Question on mounting a Nightforce Competition Scope

[Bill S]

I am mounting my new Nightforce Competition Scope and ran into a question. I bought a set of levels and got the base set. Then followed steps on their website video to tighten rings, pull the knob off the top turret and ensure level with the base level. When I look through the scope the reticle is turned slightly clockwise to the right. In the manual is says to level your base, mount the scope, then use a plumb line at longer distance to level the reticle. I don't see the plumb line suggestion as reasonable for an f-class rifle.

Any suggestions?

 

[watercam]

If you level the rifle at the range and observe a plumb bob at 100 yds. that shows the vertical cross hair as parallel to the plumb, they are saying that is level and your windage knob will indeed track correctly.
If you are saying the reticle is not level relative to the position of the knobs, that is not a good thing and you need to call them. I would try the plumb bob first though...

 

[ridgeway]

I'd definitely take it to the range with a solid front rest, rear bag and solid bench. Level up the gun in the bags and then use a plumb bob or precisely leveled line on your target to level the scope. Double check to see if your gun is still level and check your scope against the line/plumb Bob. Its trial and error....may take several times since stuff is easily moved during the process. To test, fire a shot at the bottom of your line and move your elevation up as high as you can on your target and fire another shot to see if you are on the line. Patience is key to make things perfect and that in turn boosts confidence.

 

[Bill S]

Watercam,

The reticle is not straight in relation to the leveled turret. I'm going to try and shoot tomorrow and will use a plumbed line. I already left Nightforce a call and will continue that path as well.

Thanks..

 

[watercam]

Assuming that is the case - what a bummer!

 

[NateHaler]

Watercam,

The reticle is not straight in relation to the leveled turret. I'm going to try and shoot tomorrow and will use a plumbed line.

Good grief, if you start measuring whether your turrets are level and plumb, then you may as well start measuring whether the bench is level, the ground, and your chair. What matters is results. And a vertical crosshair is more important than a plumb or level turret. Put a couple of yardsticks on your target at 100y or so. Make sure the horizontal one is level (by using a level and then holding the yardstick in place with tape). Ditto the vertical yardstick; make sure it's plumb.

Align your crosshairs with that. If you cannot align your crosshairs, then maybe you have a problem. But I couldn't care less if my turrets are level or plumb, and I think NF is doing you and themselves a disservice by suggesting you use either turret as a measure of level or plumb except as might crudely pertain to the scope position itself relative to the rifle.

People, if you start measuring this kind of crap, then you will find no end to it. The results that matter are on the target, in the form of bullet holes.

 

[Bill S]

bohio,

If the weather holds out I'm going to test with a plumb line today. But the reason I bought this scope was the expectation of "exacts". If I was going to settle for close enough I'd have bought a $600 gun, harris bipod, caldwell back rest and a whatever scope. Go to Nightforce's website and look at their videos section. Followed "their" scope mounting instructions exactly and had another buddy check it last night.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

The reticle will move almost exactly in line with the turret (assuming the turret is square to the tube - on a Nightforce, it is likely to be). You could have a reticle that looks like the letter X, but it would still move directly toward or away from the elevation turret when that turret is turned.

The only problem with having a canted reticle is that the shooter will instinctively try to align the reticle with any plumb or level looking line available. Heck, I do that despite having a bubble level mounted to my scope.

I'd suggest trying the plumb line and bubble level check suggested earlier. Also try shooting the tall target as suggested. If it doesn't track along the vertical crosshair, I'd have Nightforce fix it. I bet they would be more than happy to correct a manufacturing error (if there is one).

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Bill S]

Spoke to Nightforce this morning. They suggested using business cards stacked between the base and the bottom of the turret to level then tighten down. Then use a plumb line to verify reticle. If it's still showing to be turned then to send it in ASAP and they'll put a rush on fixing and getting back out. This makes since. Hopefully it resolves the concern. I did shoot it yesterday. But unfortunately the test wasn't conclusive. My bad. Their suggestion this morning however makes a lot of since.

 

[Bill S]

I executed the process of using the business cards to level the bottom of the turret/scope base with the rail. Looking through at a plumb line the reticle appears to be straight. Called back Nightforce to pass on the update. They said everything is built off the base of turret section of the scope. It is possible, as I've found, to have a turret that is slightly off without having an impact to the scope itself.

 

[nhm16]

They suggested using business cards stacked between the base and the bottom of the turret to level then tighten down. Then use a plumb line to verify reticle.

The business card trick is very similar to the feeler gauge method popular over on snipershide.com. That's the method I use, as well as the plumb bob.