Which Nightforce

[gilk1]

16x is more than enough to shoot 1000yd, especially on large game.

NF ATACR is probbaly an amazing scope buts it's as heavy as a brick and designed for rapid target engagement and heavy recoiling semi autos. I would recommend buying lighter/more affordable like a sightron siii or leupold vx6. Sightron uses high end jap glass (like NF) that is highly under rated and hard to beat for the $.

Stay away from FFP for hunting unless you have an illuminated reticle, which adds more weight.

And why a 7 Sherman short? You don't need an exotic wildcat for 600, or even 1000yd. 7mm rem mag will do the job and you can buy factory ammo in a pinch. 7-08 would be adequate for 30-600yd.

 

[Lumbeejake]

Go check out the dark lord of optics blogs. You can thank me later.

What he said.

 

[Beluebow]

I had both the 4-16 and the 5-25 in the ATACR. The 5-25 is a bit heavier but I love it. At 1000 yards the 16 power was just not enough for me. Personal preferences, you know. I am also 59 years old and my eyes aren't what they use to be.

I second this...sadly.

 

[mulie]

I'd go with the 20x at least. Think when your trying to judge an animal at those distances. Nice to have the magnification, does not mean you have to use it.

 

[DesertBoy]

I recently did a budget build on a Tikka 7mm. I put the SHV 5-20 on it, and love it. Have shot it out to 980 yards with 1/2MOA accuracy, I really like the price and ability for a 1000 yard rifle. Clarity and tracking is awesome. My dad has the ATACR on his .338 Terminator, and the NXS on his Edge. I have shot both of his .338's many times, and the ATACR is by far above any scope I have been behind. But for a 1000 yard gun, I didn't see a reason to spend the big bucks. I like the weight combo of the SHV.

 

[BenelliHunter]

I know you specifically asked about Nightforce but, all of my tactical rifles wear Nightforce and almost all of my hunting rifles wear swarovskis with dialed in custom turrets for each specific rifle.

 

[njshooter]

I am building a 7 Sherman Short as my first long range rifle. I want the ability to shoot 1000 yards on game. However, I want to buy a scope that is more capable than me and the rifle. Shots will be anywhere from 30 yards to 600 yards. I currently mainly just own Swarovski non turret rifles scopes that are all SFP.

I am torn between the following scopes: Nightforce ATACR 4-16x50 SFP MOAR and Nightforce ATACR 4-20x50 FFP MOAR.

I have thought about the NX8 2.5-20 SFP and 4-32 FFP as a lighter option as well as the ATACR 5-25 as a slightly heavier option with more power. I've heard that the NX8 has a finicky eye box. The ATACR has better glass and is tougher from my understanding. I am pretty easy on my equipment, however, I want piece of mind and the best of the best (per say).

I have never shot at 1000 yards, and am afraid that 16x is not enough power. I am also concerned that a FFP scope will not be usable at lower magnification in the timber/woods. This rifle will be shot far more at 100 or less than it will be at 1000 yards. However, I do want it to be a viable 1000 yard hunting rifle that I can practice and work my way longer when I can place every first round shot on target.

Thanks all,
Steve

Love my NX8 4-32 !

 

[SteveLM]

If you are primarily shooting 30 to 600 yds and you want a scope that is more capable than you, you might also consider the Zero Compromise 4-20x50 (ZC420). Why? Scope second only to Tangent Theta for a lot less money; solid construction and trackability; interesting MPCT3 reticle...

 

[esshup]

I thought I was underpowered with a Mark 5 at 10x @ 660 yds. Still allowed a 2 1/2" group but I felt I was underpowered. I have a NSX 5.5-22 and for 1K it's bouncing around between 18x and 22x depending on mirage.

Like others have said, you can always turn it down but can't turn it up if it's not there. I do a lot of woods and field hunting from 50-300 yds (white tails at last light) and bounce around between 4x and 10x. So, for you @ 100 yds I think you'd want to be able to turn it down to 4x. For hunts where the shots will be under 300 yds I don't use my LR rifle, it stays in the safe.

 

[The Oregonian]

I think what is becoming clear is just how personal this choice is.

