am in Alabama and the heat and humidity are cartainly a factor. Most of the time I am shooting paper targets (that is all the range allows). I have had the problem when it is hot (say 90ish) that the image seems to drift around. I am not sure what that is called. I thought it was me a first but I am shooting with a bi-pod and generally shoot pretty well.

I am using a Remington 700 with the 5-R rifiling, 24in, .308

I am using hand loaded Hornady 30501's. 168 GR match rounds with 43 grains of Varget powder.

I would like to be able to hunt with the rifle as well as shoot paper and targets. Have had a hard time finding bullet holes in the targets I am using a 200 and beyond.

I am just in the mindset that if I was going to buy another optic I might as well by the strongest otpic I could afford. I see the 42X Nightforce is selling for about $1950 on Ebay.

I appreciate everyones input and help on this issue.

V/r
Rob

 

[00bullitt]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Consider that the adjustment ranges on the NXS 8-32 and NXS 12-42 are limited due to available field of view on max magnification. The 8-32 has 65moa total and the 12-42 has 45moa total.

The 5.5-22 has 100moa total and is capable to take the 308 to its full capability without a tapered base if needed.

Also consider resolution. I think you will find a large difference in the ability of a NF to resolve fine detail, such as bullet holes in paper, at distance.

I personally think, that even with aging eyes, that magnification is not where its at. I am rather certain that you will be extremely pleased with an NXS 5.5-22x56

 

[downrange914]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Hi Rob.308 - I've only recently purchased my own firearm and started shooting seriously (and loving it !)

As I suffer from an eye condition, I also plumped for a NXS 12-42 and I don't regret my choice at all - having used one on the NRA Open Day here in the UK a couple of times, I knew they were good and now I own one of my own I think they're even better.

Yes - you do get mirage on a hot day (which doesn't happen much here in the UK !), but that fact is more than offset by the increase in confidence that I get as I can actually see the target I am shooting at with clarity ... I suspect you would experience the same ...

The easiest way to check is to visit a local distributor and ask if they will let you try it out in store (or have a demo unit open) - I suspect once you get your hands on one you won't look back !

One tip - the 8-32x has the ZeroStop option whilst the 12-42x hasn't - depending on your requirements this may or may not be important. Basically the zero stop is designed so that if you get "lost" on your elevation adjustments you can twirl the knob as far as it will go back to "zero" which will be your predefined zero at x yards/metres. From there, you can use your known elevation adjustments to get you back on track ...

Hope this helps.

 

[Rob.308]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Thanks downrange for your input. It is always nice to talk to someone who ones the toys we are considering buying.

V/r
Rob

 

[downrange914]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

np - glad to help !

One extra tip - I nearly learnt this the (very) hard way - if you do end up getting one don't fiddle with the allen key socket on the zoom ring - this holds the magnification ring in line with the gearing mechanism inside the scope - if you undo it completely it means having to send it back to Nightforce to get it fixed. Being in the UK and having spent the UK literal equivalent of the US price (i.e. just converting the sign and not the rate !), I'd rather have physical appendages removed than go through that ...

(If anyone's offering I was only joking)

 

[jdmartin]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

I think it has a lot to do with what you want to do with the scope.If you are shooting pennies at 200 yds you will likely be very happy with the 12x42.I had one on my 308 that I use deer hunting and it was frustrating as finding your target can be hard if you are cranked up too high.I switched to an 8x32 and I love it.If I can't find the deer on 8 power ,then I will just look for the next one as I am not that desperate to shoot any particular deer.
You can generally back down enough so that mirage in target shooting can be delt with.I am in east Texas so mirage is bad at times,but if you back down to 12-20 it is not a problem with target shooting.
I am a benchrest shooter . I suspect tactical matches don't need that much magnification,but I love seeing what is going on with great optics.
I just put a 8x32 benchrest on my Volquartsen 1022 and I can watch the bullets going down and see the bullet holes at 100 yards very easily.I won't go back to your typical 4-6 power for 22's.

 

[flynlow3]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

I was in your exact situation. I shot a fun F class with my mark 4 4.5-14x50 and it was frustrating not being able to see the details of the target. I had 2 12-42 nxs scopes. Loved both of them. I sold one to a friend and had to sell one to afford the 2 schmidt and benders I purchased.

It can be frustrating as your field of view is restricted but it is very clear and brings in the detail of exactly what you are shooting at.

If you buy used, you wont get hurt if you dont like it. Thats my advice!

 

[Rob.308]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Thanks for everyone’s help and suggestions. I don’t need the gun to hunt so I think the extra magnification will help with that I am doing with the gun.

I really do appreciate everyone adding their thoughts.

I have heard the S&B's are great but the price point is just too high for me. I still have to see the wife on the idea of buying yet another optic when I haven't owned the Leupold for more than 3 months and have only fired the rifle 200 rounds through the rifle. (Wish me luck on selling the wife on the idea) Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission! )
I see SWFA also makes a 12 X 42 but I don’t think it will be anywhere near the quality as the NF.
V/r
Rob

 

[Gray]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Get the 8-32x56 NF and a 30moa base and don't look back,medium rings should work nice also

 

[flynlow3]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

NF's Japanese glass is extremely good for the $

 

[Rob.308]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Special Delivery,

I think I may be missing something here. You are not the first person who said go with the 32X. Can you tell me why? I am just looking at it from the perspective of not getting it and wishing I had gone all the way to the 42X, but I am no expert at this at all.

The cost is only about 200 bucks between the two so why not got all the way?

I appreciate you helping with this. I certainly don't want to under buy a second time.

V/r
Rob

 

[Tactical]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

Having used both a 32 and 42 NXS I see advanatages to both.

42 has mor power for F Class Shooting but does not have near the elevation or windage travel the 32 does.

Fo anything but Bench Rest or F Class Shooting I would get 32 power over 42.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

I would also add that I have two of the 12-42s and one 8-32 on different F-T/R competition rifles. When the mirage is really strong (as it often is here in SoCal), I usually dial the 42s back to ~32X anyhow. I don't feel like 32X is giving up all that much mag to 42X, even at 1000 yd. Compared to the 5.5-22 I have on another rifle however, the difference top end mag is very noticeable. 32X is fine, but I would not want to have to use 22X as my top end mag in a 1000 yd competition. YMMV. I don't think you would be going wrong with either 32X or 42X.

 

[LineofDeparture]

Re: Nightforce 12 X 42 optics

I have a NF NXS 12-42x56 np-1rr no zero stop no HS and about to put it up on here for sale. I bought a 50 cal with it mounted on it and im looking for more elevation. If you are anyone is interested please PM me and i can send pics etc.