Rifle Scopes Nx8- mk5- atacr- 20s scar

[CRS1]

Hi all, new member and first post so bare with me. A little summary before the main question. I tend to collect firearms a lot more then I shoot most of them. I live in ohio and on my own property only have a 100yard range at the moment. This summer I'll try and clear a lane to reach out to 400 yards. If I wish to shoot further out to a mile I'll have to take an hr drive.

Majority of my shooting experience is woth a cqb type rifle and hunting is always withing 150 yards. So my wheelhouse of experience with distance is next to non existent. Almost all my rifles have an eotech, or lpvo.

Recently scratched an itch and picked up a scar 20s. Couldn't make my mind up 308 or 6.5 creedmoor so went with both (came in 6.5 and bought the 308 barrel). So I need a scope! Like many others this will spend much more of it's life in the safe or on display then being used. But ya never know. I also doubt this is a practical shtf rifle with its size and weight. But ya never know, maybe I'll start working out and prefer a 12lb rifle.

Point blank, the spare barrel ate up some of my optic funds. It seems like the Atacr is everyone's favorite next to the big money scopes like s&b. I found a atacr 4-20 demo for 2300. Atacr 4-16 for 2k. Leupold mk5 3.6-18 (in fde.. stupid but that's a selling point to me) for 1600. And was considering the nf nx8 2.5-20 for 1600 also, but it seems of the 3 that's the least quality or liked. Now I know that atacr isn't a bad price. But I wanted to top out around 2k with a mount. Do I go with the mk5 or make things work to buy the atacr and then wait a little to get the mount and do the buy once cry once? I really was trying to go with an fde scope to go with the already 50 shades of fde from fn.

If there's any other suggestions I'm all ears. Thanks in advance

 

[71firebird400]

Our resident expert @C_Does has put together some excellent reviews on the very scopes you are asking about. I would encourage you to watch these as someone who reviews a large number of scopes will always have a broader perspective and more objective opinion than someone who owns one of the three you're asking about.

 

[oldrifleman]

First check out the PX here, you will likely find scopes in your price range. Second, what is your desired range? you have said what you do now, but what would you want to do with this? With what you said your uses are, either of the two ATCARS would be my choice, again look at the PX and see what they go for there.

 

[HD1911]

Whatever you do, don’t mount the optic in a cantilever mount on that SCAR.

 

[CRS1]

Whatever you do, don’t mount the optic in a cantilever mount on that SCAR.

Yes I've read that mutiple places. But appreciate the heads up! It seems the American defense delta is a good choice made for the scar.

 

[HD1911]

Personally, out of your list I’d go ATACR 4-20. Those two were kind of made for each other.

 

[CRS1]

First check out the PX here, you will likely find scopes in your price range. Second, what is your desired range? you have said what you do now, but what would you want to do with this? With what you said your uses are, either of the two ATCARS would be my choice, again look at the PX and see what they go for there.

I have looked it over for the last couple of days nothing that has caught my eye yet. My account is also restricted since I'm new. Every comment needs admin approval so even if I see something, chances are by the time my comment get approved someone else will have picked it up lol

 

[HD1911]

And always buy once cry once… don’t settle, you’ll just wind up taking the longer costlier way around to what you really wanted in the first place.

 

[HD1911]

Yes I've read that mutiple places. But appreciate the heads up! It seems the American defense delta is a good choice made for the scar.

There’s a good chance that scar will eat your optics lunch if you run it in a cantilever.

ADM, Spuhr, Grey Ops CNC, and the like will do just fine. Just don’t go cantilevers seriously. If you call up FN and ask them about it, they will tell you the same thing.

BTDT

 

[oldrifleman]

And always buy once cry once… don’t settle, you’ll just wind up taking the longer costlier way around to what you really wanted in the first place.

This^^^^^ I know I am not alone but I have long and expensive list of "Cheaper, but almost as good" purchases. Buy what you really want, this may involve waiting, but in the long run it is so much cheaper and you will be so much happier!

