LE Scope selection ATACR vs MK5

[Jlmccrarey]

Hey guys, I am looking at switching from my NX8 2.5-20 on my .308 bolt gun (KRG CHASSIS ARC action) to something new. I’m looking at the ATACR 4-20 with mil xt MRAD reticle vs the Leupold MK5HD 3.6-18 with PR1 reticle MRAD. Most of our work is up close but we train out to 800 yards plus sometimes and also I would somewhat like to use this rifle for PRS matches as additional training. Will be using a Spuhr mount either way. One of the issues I’ve had with the NX8 is eye relief and eye box but with the current setup I have, I cannot move the scope any closer to my eye. Thanks for the input in advance!

 

[FuhQ]

If your only options are those 2… ATACR F1 with the MIL-XT all day long.

But, if you can choose others, the Kahles K318i SKMR3, or the K525i or K624i with the SKMR4 reticle would be an awesome option.

 

[hafejd30]

My vote goes to the ATACR. I’ve owned several including the 4-20. Very nice optic

 

[db2000]

I would think warranty work, and ease there of, should be considered for duty use.

 

[J McGriddle]

Do you have to use a Spuhr mount? The NX8 may be fine with normal rings.

ATACR > Mk5

 

[R_A_W]

Most of our work is up close

I'd also look at the 4-16 ATACR w/ Mil-XT, it has slightly thicker crosshairs/subtensions (although the 4-20 aren't far off) & 16x is easily serviceable beyond 1,000yds

I'd forget about the Mk5

 

[oldrifleman]

I own several ATCARs (7-35 F1) and have been happy with them.

 

[fdkay]

LE optics requirements and PRS don't mesh.
A 3-18, providing there is sufficient field of view is a solid choice for an LE optic.
I run a 2.5-15 Credo as I want the most field of view I can get with a decent top end.
SFP is more suitable for an LE deployment, that being said, if the reticle is done properly, a FFP is usable.
LE optics are not served well with Xmas tree reticles.
The steiner 2.5-15 or 3-18 with the MSR2 Mil reticle or, in the case of the 2.5-15, the SCR reticle MIGHT be usable, depending on how thin the reticles are.
Too thin does not serve you well in an LE environment, a thicker reticle does not serve you well in PRS.
As said, you need field of view. A high percentage of your deployments are well within 50 yards.
You also need the abilithy to focus at less than 50 yards.
The delta Stryker 3.5-21 might serve you pretty well, enough mag to shoot to distance, 9 meter parallax focus, available with a simple holdover reticle without the xmas tree.

EGW | Delta Stryker 3.5-21X44 FFP

EDgun West Store - Leshiy 2 Epic Airguns Steyr Airguns

www.edgunwest.com

If I was dead set on a FFP, it would probably be the steiner 3-18

 

[CK1.0]

Why those?

If your agency is anything like any agency I've ever worked for or have trained with, there's probably is a dude somewhere up the totem pole that doesn't know shit, who's already bent on you having a certain scope (that he probably saw on the cover of Guns & Ammo at the grocery store or something).

If you don't want to end up with something like a Leupold MK5 in MOA from 10 years ago, you need to start convincing that guy that your favorite scope is his new favorite scope.

 

[epaultmbt]

Why are you looking to move away from the NX8 2.5-20?

I have the 2.5-20, ATACR 7-35, ATACR 4-16 all in T3. I have a bunch of time on the ATACR 4-20. The 7-35 and the 4-20 are so close in size and weight I can’t bring myself to get a 4-20. The 4-16 and 2.5-20 are almost identical in size and weight. I like the 2.5-20 over the 4-16. I wanna try the MK5 3-18.

 

[Bacarrat]

Why are you looking to move away from the NX8 2.5-20?

I have the 2.5-20, ATACR 7-35, ATACR 4-16 all in T3. I have a bunch of time on the ATACR 4-20. The 7-35 and the 4-20 are so close in size and weight I can’t bring myself to get a 4-20. The 4-16 and 2.5-20 are almost identical in size and weight. I like the 2.5-20 over the 4-16. I wanna try the MK5 3-18.

I would look through a MK5 3-18 first before you buy. I had one, didn't like the glass and didn't like the sight picture as it was small. Sold it off, and was contemplating on getting another one. Looked through a friends MK5 and it brought back memories on why I sold it in the first place.

 

[Stag556]

I just went through this exact dilemma with new rigs for work. We didn’t have ATACR money so our choices were narrowed to the NX8 2.5-20 with Mil-C or MK5 3-18 with PR-1.

My thoughts on the NX8 were exactly the same as yours. Eye box was unforgiving. I wanted to like this scope but just couldn’t do it.

We chose the MK5 with PR-1. The scope is great and I like everything about it. Honestly, the only downside is the reticle. It’s not as easy to quickly hold over as the Mil-C, it definitely takes some getting used to. But we’re happy with our choice.