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Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX

Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX

Selecting a scope for a specific task makes good sense, with the requirements for certain disciplines differing. Hunters, tend to favour low to medium magnification, where optical quality and rugged construction is everything. Whereas other disciplines see an ultra high magnification as a pre-requisite to be able to compete on a level playing field.

Whilst some manufacturers seem content to remain niche brands, catering for their perceived sectors of the market, others have widened their appeal, with an ever-expanding product range. Such is Nikko Stirling, who have really raised their game in the last few years; proving that they are prepared to listen to their customers, and act upon it. There’s also nothing like top class results to ruffle a few competitor’s feathers and get everyone to take notice too! Paul Cray winning the World FT Championships in the States, back in 2007 with a Diamond Sportsman scope, did the brand no harm at all, and FT shooters switched to Nikko in droves.

Versatile Performer

The Nikko I’m testing here is one of their relatively new Targetmaster range - the 5-20x 50 IR LRX to be precise and it really is quite a package. The remit is somewhat wider than just FT here, since the specification actually makes this scope particularly versatile. The IR stands for the obligatory illuminated reticule, whilst ‘LRX’ is the name of the reticule design. Included in the price are a screw-on sunshade, lens covers and an oversized sidewheel extender in a choice of 100 or 50mm diameter.

Turrets are the increasingly popular, un-capped, lift ‘n’ lock target-style. To zero, they are pulled up to unlock, dialled to the required point, and then pushed down to re-lock. On test, the zero was easily and accurately achieved, with adjustments around a test grid being repeatable; proving the integrity of the mechanism.

Being of a slightly fastidious nature, I always feel happier with the rifle’s zero safely locked away under conventional screw caps, but these turrets work well enough, and are nothing if not trendy. Click values are 1/8” @ 100-yards, with one rotation offering 48-clicks (6”) and an astonishing 17 full turns available in elevation and 16 in windage. The body tube diameter is 30mm, which is becoming more the norm these days.

On the Left

This is a three-turret scope, as on the left is the combined rheostat and parallax (front focus) drum. Illumination offers 11-levels (red only) with the entire central stadia within the outer thick posts, lighting up, which is a welcome feature for many, although not for all. The battery sits under a screw-off cap.

The drum is pre marked 10, 25, 50 and 100yds upwards; however for FT work, it’s preferable to fit the sidewheel extender, which is a simple task. A choice exists between a big 100mm or super, eye-grabbing 150mm version. My test model came with the former, which replicates the range markings, save for an additional line for 15yds. Irrelevant really, as FT shooters will add their own in any case.

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If you are unfamiliar with large FT sidewheels, the theory is simple; as it creates a larger arc between the range markings, thus accentuating the accuracy of the system. The key point here is that the gap between the all-important 50 and 55yds settings is increased. The shooter should be able to view the target, turn the wheel until the image is clear, and then read off the range to within a yard or so.

Hi Mag

Realistically, most top FT competitors these days opt for super high magnification of x40-60, as these higher powers accentuate the depth of field, enabling the competitor to ascertain the difference in clarity more easily. Nikko obviously caters for this specialized sector of the market, with the aforementioned Diamond Sportsman models.

Bear in mind though, that many shooters are unable to afford several scopes for different disciplines. So the Targetmaster, set to its maximum x20, can make a half decent job of range finding with the big wheel in place. Meaning this model could well suit someone who wants one scope to use in a variety of disciplines. Minimum focus came in at 12yds with the mag set at x20, whereas on x10, the officially marked minimum of 10yds snapped in sharply.

FT Maximum

I found that target ranges read reasonably accurately, to within a few yards, up to the maximum FT distances of 50 – 55 yds. Where this Targetmaster scores for me is its LRX reticule. Set to x9 or 10 magnification, and the parallax turret to 25-30 yds, and it would be ideal to take on any Hunter Field Target course. The design is that of a Christmas tree with multiple, horizontal stadia of increasing width from top to bottom. So offering a lot of hold over and windage marks to employ.

At x10, a standard 40mm knockdown target kill zone fits between the crosshair and the third line down. Other kill sizes will fall into place, and with a little homework and plenty of practise, the amount of information at your fingertips is impressive. Usable clarity is good through the ranges too.

One point of note; this scope felt a little sensitive to eye relief, with a fully clear and crisp target image requiring precise positioning of the head. This isn’t necessarily a criticism, since an ultra consistent approach to sighting can help to eradicate parallax error.

All in all then, the Targetmaster really impresses and seems great value for the asking price.

For: Versatile and modern scope at good money
Against: A bit small for pure FT use perhaps?
Verdict: Useful, all-round target-type spec

PRICE: £219.95 inc 100 or 150mm sidewheel

  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

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  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Name: Nikko Stirling Targetmaster 5-20x50 IR LRX
  • Body Tube: LRX multi stadia design
  • Weight: 23.63oz
  • Length: 14.57”
  • Click value: 1/8” @100yds
  • Clicks per turn: 48
  • Full revolutions : 17
  • Field of View: 27-7ft @ 100yds
  • Eye relief: 3.5-4”
  • Min Focus: 10 yds
  • Turrets: Lockable target-style
  • Note: Highland is trade only, so ask your local gunshop about getting one in
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