Decision time..(NF 5.5-22 vs 8-32)

Jake in NC · #1 01-03-2003, 07:07 AM

.. I'm gonna order an NXS in the next coupla days and it's decision time.. I was pretty sure of the 8-32x but I hear a lot of opinions that the 5.5-12x has some advantages.. Scope will have S1's NP-R2 reticle and will be used mostly under 1K for varmints and deer from a "stationary" rifle.. Opinions requested..
Roy says better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.. Waddayouthink.?? JiNC

Brent · #2 01-03-2003, 07:30 AM

Jake you posted "5.5-12", I assume you know it's a 5.5-22 and mistyped. 12 would not be enough, but 22 is just way nice on targets.

I feel strange using all 22 power though, probably because I'm so acustom to 12 at max and it's such a huge jump and small field of veiw from what I'm so familiar with. 30x would be nice if always at or beyond 1000 yards but not unless, for me. Sometimes I already feel like I'm looking through a paper towel roll as it is. I think I'd get closterphobic looking through a 30 power tube and trying to find the target at 8x would be even tougher yet too.

I agree with Roy on this one too, the more just come in the form of FOV field of view though. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

#3 01-03-2003, 09:07 AM

32 power is great past 600 yards on cold dry days. 8 power is not to cool on close range targets. Unless the rifle will make its living past 600, I would choose the 5.5x22. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

#4 01-03-2003, 09:11 AM

I don't like too much magnification. Kills my FOV. Plus I believe the NP-R2 is a non-magnifying reticle so it works on high power.

How often are you going to be on 32X?

The leupold on my STW is 3.5x10. My Lapua is getting a 4.5x14.

I don't shoot varmints, just deer & up so you probable could use a little more power for the varmints.

I think the 5.5 x 22 would be perfect for you.

ewallace · #5 01-03-2003, 09:12 AM

Its 2.5x on the bottum and 10x on the top power I think you should have the 5.5x22 and 8x32 [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] But if I had to pick one the 5.5x22 for the elevation adjestment but that would only come into play past 1000 yards. I have a 8x32 and shoot 32 power a lot.
Crow Mag

Jake in NC · #6 01-03-2003, 01:14 PM

..Hmmm.. Still kindof a head-scratcher.

Brent.. I don't know how many times I proof read my post.. Man, I must be geezin'.. Yessir,I did mean 5.5-22x.. Hehehe.. You said " 22 is just way nice on targets." What targets are you referring to.? Live or paper.? My concern was that a 'hog makes for a small target on out past 5 or 600 yards.. But finding them in a plain green backdrop is a pain with a small FOV, also.. In reality,most shots will be well under 1K with the majority under 750.. This rifle is a 280AI(as of today @ 1435hrs,anyhow.) pasture/cut-over special.

S1.. No "Howdy" today.?? Feelin' sick.? [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
Unfortunately,my little fat furry friends don't seem to have an appreciation of colder weather.. But I DO have a few six-packs of cheap soda that don't care what the temp is [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .. So shooting is done in both conditions.. Roy's theory being that I can always throttle back the 8-32x but there's nothing I can do to increase the 22x.. However.. I have a 20-60x spotter and I routinely have to cut it back to half power to get the clearest image of a target at 500 yards.. Hence,my reason for seeking the advice of others who have been down this path prior to my arrival.. The consensus seems to lean to the 5.5-22x .. My usual 'hoggin setup is one "long gun" and a Contender pistol in .17Rem for anything under 250 or so.. So the possibility of "shorter" shots is high..

John M.. I know whatchya mean about the "too high" magnification.. Roy brought one of his 36x BR scopes afield once and it wasn't very easy to find 'hogs with it..

Crow mag.. I can count on you to finance that little venture(two NF's) for me,right.? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I know you shoot crows.. Have ya done any 'hoggin with your setup.??

JiNC

ewallace · #7 01-03-2003, 01:41 PM

Jake
I have shot deer crows ground hogs Prairie Dogs with the 8x32 and like the ability to crank the power up. I have had the 8x32 NF on my 220 swift 6.5/284 and 338 Yogi it is clear on 32 power . I shot with RBrowning yesterday we could see the numbers on the target at 900 yards on 32 power in the snow with low light. As for the finances I will get one for you if you get one for me
[img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Crow Mag