Rifle Scopes Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

[Voyagertwelve]

Am I giving up or gaining if I go with the 8-32x56 instead of the 5.5-22x56? It seems to me that I could probably make occasional use of the increase in power but still be able to back it down and bring in light in the twilight.

Any thoughts?

 

[Highpoint]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

What's the purpose or use of the scope, hunting, paper punching, long range competition?
Sounds like it will be used for hunting since you mentioned twilight hours. I cannot see a reason to need 32x for hunting . .But that's just my opinion

 

[Voyagertwelve]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

Mostly competition and paper punching, but some extreme varminting

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I have both. What is your intended use (primary)? The 5.5-22x56 will have a wider range of general use applications than the 8-32x56. You probably don't need nearly that much mag (32X) for a lot of things. I bought mine for use in F-class comps, where I like the extra mag (as long as the mirage allows) because my eyes have definitely gone downhill as I've gotten older. YMMV.

 

[sako75]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I would go with the 5.5-22x. Remeber that it provides a lot more elevation adjustment than the 8-32x model. And the 5.5-22x has both the magnification and elevation if you intend to shoot LR/ELR.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

Agreed with SAKO-75. The 5.5-22x gives you 100 MOA of elevation adj., the 8-32x is a quite a bit less at 65 MOA. For a set competition like F class its a great choice, the 5.5-22 is probably a better bet for a variety of shooting though.

Trevor B

 

[Jimmy76]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

5.5-22x56

Minimum x8 magnification is littlebit difficult, if you must shoot sometimes littlebit closer. Also amount of elevation is a big Plus! If you are using spotting scope, i´d take definedly 5.5-22

If you don´t use spotting scope, and you will shoot fairly long distances, 8-32 is ok. You can see holes more easily, too

 

[Voyagertwelve]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

Thanks for the input, I'll probably go 5.5-24x56. I put a Trijicon 5-20x50 on my Sako TRG .300 on a 30 minute rail when I first got the gun as it was what I had spare at the time. it only had 50 moa and I couldn't get it zero'd at 100. it worked for barrel break-in. but got replaced the next day with a 6-24x72 Zeiss.

 

[subwofer2]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I can almost assure you your happiness with a Nightforce 5.5-22X56.

Might I suggest you check with Schryver Gun Sales. If you don't see what you want contact him. He is also very active on this forum. I purchased my 5.5-22x56 MLR Mil/Mil HSZS from him last October. Super gent with a super team to work with.

http://www.schryvergunsales.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?search=action&category=NIGH

 

[bench98]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I have been at the Schryver shop, bought a NF 5-22-56 and some other things. Got good treatment.

 

[Voyagertwelve]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I appreciate the info. I have a really good line on one, but if the deal falls through I will check Schryver out.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

In my experience,, for varminting the extra mag is unusable because of mirage. In my steamy Missouri humidity, I can't turn most of my scopes up all the way as it is.

I'd personally go with the 5.5-22x. More elevation travel and you can run it at 22x and 11x for a ranging reticle.

 

[Dakota_Mike]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I agree with the others that the 5.5-22 is the better choice for most people. If a dedicated F-class rig then the 8-32 would probable have the edge though.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

5.5-22 for sure. I have a 20 moa base on my TRG42,and the 8-32 NF. I dont have enough elevation to hit at a mile, so I had to back it down to 22X to use the reticle to hold over....what did I gain from having the extra power?

 

[VKC]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

Beyond 25x in field conditions is very seldom useful because of mirage. If you are using it for anything else besides long range target shooting, I would go with the 5.5-22x. I have both a 5.5-22x50mm & x56mm, and don't find much difference in light transmission.

 

[pdogsbeware]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

+1 on the 5.5-22x. I debated between a different brands 8-32 or 6-24 for a prairie dog rig. It's the glass and reticle that matter the most. If you think about it, a prairie dog at 500 yards is pretty damn small! But I still rarely put my scope above 18x. My hunting buddy does have a nightforce, the benchrest 8-32, and regrets buying the higher mag. Unless your a benchrest shooter, you really don't need it. Since your going with the good glass of nightforce you'll be surprised how well you'll see at the lesser magnification. Plus you can spot your hits yourself at less mag.
I say this being a person who has always liked high magnification on scopes, I like being able to see what I'm aiming at! But like I said, with the good glass, you simply don't need the extra mag unless you do plan on shooting benchrest.

 

[Voyagertwelve]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

Thanks for all of your help, I ended up with a Zeiss 6-24x56 and couldn't be happier, I will pick up the Nightforce 5.5-22x56 for a different build I'm working on also.

 

[dreever]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

You said your use would be paper punching, competition, and long range varminting. That being said more power never hurts.
I've had both scopes that you mention plus a 12-42 and I prefer the 12-42 hands down for ranges of 200 yards and beyond. Deer hunting I'd choose the 5.5-22 for the extra field of view. For paper punching at extended yardages the max of 22x isn't enough if you want to see bullet holes at 500 and beyond.

 

[ctressler]

Re: Nightforce 5.5-22X56 or 8-32x56

I think the 5.5-22 has more vertical adjustment that the 8-32. You might want to check that out.

I shot out to a mile with a 25x the other day, it was plenty.