Rowan Engineering Turret Set

For optic retrofits, Rowan Engineering favour a few mid/ top end FT scopes, I say this as the Nikko Stirling 10-50 X 60 Diamond FT Scope was one of the first I fitted their retrofit Target Turret, large side-wheel and pointer to. Reacting to feedback, they have re-designed the top turret arrangement so there’s no chance of error when dialling in elevation corrections.

The photos illustrate how they have managed to better the product with their two-piece design. They also manufacture a similar system for the popular Falcon Optics T50. Also, they can supply a zoom lever that aids feel for adjusting the magnification. It’s also possible to remove it so your cherished FT rig can be put back in its bag. However firstly, let’s look at the step by step fitting of the turret system and I’ll explain why they’ve added that helical line and you need an extra pointer (plus stick on numbers) for optimum usage.

Set Up and Fitting

All parts are CNC machined from 6082 aluminium and supplied in either plain alloy (white) or black anodised. The turret ‘set’ comprises of two parts, inner and outer that allows easy resetting on the Elevation zero position.

1: The two-piece turret set for the Nikko Stirling 10-50 X 60 Diamond FT Scope. The kit also fits certain other models of scope with an 8mm Elevation brass spigot

2: First remove the cover cap then as shown unscrew the grub screws to the point the original turret adjuster can be removed from the brass spigot

3: Carefully place the inner turret on the 8.0mm diameter section of the spigot and gently tighten the 3x M3 grub screws in to the V-notch

4: Note the unit sits atop the original base turret collar, when fully flush tighten the grub screws with the Allen key supplied to secure in place

5: Three turret heads showing the helical line - note pointer position differences - ‘Turn Below’, ‘Ref Turn’ and ‘Turn Above.’

This is a simple and clever system when used in conjunction with their pointer for indicating exactly where you are ‘on the scale’ in relation to be able to use the BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) facility. When a standard turret is used it is very easy to lose track of which turn the elevation is set to. Unknowingly being a full turn out will result in a miss, which will cause confusion and frustration.

With a pointer mounted on the scope and aligned directly at the groove, the pitch of the line matches that of the screw thread inside the turret, meaning the pointer remains faithfully aligned to the groove for one full turn, ‘The Reference Turn’. It gives no room for discrepancy or misreading, so you know that the turret is set correctly for the distance required.

6: This adjuster is then slipped over to mate onto the other section of the unit and again simply tightens up with recessed grub screws

7: The side-wheel has been removed to show the full unit and how it is numbered and used in conjunction with pointer and original vernier collar elevation markings

In Use

Setting up is a fairly straightforward task. To label up the turret, you shoot at pre-measured ranges (8 to 50 yards) or by using a pre calibrated side-wheel. At each distance, adjust the turret so that the POI (point of impact) is on the cross hair, i.e. zeroed. Finally simply label or mark the turret corresponding to each of the ranges.

To fine tune, when at the competition, find the range of the target by focusing the side-wheel and then turn the top turret to the same yardage as indicated on the sidewheel. The POI will then be on the centre cross hair. Advanced shooters will even be able to compensate for air temperature, humidity and of course cosine (i.e. shooting above or below the horizontal).

Rowan Engineering also now recommend and offer the superb Side-wheel & Turret Label sets from RangeSports.com. These are printed on exterior vinyl and are waterproof and hard wearing, along with a selection of die-cut numbers so you can easily apply your own range markings. The labels have rounded corners and a slightly textured surface and by far the best I‘ve found for this use. (£6.95 per packet)

Something very special

8: The dedicated NS zoom lever If you require the full set-up, there’s also the large side-wheel they make for the Nikko Stirling and of course the pointer. Their new dedicated Nikko Zoom Lever is also very special. It fits MK3 scopes only – if unsure check the zoom ring as it will be 43mm diameter and rubber covered. This aluminium handle is designed to be easily dismounted from the clamp ring allowing easy storage in tightly fitting gun slips or cases.

Prices:
Nikko Stirling Resettable Elevation Turret Cap Set, £45.95/£46.95 (white & black)
30mm Pointer £24.50/£25.50 (white & black)
Nikko Stirling Zoom Lever £38.95/£39.95 (white & black)

FOR - Essential modification for the FT shooter
AGAINST - Nothing
VERDICT - These guys create some superb shooting accessories