Rifle Scopes AIAT help me top it off

[hafejd30]

I’m picking up an AIAT in a couple days. Now looking into optics for it.

Was looking at the ATACR F1 4-16 X 42 as an option.

Primarily a 100-500 yard gun for deer (crop damage). Weight not an issue

Who owns one and what do you think about them. I like the capped windage turret models

I have a 3-15 Burris XTRII and thought it was a great scope until I looked through it next to my Athlon Cronus BTR.

Had an NF NXS and actually sold it because the Sightron SIII I was going to replace on that gun had better/brighter optics than the nxs.

I like the ATACR. But I’ve been very impressed with my Cronus as well.

Should I just pick up another Cronus and put in a Spuhr Mount (which is what’s on my GAP) or should I go for the ATACR

Or others?

 

[DOA]

Vortex AMG in an MPA one piece mount.

 

[Aaros143]

Id go ATACR 5-25. Gives you the extra power to see what's coming into range. My way of thinking is its part scope part spotting scope.

 

[roamin]

Pass on the Cronus it's an AI don't cheap out and give it the quality of glass it deserves.

 

[nn8734]

Should I just pick up another Cronus and put in a Spuhr Mount (which is what’s on my GAP) or should I go for the ATACR

Or others?

Between the above two, ATACR. Wouldn’t even consider the other one.

the 4-16x42’s compact scope body would compliment that rifle nicely. I had one with the MIl-R reticle on my SR25; glass was great, even at 16x. Turret tension/feel was just right and illumination was daylight bright on the highest settings. Tracked like it should.

 

[hafejd30]

Between the above two, ATACR. Wouldn’t even consider the other one.

the 4-16x42’s compact scope body would compliment that rifle nicely. I had one with the MIl-R reticle on my SR25; glass was great, even at 16x. Turret tension/feel was just right and illumination was daylight bright on the highest settings. Tracked like it should.

I really like the covered windage, as I don’t turn the windage for this type of shooting anyways. I also like the low profile turret. Actually the SFP model scopes I have work excellent for this as well. Definitely need illuminated reticle for ffp when on lowest power close to dark. The SFP is usually still visible until end of hours

 

[Pappakap]

I own an ATACR 4-16x42 and would recommend it for what you are looking to do. Good deals to be had on them in the Px with a little patience.

 

[Odysseus1911]

Lots of great optics these days, but for an AI, it just doesn't seem right to put anything other than tier 1 glass on it.

Maybe I'm a bit of a purist, but I'd definitely get European glass for an AI (Minox, S&B, Kahles).

 

[nn8734]

I really like the covered windage, as I don’t turn the windage for this type of shooting anyways. I also like the low profile turret. Actually the SFP model scopes I have work excellent for this as well. Definitely need illuminated reticle for ffp when on lowest power close to dark. The SFP is usually still visible until end of hours

Agree, either give me covered or locking (prefer covered) for windage. Elevation-wise, I’m good with locking turrets which the ATACR has; NF calls it “zero lock”.

 

[Dthomas3523]

What’s your budget for an optic?

 

[hafejd30]

What’s your budget for an optic?

I’m looking to stay under $2k. Figure I can sell enough stuff to swing that. Not right at this second of course. I’ve seen some ATACR for around that range. Then I’ll add the cash in for a spuhr Mount after the optic is purchased

 

[264win]

I really like my 4-16
Perfect for mid-long range hunting

 

[Dthomas3523]

I’m looking to stay under $2k. Figure I can sell enough stuff to swing that. Not right at this second of course. I’ve seen some ATACR for around that range. Then I’ll add the cash in for a spuhr Mount after the optic is purchased

Used Vortex Gen 2 Razor. Get ARC rings and save the cash on the spuhr.

 

[hafejd30]

Used Vortex Gen 2 Razor. Get ARC rings and save the cash on the spuhr.

I have a hard time with going back to vortex...Owned 3 vortex in the pst line at one point. 66% failed either new or less than 50 rounds. I’m one that can attest to the great customer service but since then that has put a sour taste in my mouth for the name

 

[stello1001]

atacr

 

[Luke]

I have a Vortex Razor 4.5-27x on my AI AT (see pic in sig) and am very pleased with the package. You should be able to easily keep it under $2k including mounts.

