Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a new Nightforce for my long range rifle. I am looking at the ATACR or the NXS. I have seen 56mm scopes before and they always appear very big and bulky. If anyone has pictures that they could post of these scopes mounted on your rifles so I could do a size comparison I would very much appreciate it. Also, opinions from members that own one or both of these scopes would also be appreciated. I did find a write up and a vidoe of the BEAST that Lowlight did, that was very informative, but am looking for something on the ATACR. Thank you
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Rifle Scopes ATACR or NXS
- Thread starter goosendmax
- Start date
I was looking more at the objective than anything. If I get the NXS I'm going to get it with the 50mm objective, if I want to go with the 56 I'll probably spend the extra cash and get the ATACR. but from what I have seen is the 56mm scopes just look big and bulky. I live in a remote area that does not have a store with a big selection of scopes that in can actually go and see for myself. So when I buy this scope it going to be online.
My ATACR arrived this week. It is my first "big boy" scope. It's huge. My previous experience was with a Leupold VX3 6.5-20x40, which is tiny in comparison.
The NF is a much much better optic, no doubt. But it's freaking huge. Let me know if you want any specific measurements.
The NF is a much much better optic, no doubt. But it's freaking huge. Let me know if you want any specific measurements.
I run 2 NXS with 56mm and an ATACAR with 56mm. All have the MOAR reticle which ranges on high power - bonus.
I always get 56mm because of exit pupil. If you take off the sunshade, the 56 might not seem so gargantuan.
I got the ATACR only because I got a DTA HTI in 375 and I wanted the 130 MOA elevation adjustment. It is indeed a HUGE scope. If I hold over with the MOAR reticle on high power, I add 20 MOA to that. On half power, I can add 40 MOA elevation to the adjustment. So I think the ATACR is the choice for ELR shooting.
Personally I can't tell the difference in the glass between it and my NXS scopes. I think they're all in the really really good camp and I don't discriminate beyond that.
In sum, I'd say you will be better served with the NXS UNLESS you need TONS of elevation travel, or unless you're convinced that the new glass/coatings in the ATACAR are worth $500 more, or unless you think 25x is that much better than 22x.
Just be confident that the 50mm will give you enough exit pupil for your shooting applications.
I always get 56mm because of exit pupil. If you take off the sunshade, the 56 might not seem so gargantuan.
I got the ATACR only because I got a DTA HTI in 375 and I wanted the 130 MOA elevation adjustment. It is indeed a HUGE scope. If I hold over with the MOAR reticle on high power, I add 20 MOA to that. On half power, I can add 40 MOA elevation to the adjustment. So I think the ATACR is the choice for ELR shooting.
Personally I can't tell the difference in the glass between it and my NXS scopes. I think they're all in the really really good camp and I don't discriminate beyond that.
In sum, I'd say you will be better served with the NXS UNLESS you need TONS of elevation travel, or unless you're convinced that the new glass/coatings in the ATACAR are worth $500 more, or unless you think 25x is that much better than 22x.
Just be confident that the 50mm will give you enough exit pupil for your shooting applications.
Are you dead set on Nightforce? If not take a look at the Vortex HD. The glass is better than the NXS but comparable to the ATACR, 50 mm objective, less $$$ than an ATACR and you can get them for as low as $1600 (used) but there are retailers that are selling them for $1700. Without the sun shade they're comparable in size to the NSX w/ 50 mm.
Thanks for the info guys, I really do appreciate it. Yes, I am dead set on Nightforce. I do have a Vortrex on on of my rifles, they are good scopes and the only thing I do not like about them is their zero stop. I will be shooting long range, just for fun now with the hope of getting into competitions after some practice. The max I will probably be shooting is 1,000 yards and maybe up to a mile. The rifle is a 300 win. mag. that is almost done being built. I was two second away from buying the MAC until I saw the ATACR. I just don't want it to be super huge on the rifle. I guess I'm probably going to have to find somewhere that has them in stock and see one for myself. Anymore input will be appreciated.
