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Rifle Scopes Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

dan25

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Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 22, 2012
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I have a brand new in-box Nightforce Nxs 5.5x22x50mm scope with mil-dot reticle. It has never left the box. I bought it before they had the high-speed turrets and didn't get it with zero-stop. I am wishing I would have gotten, the zero-stop, but didn't because of money at the time. My question is; should I sell the scope and get a new one with zero-stop and high speed turrets for roughly $200 more than what I spent. That means I would have to try and sell mine and don't want to take too much of a hit. My other option is to get my scope upgraded to zero-stop for $350 by Nightforce. This scope is primarily going to be for hunting. I plan on getting a BDC turret made by gunwerks. How important is zero-stop, and how important is high-speed. If anyone has any information or helpful advice, I would greatly appreciate it. My only fear is not having that click when I am out in the field to go back to after adjusting my scope. Thanks for reading.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

I have 3 NF scopes with ZS & HST. They are convenient and not a necessity if most of your shooting is hunting IMO. I'd keep the scope you have as is.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Thanks, that is kind of what I was thinking.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Anyone else have an opinion?
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

+1 unless you are going from 1200 yds to 187 yds in the matter of 10 minutes and you have 5 targets to shoot in 8 minutes you really don't need the other. Buy a data book from Impact Data Books ( plug for NOMAD) and use that to keep yourself straight.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Anyone interested in my scope? I have the box and reciept.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Really it depends.

Are you running MOA knobs with your mil reticle? I found on MOA scopes, I kind of prefer the old 10 MOA per turn knobs over the HS, seems easier to work in tens. On the mRad knobs, I like the HS, again, easier to work in tens.

Meanwhile, I've found with a canted base, you may not even needs a zero stop. I had a 40 MOA in my old 700 and has about five MOA of down left, so I didn't need the ZS. On the mRad model I had, I had a 20 MOA base and had about six mils of down, which meant I could go down past "zero" a whole turn on the 5 mil per rev knob. But knowing this, I could easily bottom it out and come up to the second "0". You can always put some tape on the appropriate rev indicated on the knob itself and you'll always know. Lack of ZS is only a problem if you don't know your gear. You can easily overcome it. I personally would just roll with what I have and get it right next time. Also I'd skip the BDC knob and just run a "scope dope" sticker on my lens cover. You'll be saving more cash for an unneeded item that is already less than ideal in function.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

I have one just like yours. I use it for comps 90% of the time. It has HS-ZS. As old as I am with CRS, I NEED and love the ZS.

But, I'm taking it to Africa 2013 cuz it's the best one I own and the reticle is illumiated. My concern is that the turrets COULD conceivably rotate after crawling, thru brush, etc. without me being aware. So, the zero stop on the elevation is a comfort to me and I'll probably masking tape the windage turret to try an prevent this. I plan to zero a some distance that will minimize me having to dial in a hunting situation if at all possible and use hold overs w/ the MOAR reticle out to my "comfort zone" distance.

All that said, you mentioned getting the Gunwerks G7 turret. IF they are the low profile, covered turrets like my friend has on his NF G7, those worries would be moot.

If it's a hunting scope MOST of the time, I'd say keep what ya got, zero at 250-300, learn & use your reticle subtensions for holdover and let er rip tater chip!
Good luck.



"This scope is primarily going to be for hunting. I plan on getting a BDC turret made by gunwerks. How important is zero-stop, and how important is high-speed."
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

I would just pay to have yours upgraded. I have seen quite a few scopes like yours sell used in the $1100-$1400 range. You will then spend more than $350 to buy a new one with HS and ZS. JMO
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

What ever fits on your credit card is the best scope to get. Trust me, you won't be happy unless you get the best one. Doesn't matter if it's not even on a gun. Get the best one. And if you can get someone to loan you more than you've got, do it. Or better yet, sell the gun to help fund the scope. Because if you can afford it, it's probably not the best. And you don't want to be left with something that's not the bestest most awesome even if you never use it.

Free advice, no charge.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would at least get a zero stop. </div></div>

I had two upgraded. Get HS and ZS. Lastbthing you want is to be on a expensive hunt and question your zero. You have a great scope, get it like you want it. It would have cost you more then, so go for it now.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

'Kind of far out but I kinda got to agree with TwoGun. Invest in the bestest glass you can afford. Guns tend to come and go.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

I agree with TWOGUN to some extent. Happiness and confidence is a big part of success. But, so is work and knowledge. If you learn to use the scope you have & you practice frequently(dry runs and math drills too)the standard knobs should be fine. I personally, after 4 different scopes, prefer a high speed knob, but do not use a zero stop for hunting. With a standard knob just be sure to note or mark where your zero is on the turret housing/tower so you don't get lost in revolution. Just use a silver machinist pencil or colored tape. I am no expert, and many on here have more rounds down range than I will ever have, but this are from my own trials and errors. Afterall, you have a Nightforce, if you dont like your setup, you CAN have it upgraded by the factory later with no loss of value.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Very valid point. I can always have it upgraded. I am anal about everything, but I feel better getting all of your opinions on the matter. I will learn to use the one I have and upgrade if need be.

Thanks
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

dan25,
The guys that are using or plan to use the BORS system will gladly buy your scope. I would call Barrett to see if they have any leads as to who might want your scope.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

i fyou like the reticle, keep it. shoot it more and then decide if it meets your needs.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Does anyone have current experience with NF in lead time for the conversion to zero stops and HS turrets?
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

How many shots are you firing on a given outing? More then likely 0 to 2-3 on a good trip. Your better off learning how to mil with your reticle. It takes quite a bit of time to range find your game, gather and enter all the other info along with making the necessary scope adjustments. Trying to do this to fast could be like that old saying, garbage in garbage out.

In most cases zeroing at a further distance say 200-300 on the elevation. Then dial up a few clicks, see how much that changed your point of impact. That way you can see the change. Your not dialing up major changes both up and down from one minute to the next. A piece of tape to mark your basic zero.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

Sounds good guys. I will shoot what I have and see how it works. I will post pics of my custom AJ Brown rifle when I get it.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

If you decide to upgrade the knobs, I'd make sure you match the reticle and knobs so they are both milradian based. It really does make things easier.
 
Re: Nightforce upgrade or new scope?

I have a NF without HS & ZS. I also would like those options, but I have not had any issues without them and probably won't do the upgrade. However, if I ever decide that I have to have them, I would not sell mine. I would do the upgrade.