ETA: I have two Vortex Razors and they are built like tanks. Can't attest to any failures on their lower tier models.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I have a hard time with going back to vortex...Owned 3 vortex in the pst line at one point. 66% failed either new or less than 50 rounds. I’m one that can attest to the great customer service but since then that has put a sour taste in my mouth for the name

Can’t compare pst to razor line.

 

[hafejd30]

Well as luck would have it I sold another item today. I now have the money for a used 4-16 ATACR

 

[beenjammin]

OP I like your original idea of the 4-16 atacr the best. Esp for the range you mentioned. I used one in my AT and absolutely loved that set up. Coupled mine with the m10 rings and kept it low. 16 is plenty. And it’s light and compact.

 

[RanchhandTCR]

I have a hard time with going back to vortex...Owned 3 vortex in the pst line at one point. 66% failed either new or less than 50 rounds. I’m one that can attest to the great customer service but since then that has put a sour taste in my mouth for the name

The gen2 pst are junk the GEN 2 Razor and AMG line are good to go. Ive owned about every major optic now. Just hate the shit brown color on the gen 2.

 

[Steel head]

Can’t compare pst to razor line.

This!
Used razor G2 and mount or rings of choice for sub 2K$

 

[Pappakap]

OP keep selling and get 2, one for the AI and one for the GAP. My GAP wears a ATACR 4-16 and it’s not over-glassed.

 

[hafejd30]

4-16 ATAC F1 on the way

 

[stello1001]

Now I want a 4-16 ATACR

 

[Dthomas3523]

Now I want a 4-16 ATACR

Zco 420 brah

 

[stello1001]

Zco 420 brah

Oh trust me, I also want that one lol!!!

 

[Sixfivesavage]

I see you already got the atacr but I think anyone not considering a MK5HD Leupold is doing themselves a disservice. I thought some guys were crazy and had a hard time convincing myself to give Leupold a try but man are they nice optics. I sent my K318I down the line for one and don't miss a thing.

 

[264win]

I see you already got the atacr but I think anyone not considering a MK5HD Leupold is doing themselves a disservice. I thought some guys were crazy and had a hard time convincing myself to give Leupold a try but man are they nice optics. I sent my K318I down the line for one and don't miss a thing.

If you have a chance, spend some time with the ATACR, I have tried two mk5s and while they seem like a quality scope, to me the NF is better in every category, except weight.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

If you have a chance, spend some time with the ATACR, I have tried two mk5s and while they seem like a quality scope, to me the NF is better in every category, except weight.

I've had 5 of them....and I'm of the opposite opinion. Optics are a highly subjective and personal opinion though, so that's not surprising. I think the ATACRs are heavily over rated, personally.

 

[I SHOOT]

I've had 5 of them....and I'm of the opposite opinion. Optics are a highly subjective and personal opinion though, so that's not surprising. I think the ATACRs are heavily over rated, personally.

I agree I owned one of the 7-35s for a few months was never able to get the ocular adjustment right for my eyes sold it and moved on
I now have 2 of the gen 2 vortex's love em
The first one has been on three different rifles and had 3k+ RDS fired under it no issues

 

[nn8734]

I've had 5 of them....and I'm of the opposite opinion. Optics are a highly subjective and personal opinion though, so that's not surprising. I think the ATACRs are heavily over rated, personally.

Just curious, what issues did you have with them?

 

[264win]

It must be tough to be in the high quality optics business.
What one customer likes, another dislikes and a third is indifferent to, lol.

First world problems are tough ?

 

[I SHOOT]

It must be tough to be in the high quality optics business.
What one customer likes, another dislikes and a third is indifferent to, lol.

First world problems are tough ?

Haha
I love first world problems!?