 

[CRS1]

This^^^^^ I know I am not alone but I have long and expensive list of "Cheaper, but almost as good" purchases. Buy what you really want, this may involve waiting, but in the long run it is so much cheaper and you will be so much happier!

Yeah luckily I always do the buy once cry once. I guess being middle of winter helps I'm in no rush to get outside and freeze and trek thru snow to go shooting.

It seems the 4-20 atacr is the smart choice (heard going to the 25 version the glass isn't as clear) just wish they offered it in fde.

 

[hafejd30]

I say the atacr

When you see the demo of them smacking a atacr against a stool to check how it holds zero…

This is the rifle they’re testing that for

 

[CRS1]

I say the atacr

When you see the demo of them smacking a atacr against a stool to check how it holds zero…

This is the rifle they’re testing that for

I've never seen that video. Will have to try and find it. Just trying to decide 4-16 or 4-20. I seem some say the 16 is better. But the only reason is the size of the 20. (But it doesn't seem much larger). And stated it's the same size as the 25. But I've also heard the 25 glass isn't as clear.

I also thought I read the 4-20 was for a military contract. So there must be something better with it?

 

[hafejd30]

I've never seen that video. Will have to try and find it. Just trying to decide 4-16 or 4-20. I seem some say the 16 is better. But the only reason is the size of the 20. (But it doesn't seem much larger). And stated it's the same size as the 25. But I've also heard the 25 glass isn't as clear.

I also thought I read the 4-20 was for a military contract. So there must be something better with it?

It may not be a stool I can’t remember. It’s from a shot show or something where they pound it on something then keep repeating and putting it back in a device to see zero hold. My comment was more sarcasm but scars do eat cheap optics up for sure

I owned both the 4-16 and 4-20. The size of the 4-16X42 is much smaller than the 4-20 as I remember it. Mainly the 4-20 has standard atacr turrets where the 4-16 has the low profile locking elevation.

4-20 is a 5.5-20 due to tunneling. The 4-16 doesn’t tunnel. At least mine didn’t.

Glass between the two is likely a wash. I didn’t get the “ya that’s better” feeling like when I swapped up to the ZCO from the 4-20 atacr. But I had one of the first ones available I think.

I wanted more magnification so I stepped up to 7-35 atacr and ZCO 527.

Eventually when I upgrade my LMT MWS optic it will be to the 4-16 X 42 atacr. There is a 4-16X50 as well. I think that has the standard taller elevation turret and is probably more comparable in size to the 4-20 because of the larger turret and objective

 

[CRS1]

It may not be a stool I can’t remember. It’s from a shot show or something where they pound it on something then keep repeating and putting it back in a device to see zero hold. My comment was more sarcasm but scars do eat cheap optics up for sure

I owned both the 4-16 and 4-20. The size of the 4-16X42 is much smaller than the 4-20 as I remember it. Mainly the 4-20 has standard atacr turrets where the 4-16 has the low profile locking elevation.

4-20 is a 5.5-20 due to tunneling. The 4-16 doesn’t tunnel. At least mine didn’t.

Glass between the two is likely a wash. I didn’t get the “ya that’s better” feeling like when I swapped up to the ZCO from the 4-20 atacr. But I had one of the first ones available I think.

I wanted more magnification so I stepped up to 7-35 atacr and ZCO 527.

Eventually when I upgrade my LMT MWS optic it will be to the 4-16 X 42 atacr. There is a 4-16X50 as well. I think that has the standard taller elevation turret

Yeah I know the scars are known for that. I think the 20s is a little better than the 17. As for weight, less is better but this thing weighs a lot either way. There's plenty of rail space and gun size where big optics don't look weird, im actually worried about the opposite having not enough magnification or something small that looks odd in such a large rifle.

Again all new to higher end scopes and this style rifle. So unsure really what route to go. There's no 1 clear optic everyone says is great. I will say I feel like with the 4-16 I'm always going to worry should I have gone larger.

 

[hafejd30]

Yeah I know the scars are known for that. I think the 20s is a little better than the 17. As for weight, less is better but this thing weighs a lot either way. There's plenty of rail space and gun size where big optics don't look weird, im actually worried about the opposite having not enough magnification or something small that looks odd in such a large rifle.