I have both, NXS 3-15 and the ATACR. I have also had the full run of optics out there but for my duty rifle I only run NF and could not be more pleased. As for the ATACR, it is about the best optic I have ever used and suits both my shooting style and personal preferences perfectly, but scope selection is subjective. I also love the NXS and never really had the "glass" concerns that people seem to bring up. I had several Vortex scopes and over time sold them all but the NXS has been around a long time. Its taken a beating and never skipped a beat. The ATACR is new for us but has held up to twice monthly training a few matches and a 10 day sniper school without a hitch. As for the glass, again not a huge concern of mine, it is spectacular. I have never owned a S&B but have had a Hensoldt and would put it close to that visual pop my Henny had. I have not done a side by side between the two but by memory (a bad was to compare) its close but I do remember the Henny just blew me away. Anyway, I really don't think you can go wrong with either.
Sully
Sully
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The ATACR is noticeably better than the NXS. I've owned my fair share of NXS models and they don't compare to the ATACR.
Having a number of NXS, S&B, and a couple Premier scopes the ATACR glass is definitely a big step above the NXS glass. Maybe not as good as the S& B and Premier glass, but pretty close.
Thanks for all of the info so far guys. Please keep it and the pictures comming if you can. Thanks again
NF 5.5-22x50 NXS:
ATACR:
According to the Nightforce catalog, the NXS above is actually longer than the ATACR by 0.80". The ATACR is of course bulkier and weighs 7 ounces more.
I've spent a lot of time doing a side by side with these two scopes plus a NF 8-32x56 NXS. I've got zero complaints about any of them, but the ATACR is top dog.
We have a long overdue order of ATACRs leaving the Nightforce factory tomorrow. One of them is not spoken for and needs a good home, if anyone is interested.
ATACR:
According to the Nightforce catalog, the NXS above is actually longer than the ATACR by 0.80". The ATACR is of course bulkier and weighs 7 ounces more.
I've spent a lot of time doing a side by side with these two scopes plus a NF 8-32x56 NXS. I've got zero complaints about any of them, but the ATACR is top dog.
We have a long overdue order of ATACRs leaving the Nightforce factory tomorrow. One of them is not spoken for and needs a good home, if anyone is interested.
If you are debating between a 56mm NXS or ATACR, I would go with the ATACR as it will actually be shorter in overall length. Also, you didn't mention what type of rifle and or use this optic is for.
I will try to snap a pic of my 3.5-15X50 later
I will try to snap a pic of my 3.5-15X50 later
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ATACR will have better glass (not a big deal) and 20 more moa (only big deal for elr 338lm+). I have 6 NXS scopes and they are workhorses, just simple and awesome, got one ATACR and its better but NOT $600 better, sorry. Any new product will get hyped up etc... but my NXS do everything ATACR can. Now the BEAST is truly a few steps up! I would skip the ATACR unless price is within $400 of the nxs.
Went out this morning to sight in my new ATACR and also took my 8x32 NSX to compare, all I can say is I am glad I picked up the ATACR. At a mile, had no problem seeing the 10" center of my 40"x40" target. The only problem was when the sun got a little higher I noticed the lens was starting to green out, then realized it was my glasses changing color. Ooooop's 
I am going to be putting the scope on a custom built 300 win mag. I will be primarily using the rifle for long range competition and just all around fun. After seeing some of the pictures that have been posted and reading the comments I am starting to lean more towards the NXS. Thank you all for your comments and please post more pictures if you have them. Thanks again.
The glass in both the Beast and ATACR is HD. The only difference in the two is FFP and digital illumination so essentially, you're paying $1000 more over the ATACR for those two options.
not true. Glass might be the same but turrets are sooooo much better on the BEAST. FFP is a bonus.
