- Thread starter jrr1982
- Start date
I think you've got a good start! Invest in a good bipod and rear bag! I'm a big fan of the Sinclair F-T/r bipod. I like it so much, I use it in F-Open under my 284 Shehane.
Any specific reason why you think you need a 12-42x?
I have been back and forth on whether to get a 5.5-22 or 8-32. then I was at the range on Sunday talking about what I should get, they all told me to get a 12-32. I was worried about Mirage, and internal adjustment, there answer, 20moa base and the Mirage is not bad. Now I questioning my decision again.
Most of the shooters winning F-Class events in my area are winning on 30-40x. Yes there are alot of other factors but I doubt 12 power will ever too much. Look on the bright side. When the mirage isn't bad. You will see that much more than everyone else.
which brand of optics are they running? will 12 -42 be good enough? I just want to be sure before I make that big of a purchase.
What would you recommend?
well it doesnt matter. Nightforce is discontinuing the NXS 12-42 scope
If you are going to be clearing out prairie dog towns -at VERY long range- or shooting 1000 yard F-class, that 12-42 might be worth it. But that is most definitely NOT the typical "Field Precision" or "Tactical" shooting that a lot of people here aspire to do.
Frankly, 12-42 is WAY to much power for most other types of shooting. A lot of snipers (military and police) use 3-12 or 3-15 power scopes. I've seen some Professional shooters use up to 5.5-22 power Nightforce. But above that you are into benchrest territory. The 5.5-22 is as high as I'd go with a NightForce. Otherwise, they make a very good 3-15 power.
I use a 2.5-10 and a fixed 10 power scope with no issues out to 1225 yards (banging rocks at the range).
Vortex makes an EXCELLENT 5-20 power HD scope (their Razor series). This scope has been very well received and would be my first choice if I had the money.
Bushnell makes an excellent 3-12 and 3.5-21 power tactical scope (their Tactical Elite series). I would not hesitate to buy either one.
Good luck either way.
I run a 3.5-15x F1 for my 300 win mag and a 5.5-22x on my .338 lapua. They are plenty of scope for long range. I think 3.5-15x is really solid NF offering for a .308 round.
A lot of NF scopes are doing well. I'm a huge NF guy so I won't even mention others. What you have to ask yourself is how important that scope being multi functional is. If you get an 8-32x you can get some of the more tactical/practical reticles. Once you move into the benchrest and competition series you get purpose built reticles like on the new NF 15-55x52. That's a lot of magnification! If you have other plans for the gun other than fixed distance shooting I think a 12-42 is a nice scope but an 8-32 would be better for "all-around" But if you are dead nuts set on f class and maybe some benchrest get one of the brand new competition series 15-55 and enjoy the "wow" factor.
Well I did put this Rifle together for one purpose, and that was to compete. I keep hearing different things however. This will be for F class, but not open class, F-tr class. I am thinking I am just going to start with the 8-32 power to start. If I need more power later, I will just get a new scope.
If your planning on holding the x-ring at distance, a 32 is the way go. Hard to do with a lower power scope. Sure you can get a decent aim, but hard to hold in the same place repeatably with a low power. When mirage becomes a issue, you can always turn it down. There's a reason that the benchrest & f-class guys use magnifacation.
The few F-class guys I Talk to also run 12-42x56 Nightforce NXS's. They are, in fact, discontinued, which means you can pick them up on the cheap. I just got a screaming deal on mine a few months ago as my eventual goal is F class as well.
That said, if you can spare the coin, check out their new competition scope. 15-55.
That said, if you can spare the coin, check out their new competition scope. 15-55.
Just got a sweet deal for a 12-42x56. thanks for the heads up.
