Mid to Long Range scope for new custom rifle

[jayquiver]

Last piece of the puzzle....Scope for my 1st custom rifle chambered in 7 saum. Specs - Manners EH1 stock, Defiance Machine Anti XM action length, Carbon Proof barrel 22”. It weighs 6 1/4 pounds with no rings or scope.

I have a vx5 3-15 x44 with a duplex reticle that I could put on it but I am thinking a different scope may be better for what I want to do with it. Built it to be a hunting rifle that could reach out to 600-700 yards on big game and shooting steel at 1000+ yards for practice.

1st question - Would a different scope help me get want I want out of my rifle? If so what should I change, reticle? Turret system ( for more repeatable dialling)?

Wants
Repeatable tracking
Well built
Under 30oz is preferred
Under $3500 Canadian
4x max on the low end. Still hunt a lot of bush

Not sure about FFP or SFP. Would prefer SFP but am open to FFP, I have never owned a FFP scope before.

Considerations

Zeiss V4 4-16x50 SFP - good reticle, heard that are reliable and repeatable for tracking. Locking windage.

Zeiss V6 3-18 x50 SFP- ok reticle. Windage turret isn’t locking which concerns me for a hunting rifle.

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 SFP - good mag range. Mounting it with enough eye relief may be an issue. I have read some people have had issues with in on their long actions. Mine is a Medium action so I may be ok but not sure.

Nightforce Atacr 4-16x42 FFP - Locking turret. Low profile, good reticle. At 30oz. Only thing I am unsure of is FFP. I really like the specs on this one.

Any scopes on my list I should avoid or others that I should add to my list? Or just use what I have, VX5?

Where I use to live Northern Alberta it was most hunting was done in the bush and a few cut lines but not "open country". I live close to the mountains now, very different then what I was use to and shots can be long so I need something that reach out a little further now.

 

[Broz]

The Nightforce NX8 4~32 in SFP would be my pic for your rifle and intended uses. Or a good ole NXS 5.5 x 22 at 32 oz.

 

[Broz]

The Nightforce NX8 4~32 in SFP would be my pic for your rifle and intended uses. Or a good ole NXS 5.5 x 22 at 32 oz.

 

[Gord0]

The NXS 3.5-15 would be another to look at. Not the mag range of the NX8, but a very solid and reliable scope at 30oz.

 

[Willys]

The Nightforce NX8 4~32 in SFP would be my pic for your rifle and intended uses. Or a good ole NXS 5.5 x 22 at 32 oz.

This!

 

[SoTxShooter]

The Zeiss V4 4-16x would work well for you. It would keep some money in your pocket, and it checks all your boxes. But this is coming from someone who sold one and bought a SFP NX8 to replace it! The NX8 does everything just a tad better in my opinion. But the V4 is no slouch, and would be an upgrade from your VX-5 from my experience.

 

[jayquiver]

@SoTexShooter - how does the glass and eye box between the V4 and NX8

 

[Gord0]

The V4, and NX8 are really in two different classes. Not saying that the V4 isn't a great scope (I have one, and really like it) but it's not in the same class as a nightforce.

 

[mjspeers]

V4 if weight and saving a bit was the priority. If glass quality and reliability was the priority, NF. But I have not had any problems with my V4s at all.

 

[SoTxShooter]

@SoTexShooter - how does the glass and eye box between the V4 and NX8

The NX8 gets the nod in overall image and edge to edge clarity from me. The V4 may be slightly easier to get behind, as it doesn’t have the big power range. And the parallax is a little less sensitive. But not by a whole lot.

If you plan on doing a lot of dialing, the biggest advantage the NX8 has is the turrets. And the power ring is easier to move and smoother IMO. And it is a heavier duty scope.

 

[Gord0]

One thing I really like about the NXS scopes that some people don't is when changing power you turn the whole ocular bell. I think it's great because I can just grab right ahold of it instead of a small ring, or a throw lever that may get in the way of running the bolt. Not sure if any of you have smashed fingers between your bolt handle and the throw lever, but it sucks.

 

[Lancetkenyon]

One thing I really like about the NXS scopes that some people don't is when changing power you turn the whole ocular bell. I think it's great because I can just grab right ahold of it instead of a small ring, or a throw lever that may get in the way of running the bolt. Not sure if any of you have smashed fingers between your bolt handle and the throw lever, but it sucks.