Well yeah, I failed to mention the turrets because that isn't a selling point for me. The only reason I would upgrade at this point is for FFP.
Differences b/t Beast and ATACR
I handled a Beast at 2013 Shot.
It has 40 MOA per revolution, IIRC, and this is accomplished by 1/2 MOA clicks and a lever that bumps you to the next 1/4 MOA. I have heard reported that it is this feature that has been failiing and may be the hold up on the release of these scopes, but that is unconfirmed. ALso, I worry that in field use, one might forget about this lever and be 1/4 MOA off on some shots. Time will tell.
The illumination is also digital, and you can choose red green, etc and levels of brightness. This feature is leagues ahead of the current generation - if you're into IRs.
I forget how the turrets work in terms of locking and ZS, but IIRC, these features are present.
I handled a Beast at 2013 Shot.
It has 40 MOA per revolution, IIRC, and this is accomplished by 1/2 MOA clicks and a lever that bumps you to the next 1/4 MOA. I have heard reported that it is this feature that has been failiing and may be the hold up on the release of these scopes, but that is unconfirmed. ALso, I worry that in field use, one might forget about this lever and be 1/4 MOA off on some shots. Time will tell.
The illumination is also digital, and you can choose red green, etc and levels of brightness. This feature is leagues ahead of the current generation - if you're into IRs.
I forget how the turrets work in terms of locking and ZS, but IIRC, these features are present.
In setting up my data card I started at 20 yrs and worked out to 1000 and had no real issue. I have been set up in training exercises and and close as 15 and again no problems.
Sully
60moa per turn on the one i seen as far as i remember. in comparison SBPM2 5-25 is 35MOA per turn. The BEAST will be the best scope out there BY FAR if all the features end up working within issues. 120MOA in 2 turns!!! That ALONE is worth the $1000 for ELR work.
Thank you, the Nightforce website doesn't list a minimum focus distance. I was looking for a scope that would work for rimfire, but could be transferred over to a .308 if need be.
Goose, here are some pictures you can use to compare size wise. The mounted one is the ATACR the other is my 8X32-56 NSX. One picture is with shades on the other without, you can tell the ATACR is much shorter with or without but a touch taller. The gun is set up with a Murphy precision 40 MOA rail and Barrett 20/30 MOA adjustable rings. I calculated useable MOA on the scope and finished with only 13 MOA adjustment down and the other 115 MOA up, should be all I ever need. It did set the scope up a little higher but I adjusted the cheek rest up 1/2" and it was perfect. Hope this helps and yes I prefer the ATACR over the NSX, but not by much. Just had my small camera so I did what I could.
AZ
AZ
Either optic will fill your needs on your 300wm. I'd lean towards the ATACR for the extra magnification and elevation travel though. You should be able to pick up a used one here for not much more than the cost of a new NXS.
Thank you to everyone that has posted pics and given their opinions on this subject. I really do appreciate them very much. I was able to locate a store an hour away from me that has both of these scopes in stock. So I will be going there this weekend to get a "hands on" look at them, that should seal the deal on which one I finally decide to purchase. Again, thank you hide members for the help. When I finally get my rifle I will post pics of the complete set up under the bolt action section of the forum.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Goose, one quick add. I have a buddy who has a 300wm and wants to shoot a mile. I did the calcs for his rifle and he will need 99.9 moa to reach his goal. His current scope has 80 moa usable and that is with a 20 moa rail. I am going to pull the scope off of my rifle set it up on his. He is shooting a 208 grn A-Max bullet and needs quite a bit of elevation, 99.9 moa for 1 mile. With my scope and his 20 moa rail, the Barrett rings set at 30 moa he should have about 15 moa left at that range. His gun is capable, but took about 25 rounds to walk it in to the target and hit it at a mile using vertical hold over the first time we tried it, the ground was wet and we had no hit feed back on every shot to figure out what his poi was, so with changing the scope out, he should be able to do it in five, after he gets it sighted for spin drift and Coriolis effect. This equates to high and right by about 4 feet.
