• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Rifle Scopes Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

T

texasbrian66

Private
Minuteman
Oct 2, 2012
75
0
57
I would like to get feedback from anyone who uses the NF 12 - 42 x 56 scope on an AR to shoot long distance.

I am planning to mount the NF 12 - 42 x 56 on my Stag Arms Super Varminter .223 using Burris X High Signature Zee Rings.

The gun will be used to shoot off bench and prone.

Thanks
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

i dodnt think you need that much mag on a AR platform maybe on ar10 on 260 or any long range caliber.i just dont think the max potential on 223 can keep match the max 42 mag..i think 25 power is my max on my 223 5.5-22 NF is good for a long range ar15
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Ill head this off before it gets ugly.

Why would you need a 12x42 mag scope on a 223?

There is no need that I have ever seen for that type of magnification on a 223, let alone a 223 AR.

What distances to you plan on shooting?
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

I met a guy at the range recently that was running 40X on a 22lr to shoot at 100 yards. It was epic.
laugh.gif
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

lol.FAIL!<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I met a guy at the range recently that was running 40X on a 22lr to shoot at 100 yards. It was epic.
laugh.gif
</div></div>
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Word of Caution!

A 12x-42x BR scope has only 40 MOA of Internal Adjustment.

ARs can burn up a fair amount of adjustment given how high the scope mounts above the bore, and the type of mounts used.

I would say without a doubt, that you are going to want to use some type of angled base/mount/rings, most likely at least a 20 MOA model.

Not sure how far you want to shoot, but a Black Hills 77 grain round takes about 30 MOA to make it to 800 yds, and about 45 MOA to make it to 1,000 yards, so your available adjustment range could be an issue.

Hate to say it, but that would be one of the last scopes that I would put on an AR, unless I didn't have any other options.

Best of Luck,
M Richardson
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

If you live Texas the only thing you will see with much magnification is mirage.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Calm down guys this ain't my first rodeo.

I already use a Sightron SIII SS 10 - 50 X 60 LR TD on top of my Savage 10FCP LE HS Precision 308. I understand all about the mirage in Texas.

Mr Richardson

I will be shooting prone or bench 300 - 1,000 yards and that is why I choose this scope. I want to make little groups at distance. I have never seen one mounted on an AR or talked with anyone who has one mounted on an AR but people use them on long distance bolt guns so why not mount it my precision AR and use it for the same purpose?

I have an SIII and use it at 60x until the mirage makes it no longer possible. I wanted to try NF and see if it is any better.

The barrel has a 1:8 twist and I am limited to loading SMK 77g max. I would like to take then the distance. I will go with a 20 MOA base.

Why would you not recommend this scope for this purpuse?

Thank you for your comments
Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

I had the same exact setup on my Rock River with a 24' varmint barrel upper.
I used this setup for our club's annual Easter Egg shoot. Six eggs at 200 yards, any rifle ,any sights, prone, any front rest , no rear rest. I used Black Hills remanufactured ( blue box) 77 gr. Sierra MK. Shot very well. Would put five shots into one inch often.
If you want to mount a high power scope on your rifle, why not?
It's really no big deal.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

I shoot small groups with my 3.5-15x56 with 77 grain.....if you already have the scope, fine, give it a try. But the 22x is more than plenty to go 1000 yards.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

The only thing magnification does is give you a more finite point of aim. It will not make you, the round/rifle combo, or anything else "more accurate"

In addition to mirage, higher mag also causes soda straw syndrome, and magnifies every little tiny movement making a steady sight picture harder to maintain.

I run a 15x NF out to 1000 all the time with no issues, and can keep it under 1MOA excluding wind. I have no real desire for more mag, for the above reasons.

If you want to do it, go for it, I really don't care, but I personally believe that anything much over 20x is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Why not less magnification, and more versatility?

The Nightforce 12-42 is a benchrest scope for a reason, and theres also a reason why you haven't seen factory .223/5.56 AR's wearing them!!!
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Wallace

That is why I like the higher magnification of the BR scope. It gives me that fine aim point. I think that is key to accurate shot placement. Of course more magnification will not make up for poor loads, barrel, stock, trigger ect ect. It is only one part of the system.