See, I HATE that! Probably the biggest reason I never owned a NF. When running caps, your cap spins, and can land where it interferes with your bolt, or your stock.

 

[Gord0]

See, I HATE that! Probably the biggest reason I never owned a NF. When running caps, your cap spins, and can land where it interferes with your bolt, or your stock.

That's when people hate it, when running caps. I don't use caps on my NXS, just the neoprene scope coat.

 

[Chase_J]

If weight is a primary concern, buy the Zeiss V6 3-18. If weight is a secondary or tertiary concern, buy the NX8 4-32.

 

[Broz]

One thing I really like about the NXS scopes that some people don't is when changing power you turn the whole ocular bell. I think it's great because I can just grab right ahold of it instead of a small ring, or a throw lever that may get in the way of running the bolt. Not sure if any of you have smashed fingers between your bolt handle and the throw lever, but it sucks.

THIS!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This is me too. I hate the narrow power rings I would much rather grab the entire eye piece. I never run a cover on the back either, Hate them on any scope no matter what power ring it has.

 

[Mike D Texas]

See, I HATE that! Probably the biggest reason I never owned a NF. When running caps, your cap spins, and can land where it interferes with your bolt, or your stock.

Yep. I was dead set in getting an ATACR but this steered me away from it. The NX8 throw lever position doesn’t interfere with bolt throw.


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[OSOK - Crash]

Yep. I was dead set in getting an ATACR but this steered me away from it. The NX8 throw lever position doesn’t interfere with bolt throw.


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The fix for this is to get a Terminus action with a 60° bolt throw. 😁😇

But in all seriousness, my NX8 doesn't have the lever installed because my bolt interferes with it. Not a big deal. I just adjust by the ring. But I don't think the NX8 will be any different than the ATACR.

**Edit to add: Mine is on a SA.

 

[Mike D Texas]

The fix for this is to get a Terminus action with a 60° bolt throw.

But in all seriousness, my NX8 doesn't have the lever installed because my bolt interferes with it. Not a big deal. I just adjust by the ring. But I don't think the NX8 will be any different than the ATACR.

**Edit to add: Mine is on a SA.

I was talking about Lance’s point on the flip cap issue with the ATACR.

If you use flip caps on the ocular end they will rotate with magnification adjustments. Less than desirable for sure.


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[Willys]

Wow didn’t realize the Atacr end rotated like that - dealbreaker for me. The Nx8 power ring is so knobby a lever is not needed. Has 2 spots for one tho, the first spot will interfer with bolt the second location probably won’t. Never saw a need to add one.

 

[Broz]

Wow didn’t realize the Atacr end rotated like that - dealbreaker for me.

For me that is just a part of what makes the ATAC R the best scope I have ever used. I never run rear caps. Even on an NX8 or any scope with a power ring too. I carry muzzle up stapped to my pack. Rear caps to me are the problem. Not the full turn eye piece. The darn cap is always in the way when open. I often use the bill of my cap to shade the eye piece on bright days. If I rotate the cap left it blocks my view of the level. If up it hits my cap. If right or down it obstructs bolt travel. Do yourself a favor and toss those darn rear caps in a drawer and forget them for all scopes.

 

[Ladd]

For me that is just a part of what makes the ATAC R the best scope I have ever used. I never run rear caps. Even on an NX8 or any scope with a power ring too. I carry muzzle up stapped to my pack. Rear caps to me are the problem. Not the full turn eye piece. The darn cap is always in the way when open. I often use the bill of my cap to shade the eye piece on bright days. If I rotate the cap left it blocks my view of the level. If up it hits my cap. If right or down it obstructs bolt travel. Do yourself a favor and toss those darn rear caps in a drawer and forget them for all scopes.

I ditched caps altogether. I protect my entire scope with a scope coat either from Gunwerks or MOA rifles. Better all the way around in my opinion.

