Nikon 4-16x42 or 5-20x44

[Southernfryedyankee]

For my first custom medium range tac rifle in 300 win mag? I plan on a plex reticle that I will dial in the ranges. I will have a 300 yard zero gun)

Gear so far

Savage magnum action T&T
Stockade Tactical stock bedded
SSS trigger
SSS tactical bolt handle
26" Mcgowen 1" str8 taper bull barrel (should be here tomorrow)
EGW base opened up for 8-40 screws
I think I have decided on Seekins low rings

Now I have to decide on a scope. My goal is to eventually hit 1000 yds. I have had great luck with all of my Nikons so why change

 

[fireroad]

Sounds like you got yourself a pretty nice setup so far. I'm a fan the 4-16x42, and I'm sure the 5-20x44 is a great scope too. As long as a low setting of 5 will work for you, you may want to consider the 5-20 as I'm not sure that the 4-16 is useable all the way to 16 (I've never dialed past 12, but I only shoot to 600). I got rid of another 4-12 scope because the 12 was basically unuseable.

 

[Southernfryedyankee]

you may want to consider the 5-20 as I'm not sure that the 4-16 is useable all the way to 16

Can you explain what you mean by this

 

[fireroad]

Sorry, what I meant by "useable" is a scope's ability to resolve (see fine detail) at the higher magnification setting. Take 3 4-14 scopes, one low priced, one med priced and one high priced. At the 14 power setting on the low priced you may be able to tell an object at 600 yards is a deer. On the med priced scope at the same distance you may be able to tell that the same object is a buck. Finally, with the high priced scope you may be able to tell that the same object at the same distance is a 10 point buck. Make sense? It all depends on what you are trying to see at what distance and how clearly.

 

[Southernfryedyankee]

Sorry, what I meant by "useable" is a scope's ability to resolve (see fine detail) at the higher magnification setting. Take 3 4-14 scopes, one low priced, one med priced and one high priced. At the 14 power setting on the low priced you may be able to tell an object at 600 yards is a deer. On the med priced scope at the same distance you may be able to tell that the same object is a buck. Finally, with the high priced scope you may be able to tell that the same object at the same distance is a 10 point buck. Make sense? It all depends on what you are trying to see at what distance and how clearly.

AHHHHHHHHHH ok I understand now. The scope decision is still in the air so I shall what kind of prices I can get or what auctions I win. Thanks for the reply

 

[bigngreen]

I have been looking at the Nikons also, I really like the three turrets. I was looking at the 5-20x44 but was a little concerned about 1/8 min. clicks and loosing all that elevation you get only 34 MOA.
I think I may try to snag the 4-16x50, a little larger objective should help when you crank it up to the higher magnification. You get 40 MOA of adjustment with the 4-16's which isn't that much more but every little bit helps.
I have seen a couple good deals on the 6-24x50 but I think I need the MOA.

 

[Southernfryedyankee]

I have been looking at the Nikons also, I really like the three turrets. I was looking at the 5-20x44 but was a little concerned about 1/8 min. clicks and loosing all that elevation you get only 34 MOA.
I think I may try to snag the 4-16x50, a little larger objective should help when you crank it up to the higher magnification. You get 40 MOA of adjustment with the 4-16's which isn't that much more but every little bit helps.
I have seen a couple good deals on the 6-24x50 but I think I need the MOA.

Actually I have a Nikon non tac 4-16x50 and mine has 63 MOA adjustment. I called Nikon because I thought it was a mistake and the guy told me that they always put the lowest MOA just to be safe and most of the Nikons have more windage and elevation than advertised. I am considering putting the 4-16x50 on my tac and just getting another Nikon for my 7mag. I have a few months before rifle season starts and I can just get a new scope for my 7mag. I still have a 308, 243 and a slugger to hunt with so if my 7mag isnt up and running I still have options. I still really like that 5-20x44 only because I can see bullet hits down range without a spotting scope but $$$$ is tight right now so I may have to play musical scopes again.

 

[bigngreen]

I should go down to the store and crank one of the 6-24 up and count to see what the actual amount is that is avaliable. I think the 5-20 is about the perfect range for a hunting scope, but I'm hooked on the larger oblective.

I have been doing the switcharo all year waiting for a WO Tac 4-14 but they are dragging there feet and I may end up getting some kinda Nikon. Scope dollars are tight here also, man it sucks.

 

[fireroad]

How are the optics in the 5-20x44 compared to the 4-16x42? What is the shortest distance you can resolve at 5 power? The 5-20 seems like overkill but it would be nice to see holes downrange without a scope. I want to stick with a 42 or 44 as a 50mm mounts too high for me.

 

[Southernfryedyankee]

I am not sure I have never compared the 2. I did once have a 5-20x44 and I sold it. It was great glass but I to was hooked on the 50's.

 

[Southernfryedyankee]

I have been looking at the Nikons also, I really like the three turrets. I was looking at the 5-20x44 but was a little concerned about 1/8 min. clicks and loosing all that elevation you get only 34 MOA.
I think I may try to snag the 4-16x50, a little larger objective should help when you crank it up to the higher magnification. You get 40 MOA of adjustment with the 4-16's which isn't that much more but every little bit helps.
I have seen a couple good deals on the 6-24x50 but I think I need the MOA.

If memory serves it did have 1/8 clicks until you switched the turrets which then if memory serves gave it 1/4" clicks. If you are gonna change the turrets anyway go with the 5-20x44 as it comes with 2 extra sets of turrets. I bought the tall target set for my 4-16x50

 

[fireroad]

I have no plans to mess with the turrets, I'm a holdover type of guy