Brand new Nightforce - can't move turrets!

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canucklehead

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Guys,

Just bought a brand new NF 1-4x off a respected gentlemen off here... Scope looks unused and brand new... Very good price, so quite happy!

However... The turrets are so stuff, they won't budge! Not a zero stop model, so they SHOULD turn either way, but are totally frozen in place. Trying to force them (gripping with a mason jar opener thing... Rubber 'mat') just causes the cap to turn, but not the turret. I don't want to force it any more!

Any thoughts? Ideas? I can't be the first one with this issue, so putting it out there to see if anyone knows of a way to break these in a little?

I'll call nightforce tomorrow, but though I'd ask here first! Thanks guys!
 
Can you post a pic ? On some of the compact NXS, the turret is below a cap (kinda like what Ben is saying). The cap comes off to reveal a thumb adjustable turret
 
Well, got it figured out. I removed the cap, and gripped the actual turret (a smooth silver turret with a small groove for the cap screw to grip) with waterpump pliers and a leather strip.

The turrets were very tight, but after turning them back and forth with the pliers, they loosened right up! The scope was brand new, but older stock I think. Either way, I reattached the caps, and now it adjusts perfectly!

I've owned a few NF scopes, but never brand new, so maybe this is normal? Thanks for the help anyways guys! :)
 
I have noticed some difference in terms of turret tension. I think there is a way you can actually adjust this tension ( I kind of remember reading it when trying to figure out how to increase windage adjustments on a Zero Stop model NF).
 
I know Nightforce is not high quality German optics but I've never heard of any scope brand where pliers and leather strip are needed to turn the turrets. I have a 34 year old Redfield that's not been mounted and used for at least 10 years and the turrets still turn very easily.

Your scope is more likely defective and you should ask for a refund.
 
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Guys - the scope is/was brand new, but almost a year old. I figure the oil or whatever stiffened up, preventing the turrets from moving. After 'breaking them loose', they now turn perfectly - just like my other NF scopes.

I probably COULD have gotten them to move without the pliers and leather, but since the caps attach with a small set screw, I didn't want to apply TOO much force. To be honest, they way the caps attach on the 'non-zero stop' models seems a little bit... dainty? Never really had an issue with NF caps, but it does seem like a weak point.

Either way - scope works perfectly now... no issues. No need for a refund! :) At the price I paid, I'd never find another for even close ($750 + shipping!!!!). Thanks guys!
 
canucklehead said:
Guys - the scope is/was brand new, but almost a year old. I figure the oil or whatever stiffened up, preventing the turrets from moving. After 'breaking them loose', they now turn perfectly - just like my other NF scopes.

I probably COULD have gotten them to move without the pliers and leather, but since the caps attach with a small set screw, I didn't want to apply TOO much force. To be honest, they way the caps attach on the 'non-zero stop' models seems a little bit... dainty? Never really had an issue with NF caps, but it does seem like a weak point.

Either way - scope works perfectly now... no issues. No need for a refund! :) At the price I paid, I'd never find another for even close ($750 + shipping!!!!). Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

I had a BNIB 2.5-10x NF have the exact same problem. In speaking with a NF rep, they told me to give it a little more muscle. I had my reservations about using force on a precision optic. But wouldn't you know it, they were right. It's almost as though the factory put a very weak locktite on it and once you defeated it, it was as smooth as butter.
 
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