Nightforce ATACR 4-16x50 -- Second Focal Plane -- Glass & eyebox as good as F1 ??

[Bungi]

Does anyone have experience with an SFP ATACR in 4-16x50? I know most people prefer the FFP model, but my eyes have a hard time seeing FFP reticles at low power.

I have seen many positive reviews for the 4-16x42 ATACR in FFP ..... But I have seen almost nothing on the 4-16x50 SFP model, and I am wondering if the SFP is just as good optically?

The scope will be going on an AR10 in 308 ... So I believe 16x power will be sufficient.

I will mostly use it for fixed target shooting ... and possibly (but rarely) move it onto a hunting bolt rifle (also in 308).

I know the ATACRs are awesome scopes, but I have heard of tunneling issues on some models in the low power range.

If anyone has experience with this SFP scope, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

 

[belldar]

Also interested. I have have only run SHV, NXS, and NX8 so far. Can’t beat the NXS but I am now interested in the ATACR.

 

[ArmoryBrat]

Does anyone have experience with an SFP ATACR in 4-16x50? I know most people prefer the FFP model, but my eyes have a hard time seeing FFP reticles at low power.

I have seen many positive reviews for the 4-16x42 ATACR in FFP ..... But I have seen almost nothing on the 4-16x50 SFP model, and I am wondering if the SFP is just as good optically?

The scope will be going on an AR10 in 308 ... So I believe 16x power will be sufficient.

I will mostly use it for fixed target shooting ... and possibly (but rarely) move it onto a hunting bolt rifle (also in 308).

I know the ATACRs are awesome scopes, but I have heard of tunneling issues on some models in the low power range.

If anyone has experience with this SFP scope, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

For the past couple of years, I've had a second focal plane (SFP) NF ATACR 4-16x50mm scope (with MOAR reticle) mounted atop an AR-15 that I primarily use for coyote hunting and to a limited extent, some varmint shooting. I absolutely love the scope and believe that its ideally suited for what I use it for. I haven't ever experienced a so-called "tunneling" problem with the scope at its lowest magnification setting. Whenever I'm coyote hunting, I have the scope set at 4-power and can easily see the reticle with my 72-year-old eyes at that setting (thanks to the SFP) should a shot opportunity suddenly occur at close range. If I need to take a long distance shot at a coyote, I generally have ample time to increase the magnification of the scope to its highest power, at which time the MOA markings on the reticle can be utilized, if necessary. In addition, the 50mm objective lens on the scope does an excellent job with light transmission especially while hunting in low light situations which I often do. Although I have no first-hand experience with a first focal plane (FFP) NF ATACR 4-16x42mm scope, I can't imagine that it would be optically better than the scope that I have given the difference in the size of the objective lenses (i.e., 42mm vs. 50mm) between the two scopes.

Lastly, I also have a NF ATACR 7-35x56mm scope (FFP with MOAR reticle) that is mounted on a bolt gun that I use for long range plinking and shooting at varmints as well as for deer hunting at extended range. For what I primarily use that rifle for, the aforementioned scope with a FFP is ideal. However, I seldom crank the magnification of the scope down below 20-power unless I need to quickly find my target before taking a shot with a higher magnification setting. At 7-power, the reticle of that scope is difficult for me to readily see (due to the FFP), let alone use the MOA markings at that power setting. I must say that for long range applications, a scope with a relatively high magnification capability and FFP is ideal. The advantage of such a scope is the capability to adjust the magnification to whatever the shooting situation dictates (whether that be to compensate for mirage effects, low light conditions, or whatever) and still be able to utilize the MOA markings for elevation and/or windage holds, regardless of the magnification setting.

I hope that my personal experience based opinions in response your inquiry are useful to you.

 

[Bungi]

Thanks for the reply, ArmoryBrat -- I appreciate hearing of your experience with the scope.