Again all new to higher end scopes and this style rifle. So unsure really what route to go. There's no 1 clear optic everyone says is great. I will say I feel like with the 4-16 I'm always going to worry should I have gone larger.

If you’re worried get a used 7-35 atacr from the px for $2700-$2800 Mil XT reticle. Of the atacr family it’s the best in my opinion

It’s not something you need. But you can always dial down to 7. Hard to dial up past 16 if it’s not there

And we’re talking a few hundred bucks between the used 7-35 and 4-20

For me it’s 4-16 if I want the ruggedness of the atacr on a DMR setup. Otherwise from here out I’ll go right to the 7-35

It sounds like a decent step up in $$ right away. But I went 4-16 then 4-20 then ZCO 5-27. I lost more money then had I gone ZCO 527 or NF 7-35 from the start.

You likely won’t use this rifle for closer shooting like CQB but can always put a red dot on with the optic if you wanted to as well. Personally even when I’m slaying deer with my 7-35 inside 100 yards I’m still running 10-12 power.

 

[oldrifleman]

If you can find someone who has the scopes ( gun range or store ) and look through them. I guess you need to decide lighter and quicker with less mag or heavier and more mag. Don’t go to the 7-35, heavy, long, bulletproof and more than you need ( I still have 5-6 I haven’t sold so yeah I know them well).

 

[stanley_white]

I say the atacr

When you see the demo of them smacking a atacr against a stool to check how it holds zero…

This is the rifle they’re testing that for

If that is the standard than USO is in the running:





-Stan

 

[CRS1]

If you can find someone who has the scopes ( gun range or store ) and look through them. I guess you need to decide lighter and quicker with less mag or heavier and more mag. Don’t go to the 7-35, heavy, long, bulletproof and more than you need ( I still have 5-6 I haven’t sold so yeah I know them well).

I don't know a single person who buys 3k guns let alone optics i haven't even told 1 buddy about the scar because I don't feel like hearing the "must be nice " comments.

As for stores i went to the only 2 stores in an hour radius that sells high end. 1 was where I got the scar from. They only had maybe 6 scopes 5 of em sig brand. And some other cheap something.

The other store same scenario all cheaper scopes even though they are 1 of 2 places listed on nf site that is a vendor for em. Every red dot known to man for pistol or rifle though. I don't think many are into distance in ohio. (Only know 1 place that has a range over 300 yards within 3 hour radius) We can't hunt with anything but a shot gun or straight wall cartridge. So even with hunting distance isn't popular. I use a fixed 2.5 leupold scope to reach out to 150 yards

I could go to a cabelas, I know they have leupold. But don't think there's anywhere that actually stocks night force near me. I'm going to have to wing it. Probably end up with the 4-20

 

[oldrifleman]

I think the 4 -20 is probably a happy choice.

 

[HD1911]

I’ve owned a 7-35 ATACR and while it has its place and is a damn good optic, I think the 4-20 is the better optic for the SCAR 20, or any gas gun for that matter.

I’ve shot to a mile on a full ipsc on several occasions and never have seen the need for more than 20x yet. You’re most likely never going to shoot at a mile or beyond with your scar correct? If so, more power to ya, not saying it can’t be done.

The sweet spot for me with any optic I’ve ever owned is the 12-20x range. The 4-20 stays bright and crisp all the way thru its mag range, once above 7x. Literally no discernible degradation upstairs, to my eye anyway.

I really do think the 4-20 is fantastic for what it is. Doesn’t mean I don’t wanna try out a Schmidt 5-20 at some point, but I’m not in a rush to do so.

The 4-20 will be brighter in low light than the 4-16. I do personally believe you’ll want that little extra magnification with the 4-20 over the 4-16.

On a 14.5 or 16 308, then sure, if form factor and weight are top priority, go 4-16… it’ll git’r done.

I just think you’ll be slightly clipping its wings, with the lesser mag.

