Rifle Scopes Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

dlouie87

dlouie87

Gunny Sergeant
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Dec 8, 2010
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#1
Hello,

I'm just wondering about my scopes capabilities. I just bought a NF 3.5-15x a month ago... I love the scope. Super clear and sturdy.

I guess I'm not doubting the brand NF but besides my capabilities, I'm doubting the magnification I got.

Should I have got the 5.5-22X? The scope is in mil/mil

How many of you are using a 15x to reach 1000? I'm only shooting to 500-600 right now.... and it's plenty good.
 
#3
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

will work just fine, many here shoot 1k with a fixed 10x much less a 15x. In texas 17x is all i get out of my 5.5-22 NF due to mirage anyways
 
#4
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

I wouldn't get buyer's regret mate - I'm in two minds about my 5.5-22 that I got a few months ago only because of the sacrifice of that handy 3.5x min magnification and extra FOV.. when dialing up to 22x I must admit (and yes, im a massive amateur and very new to shooting) the eye relief for the 5.5-22 changes quite a bit and shrinks to be quite exact..

that said, i'd still probably buy it again if I was back in the shop lol
 
#5
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

Dan,

15x is just fine for long range. I use mine for F-Class comps and long range targets (1500+) then run it down to 3.5x for close-in hunting. With the 3.5-15x50 NXS I can dial in over 1mile and can clearly see the 2" centre of our 18" steel disk when there is no mirage.

That said, I've been ribbed for not using a more powerful scope for comps but it works for me.
 
#6
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

15x is definitely fine. up until recently, ive been using a fixed 10x for shooting out till 1200 at 12x12" targets with no problems, other than my lack of shooting ability. 15 or 16 power is perfect for that distance and that target size IMO.
 
#8
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

Food for thought. Field shooting is way different than punching paper. If you plan on shooting hit or miss field comps. than 15x is more than you will ever need. Remember your rifle will have some degree of upset during recoil, the higher your power setting the smaller your field of view. Anyone who has done much distance shooting will tell you being able to see through the shot gives you the benefit of spotting your own shots. So that said 10x IMO is probably the best setting for shots ranging from 400 to 900 yds. I use a 6-20x but never is it above 14x during a match. Your NightForce has the quality definition needed. This is not a power game, but a definition and field of view game.
 
#10
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

You might get more detailed and more useful answers to your question if you said what kind of shooting you intend to do at the longer ranges and whether the NF you purchased was SFP.

Having the extra magnification is nice, if you have to read bullet holes or target numbers at 400 for example, but you must be able to use the magnification given mirage and field of view constraints. So, for tactical matches you probably don't want a 22x SFP scope.
 
#14
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

Excess magnification is often overrated and can be a crutch for not having consistent shooting technique and attention to detail when behind the trigger. I find myself shooting at less than maximum power of my scope very often. You should have no problem getting to 1000yds with that scope. It is nice to dial up and see bullet holes sometimes, but twice the magnification of your scope is not going to allow that at 1000yds.
 
#15
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

OP.....BEWARE OF "SCOPE ENVY"
wink.gif


I use a MST-100 and PMII 3-12x50 from 100m out to 1000yds on paper. They work fine - in fact rather than upgrade to a new PMII 4-16x50 I'm just getting a new reticle and Mil/Mil knobs for my current scope.

As others have said - depends what you are shooting and whether you want to see the bullet holes.
 
#16
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

Higher magnification is great for my old eyes.

But I remember the day when 15X was more than enough. The days when I was but a young lad, with hair of gold and cheek of tan.

Penicillin! We never had penicillin. We just let our sores fester...AND WE LIKED IT!
 
#17
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

Most of the time, I use the exact model that Mike lays out. If I'm shooting 1000, I'm at 10x; if at 1200, 12x; 600 = 6x; etc.
I find it is a good balance between FOV and magnification needed for accurary. This is in a tactical precision type role; in F-class, I do dial it up.

I have a USO SN3 3.2-17 and it has similar mag range and glass quality to your NF 3.5-15x - so shoot'er w/ confidence!
 
#18
Re: Using a NF 3.5-15x50 to 1000yds+

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlouie87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello,

I'm just wondering about my scopes capabilities. I just bought a NF 3.5-15x a month ago... I love the scope. Super clear and sturdy.

I guess I'm not doubting the brand NF but besides my capabilities, I'm doubting the magnification I got.

Should I have got the 5.5-22X? The scope is in mil/mil

How many of you are using a 15x to reach 1000? I'm only shooting to 500-600 right now.... and it's plenty good.

</div></div>

You don't need crazy mag for 1000. I usually shoot at 1000 with 11x on my 5.5-22 because it allows a nice field of view and eliminates the mirage.
 
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