Re: I am looking for writers to test - Nightforce scope
As would be expected, I would be pleased to offer my services. Instead of basing my reviews of this scope on anecdotal evidence from a hunt, I would instead perform the majority of the review and article from tightly controlled tests. Very accurate and specific loads will be developed, their ballistics in the test gun established and accuracy acsertained. Then I would proceed with tests of the scopes accuracy, both in the scope reliability and in the scopes ranging abilities. A hunt for coyotes or ground hogs may follow up the tests for some real life application. However, I would not base the review primarily on a hunt since the circumstances in the hunt can have too large an influence on the scopes ability to perform. My ability to shoot a whitetail or mule deer would do little to convince someone that this scope lives up to its reputation. Scopes of all make and models have accounted for kills. That a kill was made with a scope of a specific brand and model does not make it superior vs. another scope that also has managed a kill.
It seems to me that if some someone were buying this scope, it would be because that person was of an analytical mind. If the person was just looking for a new scope he would primarily be ignoring the additional features the scopes has to offer in favor of whatever his usual method of shooting has always been. Such as shooting known distance regardless of the scopes ability to assist or they would fall back to traditional methods of deciding where to hold over his game animal. So a small part of the review could be in a hunting situation to show the scopes practical value in the field. I would choose to hunt something small. In this type of hunt a scope with range estimating abilities could stand out, a small error in ranging estimating could mean the difference between a hit or miss. However, I can assure you that the consumer looking to this scope would be wanting clear evidence that it does what it promises. I doubt a recounting of a hunt alone would be enough to establish the scopes true worth. As I mentioned , just because that scope was part of a kill means nothing, every other scope on the market has already laid claim to making kills, some under amazing circumstances.
I have also penned several articles, some for technical web sites and some for printed hunting magazines. So I can bring the knowledge of both an analytical mind and one that knows the needs of the hunter and shooter. This scope would appeal to both groups. I think the article would also need to recognize that if you hunt, or just target shoot, this scope can cover a variety of needs. I have a strong marketing background to draw on when writing the final review article.
As for my skill with a gun, my aggregate group size based 30 groups fired for a local compeition was .179, the smallest groups being .012, many under .100 and no groups ever went over .220. This aggregate group size did beat all 26 shooters accross all categories. I also have communicated activley with Glen Newick, who holds the world record with the 6MM BR, (my cartrdige of choice) he confirms, I shoot some nice groups
I look forward to helping readers discern if this scope is the correct one for them.