 

[hafejd30]

I got burnt by Leupold a few years ago. Bought a 1500 yard rangefinder. Won’t range a deer at 450. Won’t range a garage (50X50 ft) at 1,000. The only thing it ranges at any real distance (1300 yards) is signs. I carried a yield sign with me and set up at the spot I was shooting from and range back to it to get my distances as I set targets. According to them it was within spec. Went to Leica since and been very happy. I owned a few Leupold scopes and never had an issue with them but that was many years ago now.

I know my Leupold and Vortex experience shouldn’t be an end all in my purchase. But I really wanted to purchase an optic that I’ve had good experiences with in the past.

I’ve spent some shooting time behind NF comp, NXS, ATACR and a NF Beast. And always wanted the ATACR. (Beast is a bit rich for me) Now I’ll have one

I’ve spent some time with the Cronus next to the ATACR and was very impressed with the Cronus. Only reason why I asked about using that if I couldn’t swing the NF. They’re impressive for the price.

Someday I will try a Vortex or Leupold again. But not going to gamble on this one

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Just curious, what issues did you have with them?

The only real issue was the parallax and focus on the 5-25s. None of them were right. It's something that's just kind of "accepted" with them. Ultimately that was the only thing that wasn't just a personal preference kind of thing. The glass wasn't anything to fawn over on them either. It was good but I think they're over hyped on glass. I think they're good scopes overall but over priced at anything but used pricing. Then again, I think pretty much all optics are at this point. Of the ATACRS, I think the 1-8 and the 42mm are the best of the series. I honestly think that the leupold is closer to being priced appropriately than pretty much anything else out there at the moment.

 

[nn8734]

The only real issue was the parallax and focus on the 5-25s. None of them were right. It's something that's just kind of "accepted" with them. Ultimately that was the only thing that wasn't just a personal preference kind of thing. The glass wasn't anything to fawn over on them either. It was good but I think they're over hyped on glass. I think they're good scopes overall but over priced at anything but used pricing. Then again, I think pretty much all optics are at this point. Of the ATACRS, I think the 1-8 and the 42mm are the best of the series. I honestly think that the leupold is closer to being priced appropriately than pretty much anything else out there at the moment.

gotcha, that’s fair. Never had any mechanical/functional issues with leupold scopes (own a couple mark4s that I have had for nearly 15 years, no issues). Same with my Mk4 spotter and that’s been all over the place in my pack. The ATACRs are a little more refined to me (turrets, parallax / mag ring tension, overall “feel”) vs equivalent Leupold’s I’ve used/owned. Exception could be the Mk8 line (I’m considering a CQBSS).

Agree the 1-8 ATACR is awesome (considering that too for the same rifle). It’s prob one the top 10 LPVOs available right now. Didn’t notice any parallax issues on my 4-16x42 when I had it so can’t comment there.

 

[264win]

I am to cheap to buy anything new that is $$$$, but I agree that the ATACR series is over priced ( new )
The gen 2 razor is tough to beat as far as features and glass for the money.
The down side is, it weighs enough to bludgeon an adult grizzly to death, and the color that doesn’t match or go with anything else in the shooting industry. If it is ever offered in black, they won’t be able to make them fast enough.

 

[Luvman]

With a $2k budget and hunting in mind I would suggest a 3-18x razor. That’s what my AT wore when I first got it.

 

[roamin]

I've had 5 of them....and I'm of the opposite opinion. Optics are a highly subjective and personal opinion though, so that's not surprising. I think the ATACRs are heavily over rated, personally.

Curious if you think ATACR's are overrated then why did you buy 5 of them?

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Curious if you think ATACR's are overrated then why did you buy 5 of them?

You don't know what's gonna work for you untill you try it yourself and where I'm at the only way I can try stuff is to buy it. At the time, I had two rifles I wanted identical optics on as well as two ARs I wanted identical optics on....so I had two 5-25s and two 4-16x42s and then I sold a 42mm to get one with a different reticle and also put one on a bolt gun. Eventually sold them all. Again, mostly personal preference on the 42mm and personal preference plus the parallax and focus issues with the 5-25s.

 

[wade2big]

I am to cheap to buy anything new that is $$$$, but I agree that the ATACR series is over priced ( new )
The gen 2 razor is tough to beat as far as features and glass for the money.
The down side is, it weighs enough to bludgeon an adult grizzly to death, and the color that doesn’t match or go with anything else in the shooting industry. If it is ever offered in black, they won’t be able to make them fast enough.