If you are going to shoot extra long range, go with he ATACR and you will have plenty of scope for a mile and beyond.
When I mounted it on my rifle, I lost about 35 moa off of the scope total range, about 1/3 of usable adjustment which left me at about 90 moa, which meant holdover. This wasn't enough.
The reason I am adding this is when I first started, a long distance shot was 500 yds, then 700, then 1,000 and now a mile. Guess it's like an addiction, but I love it. The thing that's even more interesting is, I can't shoot anything larger than my Savage .243 because of a bad neck and surgery, but it will do a mile and not random hit's? Let the flaming begin.
Good luck on your journey, it's going to be fun and one hell of a challenge.
AZ
If you are going to shoot extra long range, go with he ATACR and you will have plenty of scope for a mile and beyond.
When I mounted it on my rifle, I lost about 35 moa off of the scope total range, about 1/3 of usable adjustment which left me at about 90 moa, which meant holdover. This wasn't enough.
The reason I am adding this is when I first started, a long distance shot was 500 yds, then 700, then 1,000 and now a mile. Guess it's like an addiction, but I love it. The thing that's even more interesting is, I can't shoot anything larger than my Savage .243 because of a bad neck and surgery, but it will do a mile and not random hit's? Let the flaming begin.
Good luck on your journey, it's going to be fun and one hell of a challenge.
AZ
I have used and currently own both 22x NXS's and 25x ATACR's. I have never bothered to buy a 22x 50mm objective optic. Understanding that I shoot 8-10" steel plates and/or silhouettes, and animals in field oriented environments, I don't need huge magnification to shoot at longer distances. I generally use 22x's and ATACR's on rifles that I rarely do anything accept Zero at distances less than 1500 meters. If I'm constantly shooting less than that, I'm likely shooting a rifle of lees bulk that my .338's and I will opt for a 15x F1. In my opinion, and this is just my opinion, if you are shooting something at long enough distances to necessitate a 22x or 25x optic, your likely shooting a large, bulky rifle and will not likely notice the additional bulk of the optic which has resolution characteristics exceeding the capabilities of its 50mm objective little brother.
AZ, thanks for the info. That is going to help a lot. I do plan on punching out to 1,000 yards, which like you said will probably turn into a mile later on after the addiction fully sets in. I do have a 20 MOA rail that will be going on the rifle and am already planning on running 200 or 230 grain Berger's through it. Once I get the rifle I will be able to work up some load data to better see what the rifle likes the best. I will be going to look at both scopes this weekend to do a side by side comparison and I'm sure I will be able to make up my mind then. Thanks again.
if you go with ATACR ditch the 20moa base and go 40-60moa, or get a mount with more MOA if keeping the 20.
just buy one and mount it properly (allow several hours for lapping, leveling, torquing, locktiteing, adjusting, boresighting, etc) and if it doesn't meet your needs, sell it here and upgrade....
Goose, I have to agree with 10fp "if you go with ATACR ditch the 20moa base and go 40-60moa, or get a mount with more MOA if keeping the 20." On my buddy's 300WM he needs roughly 70 moa +- 15 to do a mile, depending on bullet, weather, incline, pressure and all the other variables. You will loose a certain amount of moa just mounting the scope, I would vote for the 40 moa rail if I was setting it up? But I'm not an expert and can only go by past experience. This should allow you to be able to do a 100yd Zero and adjust out and over a mile with vertical left over. If it is to much rail, you can send it back and get one with more or less moa. One thing, I purchased an aluminum rail, good price and lite but wound up having a problem with it because of the scope weight, went to a Murphy prec. stainless, cost a little more but doubt it will ever come off unless I run it over with a truck. Good luck and keep us posted on how it comes out.
