Nightforce Benchrest 12-42x56 Rifle Scope

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5.0

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Would recommend this product.

100%

SKU: 117-NF-BENCHREST-12-42X56
Manufacturer: Nightforce

I recently acquired the Nightforce 12-42x56mm Precision Benchrest riflescope with an illuminated reticle. It has been mounted on my custom 6.5x47 mm Lapua and will be used in long-range (600 and 1200 yard) shooting competitions. I selected the NP-2DD reticle as it provides a straightforward sight picture and has a sharp and clear edge-to-edge presentation throughout all magnification settings. The 56mm objective and 30mm tube provide ample light transmission in all conditions. The forward bell parallax/fine focus feature offers a wide range of precise adjustments. The target dot is ideal for my needs. As a demonstration, I used a 1/2-inch target at 100 yards and was able to precisely hit the target 100 times, both vertically and horizontally, using the scope's target dot at the maximum 42x magnification. This riflescope is of exceptional quality and offers all the advertised benefits. If you're in search of a well-made optical instrument for your long-range shooting needs, the Nightforce Benchrest riflescope is definitely worth considering.

I have recently acquired my second Nightforce 12-42x56mm riflescope, with the first residing on a .338 Lapua Mag. This new one will be mounted on a 6.5-284 Norma. I use it for long-range shooting, up to 1000 yards, and have found the glass to be clear and the zero points to be consistently repeatable. The 42x magnification is just as clear as the 12x, with only a minimal amount of chromatic aberration at the edges of the field at 42x. The illumination is a nice feature, but I have not used it in the field. Among all the scopes I own, the only one with better glass is my Zeiss HD5 Conquest 5-25x50. I have the NP-R2 reticle, which has thin lines that are ideal for windage holdover. My only criticisms of this scope are the covers on the elevation and windage knobs, which are not necessary for benchrest shooting, and the small size of the elevation and windage thimbles, which can be problematic for those with older eyes. The parallax adjustment is made by rotating the front barrel of the scope, which is not as convenient as side-adjustable controls but is not a major issue for benchrest shooters who are making several shots at the same distance at one time. Overall, this riflescope lives up to the Nightforce name.

The Nightforce riflescope is being utilized on a Savage FTR 308 rifle for benchrest and prone shooting. The glass is of the typical high quality expected from Nightforce. Additionally, I also ordered a Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm scope, which is also a great option, but the Nightforce riflescope performs better in low light conditions. The illumination feature is especially useful in lower light situations and against dark backdrops. I am very fond of the NP-2DD reticle. Although I am still breaking in the rifle, I have been able to see .17 caliber holes in targets at 250 yards, which leads me to believe that the riflescope will perform exceptionally well out to 1000 yards.

After owning a Vortex Golden Eagle and appreciating its 1/8 MOA adjustments, high magnification, and reticle, I was disappointed with its poor light transmission at high magnification and discovered the Nightforce riflescope at a similar price point. Although it has a lower maximum magnification of 18x, it is illuminated, which is a significant advantage for me. From the moment I received it, I could tell the quality of the Nightforce riflescope was top-notch. The dials have a positive and stiff click adjustment, and the light transmission is excellent in all lighting conditions. The parallax adjustment on the objective is within reach, so I do not have to move out of position, and it is smooth, not gritty like some cheaper benchrest scopes. The only downside, as noted by other reviewers, is that the illumination may be too dim in bright sunlight.

The Nightforce riflescope is equipped with extremely sharp optics and can be accurately mounted and shot straight out of the box with just two minor adjustments at 300 yards. The NP-2DD reticle may not be easily visible at low magnifications, especially in low light or foggy conditions. However, the reticle is always crisp and small enough, even at the highest magnification of 42x, to not obstruct the target picture. This riflescope is excellent for genuine long-range shooting, whether for benchrest or varmint hunting.

The Nightforce riflescope offers exceptional clarity and boasts one of the finest crosshairs for precision shooting. Although it does experience a significant amount of Chromatic Aberration, especially at higher magnifications, the shooter can adjust the magnification to reduce the effect. For instance, setting the magnification between 30-36x helps to minimize Chromatic Aberration and mirage. In ideal conditions, the shooter can go up to 42x, but for most shooting scenarios, a lower magnification is recommended.

In my opinion, this is one of the best scopes on the market, provided that the price point doesn't drive you away. But the cost is worth it! I own two: one on my benchrest rifle and the other on my F-Class rig. Outstanding optics that offer unmatched clarity and light gathering capability. I highly recommend this scope, but it is probably more scope than most people need.

This is one remarkable piece of "glass"!! The optics are bright and clear, as one would expect from any state of the art scope made by Nightforce. I also recommend the Nightforce mounts and rings, as they are solid and substantial enough to stand up under the recoil of any caliber if you are considering powerful optics for long range shooting.

Built like a tank! Purchased this Nightforce Precision Benchrest 12-42×56 scope to put on a new 1000yd Benchrest rifle. This is my first Nightforce, and WOW what clarity! So clear it seems it doesn't get any darker when going from 12 to 42! Love the scope will purchase another one!

For years I've debated with myself whether to buy a high-end scope or not. After reading many reviews and doing many in-store try-outs of various brands, I decided to go with a Nightforce Benchrest scope, and I am much impressed and pleased. The optics are very sharp and clear throughout all power settings, nice reticle, and good illumination if you need it. I have this scope mounted on a 6mm Ackley Improved rifle and I am sure it will be the undoing of many varmints as well as being a lot of fun at the range.

This is without a doubt the best scope I've owned. Clear, bright optics, crisp reticle lines great groups out past 100 yards. Haven't had a chance to play on any real long ranges yet... The Nightforce Scope on a Remington 700 .308 or better makes a great package...

I only wish I could give the Precision Benchrest 12-42×56 a higher rating. This scope is as good as they come. Optics are extremely clear, and I think their open circle mil-dot reticle is the best on the market. I only wish they cost less, so I could buy more. No need to bring a spotting scope to the range when you bring this scope along!