scope set up

[338 EDGE]

Hey guys, just setting up my new nf 12-42 x 56 br scope on my f open rifle . scope is going on a 25 moa barnard rail with warne maxima qr rings . where would be the best position on the rail to mount the scope will this effect elevation adjustment? cal is 6.5 x 47 lapua , thanks heaps mick.

[IanP]

The angle of the ramp is consistent over the length of the ramp so it makes no difference where you screw the mounts down the moa is the same.

You position your scope on the ramp to enable the correct eye relief. You attach the rings to the scope so they are not hard up against a turret and maybe allow enough room for a spirit level to be attached at the end closest to your eye.

The 6.5x47L is a great all round choice, what projectiles will you be using?

IanP

[M12LRPV]

I cant resist Best position is on top of the rail.

In all seriousness though when working out what position to put it in for comfortable eye relief, do it in the prone position as your head will be positioned differently to where it would be on say a benched rifle.

It's an easy trap to fall into to mount the scope and sight in off the bench then get out and try and shoot it prone and need to move the scope.

[Woody_rod]

Some basic thinking for mounting a scope:

- Place the rings as far apart as possible to get the most support for the scope.

- As already stated, if you shoot from a bench, the scope will be in a different position to prone. Usually it needs to go further forward for prone.

- Keep the scope as low as possible to the rifle. I see many that are set very high, which is not ideal.

- Use a level to make sure your rifle is vertical for all shots.

[Matt P]

Woody
Just out of interest why is a high scope not ideal ???
IMO that would depend on shooting style and stock design.

Matt P

[338 EDGE]

Thanks heaps guys, i have had it at the range and zeroed it at 100m and i got on the bull just , elevation wont go any lower am i doing something wrong, thats why i asked about the scopes position in relation to the rail. Yeh ian tried 123 smk, 139 scerar both shoot very well and now have some 123 scenars and 130 bergers to test as well but i think ill need a vld seating stem for the bergers. tried rl15 and 2208, 2209 with 2208 being the best for the 123 smk tried 139 scenars with rl15 only with good results. Scope on rifle then was 6-24x50 4200 bushnell tactical, cheers mick.

[johnk]

Mick,

If you've bottomed out on a 25 MOA rail at 100 yards, then you're going to have to do something to get yourself another 5 moa lean on the scope or you're liable to find yourself in trouble dialling wind. Your best bet could be to fit a set of Burris Signature Zee rings, if you can get some with 5 moa adjusters included. Last time I looked, the 30 mm rings only came with 10 moa adjusters. If you think that is a worthwhile workaround & can't get the stuff locally, PM me. I might be able to sort you out.

Otherwise, if you can do the sums, you could shim the rail to give an extra 5 moa lean using a suitable piece of wire, then bed it in with Devcon or the like. If you aren't experienced with that type of glue & fiddling, I suggest you look for expert assistance.

The problem you're up against is the NF only has 40 moa elevation adjustment. So with 5 moa clearance at 100, the need for something short of 30 moa to 1000 yards, it will just leave enough wiggle room at 1000 to ensure that you windage runs true.

You're goinjg to have to finesse this one.

John

[Woody_rod]

Woody
Just out of interest why is a high scope not ideal ???
IMO that would depend on shooting style and stock design.

Matt P

Well, that is true mate. I think more in terms of practicality. A high set scope is more likely to be damaged, and could have slightly more error if removed and replaced. Probably minor things really.

I just like them set low....a personal preference.

[Woody_rod]

Thanks heaps guys, i have had it at the range and zeroed it at 100m and i got on the bull just , elevation wont go any lower am i doing something wrong, thats why i asked about the scopes position in relation to the rail. Yeh ian tried 123 smk, 139 scerar both shoot very well and now have some 123 scenars and 130 bergers to test as well but i think ill need a vld seating stem for the bergers. tried rl15 and 2208, 2209 with 2208 being the best for the 123 smk tried 139 scenars with rl15 only with good results. Scope on rifle then was 6-24x50 4200 bushnell tactical, cheers mick.

I have yet to try the 123 Scenars in my rifle, but would like to. Am currently using the 139's in my 260.

The scope height issue is the same one I had. I make my own rails which measure 20MOA. I also thought I needed more angle to get down to 300 yards using my T24 Weaver, in fact it is the opposite. Remember, looking through a scope, up is down, and down is up for fall of shot vs. cross ahir position.

If you bore sight your rifle to 300 yards, and you have to aim lower to get the fall of shot higher than where the cross hair is, it means there is TOO MUCH angle on the rail. To bring the cross hair to the fall of shot, the cross hair must go up, which is in fact DOWN for fall of shot.

This means everything staying the same on the rifle, and there then being less angle on the rail, this will bring the cross hair UP, to get the fall of shot to match the cross hair.

My T24 has about 65 minutes of elevation and the same in windage. I now use a ZERO angle rail on my 260, as it only uses 22 minutes elevation above 300 at 1000 yards. 300 yards being only 3.5 MOA above bore sighting. This means there is around 32 MOA available from the center (with the zero angle rail) of which I am using 25 odd.

I would use the rings suggested, or get a rail with a lower angle, say 10MOA.

[RDavies]

The main thing with setting up you scope is that
1 When you are laying down behind your rifle (not on a Bench or kitchen table), your eye is the right distance from the scope. If you find you have to crane your neck forwards or lift it back to get your sight picture right, then it needs to be moved on the rails.
2, Make sure the cross hairs are pretty much horizontal/verticle.
3 As has been mentioned, keep the rings apart as much as possible.

But the real main thing to consider is, if you are an F Open shooter in Sydney you need to get out to as many shoots as possible and practice with your scope and attend every Prize Shoot in the region.