And Merry Christmas
And Merry Christmas
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Oh boy...Went to cabellas to look at the 3.5-15x50 that I have been wanting and they jacked the prices up from the $1605 to $1899. I couldnt believe it. So since I was there I fondled all the NF's they had and made the mistake of picking up a ATACR. I wondered why this scope was like $600 more....and now I know. So the ATACR is now on the list....
OK, AZ and 10fp, I drove the hour to the store that had the ATACR today to check it out! Boy was that ever a big mistake..... for my wallet!! That freakin' thing is amazing!! It might be bigger than the NXS, but wow what a difference!! It was a bright sunny day here today and everything is covered with snow, so outside looking through each scope (compared the NXS to the ATACR) you really couldn't tell a big difference in brightness, but the ATACR definitely had more contrast, but inside was where the ATACR shined. Looking through the NXS everything was dull and dark (but still better than a Leupold) and the ATACR was like looking through it outside! So for those that say they can't tell a difference looking through each one, needs to look again. Of course everyone is going to have an opinion, and that is exactly what I had asked for when I started this thread and now I am giving mine. The ATACR is definitely worth the extra $600, and I will definitely be buying one!! Thanks again to all that posted pictures and gave their opinions, I really appreciated them.
You made the right choice. You'll love it and will find that it's not too big on your 300! Good Luck
whar spuhr model is that on your atacr? Is that 1.18 height 0 cant?NF 5.5-22x50 NXS:
ATACR:
According to the Nightforce catalog, the NXS above is actually longer than the ATACR by 0.80". The ATACR is of course bulkier and weighs 7 ounces more.
I've spent a lot of time doing a side by side with these two scopes plus a NF 8-32x56 NXS. I've got zero complaints about any of them, but the ATACR is top dog.
We have a long overdue order of ATACRs leaving the Nightforce factory tomorrow. One of them is not spoken for and needs a good home, if anyone is interested.
Check out the mil-rad scope calculator site. I think the guy is a member here and he did a great job of getting actual measurements for scopes & mounts on there. Atacr and spuhr measurements are listed
NF 5.5-22x50 NXS:
ATACR:
According to the Nightforce catalog, the NXS above is actually longer than the ATACR by 0.80". The ATACR is of course bulkier and weighs 7 ounces more.
I've spent a lot of time doing a side by side with these two scopes plus a NF 8-32x56 NXS. I've got zero complaints about any of them, but the ATACR is top dog.
We have a long overdue order of ATACRs leaving the Nightforce factory tomorrow. One of them is not spoken for and needs a good home, if anyone is interested.
I just sent in my order to Mr. Bracken for the ATACR a few days ago. I know he is in Germany right now, but I hope to get mine soon to attach to my .300 WM. In my signature photo, I have the 5.5-22x50 that I borrowed from work(we have 6 of those NXS's that are not being used). I also ordered the 34mm 6 bolt ultralite rings in Medium height. Do you think that is tall enough? Also, how long are the wait times for the ATACR?
It's been on the market for awhile so there shouldn't be any wait times. Contact the guys at SportOptics.
Ik took mine out for the first time yesterday, at 25x power the scope can't focus at 100m, you have to turn down magnification.
Yes i adjusted the focus so that the reticle is sharp.
I've adjusted parallax the complete range but can't get it sharp at 100m on 25x, can get it sharp at 20m on 5X.
Photograpic deph is also very narrow, you need to adjust parallax contantly with even minor changes in distance.
I don't have these issues with my S&B PM2.
I've adjusted parallax the complete range but can't get it sharp at 100m on 25x, can get it sharp at 20m on 5X.
Photograpic deph is also very narrow, you need to adjust parallax contantly with even minor changes in distance.
I don't have these issues with my S&B PM2.
I've looked through both and the optical quality of the ATACR would be worth the extra money IMHO.
Both are NFs so you can assume they're built to last, so the NXS will be fine if you're on a budget.
Both are NFs so you can assume they're built to last, so the NXS will be fine if you're on a budget.
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