NIGHTFORCE X42 V Schmidt & Bender X50

[ANDY T]

Hi
Looking at getting a new scope with high magnification for target shooting.
Can anyone tell what is the best scope out of the below ones to go for and why

NIGHTFORCE 12-42x56 V Schmidt & Bender 12.5-50x56

Thanks
Andy

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

This one is simple. Since I own 5 Nightforce scopes (3 NXS, 2BR) I can say that the Nightforce antire optical system is really good. Is the S&B any better: I don't know, and personally don't thinkk so. But, the big reason is due to the ability to purchase a NF BR 12-42x56 for $1300.00 vs $3000.00 for the S&B you are interested in. For me that makes the choice an easy one. NIGHTFORCE!

 

[CaptainMal]

A bit prejudice, since I use Nightforce. Just thinking of service or modifications. With the S&B can you get anything done here in the "states" or do you have to go "across the pond"?

 

[dieselten]

Actually the S&B PMII is a 12-50 (not a 12.5-50) and it is available with both first focal plane and second focal plane reticles. It is also available with a "sport" reticle that is a very plain and boring cross hair type reticle, and is available in second focal plane in the United States.

I have had several NF and now have 2 S&B. If cost is no option then get a S&B. The glass & resolution are noticeably better. The side focus adjustment is so precise that it can be used as a range finder. Way better than reaching up front to twist the objective adjustment of a NF BR scope, not to mention the NF parallax scale does not match the actual parallax setting (S&B does match, perfectly). The tracking is perfect (so is a NF) but you get WAY more travel per turn of the dial. The NF only allows 6 moa per turn of the turret. There is also no zero stop so it is possible to get lost when adding a lot of elevation. The S&B 12-50 has 15 moa per turn with 1/8 clicks. The S&B also has an ingenious multi-turn zero stop turret so you know exactly where you are anytime within 5 complete turret revolutions. The S&B also has a boat load of total elevation, almost double the NF. The S&B also has an ingenious color coded double turn windage dial, with 15 moa in each direction, again-impossible to get lost.

 

[holstil]

In the U.S.:
Schmidt & Bender, Inc.
741 Main Street
Claremont, NH 03743
U.S.A.
(800) 468-3450
(603) 287-4830
(603) 287-4832 fax
info@schmidtbender.com

Thier website is not updated yet.? I called here for info.

Jim

 

[dieselten]

best place to buy one...or ask questions
http://www.eurooptic.com/

or contact me by pm, I will answer any questions

 

[Elwood]

I own both, S&B for glass and the luxury of having 30 MOA on one turn, and the NF for form and function.

I have to say that there is absolutely no way that you can use the side parallax as a range finder on my S&B, you would be missing the target (high) most of the time, it's been back to S&B twice and it's still the same.

The sport dot ret on the S&B is ok but you want to get the sport dot fine for serious competition shooting.

 

[dreever]

The S&B has better glass. The sport reticle fine would be my choice for target shooting. The S&B can be had with CW or CCW elevation. If you are used to going "UP" for elevation you want the CCW model.
Price over three grand for the S&B, $1359 for a NF BR or $1885 for a NXS. Big difference in price. NF has a lifetime warranty serviced in Idaho. S&B has a 20 year (I think) warranty serviced in New Hampshire.
From what I hear NF warranty repairs are much faster than S&B but I can't say for certain since I've never had to send one of my NF's back for service.
If money's no object buy the S&B. If it is buy two NF BR's for less than one S&B.

Where to buy and have any questions answered on both scopes contact Euro Optic's our own Jason Baney (JB1000BR) works there.

Danny

 

[tenring]

Let me tell you about NF service and warranty: Six years ago I bought a used NF BR 12-42, and it shot well for a year. Then it started throwing shots and would not track well. I called NF, told the nice lady I bought it used, and asked about the cost for repairs. All she said was, send it in and we will look at it. I did so (enclosed a letter telling them I bought it used) and about 8 or 9 days later the brown truck rolled into my driveway with the scope. It continues to work well to this day, and NF paid the return postage


Not many other optic manufacturers will provide this kind of service, altho Leupold comes close. BTW, many German manufacturers will not transfer warranty to a second owner. Danny may be able to answer that re the S&B.

