Rifle Scopes Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

[Leaddog]

I am considering a Nightforce NXS 12-42x56 for my Remington 700 in .308.

Can I get a 100 yard zero with this scope and still make 39 minutes at 1000? I have a 20 MOA base.

Thank you.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

The scope has 45 minutes of elevation.

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

It will be close, the 12-42 I have right now was on a Remington LA in 7mm mag with A 20 moa badger and it has Exactly 40 moa of adjustment.(It will go 7moa adjustment below zero).

 

[brand692]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Thats a tricky question. There have been guys that have had problems.

For it all to work out right, the scope reticle has to be centered at 22.5 MOA up and down. Dead center. The the rifle has to be square and true. Typically stock guns are not.

There have been guys that have had problems with 20MOA bases and others that havent. If all the stars align, you should be able to make 42.5 MOA, but thats if its all perfect. It could err on you favor or against you. Only way to tell is to mount it and give it a whirl.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Is there another scope base that will give me the 100 yard and the 1000?

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I prefer to get the 100 yard zero as all of my numbers and memory is based on that. I know I could go with an 8-32x56 NXS and be fine, but there isn't anything like that 42 on a no mirage day.

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

You can do it, my 7mag is zeroed at 100.(worst case is you might have to try out a different base or two, but If you copy what I did I think you will be fine) I would run a Badger 20 moa, if that did not get it for shits and giggles try a nightforce20, I believe someone also makes a 25 base. The point is there are a ton of bases and one definately will work.
If you are skilled in the bedding compound dept you can shim your base and bed it to the reciever(I turned a 20 moa 10-22 base into a 65 moa base by using 6 playing cards as shims and bedding the mount and it is working great, I have enough elevation to go 500yards)

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Here you go, Near mfg. will sell you a 10,20, 25, 45, 75moa

I would try a 20 first, then a 25.

http://www.nearmfg.com/products.htm


BTW there is a 12-42 for sale in the optics and accesories right now!

 

[SMH]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

My experience-
The 12-42NF worked on a BAT action with BAT 20 moa rail (with elevation to spare) but, an 8-32NF failed to work on a TRG with a 20 moa Warne rail.

Roll the dice and take your chances!
You probably won't know for sure until you try it.

 

[bward]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I would get the scope and see how much moa you have left with your 20 moa base. If it is too much or not enough cant have a new base made with the exact amount of cant you need to put the bottom of your elevation at a 100 yard zero.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

A NF 40moa should work but may push it in getting a 100yds 0. I wold recommend getting a Badger 30moa base.

Mike @ CST

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A NF 40moa should work but may push it in getting a 100yds 0. I wold recommend getting a Badger 30moa base.

Mike @ CST</div></div>

A 30 MOA base would be good for 100, but wouldn't it keep me from getting to 1000?

 

[richardj]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

For the OP.
I know this isn't part of your question but do you really need 42X magnification?

I have an NF 8-32 x 56 and recently switched it out for a 5-25 S+B I don't really see much use for 32x now.

RJ

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: richardj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the OP.
I know this isn't part of your question but do you really need 42X magnification?

I have an NF 8-32 x 56 and recently switched it out for a 5-25 S+B I don't really see much use for 32x now.

RJ</div></div>

I am currently shooting a Nightforce 5.5-22x50 and it works great. I want to go to 42x when there is no mirage in the cooler weather. I have looked through a 42 with no mirage and it is much better for shot placement than my 22x. I shoot F Class mostly.

 

[richardj]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

OK.. (FWIW...I agree)

I would have commented if you said you were into shooting tactical style matches b/c movers can be troublesome at 12X

RJ

 

[sniperaviator]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Go ahead and do it. If you can't zero at 100 yds, just take the base and gun to a gunsmith and have him mil it a bit. They can do that no problem.

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I am pretty sure that forty moa would not allow you a 100 yard zero, Like I said before with a 20 moa Badger and a 12-42 nxs zeroed at 100 yards I have 7 moa left on the bottom(40 moa for come ups), if you go with a 40 moa NF base you will be 13 moa high at 100(with the scope bottomed out). I will bet the farm that a 20 moa will get it,if not it will be very close.