The eyebox issue is real and NF will admit it. Some aren't bothered at all, yet some are.
At 1000 yds, some feel like 16x is enough while some don't.
Some prefer a FFP but some like SFP.
Etc
Etc

My advice is twofold…one, call NF and ask them about the difference between the two. They wont be able to tell you what is best for you but they can tell you what the general feedback is. I had a 20 minute convo with them when I was deciding between ATACR and NX8. Two, look through all the scopes you can and evaluate for yourself, though that may not always be possible.

I knew I wanted a NF and after the discussion with NF I went with the ATACR due to the eyebox…I had a March a handful of years ago and I wasn't crazy about that eyebox and didn't want to take that chance.

 

[neilbfree]

I'm also looking at improving my glass. I currently have a Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25 FFP. The Vortex is adequate - especially considering the cost - but I am looking for something with a bit sharper/clearer picture.
My general thoughts:
- FFP is really nice - holdover/under is the same regardless of scope power setting
- 20x-25x magnification handy even at only 100 yards when you start to stack hits in the same hole
- Above 15x-20x, mirage may have a significant effect (weather depending) and may force you to back down magnification
- Consider how the turrets feel - my Strike Eagle turrets are a step up from a DiamondBack but still have "mushiness"
- Zero stop is a must have
- Hold under capability of at least 4 or 5 mils is important. This allows for dialing to a long range target and just holding under to quickly engage shorter range targets.

My short list includes the NF NX8, Athlon Cronus BTR and Kahles K624i. Soon, I plan to visit my LGS to eyeball them. My big concern with the NF is the 50mm objective vs. 56mm of the other two - how will that affect brightness? I am leaning toward the Kahles because of the top turret parallax adjustment. The Athlon is the inexpensive dark horse in the race.

 

[ThorThor]

I have looked at both, own two ATACRs. The eyebox thing is real for sure. You may not always have to proper set up in a hunting situation and the forgiving eye box is nice. Wait I thought he already had decided on the ATACR, these things always happen. If they come out with a 4-20 50mm SFP I will get one for sure. Have a 4-16 42mm and a 5-25 Both MOAR SFP. That big 5-25 sucks to carry In the mtns even on my rifle that was 7 lbs Bare- but nothing beats it on that long shot.

 

[Rob01]

I'm also looking at improving my glass. I currently have a Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25 FFP. The Vortex is adequate - especially considering the cost - but I am looking for something with a bit sharper/clearer picture.
My general thoughts:
- FFP is really nice - holdover/under is the same regardless of scope power setting
- 20x-25x magnification handy even at only 100 yards when you start to stack hits in the same hole
- Above 15x-20x, mirage may have a significant effect (weather depending) and may force you to back down magnification
- Consider how the turrets feel - my Strike Eagle turrets are a step up from a DiamondBack but still have "mushiness"
- Zero stop is a must have
- Hold under capability of at least 4 or 5 mils is important. This allows for dialing to a long range target and just holding under to quickly engage shorter range targets.

My short list includes the NF NX8, Athlon Cronus BTR and Kahles K624i. Soon, I plan to visit my LGS to eyeball them. My big concern with the NF is the 50mm objective vs. 56mm of the other two - how will that affect brightness? I am leaning toward the Kahles because of the top turret parallax adjustment. The Athlon is the inexpensive dark horse in the race.

Have you looked at the Vortex Razor II 4.5-27x56? Will give you same 7C reticle as the strike Eagle but much better glass and knobs. You can find them around $1600 at Liberty Optics. Just have to put it in the cart for that price.

Vortex Razor HD GEN II

Vortex's bombshell, all new FFP 100% "Made in USA" premium quality tactical riflescope. Everything about this scope is made here, made right, and made to deliver top shelf performance that asks no quarter, nor gives any. Per Vortex's post on Sniper's Hide, this scope is set to debut sometime...

www.libertyoptics.com

 

[neilbfree]

Have you looked at the Vortex Razor II 4.5-27x56? Will give you same 7C reticle as the strike Eagle but much better glass and knobs. You can find them around $1600 at Liberty Optics. Just have to put it in the cart for that price.

Vortex Razor HD GEN II

Vortex's bombshell, all new FFP 100% "Made in USA" premium quality tactical riflescope. Everything about this scope is made here, made right, and made to deliver top shelf performance that asks no quarter, nor gives any. Per Vortex's post on Sniper's Hide, this scope is set to debut sometime...

www.libertyoptics.com

I considered the Razor but I didn't want to put a 48 oz boat anchor on my rifle