 

[canuck]

I have both.If money is not an issue then get the Schmidt and Bender.

 

[bozo699]

I have both.If money is not an issue then get the Schmidt and Bender.

I have both S&B and NF scopes, I have a couple 5.5-22X56 NSX, a 12-42X56 BR and a 5-25X56 S&B PMII comparing those all on approx the same level, (22 power) The S&B came out on top for clarity, and light gathering abilities, the big nobs with distinct clicks and two revolutions for full range and no zero stop but it only drops below zero about 1 or 1.5 MOA if I recall. For hunting if money was no object I would opt for the S&B if money was tight you won't be disappointed with a NSX, as far as BR shooting is concerned I wouldn't trade my NF scopes for a S&B, however the question was pertaining specifically to the 12.5-50X56 S&B scope, I have personally never looked through one but had planned on buying one as soon as I got home from a shoot I was in in Missoula Montana this year, after talking to two world record holder at 1000 yards that actually owned and compared three scopes side by side early morning,mid-day and late evening, the three were NF 12-42X56 BR, S&B 5-25X56 PMII w/p4 fine X hair, 12.5-50X56 S&B, there findings were that all three turned down to 25 power the PMII was the best but at 42 power the NF beat the BR model S&B hands down, maybe they had a bad S&B I don't know, what I do know is these guy's word are gold, and they were hoping on the S&B as it has more power and the first couple morning relays it's no problem using top power and if the S&B was the best they would still own it I love my S&B for hunting but probably will never buy another one as NF is very good, I only live about a hour and a half from the factory and I can own almost two NSX scopes for the price of one S&B at least these are my findings and opinions for what it's worth
Wayne.

 

[canuck]

I had a NF nsx and thought it was very poor for the money. I also have 2 NF BR models which are head and shoulders above any NSX model I have looked out of. My S&B 12-50x56 is definitely better than either the NF NSX or the NF BR. However it really isn't a fair comparison as it is substantially more money.
Did the 2 shooters you mention have deals( sponsorship) from NF ? The NF BR models are fine scopes but Their findings are out of line with mine.

 

[Romulus]

I had a NF nsx and thought it was very poor for the money. I also have 2 NF BR models which are head and shoulders above any NSX model I have looked out of. My S&B 12-50x56 is definitely better than either the NF NSX or the NF BR. However it really isn't a fair comparison as it is substantially more money.
Did the 2 shooters you mention have deals( sponsorship) from NF ? The NF BR models are fine scopes but Their findings are out of line with mine.

What aspects of the optic are "poor"? How is the S&B "better"? The way you breezed through your comparison I'm going to guess you're talking about clarity which is furthered by your liking of the NF BRs. Since you didn't state any criteria or examples I'm not sure if you were examining tracking, durability, "zero" stability, etc.

My next scope will be a S&B bc I know it is a fine optic, but mostly I want to see if it can really out track or outlast the abuse I put my NFs through. At that level I don't need "better glass", but since I shoot field-tactical I want consistency and precision, the dimensions of accuracy.

 

[canuck]

I think both track dead on and I would think both are very durable BUT if you want a clearer brighter image then the S&B is the way to go. Clearer and brighter is very important to me but perhaps not to others.

 

[bozo699]

I had a NF nsx and thought it was very poor for the money. I also have 2 NF BR models which are head and shoulders above any NSX model I have looked out of. My S&B 12-50x56 is definitely better than either the NF NSX or the NF BR. However it really isn't a fair comparison as it is substantially more money.
Did the 2 shooters you mention have deals( sponsorship) from NF ? The NF BR models are fine scopes but Their findings are out of line with mine.

I think both track dead on and I would think both are very durable BUT if you want a clearer brighter image then the S&B is the way to go. .

I don't know what your trying to get at here, Yes the club is sponsored by NF but not the shooters I referred to, as I stated they were wanting the S&B because it has more power and clarity and power was what they were after, as stated these weren't my findings it was a couple friends of mine and I have absolutely no reason to doubt them. I would like look through a S&B br scope one day and I am sure I will, I simply tried to answer the op's question to the best of my abilities bases on my experiences and trusted friends of mine, it wasn't gospel just my opinions and experience AS STATED! As far as your last statement
( Clearer and brighter is very important to me but perhaps not to others ) I don't even know how to respond to that?? I don't know a single BR shooter that clarity and brightness wouldn't be of the utmost of importance to them, seriously do you know someone that prefers a 3-9 Simmons for there preferred 1K br scope?? I don't for sure! I am the first to say you get what you pay for for the most part but maybe some prefer the NF and maybe to there eye it is better,...who's to say but bold statements like you made are ridiculous, not facts and are only opinions based on your experiences same as our findings are based on our experiences
Wayne.

