NightForce 15-55×52 Competition Model

[Gun Guy]

I am a new FT/R shooter and just starting out. I have decided to purchase a Savage 12 FT/R in 308. I have also decided to add a NightForce Scope to this rifle. I would like to purchase a very good high end scope that can move with me from rifle to rifle if I decide to eventually change rifles and has good resale value. What are your thoughts on the NightForce 15-55×52 Competition Model? Which scope looks best on a Savage 12 FT/R - the matte scope or the silver scope? (I know this is subjective). Lastly what bases and rings would you recommend? Thank You for your thoughts and assistance.

 

[Gun Guy]

I forgot to ask one more question with regard to this scope. The available reticles are: CTR-2â„¢, CTR-3â„¢, DDR-2â„¢, FCR-1â„¢. Which one is preferred for FT/R?

 

[Medic505]

IMHO if I was just starting out, I would buy a clean used Nightforce 12 x42 BR. They can be found on this forum for really good prices. They only come in black and my reticle of choice would be the NPR2-DD. This is the exact combo I started with. You can add about any bi-pod of choice to your Mod 12 and not have to worry about weight. Buy a good -20 MOA one piece base and some Nightforce high rings and you'll be good to go. If I was going to shell out more money for a scope, I'd buy a March.

 

[DaveMarine1]

I started with a NF BR 12x42x56 and it was great. I was able to sell it and purchase the new NF Comp 15x55x52 with the DD reticle. In my opinion, this is the best reticle, it is a nice clean and clear view of the target. I shoot a custom built .308 for FTR. Any NF scope looks good on a rifle

The Competition scope is amazing, so ultimatlely, go and get it if it is within the budget you set aside for the rifle.

 

[nhm16]

For an F-TR shooter, a downside to the BR is weight, the Competition is a little over 3/4ths the weight (36oz v 27.87oz).

 

[Dos XX]

I am using a Ken Farrell base on that rifle along with his rings. They are excellent quality.

 

[Gun Guy]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies to my post!

 

[gunnermhr]

I think the new Competition series is a great scope, although I was very disappointed with the size of the center dot in the CTR-1 (Too Big). The clarity is flat out awesome, side by side with NSX, BR, and a 10-60 March set on , or close to 55 power the Competition series had a much crisper image.

I am looking to purchase one of the 2014 models too, the dot size scared me so much that I am not even remotely considering getting anything they have with a dot reticle. That leaves the CTR-3 or FCR-1 as the best options for me at least.

I had a NSX with the CH-3 reticle, I loved it, the published Dot size at 42 power is .07" Great size and I wouldn't want anything bigger. The new CTR-2 dot size is published .095" and the CTR-1 is published .125" no magnification listed.

I hear some guys complaining about eye relief, that doesn't seem to bother me or at least it was easy for me to get used to, then some guys say it's limited to heavy recoil, mine is on a 300WSM. The 2014 model looks like it has some added benefits, zero stop and 10 MOA per revolution might be nice. Hopefully reading the elevation lines is easier with 10 MOA vs 5MOA from the 2013 model.

 

[shootnjunky]

Anyone know if they are stores yet?

Deciding if I'll take the plunge and put up my NF benchrest for this one. Really interested in the fcr1 reticle

 

[Gun Guy]

With regard to eye relief, I wear glasses. Have any of you eye glass wearers used this scope? I have the age old problem of my eye sight not being as good as it once was ! Is the eye relief "really challenging" or just somewhat different than other scopes? Thanks for your responses.

 

[Dos XX]

I have an NXS 12-42 mounted on that rifle with a 20 MOA base. I have just shy of 37 minutes of up, so that extra 5 over the BR can matter at 1000 yds. A 25 or 30 minute base would take of that, however. If you shooting 600 or less, no worries.

 

[Medic505]

A shim of 0.007 between the scope and the rear ring works very well. A Coors lite can is 0.007 thick btw. Been there, done that.

 

[gunnermhr]

With regard to eye relief, I wear glasses. Have any of you eye glass wearers used this scope? I have the age old problem of my eye sight not being as good as it once was ! Is the eye relief "really challenging" or just somewhat different than other scopes? Thanks for your responses.

I always wear glasses when shooting, I have no problems. The complaint I understand is how critical the distance is you have to work within. If you're unsure that you'll be satisfied ask to look though one. What suits me may not suit someone else.

 

[snakepit]

Which scope looks best on a Savage 12 FT/R - the matte scope or the silver scope? (I know this is subjective).

Last summer at the NRA convention I was at the Savage booth and noticed that the Savage 12 F/TR and the other Savage Model 12 Target Rifles on display did not have polished/ shinny stainless steel barrels and receivers but had matte finished stainless. I talked to the representative about that and was told that they had switched from the polished barrels and receivers to the matte finished ones. Since then I ordered a new Savage Model 12 F Class and it came with the matte finish. So now I have one polished Savage Target Rifle that I have had for a few years and a new one with the matte finish. To me the polished one looks much better. They did tell me that if you order a replacement barrel or receiver from them it will come with the proper finish for your rifle based on the serial number you supply when placing the order. This may be something for you to consider since you mentioned ordering a new Savage F/TR and getting a matte or silver finished scope.