Nikon M-TACTICAL Instruction Manual

1-4×24 / 3-12×42SF

Instruction manual/Mode d'emploi

Congratulations on your choice of a Nikon riescope. Your new scope is the nest example of Nikon’s rugged and durable construction and precision bright optics; important qualities for a serious shooter’s riescope.

Whether you use your scope for target shooting or for hunting, the procedure for mounting is identical. A set of high-quality steel mounting rings which have a standard diameter of 30 mm (1.2 in.) are required to mount

the scope. Follow the ring manufacturer’s instructions for mounting procedures. After mounting the scope on your rie, follow the procedures for reticle alignment.

WARNING:

IMPROPER MOUNTING OF YOUR NIKON SCOPE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. THUS IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR NIKON SCOPE IS MOUNTED PROPERLY BEFORE USING. TO ENSURE PROPER MOUNTING OF YOUR NIKON SCOPE, PLEASE HAVE IT MOUNTED AND/OR CHECKED BY AN EXPERIENCED GUNSMITH BEFORE USING. THE USER ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR HAVING THE SCOPE PROPERLY MOUNTED TO A FIREARM AND FOR USING THE SCOPE PROPERLY. ALWAYS CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR SCOPE AND YOUR MOUNTING SYSTEM BEFORE USING YOUR FIREARM.

SUPPLIED ITEM(S)

Body ························································· 1 piece Cleaning cloth ·········································· 1 piece Eyepiece cap ············ Objective cap···········

································ 1 pair*

*Rubber band linked (This type connects the objective and eyepiece caps using a rubber band.)

Caution

(1) Do NOT look at the sun through the riescope. It will permanently damage your eye. This precaution applies to all optical devices, such as cameras and binoculars. (2) The riescope is eectively sealed against moisture and dust. You may use your scope safely either in the rain or in dusty climates. To preserve the appearance of the scope, we recommend that it be dried and

cleaned prior to storage. Use a soft cloth for cleaning metal surfaces and use photographic lens tissue to clean the scope’s lenses.

Notice for customers in the State of California WARNING: This product contains chemicals including Lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

When setting the reticle for shooting or hunting, you should determine your standard range and then adjust the reticle based upon that target distance. For targets which vary from that standard distance, according to personal preference, you may simply adjust the position of the reticle in relation to your target, or you may wish to use the procedure for trajectory compensation. We hope that you will enjoy your new Nikon Riescope for many years to come. Enjoy using it, and above all, always follow safe shooting procedures.

N.B. Export of the products* in this manual may be controlled under the laws and relatives of the exporting country. Appropriate export procedure, such as obtaining of export license, shall be required in case of export. *Products: Hardware and its technical information (including software)

1. Nomenclature

•

1-4×24

Fig. 1-1

1 Objective lens 2 Eyepiece lens 3 Elevation adjustment turret 4 Windage adjustment turret 5 Eyepiece adjustment

6 Power index 7 Power scale 8 Power selector ring 9 Diopter index dot

•

0a b

3-12×42SF

Fig. 1-2

1 Objective lens 2 Eyepiece lens 3 Elevation adjustment turret

6 7

4 Windage adjustment turret 5 Eyepiece adjustment 6 Power index 7 Power scale 8 Power selector ring 9 Diopter index dot 0 Side focus adjustment turret a Distance scale b Distance index

2. Specications

Actual magnification (×) 1-4 3-12 Effective objective diameter (mm) 24 42 Exit pupil Eye relief Tube diameter (in.)/(mm) 1.2/30 1.2/30 Objective outside diameter (in.)/(mm) 1.2/30 2.0/50.3 Eyepiece outside diameter (in.)/(mm) 1.7/44 1.7/44 Adjustment graduation 1 click: 1/2 MOA

