Rifle Scopes Nightforce Question

[1969GTOnut]

I'm looking at buying a Nightfoce scope and am torn between two of them. NXS 5.5-22x50 and 5.5-22x56. Is the 56 any better at light gathering than the 50? And how tall of rings would I need to fit the 56 on a Rem 700 with a .7" thick barrel?

Thanks

 

[tigerhawk]

Re: Nightforce Question

The 56mm is better at transmitting light than the 50mm, but unless you are shooting in really dim light, you will not notice the difference, and the 50mm is less likely to be damaged if you bump the scope.

I think, for the 56mm, you will need high or super high rings, but mine is a 50mm, and my barrel is thicker, so I don't know for sure. Sorry I could not be more helpful.

 

[pwc001]

Re: Nightforce Question

Seekins low rinds and Ferrall 20 MOA base with a MTU contour barrel and a NF 8.5x32x56 worked just fine for me. I did have to shave the flip-up cap to get it on, but it will work. As far as light, I could not tell a differance.

 

[broke_again]

Re: Nightforce Question

Get the 56 mm and a 20 MOA base. Low or Med rings should work.

 

[Aqua Mark]

Re: Nightforce Question

+1 on the above two statements. I use the same seekins rings on the 50 and 56 with factory REM barrel and 20MOA base. I kind of like the extra exit pupil the 56 provides at 22x.

I got 3.5-15 w/50mm but with the 5.5-22 I like the bigger bell.

 

[bohem]

Re: Nightforce Question

The 56mm on a 1.25" barreled rifle, 20 MOA base and Med rings has enough clearance to easily use the NF lens condoms, my buddy runs it on the rifle in the foreground.

The rifle in the background is running a 50mm in "high" rings and as you can see there's ample room under the bell, that's a light varmint contour tube that's about 0.9" under the bell.

 

[SierraCharlie]

Re: Nightforce Question

A 20 MOA base and low rings should work just fine with a 56MM objective and that contour. I just happen to know where you can get a great deal on that combo from a hell of a guy!

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2201822#Post2201822

SC

 

[vman]

Re: Nightforce Question

I have a 20MOA base, NF 1.00" tall rings (med) and a 5.5-22x56

Barrel clearance is adequate, i could probably even go with the 0.885" rings but I get a good check weld on my stock with the 1.00" tall rings... any lower and I would be smashing my face into the stock to get lower.

Either way the 50mm or 56mm are mammoth scopes, so i dont think your saving out on much in the weight department.

 

[1969GTOnut]

Re: Nightforce Question

Thanks guys. I think I'm going with the 56mm just for more light gathering at dawn and dusk.

 

[vman]

Re: Nightforce Question

Good choice mate, you wont regret it

 

[Blackside]

Re: Nightforce Question

good decision..

 

[ccollier]

Re: Nightforce Question

I sold my 50mm and bought 56mm's. I think 56mm is the right choice for anything above 15 power.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce Question

It seams to very form shooter to shooter what works best for them. I do not see a difference between a 50mm and a 56mm. I personally prefer the 50mm.

Mike @ CST

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Nightforce Question

i hunted with a 5.5-22x56 sunday, the 56 is the way to go on low light hunts. you'll appreciate it around 5:45pm and in the morning. depending on your rifle and barrel contour, you can usually use low or medium rings on a 20moa pic rail

 

[yoda1988]

Re: Nightforce Question

I opted for the 50 because my gun will see its use at the range primarily. Like everyone else said... if you are going to hunt at dawn/dusk you may want to get the 56.

 

[Helidonna]

Re: Nightforce Question

I have the 5.5-22X56 with a Badger 20moa base and Nightforce ultra light med rings on a rem 700 BDL LA. I see no disadvantage to the bigger bell and will take the extra light gathering at dawn. Works for me anyway...

 

[1969GTOnut]

Re: Nightforce Question

Yep, gonna be the 56 mm. I need all the help I can get at "deer prime time" aka just before quitting time.

 

[adkmtnman]

Re: Nightforce Question

I have a question...
I ordered the NF 3.5-15x50 with NF low rings. Being mounted to a talley 20 Moa base on a rem 700 sendero HB. Here is my question, I am sending in my action to GAP to have it re-barreled with a bartlein #7 GAP heavy barrel and some other work, should I move up to the medium rings or will the low rings work? I have time to swap them out

 

[Furtaker_.223]

Re: Nightforce Question

I have the 56, I really like it. It is kinda big, but I will see beter at dusk.