I need to purchase a scope for MR/LR Prone matches.

[stevewix]

Hello all,
In the coming months I will be entering the market for another scope. I will shoot 600 and 1000yd prone matches only with this rifle, using both a 6cm and 308 Palma barrel. I am currently torn between the Nightforce 5.5-22x56 NXS and the 8-32x56 NXS. I am shying away from the 8-32 simply because it has much less internal adjustment, and at the 600yd matches i've never adjusted my current 5.5-22x56 NXS past 14 or 15x to shoot 198s, to 200s.

Is there a clarity advantage to the Benchrest line being front-parallax adjustment? Are there any other manufacturers out there that match the quality and durability of nightforce at that particular price point?

I'm thinking I will order the scope with a zero-stop, for future use/resale but I don't envision using it. I will zero the turret at 600 yards and likely not have to move it more than +- 1 MOA for the 600yd stuff.

 

[NateHaler]

please use the search function. Your questions have been asked/answered literally hundreds of times. On this and most other shooting forums.

 

[FroggyOne2]

I think that the OP has already answered his own question.

 

[stevewix]

Thanks NateHaler. I am wondering what search criteria you are using. I can only find the multitudes of information you describe pertaining to F-Class and BR shooters. I am shooting with a sling.

FroggyOne2, you are correct - in a way I did. I would like to avoid the 8-32x56, but I have also never shot at 1000 yards with a scope. I have no idea what to expect.

Rephrased question: Are there any high-quality scopes I should look at besides the NXS, and does the front-parallax adjust Benchrest line offer enough of a clarity increase to warrant using it over an NXS?

 

[NateG]

When I use a scope for prone (smallbore, occasionally MR/LR--I usually shoot irons, even when a scope is allowed) it has been with an old 20X Lyman, then a Weaver T-24 and now a Sightron SIII 6-24X. I chose that over the 8-32 since the dot was slightly bigger for the same magnification than the 8-32. If I were to do it again, I'd get the 8-32. I don't think I've *ever* used the scope in the 6x-8x at the low end, but I'm usually at 24X, and I might prefer a bit more at times. Or, at least, I'd like to know that I don't.

Also, it's enough seasons since I used the 20X Lyman with the 1/2-minute dot, that I'm losing my preference for big dots, so the slightly larger dot that comes with the smaller magnification range isn't the deciding factor it was when I got it.

 

[Rtheurer]

Steve
some things to ponder while you make you descision.

1. Total amount of elevation you will need to from 600 to 1000yds. And what the scope offers.
2. 1/8 vs 1/4 MOA Click adjustment for windage. Do you want to match up your iron sights with the scope. ( both the same 1/4 by 1/4) Will that matter to you?
3. Reticle size and shape. (Personal choices here) I like a Dot.
4. Do you think you will use your scope more for load testing than shooting matches and the extra power will come in handy for that reason alone?

For alot of years I used a VeriX III EFR target scope with a target dot in 6.5X20. I have noticed now as I get better and hold alot tighter that im find myself wishing for more power, so I have gone up to an 8 -32 Sightron SIII.
Do i shoot it at 32X at 1000 yards?? Yes and mostly at 28X

Best of luck on your choice sir
RussT

 

[brian427cobra]

A zero stop is the one feature I cannot live without now, get it, use it, there is no reason that makes sense to me not to use it.

 

[flatlander]

Dittos to Russ's comments on the Sightron SIII 8-32x56. It's a rather large scope, but no more so than a NF, and is several ounces lighter. Also, the optical quality of the SIII scopes is on par with the NF BR (a friend who's a NF dealer did a direct side-by-side comparison with his NF & a new SIII 8-32).

The 1st SIII 8-32 I bought was mounted on a BAT 3LL prone rifle in 284Win, and used out at the CRC range near Byers, Co. in any/any 3x1000 prone matches. I usually kept the power at 32x, and love that scope. Don't believe there's anything out there that's a better value for the money.

I've got several SIII 6-24x50 LRMOA scopes on various rifles, and the zero stop is the only thing I miss on them - even the less expensive Vortex PST 6-24x50 has shims the owner can install to make an effective zero stop.