(BTW I run a 5-22 nxs with a 40 moa NF base and that gets my 308 almost to a mile, I have to hold over ten moa with a 90 moa elev adjustment-3 second flight time!!)

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

The question is can your load make it to 1000yards in 40 moa?
My 308 needs 42.5 so I would be a little short, my 7 mag needs 25 moa so it makes it with room to spare,my 300win needs 29 so it to would be good.

We shot the 7mag with the 12-42nxs to a mile and used 40 moa elevation and a few mils holdover at 12X to get it there.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sandbogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The question is can your load make it to 1000yards in 40 moa?
My 308 needs 42.5 so I would be a little short, my 7 mag needs 25 moa so it makes it with room to spare,my 300win needs 29 so it to would be good.

We shot the 7mag with the 12-42nxs to a mile and used 40 moa elevation and a few mils holdover at 12X to get it there.</div></div>

42.5 is alot of elevation for a .308. I've never used more than 39 and 36 is the norm and have been as low as 33 on hot high density altitude days with Sierra 175's..

 

[michaelt454]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Leaddog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A NF 40moa should work but may push it in getting a 100yds 0. I wold recommend getting a Badger 30moa base.

Mike @ CST</div></div>

A 30 MOA base would be good for 100, but wouldn't it keep me from getting to 1000? </div></div>

Do what Mike said get the 30 moa base and be done. The additional 10 moa will only help you get to 1000 and will give you some more room for windage adjustments when you get the elevation up off of extreme zero.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: michaelt454</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Leaddog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A NF 40moa should work but may push it in getting a 100yds 0. I wold recommend getting a Badger 30moa base.

Mike @ CST</div></div>

A 30 MOA base would be good for 100, but wouldn't it keep me from getting to 1000? </div></div>

Do what Mike said get the 30 moa base and be done. The additional 10 moa will only help you get to 1000 and will give you some more room for windage adjustments when you get the elevation up off of extreme zero. </div></div>

The 30 may help with getting to 1000, but there is no way it will get down to 100 also.

 

[michaelt454]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

My opinion is that you are going to have to give something up on one end or the other with that scope. But your luck is probably much better than mine (not saying much) so give it a try and let us know how it works out.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I'll let you know on Tuesday.

 

[NRF]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

A 30 MOA base will get you to a 100 yard zero I believe I started with a 40 by mistake and was only shooting 4 inches high at 100 but even that being said I only put a 20 back on, but I wish I would've went with the 30

 

[NRF]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sandbogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here you go, Near mfg. will sell you a 10,20, 25, 45, 75moa

I would try a 20 first, then a 25.

http://www.nearmfg.com/products.htm
BTW there is a 12-42 for sale in the optics and accesories right now!

</div></div>

Where is the optics and accessories page I didn't see that??

 

[michaelt454]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Did it work?

 

[sniperaviator]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

What you are doing, of course, with a 20moa base is turning your (useless) DOWN elevation into UP elevation. Theoretically, if a scope is advertised with 40moa of elevation, it will have 20moa of UP and 20 moa of DOWN. Now, in reality, it is usally not that exact, and it has MORE up than down, say 22 of UP and maybe only 17 of down. The reality is, you don't know for sure until you buy the scope and try it.

So if you have 17 of down and put a 20moa base on it, you will be 3 moa short of being able to zero at 100 yards. But you will have 22+20 moa of up for a total of 42 up.

Of course you can do it this way, just shoot at 100 yards, 3 inches down is your new zero. So long as you are on paper you are good to go. After all you are setting it up for 1000 yards right? Shooting at 100 yards is just for load development and so forth right? If you are going to shoot at 100 yards competitively also with this scope you have a bigger problem (you will need two different bases).

If you are buying or spec ing a scope, it should have 50moa of total elevation so you have 1/2 that plus your 20moa of base for 45 moa of UP. That gives you some room to play with if things arent' perfect.