 

[DennisH]

I also have 2 NF BR models which are head and shoulders above any NSX model I have looked out of.

I will agree with the above, I havn't owned a SB, but I did have 2 NXS's and sold them and now own 4 Nightforce BR's. I hunt and target shoot with the BR's!

I almost bought a March, but couldn't find anyone that would tell me the $$$ diff was worth it. Same with SB's, One day I might try a SB or a March.

Just my 2cents worth.

 

[Steve Blair]

The S&B data sheet for PM II 12-50 is attached. The web site is still not updated.

 

[jonbearman]

I take exception to you mocking my simmons 3-9x40.It tracks just as good as any scope like the simmons I put on my local railroad track. I thought a smile would be good about now,LOL In my real opinion,I think the nightforce is alot of scope for the money.The ones I have looked through are quite clear and no distortion out to the edge of the glass.Unless you are in battle,I would think the nightforces are more than adequate for br and hunting tactical situations.

 

[bozo699]

I take exception to you mocking my simmons 3-9x40.It tracks just as good as any scope like the simmons I put on my local railroad track. I thought a smile would be good about now,LOL In my real opinion,I think the nightforce is alot of scope for the money.The ones I have looked through are quite clear and no distortion out to the edge of the glass.Unless you are in battle,I would think the nightforces are more than adequate for br and hunting tactical situations.

Thanks Jon, I needed that ;D you have always been a good friend. I think the Military uses both S&B and NF. I guess I have been lucky I have two 5.5-22X56 NSX and a 3.5-15 NSX and a 12-43X56 BR and I feel the glass is quality in all of them. Early in the a.m just before the sun rises I can see 30 cal. bullet holes at a 1K yards with the 42 power br NF as long as I messed up and there in the white, if there in the blue I can't see them but I shoot with guy's that have much better vision then me that can see holes in the blue, I cannot see holes with my 45 power Leupold. I have a friend that just bought a 5-30 Z6I Swarovski that I believe has the NF and S&B beat, I haven't done a side by side comparison but I plan to
Wayne.

 

[canuck]

I had a NF nsx and thought it was very poor for the money. I also have 2 NF BR models which are head and shoulders above any NSX model I have looked out of. My S&B 12-50x56 is definitely better than either the NF NSX or the NF BR. However it really isn't a fair comparison as it is substantially more money.
Did the 2 shooters you mention have deals( sponsorship) from NF ? The NF BR models are fine scopes but Their findings are out of line with mine.

I think both track dead on and I would think both are very durable BUT if you want a clearer brighter image then the S&B is the way to go. .

I don't know what your trying to get at here, Yes the club is sponsored by NF but not the shooters I referred to, as I stated they were wanting the S&B because it has more power and clarity and power was what they were after, as stated these weren't my findings it was a couple friends of mine and I have absolutely no reason to doubt them. I would like look through a S&B br scope one day and I am sure I will, I simply tried to answer the op's question to the best of my abilities bases on my experiences and trusted friends of mine, it wasn't gospel just my opinions and experience AS STATED! As far as your last statement
( Clearer and brighter is very important to me but perhaps not to others ) I don't even know how to respond to that?? I don't know a single BR shooter that clarity and brightness wouldn't be of the utmost of importance to them, seriously do you know someone that prefers a 3-9 Simmons for there preferred 1K br scope?? I don't for sure! I am the first to say you get what you pay for for the most part but maybe some prefer the NF and maybe to there eye it is better,...who's to say but bold statements like you made are ridiculous, not facts and are only opinions based on your experiences same as our findings are based on our experiences
Wayne.

A ridiculous statement you say? That I find a well made optic ( made with what many consider to be amongst the best glass in the world)which is twice as expensive to be brighter and clearer. Ridiculous?,NO...rule of thumb? YES .......