Max. internal adjustment 220 MOA Parallax setting (yd.)/(m) 100/91.4 50-∞/45.7-∞ Field of view at 100 yd. Field of view at 100 m Length (a) (in.)/(mm) 10.4/265 13.1/334 Mount length (b) (in.)/(mm) 2.9/74.8 2.9/72.4 Mount length (c) (in.)/(mm) 1.4/35.8 1.4/35.8 Mount length (d) (in.)/(mm) 2.0/50.6 2.0/50.6 Weight Structure Waterproof (up to 3 ft 3 in. (1 m) for 10 minutes) and nitrogen gas purged

(at minimum magnification)-(at maximum magnification)

Model 1-4×24 3-12×42SF Reticle MK1-MOA MK1-MOA MK1-MRAD

(mm) 24.0-6.0 14.0-3.5

(in.)/(mm) 3.8-3.7/96.5-94.0 3.9-3.6/99.1-91.4

1 revolution: 40 MOA

1 revolution: 80 clicks

(ft) 118.8-29.9 37.2-9.4 (m) 39.6-10.0 12.4-3.1

(oz)/(g)

MOA = Minute of Angle *3 MRAD = milliradian (mil)

16.4/465 20.5/580

1 click: 1/4 MOA

1 revolution: 20 MOA

1 revolution: 80 clicks

75 MOA

1 click: 0.1 MRAD

1 revolution: 8 MRAD

1 revolution: 80 clicks

15 MRAD

Objective Eyepiece

bcd

Letters a to d in the diagram above refer to lengths (a) to (d) shown in the Specifications table.

3. Instructions

(1) Focusing

1 Look through the eyepiece with your eye positioned about 4 in. (10 cm) away from the eyepiece to see the MK1-MOA

reticle (Fig. 3-1) or the MK1-MRAD reticle (Fig. 3-2). Be sure your eye is positioned with proper alignment and with proper eye relief, otherwise the view will “black out.”

2 Point the objective end of the scope at the sky (do NOT point it at the sun) or at a plain unpatterned wall.

3 Turn the eyepiece adjustment counter-clockwise and then turn it clockwise until the reticle appears sharp.

Notice: Reticle images shown in this manual are representation only. Actual images may vary.

MK1-MOA reticle

Fig. 3-1

MK1-MRAD reticle

Fig. 3-2

(2) Magnication

• Nikon riescopes have variable magnication. For details, see “2. Specications”.

To change powers, rotate the power selector ring until the desired magnication appears adjacent to the power index.

(3) Adjustment of the riescope

Sighting through the riescope, align the rie with your aiming point on the target and shoot a trial round. If the bullet does not hit the aiming point, adjust the elevation and windage adjustment turrets as follows:

• If the bullet hits under the aiming point, turn the elevation adjustment turret (counter-clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked “U” for up. If the bullet hits high, turn the elevation adjustment turret (clock-

wise) in the direction of the arrow marked “D” for down.

• If the bullet hits to the right of the aiming point, turn the windage adjustment turret (clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked “L” for left. If the bullet hits to the left of the aiming point, turn the windage

adjustment turret (counter-clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked “R” for right.

Note:

• M-TACTICAL 1-4×24 MK1-MOA: The windage and elevation scales are calibrated in divisions of 1/2 minute of angle (MOA) with a click at intervals of 1/2 minute of angle (1 division). M-TACTICAL 3-12×42SF MK1-MOA: The windage and elevation scales are calibrated in divisions of 1/4 minute of angle (MOA) with a click at intervals of 1/4 minute of angle (1 division). When adjusting the reticle to the point of aim, remember that 1 minute of angle (MOA) equals approximately 1 in. (2.54 cm) at 100 yd. (91.44 m). Therefore, if the impact point is 2 in. (5.08 cm) low and 1 in. (2.54 cm) right at 100 yd. (91.44 m) parallax setting, you should adjust 2 minutes of angle up and 1 minute of angle left. In the case of 50 yd. (45.72 m) parallax setting, the adjusting value is 2×. In the case of 75 yd. (68.58 m) parallax setting, the adjusting value is 1.5×.

