Rifle Scopes Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

GTGunner

GTGunner

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Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 1, 2011
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Central Florida
#1
Okay guys....I need some help. I have spent hours on this forum and others trying to find out what height rings to get to mount the scope on my new 700 Milspec 5R to avoid asking the standard noob question......"What height rings do I need?".

This is my first time buying a LR rifle and scope. I am retired military and have plenty of experience with weapons. I own semi-auto rifles with EoTechs/magnifiers mounted on Picatinny rails so I am by no means a first time gun enthusiast. I just have never mounted a scope to a bolt action rifle...ever.

I plan to order a NF 20 MOA base and either NF rings (or some other quality rings....not decided yet).

My frustration light is brightly lit because of the overdose of information on how to determine ring height along with incomplete information from the manufacturers and having to bounce back/forth between mm and inches. I have seen the countless formulas here and on other sites but what I haven't seen is all the information one needs presented in a complete/consistent manner.

For example, some manufacturers specify ring height from the top of the rail to the bottom of the ring. Others specify ring height from the top of the rail to the center of the ring (Nightforce). No one seems to specify what the height of their scope rails are and there lies my problem. Add to that my confusion about the thickness/contour of the barrel for a 700 Milspec versus Senderos , Varmint, Bull contours and I am on the ropes
tired.gif
and ready to run back to evil black rifles which I do understand.

The formulas I have seen assume you know the rail height to plug into the equation for calculating the required ring height.

I want to mount the new NF scope as low as possible to that 700 Milspec barrel but also have to account for BC scope covers that I will add later.

Can anyone tell me what the height of a one piece 20 MOA NF rail is? 5mm? 8mm? 10mm? I measured the bell of my NF 5.5-22x56mm optic and it measured just under 66mm (2.562 inches).

So here I go........Can anyone tell me what height (<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">not</span></span> low, medium, high) NF rings I need for my particular setup considering I will be adding BC scope covers? There....I did it....I asked the NOOB question......
crazy.gif


GTGunner
 
#3
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

Did not help but thanks for the input....
No NF rail information contained in that spreadsheet and I believe that data is for AR's. My rifle is a bolt action!
 
#4
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

I've recently gone through this for the second time.

Don't ask for anyone's advice, because they'll just tell you what they did, or what they typically do.

If you haven't bought the scope yet, please reconsider the objective size. I have a 56 mm objective 5.5X22 NXS on my 5R and a 50 mm objective 5.5X22 NXS on my .260. They are EQUALLY bright and clear. Maybe if I shot after dusk, I'd see a difference. But, I only shoot in the daytime and don't any longer hunt. The 50 mm objective is a much better choice because you can get it closer to the rifle, which yields a much (much) better cheek weld.

I recently mounted my 50 mm with the lowest rings I could find and there is still plenty of room between the bell and barrel and the bolt works fine, too.

Get your rifle, get the scope. Then, using stacks of pennies, dummy up the set-up and take your own measurements. No amount of advice or reading specifications could help me with this problem.

BTW, this issue is exacerbated by the fact that none of the base (rail) manufacturers tell you the height of their products.

Buy locally, if you can so that you can try different combos and return those that don't work out.
 
#5
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rugrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've recently gone through this for the second time.

Don't ask for anyone's advice, because they'll just tell you what they did, or what they typically do.

If you haven't bought the scope yet, please reconsider the objective size. I have a 56 mm objective 5.5X22 NXS on my 5R and a 50 mm objective 5.5X22 NXS on my .260. They are EQUALLY bright and clear. Maybe if I shot after dusk, I'd see a difference. But, I only shoot in the daytime and don't any longer hunt. The 50 mm objective is a much better choice because you can get it closer to the rifle, which yields a much (much) better cheek weld.

I recently mounted my 50 mm with the lowest rings I could find and there is still plenty of room between the bell and barrel and the bolt works fine, too.

Get your rifle, get the scope. Then, using stacks of pennies, dummy up the set-up and take your own measurements. No amount of advice or reading specifications could help me with this problem.

BTW, this issue is exacerbated by the fact that none of the base (rail) manufacturers tell you the height of their products.

Buy locally, if you can so that you can try different combos and return those that don't work out. </div></div>

Rugrat:

Badda-bing......my rifle has not come in yet....should ship this week. I just want to order everything I need so I can mount the NF to the rifle ASAP. I already have the NF sitting in my office so it is too late to talk about 50mm vs 56mm. The difference is just 3mm anyway (wrt mounting).

Regardless, you say you have the same scope mounted to the same rifle I will have. So I have five questions:

1) What rings did you use? I plan to use NF rings at the moment. They are available in five heights: .885"; 1.00", 1.125"; 1.265"; and 1.3752".

2) What height (in inches) rings did you use to mount your x56mm NF?
Top of rail to center of rings = ???

3) What is the height of your rail and what make is it?

4) Are you using BC scope caps?

5) What is the resulting gap (in fractions of an inch) between the bell of the scope and the barrel? An 1/8th of an inch? 1/4 of an inch?
Not looking for absolute precision here to the closet .001 of an inch....just want to leave enough space to account for the BC scope caps.

