Rifle Scopes Mk5 hd 3-18, NF ATACR 4-16 or Kahles 318i

Nittynate

Sergeant of the Hide
Minuteman
Mar 16, 2018
217
84
I’m debating between these 3 scopes for 18” 6.5 creed hunting build. I want a light rifle and will list components of build:

Impact action
TT Diamond
Manners elite TA gen ii chassis
(18” PVA Rock Creek Remington Varmint profile barrel)

I won’t be doing much shooting past 1000 yards and will mostly be used for hunting. Please give me some thoughts. I have been shooting with tree style reticles and I know the mk5 only comes illum w/ TMR.
 
Following this closely. I’ve been putting off placing my order. I REALLY want the NF ATACR F1 4-16x44 but just wonder if it would be money better saved on the M5. I get mil/Leo pricing so there is a huge price difference but I really NEED the best lowlight and illumination. This will be used on a work rifle at all hours of the day and night.
 
Last edited:
Following this closely. I’ve been putting off placing my order. I REALLY want the NF ATACR F1 4-16x44 but just wonder if it would be money better saved on the M5. I get mil/Leo pricing so there is a huge price difference but I really NEED the best lowlight and illumination. This will be used on a work rifle at all hours of the day and night.

I felt the same way about being on the fence on the mk5 and NF but was recently turned on to the 3-18i. I get same pricing as you from NF and Leupold but was curious if Kahles has similiar pricing?
 
IF you're hunting, I'd look into weight and low light performance.
Mark 5: 26oz
ATACR: 30oz
Kahles: 32.6oz

As for low light performance, I can only speak for the Mark 5, which is great.
 
IF you're hunting, I'd look into weight and low light performance.
Mark 5: 26oz
ATACR: 30oz
Kahles: 32.6oz

As for low light performance, I can only speak for the Mark 5, which is great.

HippySteve your handle is great!! Only downside is illum is only available in TMR. Do you guys think that illum is a necessity?
 
I don't think illumination is a necessity, but it will help with taking advantage of more opportunities at early morning and sun down. I'm torn on using illuminated reticles on hunting rifles because I think it enables you to take riskier shots, but it also helps in shooting at animals positioned in front of dark backgrounds. Also, Leupold is known to price gouge their illuminated reticles. You might be able to get a illum ATACR for cheaper than a illum Mark 5.
 
I thew an NXS 3.5-15 on a Proof carbon barreled R700 with a Manner EH stock. The NXS is around 30oz I believe, but it tips the gun to the point of being a little too heavy for my taste. A 20oz scope on this gun feel great. I should have gone 2.5-10 NXS but this isn't a dedicated hunting rig.
 
If you really want to make the rifle more suitable for hunting ditch the adjustable cheek and use a stockpack or similar to attain proper cheekweld. Saves you about 1 lb. The difference in weight of your 3 options should not be a deciding factor in a rifle that is going to weigh over 11lbs as you have spec’d.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5RWill
They are all great options, but damn I love the Kahles K318i...
37757626_2157258830983285_1297990540494635008_n.jpg
 
If you really want to make the rifle more suitable for hunting ditch the adjustable cheek and use a stockpack or similar to attain proper cheekweld. Saves you about 1 lb. The difference in weight of your 3 options should not be a deciding factor in a rifle that is going to weigh over 11lbs as you have spec’d.

Weight is not a deciding factor. If it was I do have NF SHV 3-10 that is super light. The elite TA only weighs 2.6 lbs which is only .7lbs heavier than non adjustable which is more than worth the weight to me.(I hate stock packs) just out of curiosity how did you come up w/ 11lbs?
 
for a hunting scope, I would go with the Leupold. It performs best in low-light and glare. While i cant speak for the khales, I decided against the ATACR becuase the reticle seemed to disappear in those settings (low-light and glare) making it hard to distinguish where you are aiming (non-illuminated obviously).
 
for a hunting scope, I would go with the Leupold. It performs best in low-light and glare. While i cant speak for the khales, I decided against the ATACR becuase the reticle seemed to disappear in those settings (low-light and glare) making it hard to distinguish where you are aiming (non-illuminated obviously).

Thank you for your input. What reticle did you decide to go w/ on MK5 HD?
 
If you are not shooting movers or comps, opt for a 2nd FP Nightforce and save some cash. The Leupold VX-5 HD is also a damn nice scope. I really like the CDS Turrets..
 
Sling, bipod, add 1lb. Scope and rings...add 2-3 lbs. 12.5-13.5 lbs.

Well I’ll have the final weight when it is done. My goal was to make this rifle lighter than my rebarreled Tikka w/ m40 22” barrel and T4a stock, so I know I have succeeded in that! It is a beast to lug around in the backcountry. Thanks for the input