I am currently using a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 PA Riflescope on the AR and it is just not enough mag for me. I guess I am use to the 50X of the SIII. I think that it is better to have a scope that offers more magnification than you need all the time rather than a scope that offers less then you may want sometims.

Thanks for your post.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

SlowKota

This gun will only be used pron or on the bench I don't need versatility. Don't under estimate the .223.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

I use a Nightforce NXS 8-32X56 on my TRG 22 and am glad I have that much magnification. I also use the Nightforce NXS 5-22X50 on 2 of my 223's and often wished I had higher magnification. Some of us up in years need the higher magnification so I say if that's what you want I'd go for it despite what others may say. Each to his own.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

pass on the BR scope and get the NXS 8-32 or 12-42, plenty of magnification for 1000yds shoots and lots more elevation in the scope, you will also need a good mount like a Sphur with at least 20 MOA cant on it for reaching a 1000 with a gas gun in 223.
hope this helps.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

I have the 12-42x56 nxs on my RRA LAR8. Yes it is over scoped, but when I am shooting at 500+yds I can see my groups and that is invaluable to me. Aim small miss small anyone?? hahaha I actually bought the scope because I got a screaming deal on it from a cia guy out of CO at the tune of $1300. Hope to build a .338 soon and she'll have a new home.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Santo

That is a nice combo the TRG 22 and the NXS. Which reticle do you have in the 8-32? How do you like it?

Yea my eyesight is fading and I really notice it when shooting with iron sights. I will shoot irons 1/2 hr top. Bifocals are a PITA at the range.

Thanks for your comment.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

attherange, MarshalTex

I have thought about the 12-42x56 NXS but have not yet put tougher a pro/con list comparing the benefits of the NXS to the additional cost of the scope.

I also want to put tougher a quality target camera soon and the additional money spent on the scope would put that project on hold.

Now if I could find a deal like $1,300 that would be perfect. WOW that was a NICE find!

Thanks for your comments.
Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

texasbrian,
I understand what you're wanting to do, but as mentioned above, I think the 12-42 is likely more than you need. I run a couple of them on .308 rifles in F-T/R out to 1000 yds. Usually by the time the second match comes up, so does the mirage and I find myself dialing down quite a bit (30X give or take), so I can see the target rings. It's nice to actually have the 42X upper limit, but I find myself using it less as time goes on. For the type shooting you described, my suggestion would be to look at the 8-32x56 with either the NP-2DD or NP-R1 reticle. 32X is plenty of mag out to 1000 yd plus you get significantly more elevation travel, which might be of benefit with your AR. I think you would be more satisfied with that scope for your shooting purposes.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Why not just turn down your SIII when the mirage comes up? You won't be gaining anything with the NF.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

gstaylorg,

An extra $200 for mag that I can not use all the time is worth it to me.

The reduced elevation travel concerns me but I an pretty sure that can be overcome with a quality 20 MOA base. Correct me if I am wrong.



Thanks
Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

The SIII is not a problem and it is on another gun.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

12-42 power scope on an AR...thinking of the max effective range of an AR wouldn't this be the same as putting the Hubble telescope on a .50 cal???
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

A lot will depend on the external ballistics of your load. If you can push 77 gr SMKs at 2850 fps, you'll need around 39 MOA to reach 1000 yd with your setup (from a 100 yd zero). With a 20 MOA base, you'll have in the neighborhood of 41 MOA max elevation travel with the 12-42x56. It <span style="font-style: italic">might</span> work, but you're cutting it pretty close. Further, with the travel maxed out (or very close to it), you will likely see some degradation of the quality of your sight picture. It's the nature of the beast when the reticle reaches the extreme travel limits. Obviously, the closer in from 1000 yd you'd be shooting, the more favorable the situation with that scope would become.

