Wiggle with NF turrets?

agent_mango

agent_mango

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Hi All,
I recently bought a NF 3.5-15x50 on the EE. The inspection sticker it came with says it's from 2005. The scope looks great, except I have a concern about the turrets.

When I play with the elevation turret, there are distinct, tactile clicks. However, if I gently wiggle it, I find some back-and-forth movement in between each click. The pictures below show what I'm talking about. The windage turrets seems to have this effect, but to a lesser degree.

I've taken off the turret cap, and the brass post looks fine. I've made sure the turret cap set screw is tight. I've tried adjusting the zero of the turret, and I find the same effect.

Is this normal, or should I worry about it? Think I should send it in for a zero-stop upgrade? I understand I bought a used scope, but I was going on NF's reputation for quality.

IMG_0653.jpg

IMG_0654.jpg
 
If the clicks are crisp and distinct I wouldn't worry about it. In any mechanism there has to be a little play so that the mechanism will function. The play will be between the turret itself (which is moving) and the internal mechanism, which only moves when you feel the click. Zero Stop won't help you as it is just an artificial "Floor" to keep you from dropping past your zero. It won't "stiffen" your turrets.
 
BigUglyMan said:
Zero Stop won't help you as it is just an artificial "Floor" to keep you from dropping past your zero. It won't "stiffen" your turrets.
Click to expand...

When they do a Zero Stop upgrade they also do a complete checkup on the scope, so I'm thinking that if there's anything wrong they'd catch it during that process.

I know I'm probably being overly OCD about this, but I'm really curious to hear if this is common or out of the ordinary with NF scopes.
 
If your really want to worry about it you can. I just looked at my nightforce and it has a small amount as well, it is a stiff movement though. Mine is very new and has seen little use. What you are seeing is called backlash, it's the clearance between the internal threads of the adjustments turrets, to have absolute zero backlash, the threads would have to have zero clearance and would then constantly bind as you moved the turrets. If you look closely though(if the play is even moving the reticle) it is only by 1/10 of a click. 1 click=1/4" at 100 yards if your scope is moa adjustment which means that play is 1/10 of that, 0.025" at 100 yard or 1/4" at 1000 yards, if you have mil rad adjustments that play is only 1 cm at 1000 yards. In my opinion I wouldn't say that is much of an issue. If it really bothers you though, send it in and see what NF has to say.
 
When you use the scope at distance, are the clicks repeatable or are you experiencing wandering.
Proof is in the pudding. If you're getting accurate, repeatable adjustment, then I wouldn't worry about it.

fwiw I have two NF's and neither of them have any appreciable lash in the adjustments.
The turrets are very stiff and SNICK into each click.
 
It's a stiff movement on mine as well. It's only noticeable because the line-up of the turret line with the scope-body line is slightly different depending on whether the turret is being spun for up or for down. Either way, it's a good point that even if the movement has an effect on the reticle, it'd be a very small effect.

I haven't had a chance to use the scope yet, as I'm still putting together the rifle.
 
its a long shot from a nightforce , but have a KING OPTICS ,6 24 50 , and i have the same wiggle as you have , but it shoots great ,, i shoot 500 yards with it , and it always comes back to zero at 100 yards ,, I dont like the wiggle (feels cheap)but the scope works for me so ,, happy shooting
 
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