• M-TACTICAL 3-12×42SF MK1-MRAD: The windage and elevation scales are calibrated in divisions of 0.1 milliradian (MRAD) per click. When adjusting the reticle to the point of aim, remember that 0.1 milliradian equals approximately 1 cm (0.39 in.) at 100 m (109 yd.). Therefore, if the impact point is 2 cm (0.79 in.) low and 1 cm (0.39 in.) right at 100 m (109 yd.) parallax setting, you should adjust 0.2 milliradian up and 0.1 milliradian left.

(4) Zero resetting of adjustment turret

The elevation adjustment and windage adjustment turrets have a retracting system. After the reticle has been adjusted to match the point of impact, pull up the elevation adjustment or windage adjustment turret to disengage. The turret can now be turned freely. Align the zero number to the index line to set the zero setting, and then release the turret. The turret automatically retracts to the original position.

(5) Adjustable side focus (3-12×42SF only)

The M-TACTICAL 3-12×42SF riescopes include a side-focus adjustment that allows precise focusing of the reticle on the same focal plane as the target image from 50 yd. (45.7 m) to innity. Thus, parallax can be eliminated and sight alignment will be accurate. The marked distance scale can be used as a reference guide.

Utilizing the MK1-MOA or MK1-MRAD reticle

These reticles are designed to compensate for the trajectory of your rearm.

Please note that the reticle is based upon ballistic information and may or may not meet the same results for you as there are many variables that come into play such as:

• Actual Velocity (Ammunition manufactures’ information in regards to muzzle velocity may or may not match the velocity your rearm produces. The best way to determine the actual muzzle velocity for your rearm

is to use a chronograph).

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Altitude

• Barometric Pressure

• Condition and inherent accuracy of the rearm

• The mounting system and how true it positions the scope to the centerline of the bore

MK1-MOA reticle

Nikon’s MK1-MOA reticle (Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2) was designed specically for the Second Focal Plane optical system. This highly functional and advanced tool can be used for all aspects of shooting at various distances, including estimating range, maintaining holdovers, dialing elevation come ups and compensating for wind and target leads. Because it is located in the Second Focal Plane, the reticle subtensions are calculated at the riescope’s highest magnication setting. In addition, the MK1-MOA reticle can be used in virtually any shooting application regardless of caliber or ballistic performance, and when paired with the M-TACTICAL riescope, provides shooters with the tools necessary for shooting precision even at extreme ranges.

The MK1-MOA reticle oers 20 MOA of measurement above and to the right and left of the crosshair—and 30 MOA of measurement below the crosshair—allowing ample calculations of elevation and windage for virtually any relevant distance. The reticle is designed with heavy 1.75-MOA-thick outer posts at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, tapering in 5 MOA to meet vertical and horizontal wires. To maintain an uncluttered appearance and allow for quick referencing, the reticle utilizes 1.5 MOA hash marks (1-4×24) or 1.0 MOA hash marks (3-12×42SF) spaced at 2 MOA, with 4 MOA “reference hashes” indicated at 10 MOA increments on each horizontal and vertical wire.

MK1-MOA subtensions

20 MOA

10 MOA

5 MOA

0.35 MOA

1.75 MOA

4 MOA

2 MOA

30 MOA

1.5 MOA

20 MOA

5 MOA

10 MOA

2 MOA

1 MOA

1.75 MOA

30 MOA

0.15 MOA

4 MOA

•

1-4×24

•

3-12×42SF

Fig. 4-1

Fig. 4-2

Using MK1-MOA for ranging

To determine range with minute of angle, divide the target’s known size in inches by the MOA measurement from the reticle (this can be done at any magnication) and then multiply by 100. The result is the distance in yards to the measured object. Target size (inches) ÷ size in reticle (MOA) × 100 = Distance (yards) to Target For example if we know that the outside diameter of an IPSC target* is 17.7” in diameter and it measures as 6 MOA (Fig. 4-3), the equation would be: 17.7 ÷ 6 × 100 = 295 yd. to the target. This method can be used to create a cheat sheet if you know your target size will be constant, by calculating distance at several MOA measurements. For example with 17.7” targets:

