Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting 1000 yard scope

Both the Nightforces I tried were better than my Swarovski z5 5-25X's when compared side by side in varying conditions. One Nightforce was a 12-42X the other was a 5.5-22X. The Nightforces were either on the same or a lower magnification setting.

Of those two, which reticle would you recommend for a long range hunting rig (6.5 x 280 Rem Improved) for a beginner long range guy?

Ed

I prefer the NP-R1, but you're SOL on either for a new scope, as they discontinued both reticles and replaced them with the MOAR.

I have a couple of the MOAR's and they are a great reticle. People complained that it was a bit thick for their taste, so NF came out with a thinner "T" version.

I have 2 NF NXS and a Leupy Mark 4 M1 16x40 that I use for LR target/F-class shooting. None would be my choice on a hunting rig.

Of the LR scopes I have on other rifles, I guess one of my 1" VX3 4.5-14x40s with M1s or my 30mm VX3 8.5-25x50 would get the nod. Although the latter may be too large for my tastes on a hunting rig. Still lighter than a NF though.

I had a Viper 6.5-20x44 and tracking was a tad "off" out to 600 yds. All the others worked as advertised.

I'm not into fancy reticles. My NXS have NP-R1s. Most of my Leupys, including the VX3 4.5-14x40s and 8.5-25x50 have standard duplexes. As does a Mark 2 6-18x40 I have mounted on a custom 7mm mag.

That said, do not overlook the wide duplex for LR precision work. It is excellent on LR targets due to the thinner center lines. I have the wide duplex on the Mark 4 M1 16x40 and a 4-12x40 CDS. I know you don't hear people say it much, and it wasn't designed for LR shooting, but it is a great LR reticle when coupled with a drop chart and some M1s. I have shot 5-shot 1.25" groups @ 500yds with it 2X in F-class matches. I shoot eggs at 600yds with it. (Not "innanet groups" people here witnessed it ) It is just thin enough to get it done, yet works better on large F-class targets and big game than a fine duplex. It covers less of LR F-class targets than a standard duplex, and "brackets" them better also. It is kinda like getting the best of both worlds out of a fine duplex and standard duplex at the same time, when LR shooting is the goal.

I would figure out the minimum size/power/weight scope you could get by with and go with that. Then add a 20moa base. Probably some flavor of Leupy with M1s and a simple reticle. Just my 2�.....

I would certainly take a Nightforce over any Leupys, but that,s just me. In fact I prefer a S & B over any other.

A bit pricey on the S&B put they are legend.

Never ever looked through a better low light scope. I used Nighforce until I made the mistake of trying a S&B, I was spoiled after that.

Yeah that's what scares me, so I avoid looking through them. LOL

Here is a good buy on the 6500 4.5-30 power.
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Reti...82&sr=8-3&keywords=bushnell+6500

Why not send in one of your leupolds for m1's till you can decide what you want?

I have one of those. During the day it requires 1X less magnifiation for me to see the same detail as it does for my Swarovski z5 5-25X52. For example if I see the fork antlers 131 yards away with the Bushnell on 10X the Swarovski will require 11X. In low light if the Bushnell needs 15X the Swarovski will still need only 11X.

At the top end the Bushnell needs 27X for me to see the detail the Swarovski shows me on 25X. The eye relief is about the same for both. Also it does not change through out the magnification range.

My Bushnell weighs 22.5 ounces.

Clarity and quality, many will never understand it.