Nightforce NX8 VS ATACR

[Left Hand Dave]

For those that are in the know what if anything makes the ATACR better than the NX8. I assume the mechanics are comparable, could be wrong. How does the glass stack up? Is there anything else between the two that would make me choose one over the other? I am looking at the NX8 2.5-20s and the ATACR 4-16s for an XP-100 Pistol. I was using a Leupold 3-18 but would like something with more dependable turrets and a little more bullet proof.

 

[338 dude]

For those that are in the know what if anything makes the ATACR better than the NX8. I assume the mechanics are comparable, could be wrong. How does the glass stack up? Is there anything else between the two that would make me choose one over the other? I am looking at the NX8 2.5-20s and the ATACR 4-16s for an XP-100 Pistol. I was using a Leupold 3-18 but would like something with more dependable turrets and a little more bullet proof.

I don't have an NX8 but I do have an atacr you said you wanted something dependable and a little more bullet proof Atacr is built like a tank everyone knows that

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The ATACR is a better build and superior optically

 

[Rick Richard]

I don't have an NX8 but I do have an atacr you said you wanted something dependable and a little more bullet proof Atacr is built like a tank everyone knows that

The ATACR is a better build and superior optically

Yes true, but depending on the use it may be too much in my opinion. I think great for a long range shooter, however may be a bit too heavy and bulky on a hunting rifle.

Now on the other hand the NX8 is lighter in weight, the glass is good, but to me the reticle is useless on the lower end and too thick for my liking on the upper end. If NF comes out with a 2FP, then I am all in.

I believe a good compromise that seems to be over looked because of the newer products is the tried and true NXS with the MOART reticle. Besides, the cost seems to be coming down on these as compared to a couple of years ago. Just my opinion.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I own an ATACR and have handled a NX8. I agree with what gr8fuldoug said. The ATACR is better.

 

[Greyfox]

To my eyes the ATACR has noticeably better optical quality, particularly when comparing it to the more recent F1 and F2 series ATACR's. Given the difference in geometry/physics, and price, I think this should be expected.

 

[Left Hand Dave]

I looked at the NXS line but the size of the scope is starting to get a little large for a speciality pistol used for hunting. I like the size of the ATACR with the smaller objective, IIRC it is around 44mm. I would just like a little more magnification but it isn't necessary. I thought the NX8 would be the ticket because I would be using it between 15 and 20 power all the time but after I started this post I read the eye box is small so I gotta check that out. On a pistol that can help and hurt depending on how touchy it is.

 

[Okanogan]

I have NX8 2.5-20, NX8 4-32 and ATACR 5x25. To my eyes the optical quality on both the NX8s is a little lower than the ATACR but not to where I would consider the NX8s bad. The ATACR 5-25 weighs considerably more so I don't use it on my hunting rifles. The ATACR 4x16 won't be so bad for weight. My main concern with the NX8s is the eye box on the 4-32 seems pretty fincky to me. The parallax adjustment also seems touchy. I find this to be true more so on the 4-32 than on the 2.5-20. I agree that especially for a pistol you may want to check out that the eye box on the 2.5-20 isn't going to be a problem for you.

 

[Scott E Ames]

Do either one of those scopes have enough eye relief for an XP-100 pistol? Mine is in the old 7mm BR caliber and definitely has enough kick you would want some eye relief to keep your eye brow in one piece.

 

[milo-2]

For those that are in the know what if anything makes the ATACR better than the NX8. I assume the mechanics are comparable, could be wrong. How does the glass stack up? Is there anything else between the two that would make me choose one over the other? I am looking at the NX8 2.5-20s and the ATACR 4-16s for an XP-100 Pistol. I was using a Leupold 3-18 but would like something with more dependable turrets and a little more bullet proof.

You have received good advice, I myself think the Atacr F1 line superior too. I have owned the NX8 LPVO 1-8 for awhile, is what it is there, great for intended use.
I dislike filler lines of products, filling a niche, so was skeptical on the extension of the NX8 line. But a friend bought the 4-20 version, it is a darn good product.
Both your choices should serve you well, other than one being 16 power, compared to 20. What do you need here? 4 power to my old eyes is huge.

 

[Left Hand Dave]

Do either one of those scopes have enough eye relief for an XP-100 pistol? Mine is in the old 7mm BR caliber and definitely has enough kick you would want some eye relief to keep your eye brow in one piece.

As long as the XP has. Heavier barrel than the stock pistol and a brake. I shoot my 6.5 creed with a 6.5-20 and I have used a 3-18 and a 6.5-20 on this one that is a 7 SAUM with no problems. With some guns you may not have a full view at max power but after shooting it you don't even notice it much.

 

[Left Hand Dave]

You have received good advice, I myself think the Atacr F1 line superior too. I have owned the NX8 LPVO 1-8 for awhile, is what it is there, great for intended use.
I dislike filler lines of products, filling a niche, so was skeptical on the extension of the NX8 line. But a friend bought the 4-20 version, it is a darn good product.
Both your choices should serve you well, other than one being 16 power, compared to 20. What do you need here? 4 power to my old eyes is huge.

I think part of it is just preference. I like to see everything I can with as much detail as I can. It's kind of a hang up of mine. Right now 500 yds is my max for deer with the SAUM but I plan on some improvements with the operator. 15 to 20 power makes everything so much more detailed. I also use 20 power on my 6 Dasher pistol for varmints so it could just be what I am use to.

 

[Scott E Ames]

As long as the XP has. Heavier barrel than the stock pistol and a brake. I shoot my 6.5 creed with a 6.5-20 and I have used a 3-18 and a 6.5-20 on this one that is a 7 SAUM with no problems. With some guns you may not have a full view at max power but after shooting it you don't even notice it much.

I was not smart enough to put a brake on mine. But I am not sure they were even available in my area back then. ( over 30 years ago)

 

[Ckleeves]

The most noticeable difference for me was the finicky parallax on the Nx8 vs the forgiving parallax on the Atacr. They are really on opposite ends of the spectrum in that regard I thought.