Rifle Scopes Any cons to the NF ATACR 4-16x42?

surgeon260

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Jan 26, 2014
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I am on the verge of buying one of these for a long range 28 Nosler hunting rig. Has anyone had any negative experiences with this scope? This will be my first NF. I thought I would ask the group here if there are any downsides to this expensive optic before pulling the trigger.

I am aware that there are lighter scopes out there, and I am aware that there are bigger objective bells that will let in more light at dawn/dusk. This scope however seems to be the perfect balance of magnification, reticle choices, and low mountability (since my stock is non-adjustable to save weight).

Any firsthand experience, positive or negative, that you can share would be much appreciated.
 
I like these scopes too and inquired about them for matches. Perhaps some of the content here will help you until someone can chime in with hunting use info.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/forum/...s-in-prs-comps

Should be a great hunting optic too, I'd imagine. Good luck!

Thanks for pointing me to that thread. Lots of good info in there. It sounds like there are definitely tradeoffs to not having that ~25x top end, but I think the tradeoffs are worth it for my use case.
 
IMO they are fantastic scopes and a great option due to their glass, size and overall durability. If it's geared more towards hunting and FFP is not needed than the 4-16x50 SFP is also a great option.
We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have at 916.670.1103
 
I think it's about the best option given your application. I have one on a 6 Creed hunting rifle and it is one of my favorite scopes. Simply put, it is just a well executed optic. I picked it for some of the same reasons you mentioned.
 
I had mine at a Magpul CORE/Leupold Optics Academy long range precision rifle course back in August in Central OR.
One day started before morning twilight and into sunrise, another day started before sunset and went past evening twilight.
The class spent a bunch of time looking at resolution targets and 3D archery targets down range through each others’ optics and a bunch of optics provided by the school.
There were a bunch of Vortex, Leupold MK6’s & MK8’s, SIG, Zeiss, etc. No S&B’s, though.
Comparing my ATACR to what else was there left me very pleased with my purchase.
One of the instructors, a Leupold employee, was looking through mine and a MK8 alternately at the end of evening twilight. He was genuinely surprised at how well my ATACR did in those conditions.
 
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I had mine at a Magpul CORE/Leupold Optics Academy long range precision rifle course back in August in Central OR.
One day started before morning twilight and into sunrise, another day started before sunset and went past evening twilight.
The class spent a bunch of time looking at resolution targets and 3D archery targets down range through each others’ optics and a bunch of optics provided by the school.
There were a bunch of Vortex, Leupold MK6’s & MK8’s, SIG, Zeiss, etc. No S&B’s, though.
Comparing my ATACR to what else was there left me very pleased with my purchase.
One of the instructors, a Leupold employee, was looking through mine and a MK8 alternately at the end of evening twilight. He was genuinely surprised at how well my ATACR did in those conditions.

That is awesome to hear that the 42mm objective does well in low light conditions. That was one of my concerns, but it sounds like it isn't a problem. Thanks for sharing!
 
I have this scope on a 6 creed hunting rifle. I really like the scopes size and quality and power range for hunting but, the reticle becomes hard to pick up and almost unusable below 8 power.
The F2 4-16x50 wasn't released til after I purchased the F1 model. If I had had a choice at the time, I would had opted for the 4-16x50SFP.
 
I had one and it was a great little scope. I think size, features, weight, etc. The only other really comparable scope is the 5-20 ultra short.
There's nothing wrong with the 4-16 as long as you feel that's enough mag for you. I ended up wanting more mag, so I went with the 7-35 ATACR (big jump I know), but I'm here out west so the hunting land is as far as the eye can see.


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The 'baby' ATACR is an outstanding optic. I run mine in matches and won a lot in 2016 with it. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Also take a look at the March 3-24 if you can.
 
I’ve posted enough times about this optic when someone asks about it I kinda am feeling like a NF fanboy, but I think it is accurate to say this is a very well executed scope. I have compared mine to the Premier lite hunter 3-15x50mm on a moonlit night and it hung in there very well. I find the reticle usable on 4x and the illumination ensures that it is always useable. Top elevation turret is arguable one of the best out there and capped windage for hunting is desirable. NF durability, so you won’t be let down. Some people complain about the ocular spinning for my change but it’s nice to grab the whole thing with a gloved hand and turn it, so just another feature that might be good for hunting while it’s cold. It’s a great scope and now you can get it with the MILC reticle which is excellent.