If you don’t care at all about size and weight and just want all the mag, then get the 7-35.

Just my two cents, not saying anyone else is wrong or whatever. Struggling to decide between three different ATACRs is a first world problem for sure, but a fun one to have.

 

[CRS1]

The 4-20 will be brighter in low light than the 4-16. I do personally believe you’ll want that little extra magnification with the 4-20 over the 4-16.

On a 14.5 or 16 308, then sure, if form factor and weight are top priority, go 4-16… it’ll git’r done.

I just think you’ll be slightly clipping its wings, with the lesser mag.

I agree, and though I'm not too worried about size and weight I don't think like you stated I'll ever have a use for such magnification. Heck the bolt action 3006 i have doesn't have that on it

And it is a first world problem for sure! Usually I enjoy researching and reading and trying to figure it out. This seems to be a stalemate though and not as fun. I feel like I need to decide before they sell being "demo" units and I dislike rushing decisions. But 2300 seems like a great price on a 4-20.

 

[oldrifleman]

If buying new you might contact one of our fine dealers who support the forum. @CSTactical is my preferred enabler

 

[CRS1]

If buying new you might contact one of our fine dealers who support the forum. @CSTactical is my preferred enabler

I've been looking at "demo" units on a few various sites to try and save a few bucks. Just realized though they are moa and not mil. (Never owned a mil scope but I know if I asked 95% here would say go mil not moa)

 

[hafejd30]

I've been looking at "demo" units on a few various sites to try and save a few bucks. Just realized though they are moa and not mil. (Never owned a mil scope but I know if I asked 95% here would say go mil not moa)

You do not ask moa vs mil here

It’s like an auto ban hammer

 

[CRS1]

You do not ask moa vs mil here

It’s like an auto ban hammer

So start you tubing video to learn about mil. And stay clear of moa... well there goes another 200 lol so let me ask this. Is the TReMoR3 okay? Because that's my only option not going moa

 

[C_Does]

Our resident expert @C_Does has put together some excellent reviews on the very scopes you are asking about. I would encourage you to watch these as someone who reviews a large number of scopes will always have a broader perspective and more objective opinion than someone who owns one of the three you're asking about.

Thank you kindly!

 

[HD1911]

So start you tubing video to learn about mil. And stay clear of moa... well there goes another 200 lol so let me ask this. Is the TReMoR3 okay? Because that's my only option not going moa

I’d go Mil-XT or Mil-C. Tremor 3 will be overcomplicated and completely unnecessary for you and most people.

 

[C_Does]

I’d go Mil-XT or Mil-C. Tremor 3 will be overcomplicated and completely unnecessary for you and most people.

The mil-xt is Awesome.

 

[CRS1]

I’d go Mil-XT or Mil-C. Tremor 3 will be overcomplicated and completely unnecessary for you and most people.

Well I guess I can calm my nerves then and hold off and save spending money. (Scar can be an unfired gun cabinet decoration for a while/months/years hahah) They only have em for 2300 in moa (3k retail) or 2500 for tremor3 (3250 retail) mil xt is 2700 (3k retail) And that isn't enough to make me jump and buy it right now.

Thanks for the help fellas.

 

[HD1911]

Well I guess I can calm my nerves then and hold off and save spending money. (Scar can be an unfired gun cabinet decoration for a while/months/years hahah) They only have em for 2300 in moa (3k retail) or 2500 for tremor3 (3250 retail) mil xt is 2700 (3k retail) And that isn't enough to make me jump and buy it right now.

Thanks for the help fellas.

Send me a PM

 

[Deardorff]

The ATACR 4-16, 4-20, and 7-35 are all fairly similar in clarity. In my examples the 4-20 is the best one.
The Leupold mk5 is a notch worse than the ATACR series. A lot of people love the mk5, but in my eyes, the lower resolution and chromatic aberration is significant enough to be bothersome to me.

You can't go wrong with any of them, but the 4-16 will give you a trimmer lighter rifle, where you may want a spotting scope to see impacts out far, or 4-20 will allow you to spot your own shots.