New Page 1

Nikko Stirling

Platinum Nighteater

6-24X56 AO SF TT

Medium

1/4

11 yds

First Review:

I purchased this scope for a project that never got completed and didn't get around to testing it for a few months. I finally mounted it on my new FX Cyclone .22cal w/ Webley stock. The scope is a side focus model w/ target turrets. Nikko Sterling offers this scope w/ an illuminated reticule, but my scope was equipped w/ the standard extended mil-dot reticule. The extended mil-dot reticule offers 6 dots on each side of zero instead of the standard 4. The Nikko literature did not specify what magnification the mil-dot reticule was calibrated for, but my testing indicates that it is 14X (at 14x, there is 3.6" between each dot at 100 yards, 1.8" @ 50 yards). The extended dot range combined w/ the comparative high magnification for mil-dot calibration makes this a good choice for a hunting scope giving a LOT of different aim points that cover a lot of different yardages while still being able to use higher magnifications.

This scope is equipped w/ target turrets, each click =~1/4 MOA (1 click = 1/4" @ 100 yards, 1/8" @ 50 yards). The turrets have a locking feature to prevent accidental movement - lift the turret and it clicks normally, push down and it's locked. The turrets can not be re zeroed and the markings on the turret may be confusing - the markings start at 0 and increase through 5 MOA, next mark is ANOTHER 5 MOA then back down to the zero. Fortunately, 10 MOA per revolution should be enough adjustment for most users to never need to make a full revolution of the turret in FT use. The Turret is large enough that it should not be a major problem to fit a scope tape (either hand marked or using some of the software packages made for such purposes.) The clicks have a positive feel and are very repeatable - I shot a 5 MOA box at 50 yards and the scope returned precisely to zero. Additionally, the difference between high power and low power zero on my Cyclone is exactly 4.25 MOA and through NUMEROUS transitions back & forth for each adjustment, the scope has never failed to return to zero.

The side focus is a nice feature & much appreciated in a scope in the $225.00 price range. The scope comes w/ a large diameter side wheel that can be attached if desired for FT use. The markings on the side-wheel are in meters - once again, a scope tape would be required for FT use, however @ 24X the scopes range finding is surprisingly accurate and repeatable, even at 50-55 yards. In my side by side testing w/ my Bushnell 4200 6-24x40, the big Nikko consistently turned in numbers as accurate as the 4200. The minimum focus distance for this scope was, just like the 4200, 11 yards.

Nikko advertises that the scope comes w/ "fully multi-coated lenses". Looking through the scope there is no evidence of distortion or peripheral aberration common to some other inexpensive big objective scopes. At low magnification the big 56 mm lens does a good job of gathering light and a recent rabbit hunting trip in southwest Texas showed that at the lower magnifications the rifle worked very well in low light situations. At higher magnifications the scope is a bit dark & images are noticeably less bright and crisp than the aforementioned Bushnell 4200 6-24x40 (a scope costing significantly more $). Additionally, the scope suffers a bit from flare in low angle sun situations, though the included sun shape helps quite a bit.

The big 56mm objective lens will require high or even extra high mounts (depending on your rifle) to set-up. This isn't a bad thing though, particularly for FT use - the higher mounts put the head in a higher more heads-up position that most will find more comfortable from a sitting position and will additionally push the point blank range out a bit further. Nikko does not equip this scope w/ lens covers, so you'll have to buy your own to keep your lenses clean - there are many suitable lens covers available from a wide variety of suppliers.

This scope is a very good value for the money. The optics appear to be roughly on par w/ the Bushnell Legend series, combined w/ higher magnification, target turrets & side focus. The scope is a bit heavy, though I found it a good match for my Cyclone and don't have any plans to change it. The weight will be seen as beneficial by many FT competitors where no doubt this scope will find a niche as a competitive scope for a reasonable price. Straight Shooters rates this scope as a Medium Recoil scope for springer use so it should be a good choice for TX200's & Hw97's, though I can't speak from personal experience. I would rate this scope as a "good" scope, but it's combination of features & optics make it a "very good" value - I would definitely purchase this scope again.

David Dixon

Second Review: