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Rifle Scopes Which nightforce for precision AR

bribri

bribri

Always Smooth
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    • Sep 21, 2009
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    Nebraska
    #1
    I am building a precision AR 15 chambered in 6.5 grendel and will be using the rifle for steel shooting out to 500 yards or more and use it for a hog/deer/varmint rifle so will it will be carried in the field.

    I am looking at two Nightforce scopes what do you think?

    2.5-10x32 or 3.5-15x50
     
    #2
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I use a 5.5-22x56, but I think you will really like the 3.5-15 out of the 2 you mentioned.
     
    #6
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    Just to give you an idea of your options, here is a mockup of a NF 5.5-22x56 on an AR (cradled in a NF unimount). It is 32oz and 15.2" in length. The 3.5-15x50 you asking about is pretty close in size (30oz, 14.7"). These are great scopes for your purposes if you don't mind that big of a scope. The 2-10x32 is a whole different animal (19oz, 12"). For a "Precision AR," of your two choices I would go for the 3.5-15; plinking steel 500+ with some hunting, since it sounds like the extra scope weight wouldn’t be a hindrance, and the extra magnification is nice...

    scope2.jpg


     
    #7
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    Thanks for the replies, I will probably go with the 3.5-15x50, any suggestions on what I should use to mount this scope with. I want to keep the scope as low as possible because my buttstock will not have an adjustable cheeckpeice. I will be using Magpul's UBR.
     
    #10
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    For rings I would get the NF unimount. If you get the NF one ask for the lower of the two for 50mm objective. Regular rings will not get your scope forward enough (unless you get the riser/extension/swan etc). The unimount looks very clean and is lightweight, has 20MOA built in ,etc. The lower one (not the taller 1.375") should get you a good cheek weld without having to raise the stock.

    UNIMOUNT pic
     
    #11
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Storm Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For rings I would get the NF unimount. If you get the NF one ask for the lower of the two for 50mm objective. Regular rings will not get your scope forward enough (unless you get the riser/extension/swan etc). The unimount looks very clean and is lightweight, has 20MOA built in ,etc. The lower one (not the taller 1.375") should get you a good cheek weld without having to raise the stock.

    UNIMOUNT pic </div></div>


    Thanks I'll look into it, I also thought about a larue tactical as well.
     
    #12
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR



    scope2.jpg


    Hey storm tactical can you even get a butler creek flip open cap on that? To me it looks like the objective is to close to the forearm maybe I would want the higher NF mounts.
     
    #14
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I'll be the odball here............ 2.5-10X32 and a LaRue LT- 104 mount. I could not imagine putting that large of a scope on a compact lightweight rifle. I tried using a mount lower than the LT-104, and it was too low for me. LaRue engineers his mounts specifically for an AR, so they are the proper height.

    At 500 yards and in, a 10X optic is enough magnification.
     
    #15
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I'd go 3-15 for a precison AR if NF were my option.


    LT 104's may be the proper height for you (and keep in mind they are designed for heads-up shooting, not prone), but they're about 1/4" too high for me.

    10X being "enough magnification" is a highly subjective remark as well. It all depends on application and preference. When I hear "precision AR" I'm thinking moa sized targets, not torso sized, so I like more power.
     
    #16
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

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

    Hey storm tactical can you even get a butler creek flip open cap on that? To me it looks like the objective is to close to the forearm maybe I would want the higher NF mounts. </div></div>

    Proper cheekweld should trump cap application in my opinion......
     
    #18
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I have the burris zee signature xtra high with 30mm tube by 50 obj. on the pof and butler creek - i have about 1/2 mm (that's a guess) between the front cap and the rail. I actually have to cant the cover up (so it's not exactly flush with the front of the scope) so it can flip out sideways and not brush the rail. I like it going out sideways instead of up... If i were to do it again... i would get the larue QD 104 mount.
     
    #19
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd go 3-15 for a precison AR if NF were my option.


    LT 104's may be the proper height for you (and keep in mind they are designed for heads-up shooting, not prone), but they're about 1/4" too high for me.

    10X being "enough magnification" is a highly subjective remark as well. It all depends on application and preference. When I hear "precision AR" I'm thinking moa sized targets, not torso sized, so I like more power. </div></div>

    I was just going off what he stated. He said steel shooting, and hog/deer/varmint out to 500 yards. I just prefer a smaller scope on a carry rifle.

    I do agree with you if he is shooting MOA size targets at that range.

