I just got off the phone with NightForce tech support. So far they are great people to deal with. Mark at NF suggested I run the 104.7" test, which means setup a target at 100yards. Place two dots on the target at 104.7" apart (this is the total distance this model of scope can travel at 100 yards). Setup the rifle in a vice and place crosshair on bottom dot with scope backed right off. Slowly dial up to the top and the crosshair should end up on the upper dot. If it doesnt then there could be a tracking issue. The other test he suggested is the standard box shoot. He told me it would be extremely rare if the tracking went out, but not impossible. He also told me they test this scope on a 14.5mm Russian round with no issue, and its NOT a problem to shoot with the 338 Lapua and no muzzle brake. I'll keep the thread posted.
Strange issue with my Sako 338 Lapua and NF 5.5-22 x 50 scope
- Thread starter datatools
- Start date
I just got off the phone with NightForce tech support. So far they are great people to deal with. Mark at NF suggested I run the 104.7" test, which means setup a target at 100yards. Place two dots on the target at 104.7" apart (this is the total distance this model of scope can travel at 100 yards). Setup the rifle in a vice and place crosshair on bottom dot with scope backed right off. Slowly dial up to the top and the crosshair should end up on the upper dot. If it doesnt then there could be a tracking issue. The other test he suggested is the standard box shoot. He told me it would be extremely rare if the tracking went out, but not impossible. He also told me they test this scope on a 14.5mm Russian round with no issue, and its NOT a problem to shoot with the 338 Lapua and no muzzle brake. I'll keep the thread posted.
Range Update
I took my Sako to the range again today, this time I setup at 100 yards. Tried to shoot a group, but it wasent good. Seems like the POI was changing from shot to shot, resulted in a rather large ugly group (1 3/4" group). Tried to drop MOA 1/2" and it actually dropped more than 1"...so, looks like there is definately something wrong with the scope. I then remounted the muzzle break for the first time, and was surprised by the results. Previously without the break, the rifle kicked hard and quite often the scope light reticle would even turn its self on after a shot. With the break mounted it now feels like shooting a 308, very nice, and the sound pollution is definately manageble. But the best surprise is that its back to shooting 1/2" groups. Now I know it shot like this with the break off, because this is the only way I've ever fired the rifle and it always shot 1/2" or better groups with my handload until yesterday. So it seems like the hard recoil is causing the scope tracking and zero to shift. I'm going to send it back to NF now and get them to investigate.
I took my Sako to the range again today, this time I setup at 100 yards. Tried to shoot a group, but it wasent good. Seems like the POI was changing from shot to shot, resulted in a rather large ugly group (1 3/4" group). Tried to drop MOA 1/2" and it actually dropped more than 1"...so, looks like there is definately something wrong with the scope. I then remounted the muzzle break for the first time, and was surprised by the results. Previously without the break, the rifle kicked hard and quite often the scope light reticle would even turn its self on after a shot. With the break mounted it now feels like shooting a 308, very nice, and the sound pollution is definately manageble. But the best surprise is that its back to shooting 1/2" groups. Now I know it shot like this with the break off, because this is the only way I've ever fired the rifle and it always shot 1/2" or better groups with my handload until yesterday. So it seems like the hard recoil is causing the scope tracking and zero to shift. I'm going to send it back to NF now and get them to investigate.
- Location
- calgary alberta
I seriously doubt it has anything to do with the recoil. A mechanical defect quite possible.
We sell a TON of these scopes every year and install them on much harsher recoiling rifles with no problem.
In the 5 years I have been dealing NF the warranty return rate is under 1% so as others have mentioned, man made things can fail.
I assume the NF folks advised you to ship the scope to us for legal export and re-import to the USA. We are the distributor/warranty depot for NF in Canada and would be happy to help you solve your problem with this scope.
Any of the authorized NF dealers can help you with the return, I would NOT recommend shipping it back directly as without an export permit the US customs people will seize it if it gets checked on import.
