Thread: Scopes for long range shooting

No question Nightforce atacr!!!

I like my Kahles K 6-24x56 with the msr reticle. Its FFP and not too heavy.

Not sure how much they are in NZ but they are about 3.2K here.

Here is a report on my S&B 3-12. It's not really for "long range" as my spec was only up to 500m, which is when the 7mm08 runs out of foot pounds.

The scope is heavy but actually one of the shortest available with parallax and dialling.

If you are hunting, the low end of the power range is important. 3.5 or 4x is plenty low enough specially if the exit pupil and field of view are good. I've shot more animals with it under 30m than over 250m.

You'll be on a mission now to actually get hold of scopes to look at. A good bet might be to try and go to a longish range field shoot and ask nicely to look through peoples glass. Pay particular attention to whether you like the crosshairs - fine or bold, fancy or plain, whether you like first or second focal plane and specially the exit pupil which can be an awkward limitation above 12x.

There's better options for 1km shooting i'm sure, but what's wrong with the VX6's? Love my 3-18x, only issue with it is the power ring is really tight.

The VX6 3-18 is superb for LR with the fine reticle

I tested a Kahles K624i recently and it dialed very accurately. Pretty much anything from Nightforce will work well (appropriate magnification of course) and if your on a Budget Sightron. Do'nt get to worked up on FFP ve SFP for target work it makes virtually no difference.

Originally Posted by redbang

Sightrons are the best value for money IMHO

Though the long range ones I have used are painfully picky on eye relief.

Nice to dream of a 1 k shot.
Start shooting and training for hitting diner plate target size every time from first cold shot . That might set back your limits a bit.
Good luck

Originally Posted by MattyP

There's better options for 1km shooting i'm sure, but what's wrong with the VX6's? Love my 3-18x, only issue with it is the power ring is really tight.

Check your rings are lapped as this can cause tight power ring if rings are not coming together square

Originally Posted by 25/08IMP

Check your rings are lapped as this can cause tight power ring if rings are not coming together square

@25/08IMP how do you mean lapped? Would like to resolve it without sending it to Leupold and being scopeless for a couple of months. I hear their customer service is excellent though.

Originally Posted by MattyP

@25/08IMP how do you mean lapped? Would like to resolve it without sending it to Leupold and being scopeless for a couple of months. I hear their customer service is excellent though.

Put the scope out in the sun for half an hour and turn the power ring around to evenly distribute the assembly lube, it will free up with use

Lapping squares up (or aligns) the rings.
But it depends what type of runs you have. I.e. optilocks or Burris signature z rings have inserts so don't get lapped.
But the likes of warne do.

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Put the scope out in the sun for half an hour and turn the power ring around to evenly distribute the assembly lube, it will free up with use

Can I leave the scope attached to the rifle and do this? Or does it need to be unmounted so the lube will distribute better?

I've heard the free up with use one, but i've literally sat there for an hour turning it back and forward from 3x to 18x and it seemed to make very little difference. Maybe some.

Do I have the rings on too tight? That's another one i've heard.

Originally Posted by MattyP

Can I leave the scope attached to the rifle and do this? Or does it need to be unmounted so the lube will distribute better?

I've heard the free up with use one, but i've literally sat there for an hour turning it back and forward from 3x to 18x and it seemed to make very little difference. Maybe some.

Do I have the rings on too tight? That's another one i've heard.

If its tight off rifle it is most likely lack of use. One of my scopes is three years old and still quite tight

Originally Posted by MattyP

Can I leave the scope attached to the rifle and do this? Or does it need to be unmounted so the lube will distribute better?

I've heard the free up with use one, but i've literally sat there for an hour turning it back and forward from 3x to 18x and it seemed to make very little difference. Maybe some.

Do I have the rings on too tight? That's another one i've heard.

Yep leave it on the rifle and sit outside with it, the hot sun will warm it up quick, as will a hairdryer.