Bottom line, my recommendation had nothing to do with cost. There several people advocating something similar to the 8-32x56 in posts above, including myself. Yet you seem to want to convince yourself that the 12-42 is the way to go. That's fine, if you are really set on that scope, it might work for your intended purpose. What I'm trying to tell you is that I have both of those scopes, and I would go with the 8-32x56, hands down, for your purpose. In fact, I currently have a .223 build in progress that will be used for exactly the type shooting you described. This rifle will have a 26" barrel, so I'll probably be able to get a little higher muzzle velocity than your Varminter. Even so, this rifle will be wearing an 8-32x56, without question. The increased elevation travel, slightly better exit pupil (increased light transmittance), and the fact that 32X is plenty of mag to get out to 1000 yd, are the primary reasons. If you do decide to go with the 12-42x56, you might think about something more like a 30 MOA base if you really think you'll be shooting this rifle at 1000 yd on a regular basis. It might create difficulty establishing a 100 yd zero, but at least you won't be right at the extreme travel limit. YMMV.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

The Nightforce 12-42 NXS scope is worth every penny of the price. And if you want your target up close and personal why not look at it thru 42x magnification?

As my eyes get older and older I want to be able to see everything clearly and the 12-42 NXS certainly works for that. That particular scope set two National Records that I personally know of. Mine and the guy who broke my record the next year.

Also, if you decide you don't like it you can always get most of your investment back. Probably right here on Sniper's Hide.

Last point: It's your rifle. Put whatever the hell you want on it and don't worry about it.

jc
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

MSG

You made me laugh. I was at the range a few weeks back shooting my 308 with a SIII on top of it and a guy ask me if I was shooting or star gazing. I laughed then also. I think it is funny looking also but it what I like to shoot. I really don't care what others shoot as long as they point it down range.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Most people here aren't trying to shoot groups, they are shooting steel and have different priorities. My only two NF's are both 12-42s, and I have 3 SIII 10-50s. Being able to see groups or make corrections during a string at distance is important to benchrest or target shooters.

And yes, additional mag does let you shoot better groups. More exact aiming at distance leads to smaller groups. Benchrest shooters don't use a 3-15 or 5.5-22, they all have 8-32 or 12-42s.

My thinking is, aside from elevation requirements which can normally be solved with a canted base, do you REALLY need a lower magnification than 12? You can always turn down the mag from 42 to 20 if there's mirage. If you don't need less than 12 power, its AWFULLY nice for precision shooting to turn up the mag to 42 when the conditions allow.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

gstaylorg,

I will shoot the .223 mostly between 300 - 600 and the 308 will shoot between 600 - 800 but I do not want to limit the potential. I would like to use them to their upper limits at times.

I am leaning toward the 12-42x56 because I can always move it to something different later. For now I have a .223 and .308 but eventually I'll want a higher powered caliber that will shoot 800 - 1000+.

I had the opportunity to meet a World champion F Class shooter and a of group guys he shoots with regularly and they all swear by NightForce 12 - 42 x 56. Granted, they weren't shooting off of bipods and were very experienced.

I read an article about how Laurie Holland equaled a Great Britain record proving that the .223 can be competitive at 1000 yards. That made me rethink what I thought I knew about the .223.

I read that using a scope at its extreme travel limits was not a good idea but if I zero the rifle at 200 or 300yds would I still run out of elevation at 1000yds. I did not know that about the exit pupil and light transmitting I will read up on it tonight.


Thank You for your post.
Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

slm9s

I think you are right a lot of people answering this post are shooting steel.

Thanks
Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

I don't care what anyone chooses to put on a rifle, personal preference, what one likes another may or may not.

What matters is performance and whether your equipment will allow you to get the job done!

Per above, with the 12x-42x BR, you have the issue of available internal adjustment, which if you want to go to 1,000 yards requires an angled mount (limited options & expensive). If you add a 20-30 MOA base to get to 1,000, you may not have the internal adjustment for a 100 yard zero. Also factor in your lowest magnifcation is 12x which brings up mirage and field of view issues. Also consider your adjustments are 1/8 MOA, which makes for a lot of clicks/dialing if you are shooting at a lot of different ranges. The issues above are some of the reasons why I said that it would be the last scope that I would put on an AR.

Now if you want to make it a dedicated bench gun, you can address the issues above, and you are good with the limitations, then best of luck to you.

Not sure what your ultimate goal is, but food for thought:
There is no signifcant number of 1,000 yard F-T/R shooters standing on the winners podium at a national level who are running a .223 rifle. If they can't do it with a bolt gun, best of luck doing it with a gas gun!