1 MOA = 1770 yd. 2 MOA = 885 yd. 3 MOA = 590 yd. 4 MOA = 442.5 yd.

Using this method it can become quite easy to quickly estimate target range and then apply holdover. When combined with a laser rangender, the equation can be manipulated

5 MOA = 354 yd. 6 MOA = 295 yd. 7 MOA = 252.9 yd. 8 MOA = 221.3 yd.

9 MOA = 196.7 yd. 10 MOA = 177 yd. 20 MOA = 88.5 yd. 30 MOA = 59 yd.

Fig. 4-3

to determine target size. It is important to remember that you must know the size of the target to estimate range or know the distance to estimate target size.

IPSC Target is the ocial target of the International Practical Shooting Confederation.

Using MK1-MOA for wind hold

Using the MK1-MOA reticle for windage correc tion is much faster than using the riescope’s windage adjustment turret

for both the initial shot and any follow-up shots. When adjusting for wind hold using the reticle, you can use the various hash marks on the reticle’s horizontal wire like a ruler to reference your specied point for aiming into the wind. For example, if the wind speed value has you holding 4 MOA left, you will be using the 2nd hash mark to the right of the crosshair as your aiming point (Fig. 4-4). If you are using the reticle for elevation correction as well as for wind hold, you can establish an aiming point by referencing both the proper vertical and horizontal hash marks and then visualize the target placement where the hash marks would intersect in the lower right quadrant of the reticle, as shown (Fig. 4-5).

Using MK1-MOA for moving target leads

Moving target leads are very similar to wind holds, although typically more dicult to master. Instead of “holding into the wind,” you will be “holding in front of the target” (Fig. 4-6). There are various methods to mathematically calculate the target lead (such as multiplying the bullet ight time to your target distance by the speed to the target) to determine the lead as it applies to the various reticle subtend points and then choosing the correct hold point.

WIND

Fig. 4-4

WIND

TARGET

MOVING

Fig. 4-6

Fig. 4-5

6 MRAD 1.5 MRAD

0.05 MRAD

1 MRAD

0.5 MRAD

1 MRAD

0.5 MRAD

10 MRAD

0.5 MRAD

0.25 MRAD

MK1-MRAD (milliradian) reticle

Nikon’s MK1-MRAD reticle (Fig. 4-7) presents the shooter with a highly functional and advanced tool for all aspects of long-range shooting, including estimating range, maintaining holdovers, dialing elevation come ups and compensating for wind and target leads. An advantage of using the MK1-MRAD reticle is that it can be applied to virtually any shooting application regardless of caliber or ballistic performance, and when paired with the M-TACTICAL riescope and its precise MRAD adjustments, provides shooters with the tools necessary for shooting precision at virtually all ranges. The MK1-MRAD reticle’s 0.5 MRAD-thick outer posts at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock taper down 1.5 MRAD to meet vertical and horizontal wires. The reticle is kept uncluttered by having alternating 0.25 MRAD and 0.50 MRAD hashes spaced every 0.5 MRAD with larger 1 MRAD hashes anchoring the reticle to the pickets of the outer posts. This reticle extends 6 MRAD from the crosshair to the top, left and right outer post pickets—and 10 MRAD to the lower picket. The outer posts’ tapered pickets add 1.5 MRAD to each of the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock measurements. The M-TACTICAL riescopes have the MK1-MRAD reticle placed in the riescope’s second focal plane, so holdover corrections, ranging and other measurements using the indicated reticle subtensions must be done at the highest magnication.

Fig. 4-7

+ 33 hidden pages

Nikon M-TACTICAL Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual