Need advice on Scope Power for F-Class/Tactical

[bbw]

I'm in the process of switching scopes, away from a Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14,currently up on Ebay). I love that scope for general tactical shooting -ringing steel at 700yds, that sort of thing. But I've been shooting more f-class,tactical) and I'm finding that the 14x magnification is just too little. I can't see the X ring.

So I'm looking for something more powerful. I'm leaning towards the Nightforce NXS, but I can't decide between the 8-32 or the 12-42 power. Aside from f-class I want this to still be a viable tactical rifle,and I'm just crazy enough that I may do some hunting with it), so I don't want to completely loose my low-end magnification. I'm thinking that 8x would be low enough. But I'm wondering of 32x is high enough for serious competition?

So I guess this is kind of a poll. Is 32x high enough to be competitive? Or should I suck it up on the low end and go to the 42x for my high end? Ultimately I don't want my scope to be a limitation for competition purposes.

Insights or comments would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben

 

[memilanuk]

I like the 12-42x for a *dedicated* F-Class or target rifle; I've got a BR and an NXS of this flavor.

The rifle my wife has been using this summer is wearing the 5.5-22x50mm NXS that had been on my #1 practical/tactical/varmint rifle,until I needed a scope, *now*, for her to use). So far, she seems to do very well with it.

With the higher magnification you start to see some problems w/ reduced field of view and a slight darkening at max power. Some don't like the mirage, but I usually find that by the time it bothers me @ 42x, it's bad enough I'd have to turn it down below 20x to make a difference. There is some personal perception there too.

I think the 8-32x would work well; if you use the gun for practical/tactical and pick a finer x-hair like the NP-R1... the 5.5-22x may work just fine as well. A small sacrifice for F-Class, but it would keep the rig more useable for the other venues.

 

[george]

IMO ya can't have to much power to compete
the 12-42 NXS has a good FOV on 12 power......and theres one cheap in the classifieds.

 

[bbw]

Yeah, I think I'm kind of fighting a mindset battle with this rifle. When I first bought it I looked seriously at a fixed 10x scope because they are such a classic sniper scope. And I kind of want this to be a tactical rifle that I shoot f-class with. So I'm resisting putting a big competition target scope on it.

But realistically in the year and 1500 rounds that I've shot with this scope I've left it on 14x the whole time. So maybe I'm not missing that much by going to the 12-42x? But somehow the 8-32x just feels more palatable. But then again, if the 32x isn't going to be enough then what's the point?

So I guess that's the question. Could a good shooter with a 32x expect to shoot as well as a good shooter with a 42x? Is it just a matter of preference, or is the 42x really an advantage? If so I should probably shut up and just go with the 42x. It just feels like a monster scope to put on that rifle.

Ben

 

[george]

42x wont help you shoot better..but you can see where you misst
the better you can see the better you can hold.

 

[billmo]

Ben, The 12 X 42 would be my pic for all different kinds of shooting. Most of the time I shoot with less power but it sure is nice to be able to turn the power up if you take a notion. I have no credentials in competitive BR but I shoot a lot from 100 yds. to 800 yds. Just my opinion. Bill