12x-42x BR Scope was purpose built for use on a dedicated 1,000 yard rifle, not for use on a rifle that is going to shoot 300-1,000 yards. Per above, there are "mid range scopes" that are better suited for that application in terms of available internal adjustment, magnification range, available field of view, and an adjustment value that does not require tons of clicks/dialing.

I run Nightforce NXS 8x-32x and Sightron SIII 8x-32x for 100-1,000 yards, because like you I want the higher magnification for the longer range shots, but they don't have all of the issues that a 12x-42x BR does.

If your decision is functionally sound, then run with it. If you are trying to make something work that is not going to be functionally sound, then you may want to reconsider.

Best of Luck,
M Richardson
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: texasbrian66</div><div class="ubbcode-body">gstaylorg,

I will shoot the .223 mostly between 300 - 600 and the 308 will shoot between 600 - 800 but I do not want to limit the potential. I would like to use them to their upper limits at times.

I am leaning toward the 12-42x56 because I can always move it to something different later. For now I have a .223 and .308 but eventually I'll want a higher powered caliber that will shoot 800 - 1000+.

I had the opportunity to meet a World champion F Class shooter and a of group guys he shoots with regularly and they all swear by NightForce 12 - 42 x 56. Granted, they weren't shooting off of bipods and were very experienced.

I read an article about how Laurie Holland equaled a Great Britain record proving that the .223 can be competitive at 1000 yards. That made me rethink what I thought I knew about the .223.

I read that using a scope at its extreme travel limits was not a good idea but if I zero the rifle at 200 or 300yds would I still run out of elevation at 1000yds. I did not know that about the exit pupil and light transmitting I will read up on it tonight.


Thank You for your post.
Brian </div></div>

Save your cash put a 6.5 together or something that reach out and touch someone. Like a lot I rarely turn my scope all the way up.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

M Richardson

I am not thinking about the winners podium I am just doing this for fun. You brought up some valid points.

Thanks for your post.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Seems like you have your mind made up. Buy the scope and bases, mount them and shoot the rifle. Then, tell us how well it works.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

hlee,

I think that I have but I still want to do a bit more research. I will let ya'll know when it is mounted. Thank you all for your help.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

why not put another sightron SIII on your AR, they have plenty of elevation, great glass, excellent tracking, I have an 8-32 on a 308 F class rifle and made master with it.
price is not bad at all and you'll still be able to afford your camera.
hope this helps.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

attherange

I gave that some though. The price is right and no elevation issues and I like the SIII on my .308.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Forget about the 12-42x56 BR scope and get the 12-42x56 NXS so you have the parallax adjustment on the side instead of the objective. And you get .250 MOA adjustments instead of .125 MOA. In the spirit of full disclosure you can also get the NXS version with 1/8 MOA clicks if your just really into twisting scope knobs. You also get 5 MOA more elevation, but give up 5 MOA windage.

I would also recommend the NP-R1 reticle, but that's just me.

And since I'm almost as good as Obama when it comes to spending other people's money go ahead and throw a Geissele trigger in the AR.

Absolutely, hands down, the two best things you can do to an AR, Nightforce and Geissele.

jc
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

jc

The NF 12 - 42 X 56 1/8 MOA NXS is on the short list along with the SIII 10 - 50 x 60 LR TD. I did not consider the SIII 10 50 x 60 an option until I compared the specs side by side. I added the SIII because of it's 50 / 50 internal travel and 1/8 MOA knobs. I don't think extreme travel limits will be an issue when it is mounted on 20 MOA base. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I am planning to a side by side comparison of a NF NSX and my SIII at different magnifications and distances this should be the deciding factor. Either way this gun will be way over scoped for most people, but I think it will work for me.

I have not tested the weight, but the trigger feels really good. It Is a match grade two stage trigger. It will work for me now, but I will read up on that trigger.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Could we get some more info on your stag and how it shoots?

Is it stock as it comes from the factory?
I'm seriously considering building an AR with that upper and would appreciate your thoughts on the gun and what you've witnessed as far as accuracy goes.

As far as this discussion, I have a sightron SIII 8-32x56 on my coyote calling rig, of the last six coyotes I've shot, five have been under 30 yards, most were moving.

