Which Nightforce for .50 BMG
- Thread starter mopar92
- Start date
- Status
marinetowgunner
Member
5.5-22 NXS would be the route I would go. Ton of adjustment in that magnification range (100MOA I believe) and plenty enough magnification in my opinion to stretch the legs on that rifle.
What manufacture 50 are you shooting?
What manufacture 50 are you shooting?
dubbleA
Member
Another vote for the 5.5x22NSX which is somewhat middle of the road in useful power. The 8-32 and 12-42 could be used for very precision ELR shooting though the conditions play a huge factor when using that much power.
You can really reach out with a .50 and I'd prefer something more that 22X, but when you get to the higher magnification scopes, you sacrifice a good bit of internal adjustment.
The 5.5-22X is probably the best compromise. I have one on my target .308 and it's been enough for me thus far.
On a side note, why the mildot reticle (although Nightforce's implementation is nice)? Have you checked out the MLR reticle. I'd also opt for the Zero Stop option.
The 5.5-22X is probably the best compromise. I have one on my target .308 and it's been enough for me thus far.
On a side note, why the mildot reticle (although Nightforce's implementation is nice)? Have you checked out the MLR reticle. I'd also opt for the Zero Stop option.
henschman
Member
What do you plan on doing with the rifle, and what distances will it be used at?
CharlieDeltaJuliet
Member
What henschman said.....What kind of distance are you wanting to shoot. I shoot beyonds a 1200 yards with my 50, and will soon move it on out to a mile and hopefully beyond. I have a 30x on mine, and the target looks aweful small at 1200, much less beyond that. With a 50, I cannot see how more magnification is a bad thing. I would personally want the 8-30 even though that is alot of magnafication on the low end.
CharlieDeltaJuliet
Member
If you are not going past 800 then you would be fine with a 22x. I have seen a 50 bmg shoot 1200+ with a straight 10x. It is just a bit tougher without the magnification. But props to you for putting good glass on it......that is the most important thing with a 50.
I checked out the site. Did you get the optional 30MOA base for it? If you're running the optional base, you could go for the higher magnification scope and sacrifice a bit of internal elevation adjustment.
Still, if 800 is all you're going to do, then the 22X is adequate. I'd still consider that a compromise. The .50 has some pretty long legs and who knows? You may get the opportunity to let it stretch its legs and then you might be wishing for more magnification. Buying a $2K+ scope is not where you want to get the wrong thing.
Still, if 800 is all you're going to do, then the 22X is adequate. I'd still consider that a compromise. The .50 has some pretty long legs and who knows? You may get the opportunity to let it stretch its legs and then you might be wishing for more magnification. Buying a $2K+ scope is not where you want to get the wrong thing.
CharlieDeltaJuliet
Member
Tony is right. Plus if you spend a little more and get a little better NightForce, it is really the investment. I assure that it will be worth more of its retail value in a few years than most others except Schmidt & Bender, US Optice..etc. The good scopes dont lose alot of value...
50 Shooter
member
I have the 5.5-22x56mm scope on my AR-50 and have never had an issue at long ranges with it on 22x. I've shot out to 2000 yards, best thing about it is the fact that it has the most MOA adjustments if you look at the NXS Vs. benchrest.
Zero stops and velocity reticles are just gimicky marketing that will add to the cost of the scope.
Zero stops and velocity reticles are just gimicky marketing that will add to the cost of the scope.
bubba15301
Member
will the nightforce scope hold up to the recoil of a 50?
MachIVshooter
Member
I run a 6-24x 60mm on my AR-50, furthest I have shot is 880 yards. It was more than enough magnification.
Certainly. Most .50's are so heavy, they don't actually recoil all that hard. There is the concussion factor, as well, but I haven't found it to be problematic. I've had much more trouble with scopes on lightweight sporters in heavy cartridges; My 7.5 lb 700 BDL-SS .375 Ultra is a scope killer.
Certainly. Most .50's are so heavy, they don't actually recoil all that hard. There is the concussion factor, as well, but I haven't found it to be problematic. I've had much more trouble with scopes on lightweight sporters in heavy cartridges; My 7.5 lb 700 BDL-SS .375 Ultra is a scope killer.
dubbleA
Member
Didnt know NF made a model like that, are you sure it's a Nightforce?
MachIVshooter
Member
Never said it was. Just illustrating that 20x + is plenty of magnification for 800-1,000 yard work. Also, Nightforce is a higher quality scope than what I have, so if mine is holding up fine, I know a NF would.
I don't think that I'd call the Zero Stop option a gimmick. It certainly isn't anything that you need; but it is nice to be able to find your base zero quickly, especially if you dial a lot. Besides, having it will also make the scope easier to sell. It is an option that many desire, even if they don't need it.
MTMilitiaman
Member
I'll jump on board with the 5.5-22 NXS. My brother had an 8-32 NXS on his AR-50. He had to get the more inclined base (50 MOA?) to stretch it out. It is counter-intuitive to some to have to go down in magnification to go up in range, but the added internal adjustment you get with the 5.5-22 is well worth it. Plus, you have to put it on 22x with the higher magnification scopes to range with the 2nd Focal Plane reticles anyways.
Speaking of which, if you were planning on doing most of your shooting inside 1500 yards, I would take a good look at the 3.5-15 F1. If I ever get around to doing my 7mm Rem Mag Sendero build, it's the optic I am putting on it. It offers even more internal adjustment than the 5.5-22 and has a First Focal Plane reticle, which allows you to use the ranging feature of the reticle on any magnification.
Speaking of which, if you were planning on doing most of your shooting inside 1500 yards, I would take a good look at the 3.5-15 F1. If I ever get around to doing my 7mm Rem Mag Sendero build, it's the optic I am putting on it. It offers even more internal adjustment than the 5.5-22 and has a First Focal Plane reticle, which allows you to use the ranging feature of the reticle on any magnification.
- Status