Which Nightforce

[BoomFlop]

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

 

[Rick Richard]

Easy Answer…SFP in a range of 3-18 if your going to be using it mainly for shorter distances and in the timber.

 

[Allen Kitts]

I have quite a few Nightforce Scopes and the ATACR is pretty hard to beat. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices you have listed. I have (4) NXS and love them all as well.

 

[PlumberEd]

You hardly go wrong with the NF ATCAR SFP 4-16 MOAR for a hunting rifle. A bit heavy but very dependable.

 

[ECHOLS28]

I have 3-Nx8 2-20x50 and 1-Nx8 4-32x50 and love them.

 

[wasskeet]

IMHO, unless you have an extremely accurate rifle and expect very pin point placement - you will not feel handicapped by 20x at 1000yds.

 

[BoomFlop]

My rifle builder has a 1/2 MOA guarantee so I expect the rifle to be extremely accurate, especially with hand loads.

Would I feel handicapped with 16x at 1000 yards?

 

[Allen Kitts]

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.

 

[BoomFlop]

Rifle will be a 22" Carbon Barrel with a Kelbly Atlas Tactical action and Adj AG Alpine Hunter. FYI

 

[wasskeet]

My rifle builder has a 1/2 MOA guarantee so I expect the rifle to be extremely accurate, especially with hand loads.

Would I feel handicapped with 16x at 1000 yards?

I would be good shooting at 1000yds. at 15x with one scope I have - Tangent 315M. Not sure about others as I have not set down with other scopes turned down in power.
However, more is better to a point. I would not want to use a friend's Nightforce on 42x either - too much for me.

 

[ECHOLS28]

You gun will be close to that if you go NX8. Kelbly action, 23" carbon barrel, AG stock.

 

[BoomFlop]

@ECHOLS28 Is that a Rock Creek Carbon or a HCA? Where does your rifle balance with that combination? Great looking rifle. Chalk Branch looks like! I will be running a 7" TBAC Ultra 7 Gen 2.

Little worried about balance of the rifle with a 22" barrel, adjustable stock and a Nightforce. However, I think the suppressor will make it balance around the front action screw with the suppressor. Believe it will be butt heavy without a suppressor.

 

[ECHOLS28]

Its a preferred barrel carbon wrapped 6.5 cm. Its a great set up well balanced with ultra 7.

 

[ECHOLS28]

That's the 300 Norma with 4-32x50