It really torques me when mfgs don't publish their elevation on their scopes. They need to do that all the time.

 

[whawa]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I bought it

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: michaelt454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did it work?
</div></div>

Yes, it did!

Today, I zeroed my new 12-42x56 NF NXS at 100. After zeroing, I dialed up to see how much come up I had left. The answer.... 40 minutes! Since I usually only need 35-37 minutes shooting the 175 SMK's at 1000 yards, I am good to go now. Btw... I use a 20 MOA scope rail.

The scope is perfect and did a damn nice job shooting through a moderate mirage at 600 at 42 power. I like this scope more than the 5.5-22x50 I was shooting previously on this rifle. Having the magnification option above 22 is nice.

Thanks for all your good comments. Much appreciated.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I'm glad to hear the 20moa base worked for you. How many MOA down past your 100yd zero do you have?

Mike @ CST

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm glad to hear the 20moa base worked for you. How many MOA down past your 100yd zero do you have?

Mike @ CST</div></div>

I really didn't check that. I'm guessing probably about 5 minutes or so. Next time out, I'll check that, too.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

That would be great for me to know.

Thanks

Mike @ CST

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That would be great for me to know.

Thanks

Mike @ CST</div></div>

I'll post it here for you.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That would be great for me to know.

Thanks

Mike @ CST</div></div>

Mike - The scope has 5 minutes of down elevation with a 100 yard zero. This is good for guys that like to set their zero-stop a few minutes below their 100 yard zero.

In summary, I use a Nightforce NXS 12-42x56 on a Badger 20 MOA Rail. The scope has 45 minutes of total adjustment. With a 100 yard zero, I have 40 minutes up and 5 minutes down from that zero. This is a great scope, but those that are worried about come-ups, the NF NXS 8-32 has 65 minutes total and would never be close to the stops.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Thanks for the info.

Mike @ CST

 

[bward]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

I had a 12-42 model NXS and sold it a few months ago so I could replace it with a march. It only had 17 moa down from optical center so I had to have a 15 moa base made. 20 moa would probably work for almost all of them, but not for mine.

 

[michaelt454]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Cool! Glad it worked out for you. Did you check your windage travel at your zero and 1000 yard settings yet?

Michael T.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: michaelt454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cool! Glad it worked out for you. Did you check your windage travel at your zero and 1000 yard settings yet?
Michael T.</div></div>

I didn't check it at 100 or 1000, but I did check it when I was shooting at 600 (15.7 minutes up from 100 yard zero) and I had 33 minutes of windage adjustment.

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

One thing to think about, just because you have that many clicks does not mean the scope is adjusting. I had a Leupold that had 42 minutes of elevation left in it after 100 yard zero and The last few moa did not move the reticle so in reality I only had 39 usable moa(even thought it clicked to 42). Until you prove it on the range you do not know how many moa you have left.

Sandbogg.

 

[ratton]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

If you elevation is maxed or almost maxed out at 1000 yds, won't you have a very limited amount of windage turret adjustment?

 

[michaelt454]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Leaddog, where do you live to be able to use a 42X optic for shooting? In Texas anything over 22X is useless due to mirage and haze (humidity) most of the time. I am not an F-class shooter so I'm just wondering how that really works well enough to sacrifice all of the elevation travel of a lower power scope. Sometimes I even have a hard time steadying up at 22X and I can commit to a sight picture much quicker at about 12-18X.

Michael T.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

Mirage is your friend. 42X works well for me and I shoot in an area that is prone to heavy mirage. I stay at 42x to read the conditions.

 

[XTR]

Re: Nightforce NXS 12-42x56. 100 Yard Zero Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That would be great for me to know.

Thanks

Mike @ CST </div></div>

As some others posted it depends on the scope and the rifle. I've got an 8-32BR that needed a 30 MOA base to get to 1000 yds. When I zeroed it at 100 on a 20 it was still 18MOA from the bottom, and like the OP I need something between 34 and 37 depending on the bullet to get to 1000. I think mine may not be typical, I've not seen anyone else post that they needed to go with a 30 to get to 1000.