Do you think people pass up the razors because of color alone? I would bet that number is very small and those that do probably have differing sexual preferences than my own and more than likely just take pictures of their guns and not shoot them. Maybe I am wrong. I sure hope I’m not. ?

 

[Steel head]

I got burnt by Leupold a few years ago. Bought a 1500 yard rangefinder. Won’t range a deer at 450. Won’t range a garage (50X50 ft) at 1,000. The only thing it ranges at any real distance (1300 yards) is signs. I carried a yield sign with me and set up at the spot I was shooting from and range back to it to get my distances as I set targets. According to them it was within spec. Went to Leica since and been very happy. I owned a few Leupold scopes and never had an issue with them but that was many years ago now.

I know my Leupold and Vortex experience shouldn’t be an end all in my purchase. But I really wanted to purchase an optic that I’ve had good experiences with in the past.

I’ve spent some shooting time behind NF comp, NXS, ATACR and a NF Beast. And always wanted the ATACR. (Beast is a bit rich for me) Now I’ll have one

I’ve spent some time with the Cronus next to the ATACR and was very impressed with the Cronus. Only reason why I asked about using that if I couldn’t swing the NF. They’re impressive for the price.

Someday I will try a Vortex or Leupold again. But not going to gamble on this one

Lol
I relate on a few things you commented on.

I’ve always been Leary of Leupold but I must say I recently risked it for the biscuit and bought a 2800 rangefinder from them and was very impressed with its performance.

I also frequently get to use my Cronus head to head to a couple of 5x25 ATACR’s and my Cronus really holds its own against them.

I still think the used cronos is an excellent value only beaten buy the value of a used razor G2.

 

[hafejd30]

Lol
I relate on a few things you commented on.

I’ve always been Leary of Leupold but I must say I recently risked it for the biscuit and bought a 2800 rangefinder from them and was very impressed with its performance.

I also frequently get to use my Cronus head to head to a couple of 5x25 ATACR’s and my Cronus really holds its own against them.

I still think the used cronos is an excellent value only beaten buy the value of a used razor G2.

I agree with a lot on the side of where value comes in. For instance I wouldn’t pay full price for a Cronus which are about $1800 I think. When you can get into used proven optics at that price. But they go used for $1000-$1200 on here which I consider a great value. Also has the no bs warranty with it. Although I have yet to use the warranty.

When I first started shooting I was a Leupold fanboy. But that’s what everyone around here said was the top optic, mainly for hunting. I wanted a MK4 in the worst way for years.

Then I moved to the Sightron SIII which at one point I owned 4 of them. Own 2 now but sold the others to guys I shoot with. Zero reliability issues to date with any of them. I ran tracking tests shooting groups on 2 of them and both were spot on.

Then I moved to the Vortex when the feature rich PST were the big hype. Which of course my experience completely turned me off from the name. My buddy does have a rangefinder from vortex. It doesn’t keep up with the Leica but for the price and advertising range it holds its own.

Where I live and the fact that I don’t shoot PRS etc I’m pretty much my own test dummy. Nobody else I shoot with, aside from the Fclass team, plays in this price range. Most think I’m nuts for doing so lol. Our fclass guys are all NF which is where I’ve got the experience behind those.

Someday I’ll give the Razor a chance. I believe there made by LOW in Japan????. The PST’s I had were all Philippines. If they do hold up as everyone stated than they chose the perfect color for the scope as it sticks out like a sore thumb on any rifle. Great advertising on their part for the number of people who use them

 

[wade2big]

@hafejd30
I shoot on my own range. Everyone that I know shoots just before hunting season to make sure they are GTG for the hunt. I have one other guy that comes out that shoots to pass time like I do. I probably bought and sold $25,000 worth of gear or more through this site in the 2 1/2 years I have been here. That’s not counting what I do locally or with other types of firearms. I buy and try. It’s what I do. Hell I sell good stuff just to play with something else. I can relate to you.