Rifle Scopes which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

[AZIROC]

I am sure there are plenty of post like this, and i did use the search button, but I havent found anything concrete. either because its still 50/50 or whatever.

For the most part, the rifle i built is going to be more of a benchrest style (known distances) shooter. Since im in AZ and we are going to hit out 100* + season for the next 4-5 months, the public range I go to in the summer time (cause they open up when the sun is just popping up) only goes out to 200 yards *all known distances.* Once mid sept hits and its only high 90's, the range I normally go to is from 0-500 yards and does F class type shoots that ill be getting back in to. I would say the majority of this rifles life will be spent doing 200-500 yard shooting, most at either 300 or 500 yards. Then once a month, I will be going out to a private range where the distance is between 500-1500 yards. This isnt going to be some "tactical" rifle used in LE/MIL situations. its gonna hit paper/gongs/silhouettes and doing different shooting matches.

As far as the 2 scopes, its between the viper pst ffp 6-24x50 or nightforce benchrest 8-32x56. I have a larue 20 moa base already. The plus i see for the viper is the much more amount of MOA available, little lesser cost, and its FFP. The nightforce, even though it has more magnification, it only has 50 moa. i just dont know if it plus the 20 moa base will be enough for when i do try for 800+ yards if ill run out of elevation or not. I am personally leaning towards the nightforce, but for some reason the viper seems like it should be the "better" choice. can anyone through me some input on which would be better. all i know is the nikon 3-9x40 i have on my savage .223 i use to test hot loads doesnt cut it. lol

 

[BigJohn141]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

For F-class and known distance targets you really wont be helped by a FFP scope, it may actually hurt you a little because of the thicker reticule at higher magnifications. I love my Vortex scopes and actually just ordered a 6-24 but I would have to say go for the Nightforce.

 

[Naish]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

+1

 

[Naish]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

+1

 

[calling4life]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

Well, if it is known distance, static shooting, I'd say neither, why; 50moa to 1500yds... Kills the BR for me. The ffp PST reticle is too thick

So, Sightron SIII 8-32 or 6-24, why, 70 & 100 moa adjustment respectively, clear and bright, right where these other two are, the sightron will track true as well. Depending upon reticle choice, you'll have exposed turrets.

Now if you're doing rapid engagement on multiple targets, known/unknown distance, perhaps moving around yourself, then FFP, so the PST, or their new viper LR with the xlr reticle, neat looking reticle.

But under my first scenario, if that BR will get you to your furthest range, having just sat behind multiple NF BR on sat., I wouldn't hesitate to say it's a damn fine scope.

 

[42769vette]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

for what you just descriced id probably go nightforce. with a 20moa base on a scope with 50moa you might not be able to zero it at close range.

 

[lixuan0303]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

good!!!!

 

[kvwpwr]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

What caliber rifle are you shooting( how much drop will you be dealing with?). Shooting out to 1000 and beyond I'd pick a scope with lots of elevation travel. Sound like sfp will suit you better. I just picked up a 6-24pst sfp to put on my 1000yd rig. Availability helped my decision though.

 

[AZIROC]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

The rifle is a .308 build on a POF receiver w/ JP enterprise 22" barrel.

I can say with certain, the rifles life will prob be doing mostly 500 yards. The once a month when I go to the private range thats 500-1500 yards, I prob wont be trying to go past 1000 for a long while.

I will check out that SIII

I'm just wondering if the BR 8-32 with a 20 moa base will even get me to 1000 yards without having to do alot of hold over.

 

[calling4life]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

With a 20moa base it shouldn't have a problem getting you to a grand, but you would be near bottoming it out at 100 yds.

50 moa total, assuming things are centered it would be 25 up and 25 down, add 20moa base and in a perfect world you're sitting at 45 up, 5 down.

Sightron would be 35 up, 35 down, 20 moa base takes that to 55 up, 15 down. Meaning you're one full turret turn from the bottom. This is the 8-32, the 6-24 gives you even more room.

 

[AZIROC]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

My zero for this rifle will be 200 yards

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

I have a NF 8-32x56 BR on top of a 25 MOA NF rail and I have a 100yd zero and 40 MOA of elevation left (just counted). Per my load (168gr SMK @2550fps), I will need roughly 30 MOA to get to 1000yds.

The reticle in my PST FFP 4-16x does get noticably thicker at higher madnifications to the point that precise shot placement becomes more difficult. And I need as much help as I can get!

My suggestion from taking both scopes to 500yds (not 1000) is to get the NF with the canted rail. The reticle ranging is more difficult with SFP (only applicable at 1 power) but the NF more than makes up for it as the glass is clearer and the turrets feel much better to me.

 

[OldmaninNeb]

Re: which 1? viper pst FFP or nightforce benchrest

I'm by no means an expert, but I do have a NF 12-42BR sitting in NF rings on a NF 20MOA two piece base on a 10FCP 308 Savage, and a 100 yd. Zero brought me up over 100 clicks (1/8")
I haven't counted yet, but I'm guessing if you hope to zero @ 100 yds. you'll run out b4 1000. I'm either going to have to switch to Signature rings or order another base to recoup my lost ups.