    I love looking through the full size NF scopes, but just can't justify carrying one through the woods. I would recommend looking at both before purchasing if at all possible.
     
    #22
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We have sold a lot of 3.5-15x50mm and 2.5-10x to guys that have Precision AR uppers. We have some good deals on the 2.5-10x24mm w/ 0-Stop MIL on MIL.

    </div></div>

    Those are good deals! If I did not already have 5 of the compact NF series, I would pick one up.
     
    #23
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bebberson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey storm tactical can you even get a butler creek flip open cap on that? To me it looks like the objective is to close to the forearm maybe I would want the higher NF mounts.</div></div>
    That scope has the 56mm objective and the higher unimount (1.375"). The scope is just sitting in the rings for the pic, I think it actually tilted down a bit (you can see the scope is just a bit off the rear ring), and a butler creek would fit on it once it was actually installed in the unimount with top rings torqued. I also love Larue mounts, but for my definition of a "Precision AR," I would prefer a mount that bolts on, not one with quick release levers.

    I would say if you are going to be doing <span style="font-weight: bold">a lot</span> of carrying in the field, the 3.5-15 is a pretty hefty scope. I would personally not mind the extra ounces because when you do the slow fire prone steel shooting, you will like the extra magnification. I guess it depends on what percentage of each you are planning to do, and personal preference. Mark

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We have sold a lot of 3.5-15x50mm and 2.5-10x to guys that have Precision AR uppers. We have some good deals on the 2.5-10x24mm w/ 0-Stop MIL on MIL. </div></div>
    I have gotten all my 3 NF from CS Tactical, all Mil/Mil great service and prices...
     
    #24
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    Much of the tilt is the 20 MOA slope in the mount. A long scope with a sunshade on a flattop AR makes the slope readily apparent. That mount is about right for a 50mm objective IMHO, but I'd want a bit higher for a 56.
     
    #25
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I just installed a NF 5.5-22 NP-R1 w/zero stop on a JP 20" upper build. The mount is a JP. I will be using this rifle for matches out to 600 yards to will not be packing it around in the field.

    My eyes now days are not what they were 10+ years ago so I like a bit more magnification.


    Take care,Stan

     
    #26
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I figured there would be more support for the 2.5-10x series. The smaller 2.5-10x is where I'd want to be for an AR platform that's "fielded". The larger objectives and weight just get in the way...and I don't really need the extra magnification for hunting / use in the field (unless I was out west maybe?).

    Punching paper...the tradeoff of weight & size for magnification is not a hindrance. For the field...I'll take mobility and quickness.

    The one downside of the smaller series that I can think of is limited reticles.

    EDIT-- I'll second the vote for CS Tactical. Mike is a stand up guy...always willing to help out members of the shooting community.

    Best,
    Max
     
    #27
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    I decided to go with the 5.5-22 for my AR but I also do longer range target shooting. I think a 3.5-15 would be sufficient for what you want to do (but you can never have too much).
     
    #28
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Storm Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We have sold a lot of 3.5-15x50mm and 2.5-10x to guys that have Precision AR uppers. We have some good deals on the 2.5-10x24mm w/ 0-Stop MIL on MIL. </div></div>
    I have gotten all my 3 NF from CS Tactical, all Mil/Mil great service and prices... </div></div>

    Thanks for all the orders.
     
    #29
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    2.5-10. I don't know why you would want anymore for steel (and it would be good for alot of other shooting). I use a 5.5-22x50 NF on my bolt gun, but I shoot to 1000 yds. Most of the time, I am backing down to about 18 power because of the mirage.
     
    #30
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    Heres my answer...i have the 10X but looking i'm looking to upgrade to the 15X funds pending.

    10X is ok for general precision...but if you want to make shooting those sub MOA groups easier i think the 15X will be better.

    ~Mike
     
    #31
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    You are not going to want any more than the 2.5-10 for any hunting on an AR platform. For steel shooting, 10x will be fine. Ask any Marine.

    If you want a truly precision rifle with high powered optics, you'll have to go with a bolt gun.
     
    #32
    Re: Which nightforce for precision AR

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Leaddog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are not going to want any more than the 2.5-10 for any hunting on an AR platform. For steel shooting, 10x will be fine. Ask any Marine.
    </div></div>

    +1

    The 2.5-10x24 or 2.5-10x32 look way better on an AR than a big benchrest scope and you can shoot steel out to 1K no problem with 10x. Of course, asking folks on this forum whether you need a big scope on your AR is like asking a democrat if we need another government program....of course you do!
    smile.gif
     
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