I didnt get to the point where he asked my location. It sounds like I need to send the scope to you folks. Can you give me some idea of how long it might take to get the scope back to you from NF. My Sako is going to be out of commision until I get it back
I'm wondering if use in the extreme cold could have contributed to the failure? I've used this rifle in some very cold temps, so its seen lots of cold then warm which results in condensation. Any thoughts??
Question. So muzzle break off, it shoots 1 3/4 inch group. Muzzle on it goes back to shooting well? Again as people have said, crap happens and things can fail but this seems more like a shooter issue, ie developing a flinch or who knows what. Feel free to clarify as that's just what I was picking up from your last post. Your rifle could possibly shoot 1/2 inch groups as you were saying but if you dial in 4 minutes left and it's doing 1/2 inch groups 4 minutes right, of course. Big issue. Hope it works out, nightforce has great warranty and customer service. My scope didn't go down, I tried to kill it by accidentally throwing it off a 300 foot cliff. Didn't work.
Its not a flinch or shooter issue, I'm solid
I've been shooting this rifle for a few months now with no muzzle brake and have not had any issues until just recently. I know the NF scope shouldnt have failed, but I'm convinced it has. No big deal, I just want to get it fixed ASAP so I can get back to shooting .
I'm going to go with it being a shooter issue. Sorry. But if the muzzle brake suddenly causes it to shoot right, its you. But send it back and get NF to check it, you'll just be out the shipping.
As for the rings, those are Sako opti-loc rings. The plastic spacer is designed to improve the contact between rings and scope and to allow for slight inconsistencies in mounting, as they are self centering and all that. they make 34mm rings for S&B scopes, but without the plastic rings. It will not work to remove the inserts and mount a larger scope.
As for the rings, those are Sako opti-loc rings. The plastic spacer is designed to improve the contact between rings and scope and to allow for slight inconsistencies in mounting, as they are self centering and all that. they make 34mm rings for S&B scopes, but without the plastic rings. It will not work to remove the inserts and mount a larger scope.
Well, I asked earlier if the problem went away with the brake but never saw an answer. - dan
- Location
- calgary alberta
I didnt get to the point where he asked my location. It sounds like I need to send the scope to you folks. Can you give me some idea of how long it might take to get the scope back to you from NF. My Sako is going to be out of commision until I get it back
I can see no correlation with the cold, I use my NF scopes in very cold weather and many of the military and LE users are forced to use their in extreme cold not by choice and there is no issue that I am aware of.
Shooting the same rifle with and without the brake on WILL produce differing POI but unless there is some damage done to the crown in the taking off and putting on of the brake, which is possible but unlikley in most cases, the POI will return very closely to what it was originally with the brake being reinstalled.
Any chance you can mount this scope on another rifle and confirm the problem IS the scope?
We ship via Fed EX over night as does NF when it is returned so shipping time is minimal, repair time can vary depending on what they have on the go.
Best I have experienced is 7 days round trip, worst was 45 days round trip due to a US military unit returning all their scopes for cleaning after a tour in the sand box. Apparently the US military returns all optics for cleaning once they have seen duty in the sand. This makes sense to me but can make for longer turnaround times for consumer repairs seeing as the military takes priority.
Your right, I should mount the scope on another rifle to confirm it IS the scope. I'll take some time to investigate further before sending it in. I agree that the cold should have no ill affect. Thanks for taking the time to get back to me on this.
Republic of Alberta
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ,location, location
With the break on the lower recoil could stop the "jiggling" of broken parts on a defective scope and make it seem fine. I had a bad scope that I took off a 7mag and put on my 22-250 and suddenly it worked good. Then I banged the butt of the 22-250 on the ground real hard to simulate recoil and the problem showed up again.
Recoil jiggles broken parts.
Recoil jiggles broken parts.
- Location
- calgary alberta
Not a problem , it is just normal customer service.
Let me know if we can be of any assistance.
- Location
- Northern Alberta
Just one thing. If you do send it back make sure you do through an authorized dealer like Rick at ATRS. I sent 2 back to get zero stops put on them. The retrofit was quick enough, but they would not send it back directly to myself, only an authorized dealer. Customs held up his whole order because these did not cross the border properly and the paperwork and hassles are not what you want.
