Nightforce ATACR Scope Review

[ADMIN]

I'll start my review of the new Nightforce ATACR with some first impressions and a little bench testing. Both the windage and elevation turrets have nice firm detents that click positively into place. Spacing of the newer 20 moa high speed turret on the ATACR is closer together but distinct and easy to read. The Nightforce ATACR scope does weigh in heavier than the tried and true NXS at 38oz. I will assume that is from the larger tube and higher quality ED glass. But it does come in a bit shorter, right at 3/4" shorter than a NXS 5.5~22. Eye relief is 3.54" and I found the eye box very easy to get in on full magnification. Field of view is great at 17.96' on 5x and 4.92' on 25x. To give a comparison here, that is larger at both ends than the S&B 5-25 that has 2' less on 25x. Read More...

This is a thread for discussion of the article, Nightforce ATACR Scope Review, By Jeff Brozovich. Here you can ask questions or make comments about the article.

 

[rick523]

Jeff,
First let me thank you for all the time, and work you put into this review. As always your review was very thorough, and contained a lot of information for anyone contemplating this scope,myself included. I already own 2 5.x22nxs' with the MOAR and was waiting on your review to decide which to put on my 300. you answered the question I had about the glass which was the quality of the ED glass being worth the higher price tag? Sounds like it will be worth the investment, also glad to hear you liked the MOAR reticle. Thanks again for all your hard work,even if it was a labor of love.

 

[colohunter]

So this was a 5-25X56 that was reviewed, sorry but I must have missed the actual model. Thanks much for a great review. I'm a 308 guy but just bought my first 300wm and am not sure how much scope I need. I was going to just use a 3.5-15X50 which is what I have on my 308's. is this too little glass? Thanks in advance for helping out a new guy.

 

[Broz]

So this was a 5-25X56 that was reviewed, sorry but I must have missed the actual model. Thanks much for a great review. I'm a 308 guy but just bought my first 300wm and am not sure how much scope I need. I was going to just use a 3.5-15X50 which is what I have on my 308's. is this too little glass? Thanks in advance for helping out a new guy.

Yes, the review was on the new Nightforce ATACR it is 5~25x56 senond focal plane. The one I reviewed was in .25moa with the MOAR reticles that is in 1 moa sub-tensions. However they are also available in Mil / Mil as well.

The amount of upper elevation is only relevant to how far you intend to shoot. If you are going past 1000 I doubt you would be disappointed in having the option to enlarge the target further with the 25X. However 15X will do the job to past 1000 for sure.


And you are both welcome, I am very pleased you found the review helpful.

Jeff

 

[colohunter]

Thanks again, think I'll go with the 25 power

 

[barnesuser28]

Jeff, very very good review, i enjoyed it, and not to be too critical but i noticed that on the first page under a pic of the rifle, it had the load data in bold and instead of the 300 grain berger it said 330 grain berger.

 

[Broz]

Jeff, very very good review, i enjoyed it, and not to be too critical but i noticed that on the first page under a pic of the rifle, it had the load data in bold and instead of the 300 grain berger it said 330 grain berger.

Yep, that's what I am shooting. .388 OTM Hybrid 330 gr... or maybe my typing skills are not the best...lightbulb

jeff

 

[Greyfox]

Very thorough and well written review! The improved glass is is an exciting improvement. I also glad to see that NF went with the higher gearing on the parallax adjustment. I have always been curious why they chose lower gearing on the NXS scopes. I thought perhaps that the lower gearing gave less adjustment error, but would interested if anyone knows the rationale for either approach.

 

[wyomingblizzard]

Thanks for the great review Jeff. Your review has helped convince me to order one for the new rifle Kirby is building for me. Again thanks for all of your great info.gun)

 

[CA48]

Thanks for taking the time to review the
optic. Do you feel the MOAR reticle has
any hindrance compared to the NP-R1 at
extreme ranges (a mile +) on MOA targets?

Thanks, Chase

 

[MMERSS]

Broz,

You definately took the time and effort for a quality review. Thanks for the comparison. I enjoy my NXS and good to hear NF is improving the product. Also good to see those antelope, deer and elk hanging around Canyon Ferry. Special permits are due soon with the either sex results comming out soon! Good luck.

 

[Broz]

Thanks for taking the time to review the
optic. Do you feel the MOAR reticle has
any hindrance compared to the NP-R1 at
extreme ranges (a mile +) on MOA targets?

Thanks, Chase

I only shot it to 2077 yards so far. I was able to 1/4 a rock that was 1/2 moa tall and 3/4 wide with no problem. So, I cant say it was a hindrance. But I personally feel it would be of some advantage to be finer on the floating cross hairs. Like I said in the review, I have stayed away from this reticle due to it being thicker than the NP-R1, but after actually shooting with it, it was better than I had anticipated. I also feel the better resolution with the ED glass helps in this situation. One evening I was looking at a rock at 2500 yards and I could distinguish the green and orange colored lichen growing on it. I do like the MOAR after shooting with it, but still pray for a finer point of aim with it some day. I guess I am just set in my ways and I prefer the finest pint of aim I can get. When I go to 3000 yards with my LRKM, this reticle will be covering close to 4.4".

Jeff

 

[CA48]

Broz,
Thanks for your opinion. I have just started using the
NP-R1 reticule on my 338 Allen Mag and after using the
Sightron mil dot reticule for so long at a thickness of .120
(if I remember correctly) on my EDGE I can already notice
the benifits of being able to precisely place the reticule on small
targets at extreme ranges but it is still just a slight difference.
Just wanted to hear your thoughts on it. Although that MOAR and ACTR
combo with better glass keep sounding better and better.

Thanks, Chase

 

[Alaska_Seth]

Thanks for a great review, I have been gone a while but I am back for good. Your review was a great introduction back to the site.

Technically savie people, who live the long range rifle life. Good place to be.