I hear 8-32 power on a calling rig is stupid, you'll never hit the dogs that come in close.... Yada yada

Now there is validity to that viewpoint, but there are exceptions, 17 years of waterfowling has helped me become one, if you love high power, doesn't sound like you have much need for under 12 power, get the 12-42.

But do your math on the travel you'll need, only you know the velocity of your setup, so it's on you to figure out the ballistics and acquire the final number needed.
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: majohnson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Like a lot I rarely turn my scope all the way up.
</div></div>

Like a few, I rarely turn my scope down.
smile.gif


Don't forget about Burris signature zee rings with the canted inserts both for their value versus a canted base (big $) and for their ability for you to completely max out your elevation toward that 100 yard zero (by moving them closer together vs apart).
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

calling4life

The rifle is a Stag Model 6 Super Varminter 5.56mm NATO/.223. The barrel is a E.R. Shaw 24" stainless match grade and measures .92" at muzzle with a 1:8 twist. It is a little bit heavy at 9lb 11 oz. It has an A2 Stock, Hogue grip and free float aluminum hand guard. It does not look fancy but it feels very comfortable. The trigger is two-stage match grade. I read the specs today and trigger pull is 3lb., 3 oz. I purchased this rifle new last year around Christmas and payed around $875.00 for it.

Usually before I buy a gun or a scope I will research it to death, but I bought this rifle rather quickly. I read two reviews Review 1 Review 2 then called the company before ordering it from budgunshop.com.

I have very high hopes as how accurate this gun will be. I expect it to do 1/2 MOA with match grade and hand loads. I spoke with the guys at Stag and they assured me that this gun will shoot 1/2 MOA for life (7,000 rounds)and if it does not they will take it back and send me one that does. Before you ask yes this claim is in print. As far as what I have seen well that is why I am looking for a precision shooting scope. The last time I went to the range I shot six groups of five rounds at 100 yards and was not satisfied with the results. The groups were 1 = .626, 2 = .500, 3 = .835, 4 = .540, 5 = .918 and 6 = 1.224 if my math was correct it was an average of .780 and that is not 1/2 MOA. I was very disappointed with the last two groups.

I hope that this gun works out. Stag only produces .223 now but they are planning to produce larger calibers in the future. I don't know what and when but I will take a hard look it this gun really performs.

Yea I like the high power and the stationary targets. I need a shotgun to have a chance at hitting anything moving. The SIII are nice. What is it sitting on top of?

If you are interested in a stag the upper alone does not come with the same 1/2 MOA guarantee.

I hope this helps you.

Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

Slm9s

I was planning to go with the Zee rings for a couple different reasons but I forgot how the inserts could help maxout elevation.

Thanks
Brian
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: texasbrian66</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to get feedback from anyone who uses the NF 12 - 42 x 56 scope on an AR to shoot long distance.

I am planning to mount the NF 12 - 42 x 56 on my Stag Arms Super Varminter .223 using Burris X High Signature Zee Rings.

The gun will be used to shoot off bench and prone.

Thanks
</div></div>

Have at it!

Heck I have a 45X on a PCP air rifle,LOL.

Buy the NF in good used condition and if you don't like it you can sell it for what you have into it.

One of the "spices" of life is trying different things out and gaining knowledge as you go
smile.gif
 
Re: Do you have a NightForce 12 - 42 x 56 on your AR?

9H

Is that your lucky rabbits foot on the back?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Lowlight
Vectronix Shooting Solutions Terrapin X 42
Replies
46
Views
3K
LakuNoc
LakuNoc
Dhbiker02
SOLD Nightforce ATACR 4-16 x 42 F1 mil XT *price reduced
Replies
6
Views
981
Dhbiker02
Dhbiker02
JBS007_
Firearms WTS Steyr ssg 69 pII Kahles Helia s 3-12 x 56, styria bottom metal
Replies
9
Views
760
PBGEAR
P
C
Tikka T3x w/ NF ATACR - Mounting help?
Replies
12
Views
420
Baron23
Baron23
Topstrap
Results July 2023 Topstraps Rimfire Challenge
Replies
6
Views
562
Cowpokey
Cowpokey
Top Bottom
Back