Click Adjustments and Parallax Adjustments for Competition

[scallop]

My first competition target rifle was recently delivered. The intended purpose is mostly local groundhog matches, some BR steel silhouette matches, and maybe an F-Class match. Most shooting will be in the 300 to 600 yard range but hope to make a couple 1000 yard shoots too. For a scope choice, I am between a Nightforce NXS 8-32x56 and a Nightforce BR 8-32x56. Both are available with the NP-2DD reticle, which is my reticle of choice.

However, I am not sure which click value adjustment and which type parallax adjustment to choose: 1/8 minute click adjustments vs. 1/4 minute click adjustments and front parallax adjustment vs. side parallax adjustment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tim s]

Any type of comp scope, you want a side focus. As far as 1/8 s 1/4, at 600 yards not a lot to choose.
Most modern side focus comp level scopes are likely 1/8" anyhow.

 

[kzin]

This may just mean that I suck but with 1/8th I often feel free to make a click where with 1/4 I would agonize over yes/no.

My Sightron side focus is a bit disappointing compared to my AO Weaver. It takes exact focus just to see the target clearly leaving no room to adjust for parallax.

 

[scallop]

Thanks for the replies.

To focus the question between scopes a little more. The Nightforce NXS 8-32 has side parallex adjustment and 1/4 minute click adjustments. The Nightforce BR 8-32 has front parallex adjustment and 1/8 click adjustments.

 

[jr600yd]

I would suggest you go with higher magnification and side parallex adjustment. The Sightron 111 10X50 X 56, Vortex 15X60, or the Nightforce 15X55 competition. You can always turn the power down if needed. AO scopes are a pain to adjust once your in position. 1/8 MOA click adjustment is your friend in competition matches.

 

[swadiver]

I would suggest you go with higher magnification and side parallex adjustment. The Sightron 111 10X50 X 56, Vortex 15X60, or the Nightforce 15X55 competition. You can always turn the power down if needed. AO scopes are a pain to adjust once your in position. 1/8 MOA click adjustment is your friend in competition matches.

+1

 

[6BRinNZ]

1/8th is definitely recommended for F-class vertical. Windage may not matter if you are a holder.
Front parallax is a pain if shooting multiple distances on the day.
my 8-32 x 56 NXS is 1/8th so you can get them.
My personal preference is 1/8th all around with side parallax.
With respect to power - I don't move from 40 on the NF comps, its the better glass rather than the extra power that has helped IMO.

 

[CaptainMal]

Nightforce BR 12-42X.

It's a rock-solid "standard" that works. Price is also more reasonable than most others and it has great optical quality.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Of the two scopes listed, and for F-Class competition purposes, I would take the BR because it has an AO and a 1/8 MOA dial.

However, since your primary purpose is groundhog shooting, go for the NXS and its side focus.

 

[scallop]

Thanks for the help. I changed paths slightly and ended up buying a NF Comp.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

I've followed a number of new shooters in their progress from beginners to regularly winning local matches and shooting high master scores. Those shooting Leupolds with 25x top end magnification and 1/4 MOA adjustments tend to do just as well as those shooting NF scores with 1/8 MOA adjustments. Though the Leupolds do all have the side parallax adjustment.

Consequently, I don't think the Leupolds (1/4 MOA) will keep anyone from scoring in the 580s and 590s. However, I think I've only seen a couple cleans (200/200) with the Leupolds, so I suspect that being competitive in stronger fields may begin to give some advantage to the 1/8 MOA adjustments.

Be aware however, that some of the NF scopes with 1/8 MOA adjustments give up some overall range in elevation and windage adjustment. For example, this Leupold (https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-3-8-5-25x50mm )has a total adjustment range of 87 MOA. However, this NF (http://www.nightforceoptics.com/benchrest/12-42x56 ) only has a 40 MOA adjustment range.

Less overall adjustment range requires more careful matching of the base to the intended usage, and unless you can find different bases in 10 MOA increments for your rifle and rings, you may get stuck. You may also be surprised when your first choice of base does not allow you to zero at all the desired ranges.