Scope for FTR???

Breachloader

A little advice needed.

Have decided to buy a Nightforce scope for FTR as I have read several threads on how well they perform.

But which is the best choice for an FTR rifle and in what configuration should I get it? If anyone involved in F class and/or FTR could contribute, I would really appreciate it. Cheers.


Nightforce 8-32x56
NSX 65 moa elev 45 moa wind 1/8 or 1/4 click value
or
BR 50 moa elev 50 moa wind 1/8 click value

As apposed to:

Nightforce 12-42x56
NSX 45 moa elev 35 moa wind 1/8 Click value
or
BR 40 moa elev 40 moa wind 1/8 Click value

Should I trade off moa for more magnification. Bases and rings with built in moa or in the mix anyway, so which way to go?
I know most use NSX here in Ireland. Is it better, more user friendly or perhaps just more versatile for all round use, hunting etc.???

Lastly the reticle. Which is most suitable? Personal taste would be between NP-R2, NP-R2DD or Mil-Dot.
What are the top shooters using?
What is best for this discipline?

Thanks for any and all advice.

Cheers.

BR

Cass

I've had a few NF over the years and currently have 3 of them. 2 NXS models, and a BR model.

Nightforce BR model


Pro

• 1/8" click value giving more precise adjustments.
• Parallex is on the front housing, and is not as fussy as the NXS meaning i set it for infinity and i'm set for 800-1,000 yards.
• Its lighter than the NXS.
• Its cheaper too, with new models running about €1,500 max. Secondhand between €800 - €1,000 depending on condition.
• One less lense meaning slighter better clarity than the NXS. Not noticeable really.
• Can zoom down to 15 yards. Meaning perfect clarity for doing 25 yard safety card.

Con

• Only available in 8-32 and 12-42. No other mags.
• Limited amount of reticle choices. There are not as many options compared to the NXS models.
• 6 minutes per complete turn of the turrets. Confusing when you are used to 10 on most scopes including the NXS.

Nightforce NXS model


Pro

• 10 MOA adjustments per turret revolution. Much easier to keep track of your adjustments.
• Side parallex for ease of adjustment rather than reaching to the objective lense to adjust.
• All reticles available for NXS models.
• More choice in mag power. going from 3-15 up to 12-42.

Cons

• Heavier than the BR model.
• Will not give clarity at 25 yards or under.
• More expensive than BR model. 12-42 can run up to €1,900.
• 1/4" click value moves crosshairs 2.5 inches per click at 1,000 yards.

In relation to the MOA. The BR models have the same adjustments as the NXS. The 8-32 coming with 55 MOA (average) while the 12-42 has only 42MOA (average). A 20 MOa rail will eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of MOa you use to attain you 100 yard zero and after this you need only have a max of 38 MOA to reach 1,000 yards with any bullet in a 30" barrel.

I have switched to the BR model (8-32) for my rig. More precision and the Pros outweigh the Cons for me to side with it. As said above the choice of reticle are limited for the Br models but i went with the Target Mil-dot reticle. it has a small few dot for "ranging", but are hollow so they do not obstruct my view of the target at any distance.

If you go for the BR then the target Mil-Dot would be my choice. if you go for the NXS then avoid the NP-2DD because the "hash" marks on the crosshairs of the NP-R2 are useful for keeping an acurate hold over/off where the NP-2DD has none.

Hope this gives you a starting point or food for thought.

ejg

I was quite taken by the Sightron scopes that John Dean brought over to the creedmoor cup. I'd risk one if I would need one on a budget.
Looked at the March range in Newark last weekend, ...expensive, what did the other chap say about them..."Tasco with good glass":).
Another major European manufacturer will soon come out with a new 50 mag target scope, spoke to the fella who designed the reticle.
edi

Cass

Nightforce are synonymous for long range shooting. They were built for just that purpose, and lead the field in both glass, mag power, and reliability.

Other makes such as Sightron are making a break into the long range market, and a welcome one at that. As a true NF fan, having owned my fair share, thats saying alot. As you said when you look at other brands with similar qualities to a NF the only one that comes close is March, but with a €3000+ price tag i'd sooner have two NF's.

I also took the time to look at the sightron when the display was on at the Creedmoor. They are a fantastic scope. Good clarity, even on top mag in cloudy conditions which could be down to the large objective lense. The adjustments are in 1/8 a feature only found on the BR model of NF (for the moment). Lighter than the NF so good for maintaining weight on the overall rig. Of course not forgetting the 50 power on top mag. I looked at the 600 yard range from the display area which was approx 500+ yards and the boards were extremely visible to the point you could almost pick out bullet holes in the boards.

The price of them is a big draw in my book. I think the LR model runs about £1,100 - £1,200. Thats €1,300 - €1,400. Slightly cheaper than the NF BR and few hundred cheaper than the NXS models.

I think people are hesitant to run with something new. Most itmes are out for a while before the trend starts to turn towards them. I know if i had the money and was building/buying a rifle in the morning i'd be hard pressed to find a reason NOT to go with Sightron over NF.

Artiglio

Evening gents,

I've got a NF br and a sightron, both 8-32, sightron only has .25 moa clicks but the LRMOA reticle is superb ( seems to draw you to centre effortlessly). for me there is very little if anything between them. More than happy with both. No reason to believe that either will let me down.

all the best phil