Long Range Scope Advice needed

[LIUNA]

I am in the process of buying a Long Range Scope, but being budget minded, would it be best to buy a 45 fixed Power, or a 10-50x60 Sightron scope. I currently have a 6-24x42 Sightron scope, and then their is the Night Force but with a little more weight and more money. So what's a guy to do? I thought I would ask you guys for some direction and advice. I shoot a 6BRX. and will be competing in 600-1000 yd competition.
Thanks, Bob

 

[Immike]

Keep an eye on the classified for a night force 42x DD or NPR1, both are the most used. Good luck with your shooting!! Mike

 

[bighorn06]

Bob, I have a Sightron 36 Big Sky SII, 3 Sightron 10-50 x60s and a Nightforce 12-42 x 56. I like all three of them. The fixed power is light and less money, but heavy Mirage can be a big problem. The 10-50 x60 is very clear and versatile, a little touchy on the parallax adjustment. Every one loves their NF, very dependable and comfortable to work with. 3 different scopes and 3 different prices. all will get the job done. Mike

 

[fdshuster]

Bob: I have Nightforce Benchrest 12-42x's, and Leupold Comp. Series is 35x and 40x fixed. Distances at our match's are from 100 (meters and yards) to 500 meters.

In one of the match's we're firing at 1,2,& 300 yards, with a time limit. At another we're firing at 1,2,3,4 & 500 meters, also with a time limit.

I do prefer the variables since with them I have the ability to reduce the magnification ( to 12x with the NF's), find my very small target downrange, line up the bench equipment, then increase the X to the maximum I'm able to use, mostly dependent on the amount of mirage at that time. Cannot do that with a fixed power & trying to find your target with a very small field of view, at 35 or 40 x, can be very difficult & time consuming. Like looking thru a 1" dia. tube compared to a 6" diameter, for example.

My vote would definately be for a high magnification variable. Sightron & Nightforce, both excellent choices. I do fault Leupold for not offering a variable at more than 25x. They better get busy & catch up with the demand or they will be left behind by others who offer what the buyers want.

 

[CaptainMal]

Nightforce BR 8-32 or 12-42. NP2DD.

That's all you need to know.

 

[XTR]

You say you're shooting 600 to 1000 yard competition, but you don't specify the discipline. I shoot F class. The only scopes I've used in competition are NF, I've used the BR32 and the NXS42 both with the NP-2DD reticle. When I was shopping to get more magnification than my 32BR I was determined that I was going to get a Sightron, but I couldn't bring myself to change reticles. If I was shopping today with no experience behind the rifle, and I was on a budget, with the difference between a Sightron 10-50 at $800 and a NF at $1200 I'd get the Sightron. For F class which ever you get you will be happier with 1/8MOA clicks. I've never heard anyone with a Sightron complain about them, then again I can say the same for NF. If I had no budget I'd get a March.

On the days when the mirage makes it look like a dirty aquarium out there I find the variable power nice. I've dialed back to below 30X before.

 

[brxbrad]

Here is a good link to a previous thread with disscussion about the Vortex Viper and the Sighton III. Check it out.
Vortex Viper PST vs. Sightron SIII
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3744449.msg35845880#msg35845880
I own a Vortex Viper PST 6.5 x 20 with 1/4 clicks and Burris Black Diamond 8x32 with 1/8 both with large tubes. Cost for the Viper including Leapold quick release rings, Sun shade, leveling bubble, and lifetime warranty. Approx $675.00. Burris when new ,scope only, sold for $1000. The Viper is on my daughters BR and the Burris is on my BRX. We are both very competitive shooters and live to shoot together..........She outshoots me and I do all the load development and testing.......Check the reviews, read the comparisons. I would buy another without hesitation. I've shot both guns at both 600 and 1000 yrds and really cant see alot of difference between the two scopes other than 1/4 vs 1/8 and 12 more power with the Burris.

 

[XTR]

At some point it may be nice to own a March and be able to see the future (I'm convinced that is what the 8-80 is for) , until then the most important thing you can get in a scope for long range target shooting is repeatable adjustments on the turrets. You need to be confident that one click = what what it's supposed to so when you try to move to the center it happens. After than you need a reticle that you like.


Optical quality is nice, but come on, it's a black and white target in an open field usually in full daylight (I know some morning/afternoon shadows depending on your range) It's not like you aren't going to be able to see the target.

 

[CPorter]

I started off on a budget too. My first long range scope was an 8-40x50 Tasco Custom Shop. It lasted about 5 years then the reticle rotated during a competition. I was younger and the glass was good enough because my eyes were stronger but back then didn't notice much difference with the Leupolds everyone was using. The target turrets were ok but the adjustments not exactly linear. After the Tasco I bought a Nightforce 12-42x56 with the NPR-2 reticle. Much better scope and if I had the money when I was younger I would go that route in a heart beat. I really like the 1/8 MOA adjustments too. US Optics makes 1/20 MOA adjustments, or used to, that I think would be the cats meow for long range. Their scopes are even more expensive though.

 

[mr45man]

Nightforce 12-42x56 with the NPR-2 reticle
I have the leupold 8.5x 25 varmit ret. also, But beyond 6oo
the Nightforce really shines, you can't hit what you can't see.
John H.

 

[dreever]

If I wanted a March I could buy a March. If I wanted a Schmidt and Bender I could buy a S&B. But I choose Nightforce. Better warranty, great optics, repeatable adjustments, and $1000 less. Nuff said.

Danny

 

[LIUNA]

Thanks to everyone for your advice and help with this scope issue, I knew I could count on help from this great site.
Bob

 

[mnshortdraw]

My Nightforce has been 100% dependable as well as my Hensoldt. Much better glass on the European stuff but the NF makes up for it in durability and warranty.