Since you already have the same setup (scope and rifle) but not necessarily the same rail or rings I will end with, I just need something to help me gauge

Thanks for taking the time to respond.....greatly appreciate it.

GTGunner
 
#6
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

here is my 5R example. Warne tactical base and high tac. rings, I may go down to the mediums for ultimate fit.
10mm +- between scope and barrel. hope this helps with ideas for you. thats a 56mm bell.


DSC_0216.jpg
 
#7
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

MEW....spot on....that truly does help. I was just on the Warne website and they have a great table that contains the heights of their rings. You say you used their high (0.525") tactical rings. Looks like their medium tactical rings @ 0.440" high would lower your scope by 0.085 inch which would still leave some space for the bikini covers or BC caps.

When I use what you are telling me, the equivalent Nightforce ring would be a Medium (1.00" - 15mm = 1.00" - 0.5906" = 0.4094 inch ring height). That would drop the scope 0.12 inch from were it sits today. Looks like I will be ordering the NF Medium ring. Thanks!!!!
 
#9
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottx88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Medium Burris Signature rings, 20MOA Nightforce base with 5.5-22x50 NPR1 Zero Stop.
Guns1108.jpg
</div></div>

Looks great hombre!
 
#10
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottx88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Medium Burris Signature rings, 20MOA Nightforce base with 5.5-22x50 NPR1 Zero Stop.
Guns1108.jpg
</div></div>

Looks like the same clearance I have on my 5r using a Badger 20moa base with a Leupold 6.5-20X50 in American Rifle Company low rings and they do show their sizing specs if interested they are great rings: http://www.americanrifle.com/scope_rings/default.asp?d=4

100_2310.jpg

100_2703.jpg
 
#11
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

Subed for info. My 5R is in the mail now....cant wait! Keep the pics and info comming! Still on the hunt for a scope for it.
 
#12
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

I'm running a 20MOA Seekins rail with Seekins Medium-High (0.92" to center of scope) on a Remington Varmint contour and it is just high enough to slip the NF bikini cover on my 5.5-22x56. I like my scopes low, and these are the lowest Seekins I could run and still get the cap on (although, if I remember correctly the Seekins Mediums at .87" still cleared the barrel, but were VERY close and it was impossible to get the covers on). Likewise, the Badger Ordnance Medium rings (.885" to center of scope) cleared another Remington barrel I had (with another 56mm NF) but you could barely get the NF covers on the scope and that was with a Badger 30MOA rail. Sorry, I don't have any examples with a NF 20 MOA rail, but I would shoot for something with about .9" from the base to the center of scope and you should be good to go.
 
#13
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

Thanks for all the inputs guys!!! I finally ordered a NF 20 MOA rail and Leupold Mark 4 tactical rings (High = 0.45" from base to bottom of the ring). They should arrive by UPS on Friday. Then it is hurry up and wait for the rifle to arrive.
grin.gif
 
#14
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

Update: I installed the NF 5.5-22x56 using the NF 20 MOA base and the Leupold Mark IV "High" rings along with the Butler Creek caps. I have about a 1/4 inch gap between the scope bell and the barrel on the 700 Milspec / 5R.
 
#17
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

I agree with Jay, I've got the same setup and use NF ultralight medium rings. There is still approximately .2" underneath so plenty of space to move down to lows. I also have a NF with 5.5-22x56. In the AICS stock however it has an adjustable cheek so having it a bit higher isn't bad.
 
#18
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hntelk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">GT, would love to see a pic of that...thanks </div></div>

I took some pictures today of my setup.....finally. Hope to post them tomorrow. Will be changing out my stock to an AICS and will be getting the barreled action cerakoted matte black so I will have to take more snaps when my build is complete
grin.gif
.
 
#19
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you can use nightforce .885 low rings on that rig. if anyone needs mounting or scope assistance, give us a call

http://www.sportoptics.com/nightforce-ultralight-rings-885-A118.aspx </div></div>

Sorry for being soooo slow in responding. Thanks for the offer Jay....I also received your PM. Been very busy at work and at home trying to wrap up the year before the Christmas break.

Thanks for all your inputs. Hope you guys all had a Merry Christmas.

GTGunner
 
#20
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

Finally got around to taking/posting some pictures of my rifle and scope. Got some work to do yet...hope to get to the range for the first time tomorrow to get it sighted in.

Infidel_0044.jpg


Infidel_0046.jpg


Infidel_0047.jpg


Infidel_0048.jpg
 
#21
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

Medium rings definately and nice rifle GT gunner. I have a 1.5 black aics 700 rem sps tac with nf 3.5-15x50 bipod cheekrest and plenty of ammo :p looks great though.
 
#22
Re: Nightforce 5.5-22x56 HS/ZS on 700 Milspec 5R

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sniperk1ng20</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Medium rings definately and nice rifle GT gunner. I have a 1.5 black aics 700 rem sps tac with nf 3.5-15x50 bipod cheekrest and plenty of ammo :p looks great though. </div></div>

Thanks.....it is a great rifle. Got it to the range on Friday for the first time and it definitely is a sub-MOA rifle. Can't wait to migrate to the AICS but that is going to have to wait until I get some smithing done first.
grin.gif


Enjoy your R700!

 
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