New Nightforce Competition

[bench]

Fellas
I am thinking about picking up a new Nightforce Competition 15-55x52 scope and have a question.
I want to use the scope for bench target shooting but also want to use it for prairie dog shooting and even though it is has more magnification than needed for most shots do you think it would work ok.
I have heard the eye relief makes it a bit hard to use for a hunting scope.

 

[Chuckhunter]

Bench, eye relief is no problem with the new comps. Most of my prairie dog rifles have 6.5X20 on them except one with a straight 16X. I'm almost always on 20X and there have been times I wish I had more. This scope should be outstanding for both disciplines.

 

[searcher]

Many of the best varmint scopes are higher in power, like the Nightforce Competition. I put one on one of my varmint rigs that also does double duty for target shooting on occasion and all one needs to do is dial it down to, say, no more than 30X and you will do fine. I also do my sight-ins and make my drop charts based on actual drops at 30X, the logic being if the varmint is close, the minor adjustment in impact resulting from a lower power setting (say 12X) power setting reduction will not be as much of a problem as the other way around. All said - it is a great scope and will definitely do double duty for those used to using high-magnification and/or critical eye relief scopes - or those willing to make a little getting used to them. Do be aware of the lowest setting - as it may be more than you might want for very close shots. It doesn't bother me - as I use mine on squirrel-sized targets out there a bit - with 75 to 100 yard shots being the closest I'd likely ever take. A running coyote at 25 yards WOULD be hard to find and follow, even on the lowest setting. For those situations, a separate optic for close range (red dot sight, etc.) can be added, often on top of the Nightforce. No need for expensive - as expensive is not needed for 0-100 yards.

 

[Preacher]

You will not be having any eye relief problems with the comp scopes on a hunting rifle.
The high end lower power may or may not be a problem for you though....