 

[BadgerTac]

I’d consider the NX8 NXS MK5 or XTRIII as well

 

[OSOK - Crash]

For me that is just a part of what makes the ATAC R the best scope I have ever used. I never run rear caps. Even on an NX8 or any scope with a power ring too. I carry muzzle up stapped to my pack. Rear caps to me are the problem. Not the full turn eye piece. The darn cap is always in the way when open. I often use the bill of my cap to shade the eye piece on bright days. If I rotate the cap left it blocks my view of the level. If up it hits my cap. If right or down it obstructs bolt travel. Do yourself a favor and toss those darn rear caps in a drawer and forget them for all scopes.

Jeff you bring up great points and why you don't use them. I've had the same issues you mention. But the problem I have is that my scope is very close to my barrel, and a scope coat will not fit under and stay secure. I want my lenses protected. Just haven't found anything to replace them.

 

[Gord0]

Jeff you bring up great points and why you don't use them. I've had the same issues you mention. But the problem I have is that my scope is very close to my barrel, and a scope coat will not fit under and stay secure. I want my lenses protected. Just haven't found anything to replace them.

Slightly taller rings. I tend to run my rings a little higher than I could, but the scopecoat fits perfectly then.

 

[Broz]

Jeff you bring up great points and why you don't use them. I've had the same issues you mention. But the problem I have is that my scope is very close to my barrel, and a scope coat will not fit under and stay secure. I want my lenses protected. Just haven't found anything to replace them.

I run either a flip up cap on the front or one of the old NF bikini rubbers. I have been known to visit the bench model belt sander to thin them down on bottom a little to clear a barrel.

 

[Gord0]

I run either a flip up cap on the front or one of the old NF bikini rubbers. I have been known to visit the bench model belt sander to thin them down on bottom a little to clear a barrel.

I wish the NF bikini rubbers had a molded in pull tab for quicker/easier removal.

 

[Broz]

I wish the NF bikini rubbers had a molded in pull tab for quicker/easier removal.

They do. Put one finger under the rubber strap / band where it attaches to the lens cover. Pull out and forward or backward depending on what cap it is. The to install start the side opposite the strap / band stretch and pull over the scope. These really were better than the flip up IMO. A couple wraps of black tape in front of the turret over the strap / band will keep them from getting lost when you pull them off.

 

[Gord0]

They do. Put one finger under the rubber strap / band where it attaches to the lens cover. Pull out and forward or backward depending on what cap it is. The to install start the side opposite the strap / band stretch and pull over the scope. These really were better than the flip up IMO. A couple wraps of black tape in front of the turret over the strap / band will keep them from getting lost when you pull them off.

That's exactly how I take them off. I always feel like I'm going to break them though.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

Slightly taller rings. I tend to run my rings a little higher than I could, but the scopecoat fits perfectly then.

Yeah I am running the NF ultra lights in .883. I am wanting to try some Hawkins rings with the bubble. So this may just get the ball rolling on them. I'll get higher. When I purchased them, I was told you want as low to the barrel as you can.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

I run either a flip up cap on the front or one of the old NF bikini rubbers. I have been known to visit the bench model belt sander to thin them down on bottom a little to clear a barrel.

I can't find the NF bikini rubbers. Are those an older product?

 

[Gord0]

Yeah I am running the NF ultra lights in .883. I am wanting to try some Hawkins rings with the bubble. So this may just get the ball rolling on them. I'll get higher. When I purchased them, I was told you want as low to the barrel as you can.

I went with the nightforce ultralight 1" on my last build. I was pretty sure they would be a little high for the 50mm I was planning on running but it left room for a 56mm if I wanted one.

 

[Gord0]

I can't find the NF bikini rubbers. Are those an older product?

They came with my NXS, but I haven't looked to see if you can buy them separately.

 

[jayquiver]

Was able to look through both NX8's 2.5-20 and 4-32 today . Although it wasn't the best set up it did seem like the 2.5 -20 was a little harder to centre the eye box. But both weren't great. I hear the Atacr is better so I may step up to the Atacr 4-16x42. Could be a nice scope for my 7 Saum.

I also think I want to try FFP for this set up so I may try the Atacr 4-16x42, its a little lighter and more compact, which I like and plenty of magnification for the distances I shoot/hunt.

I am newer to longer range shooting so I am open to learning MOA and MIL.

What reticle in the Atacr 4-16x42 would be better for hunting between MOAR F1, Mil XT, Mil R F1, Mil C F1?