Rifle Scopes Question on NF scope

[Lamademan]

I have read many reviews on Nf scopes. I also read a lot about the leupolds. I have come to the conclusion that I want a Nightforce. I will have about 1400 to 1500 dollars to play with. Ok so let me tell what I'm working with. I have remington 700 action 30-06. With a bell and carlson medalist stock full tactical, also a custom barrel from er shaw Number 6 contour, helitcal fluted with 1 to 10 twist @ 24 inches. Harris bipod, murphy prec 20 base, and cdi pres detachable mag. ok so I'm a paper puncher most of the year, but in the winter I do hunt alot . Big game white tail, elk, and hogs. the range varies. Mostly 2 to 4 hundred shots. But i would like to have the option to shot at a 1000. I know the chances of me hunting at 1000 in Louisiana are slim, but that option is nice to have.

So which nightforce would you guys recommend? I really like the nxs 5.5x22x50. But is that to much scope? PLease help. looking to buy soon. Thanks before time.

 

[Rotortuner]

Re: Question on NF scope

5.5-22 is an awesome scope. Only down side is, in any of those big optics, its going to weigh a lot. But on the pos side, if you ever want to do more long range shooting with that gun or something else, its excels at shooting in the 500-1500yd range, a LOT of come ups in that scope.

CJG

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Question on NF scope

For hunting I would recommend get the 3-15x50mm Nightforce especially if you are most of your shots will be with in 600yds.

 

[azimutha]

Re: Question on NF scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lamademan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know the chances of me hunting at 1000 in Louisiana are slim, but that option is nice to have.</div></div>
Not directed at you personally, but they're pretty slim most anywhere, especially with environmental conditions. What I've found is that it doesn't take that much on the high end (after all, 10X @ 600 yards = 1X @ 60 yards) but it really sucks when you don't have enough on the low end to open up the field of view while hunting in heavy timber or undergrowth. A 3-15 scope will be a better magnification range, as suggested above.

 

[7mmRM]

Re: Question on NF scope

As stated above, the 3.5-15 would be the better choice.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: Question on NF scope

Paper punching is one thing, but hunting with a 30-06 at 1000yards would not be wise. If you go with the "needing 1500 ft.lb energy for safe/humane kill" then you hit that wall about 500-500yards. I haven't ran the numbers but i assume that at a 1000 yards a 30-06 would only have about 400-500ft.lb of energy there i agree that a 22x is too much for that purpose.

 

[Hateca]

Re: Question on NF scope

Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

I hunt with a 5.5-22x50 99% of the time including night hunts. Takes nothing to turn the power down, and since the scopes pretty much weigh the same what's the difference?

 

[Lamademan]

Re: Question on NF scope

Dang, I kind of figured that. If I got a good deal on a 5.5. Should I take it? That may be a stupid question

 

[R.Walters]

Re: Question on NF scope

yes!

 

[Lamademan]

Re: Question on NF scope

I like the way you think hateca.

 

[Iron Worker]

Re: Question on NF scope

Why do you want to put out that kind of cash on a 30-06. I have a 2.5 x16x50MM Elite 6500 and many guys have said that "the NF didn't have much if any on clarity of optic over the elite 4200s or 6500s". Sure you can pound nails with a NF.I just spent $800 bucks on a IOR 2.5x10x42MM and I'm shocked at the amazing clarity.That's half the price you'll pay. And its that German glass by Schott Glass Werks .I guess what I'm saying if you don't like Bushnell and your willing to throw down that kind of cash. Why not get a scope with optics made by Schott Glass Werks of Germany. They make a 4.5 x14 x50MM that has a 30MM tube and choice of reticles.

 

[Lindy]

Re: Question on NF scope

I've looked through a lot of scopes. I've rarely seen one where the optical quality made a difference to the shooter's ability to see the target well enough to shoot it, except in low-light conditions.

The primary items of interest to me in a scope are, with the highest preference first:

1. Reticle - is it one suitable for all lighting conditions, and can I use it easily for holdovers, holdunders, moving target leads, and wind holds? (That pretty much means a FFP reticle.)

2. Reliability. That means the scope must be rugged <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> the adjustment system must be repeatable and reliable.

3. Power Range. I'd like at least a 4-1 zoom ratio. For tactical shooting, I like a power range of 4-16. If I can get a 5-1 zoom ratio, I'd prefer 4-20.

4. Eye relief. Generous eye relief, and one which changes little with power changes.

5. Optical quality.

6. Price.

Getting wrapped around the axle about optical quality is, IMO, not useful. Yeah, a pretty picture is nice, and high magnifications are good at long distance - until the mirage kicks up, which pretty well moots optical quality.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Question on NF scope

Get what you really want.

 

[krw]

Re: Question on NF scope

I have a tower stand here on the farm. I use a custom 308 in AI chassis with a NF 5.5x22x50. Its fun to shoot deer with but the deer walk out and I have time to adjust the scope if needed and have flagging tape out for yardage. I've had an IOR, the optics were spectacular, but adjustments sucked. What little you give up on clarity you'll gain 10x's over in repeatability with the NF. Go with the 5.5x22, keep it on 5.5x, if you got time dial it up to max, amazing how you can place shots. BUT I have a beat up Rem700 30-06 with a Leupold 6x18, and when its all business thats what I take. Lots of difference when your hunting deer and doe shooting for sausage meat.

 

[dmgreene]

Re: Question on NF scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HateCA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

I hunt with a 5.5-22x50 99% of the time including night hunts. Takes nothing to turn the power down, and since the scopes pretty much weigh the same what's the difference? </div></div>

+1
I used to have a 3.5-15 and now I have 2 5.5-22's. Loosing 2x on the bottom end has not been a handicap at all but the extra 7x has been appreciated many times.

 

[deersniper]

Re: Question on NF scope

I'd get the 3.5-15. Plenty of scope. I have a 3.5-15 on my .308 and a 5.5-22 on my 7mm Mag. I would only go with the 5.5-22 if you plan on shooting groundhogs/small targets. I used a 3.5-10 Leupold to shoot a deer at 665 yards, and it was easy to place the reticle. I even took a shot at a groundhog at 1010 with that scope, didn't hit it, but I could see it.

You're going to want the 3.5 for the close shots.

JMO.
-dan.

 

[Lamademan]

Re: Question on NF scope

Another quick question I saw these Nightforce Angle Degree Indicators on this website http://www.authorizedoptics.com/nightforce-angle-degree-indicator.html
Is this good to have on scopes. or is it not worth 140.00

 

[Bluejazz]

Re: Question on NF scope

I agree with HATECA on the power issue, but also agree with IRONWORKER that you don't need a 5.5x22NXS on a 30-06

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Question on NF scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lamademan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another quick question I saw these Nightforce Angle Degree Indicators on this website http://www.authorizedoptics.com/nightforce-angle-degree-indicator.html
Is this good to have on scopes. or is it not worth 140.00</div></div>

Unless you do a bunch of shooting up or down hill, I would not drop the dough. Just a novelty for a dude like myself.