Question about member regarding optics reviews

OH_FAL

Private
Minuteman
Jul 5, 2018
32
3
It's been a while since I've been here, but I finally got a nice rifle (SSG 69) and am in process of putting together funds for a NF ATACR FFP and recall that there was a member here who did nice reviews of optical products, a gentleman of Eastern European origin, IIRC. Does this ring a bell for anyone - would like to read up on some of his stuff.
 
Other good ones are @Glassaholic, @BigJimFish , and a newer reviewer that I like so far is @C_Does .

When you are ready to buy, check this thread.
 
Other good ones are @Glassaholic, @BigJimFish , and a newer reviewer that I like so far is @C_Does .

When you are ready to buy, check this thread.
Thanks for the shout out and kind words!

To OP, Of the ATACR's that I have toyed with, they are all pretty excellent.

4-16x42 -
4-20x50 - (dont share yet)
Mk5HD vs ATACR -
 
Anything specific you are wondering about?
tenor.gif
 
Anything specific you are wondering about?

Not particularly, but I am trying to build up a stable of good binocs, a scope worthy of the SSG and, eventually, a good spotting scope. I think I've decided on a Steiner M1050R as a good price/performance compromise, the Nightforce ATACR F1 4-20 x 50 with Mil-XT reticle and likely a Kowa spotter with prominar glass, but not quite sure I need that much as my range is limited to 600 yards and that would be more than the scope. Taking suggestions, however.
 
Not particularly, but I am trying to build up a stable of good binocs, a scope worthy of the SSG and, eventually, a good spotting scope. I think I've decided on a Steiner M1050R as a good price/performance compromise, the Nightforce ATACR F1 4-20 x 50 with Mil-XT reticle and likely a Kowa spotter with prominar glass, but not quite sure I need that much as my range is limited to 600 yards and that would be more than the scope. Taking suggestions, however.
It seems like a reasonable lineup. If you are primarily shooting at the range, rather than taking this setup into the field, there really isn't much downside, aside from price and esthetics to going with a larger/higher magnification scope.

ILya
 
  • Like
Reactions: OH_FAL
Not a lot of places to hump this set-up into the field in Ohio and it's shotgun or straight wall cartridges should one hunt. I was thinking of a 42mm objective scope, but figured that 50mm was still capable of being taken afield if needed and a lot better if shooting from the bench.
 
Not a lot of places to hump this set-up into the field in Ohio and it's shotgun or straight wall cartridges should one hunt. I was thinking of a 42mm objective scope, but figured that 50mm was still capable of being taken afield if needed and a lot better if shooting from the bench.
What about a 50mm objective do you think is better than 42mm for shooting from the bench? Outside of low light shooting there is not much of a distinct advantage and shooting out to 600 yards can be done with ease with 12x and good glass. Unless you feel the absolutely need for 20x magnification, I think the 4-16x42 ATACR would be more than adequate for what you're wanting to do. Just some food for thought...
 
  • Like
Reactions: nrspence and OH_FAL
What about a 50mm objective do you think is better than 42mm for shooting from the bench? Outside of low light shooting there is not much of a distinct advantage and shooting out to 600 yards can be done with ease with 12x and good glass. Unless you feel the absolutely need for 20x magnification, I think the 4-16x42 ATACR would be more than adequate for what you're wanting to do. Just some food for thought...

Since I think most of my shooting will be from the bench, the better ability to collect light would be welcome and since I'm middle aged, the eye's ability to see well at given light levels decreases with time. Not going to be humping this in the field - trick knee. Lastly, we're talking about less than six ounces difference and the cost savings wouldn't be that significant - may as well buy a little more than I need and have it available to me.
 
Last edited:
I think you will find the ATACR 4-16x42 to give up very little for light gathering, it is a very well rounded design. The 4-16x50 does not share the same turrets that some consider inferior.
 
I think you will find the ATACR 4-16x42 to give up very little for light gathering, it is a very well rounded design. The 4-16x50 does not share the same turrets that some consider inferior.

Tell me about the turrets - what is considered inferior and which models? Also, what reticle would you recommend?
 
Last edited:
Tell me about the turrets - what is considered inferior and which models? Also, what reticle would you recommend?
Reticles are very much personal preference, I like Mil-XT, Mil-R and MIL-C. .2 mil reticles have been the rage since SKMR hit the scene, but good .5 mil reticles are still bery workable and offer a “cleaner” sight picture, you can sometimes find the .5 mil reticles scopes at better prices than thei .2 mil cousins.

The ATACR x42 has lower profile turrets along with a zero stop button lock you won’t find on any other model cause NF lost a lawsuit with Leupold over it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: OH_FAL
Reticles are very much personal preference, I like Mil-XT, Mil-R and MIL-C. .2 mil reticles have been the rage since SKMR hit the scene, but good .5 mil reticles are still bery workable and offer a “cleaner” sight picture, you can sometimes find the .5 mil reticles scopes at better prices than thei .2 mil cousins.

The ATACR x42 has lower profile turrets along with a zero stop button lock you won’t find on any other model cause NF lost a lawsuit with Leupold over it.

Took your suggestion and got the 4-16x42 F1 Mil-XT version. Do you know anything about Kaps scopes - need a low power fixed for a medium bore Mauser.
 
It is a very oddball German company. A couple that I have seen were decent, but unless you need a particular look, I would seek elsewhere. I think Charles from Darn Fine Shot brings them in.

If you need a German 4x, they might be the only game in town these days. If you can live with a variable, I'd be looking at S&B's Klassic scopes.

ILya
 
It is a very oddball German company. A couple that I have seen were decent, but unless you need a particular look, I would seek elsewhere. I think Charles from Darn Fine Shot brings them in.

If you need a German 4x, they might be the only game in town these days. If you can live with a variable, I'd be looking at S&B's Klassic scopes.

ILya
I have a CZ550 9.3 x 62 shipping to me and I really don't need anything more than a 4x for it as 300M is about as far as I'd consider using it and more like 100-150. I am trying to find a Leupold VX-II in excellent shape first, but Kaps is the backup plan.

I just looked at the site you mentioned and see they only list the 6x - the owner of the company, Holger Kaps e-mailed me back that they have a webstore but he did not mention Darn Fine Shot as a N.A. dealer - not sure he speaks English, though. Could you elaborate on what you find strange or lacking in their product or deportment?
 
Last edited: