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Forum Index > Optics > Optics choices in the 2-5k range

Optics choices in the 2-5k range

08 May 2014
@ 03:37 am (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Hi there,

I currently have a Vortex Viper that I'm getting rid of in favor of an upgrade and have been drawn to the very high end optics offered by NF and the like.

Nathan (or others) do you have an opinion on the NF ATACR 5.5-25, I am interestted in what exactly I would gain over say, a SIII, or even a Swarvoski Z5 or Z6i.

Perhaps I'll put this another way, if you had up to 4k to spend on a scope, what would you go for, and why?

Thanks for all the help.

Chris.

Replies

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08 May 2014
@ 05:05 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Hi Chris, as I wrote in my first book, I do not allow Swaro brand optics on our tutorials- simple as that. If you really insist on paying big money for a punch in the eye- pay me, will be the easiest money I have made in years.

Stick to one of the other two brands you mentioned. Choose a scope with the features you want. If the rifle is to be carried great distances and you need to keep the weight down, buy a Sightron. If the rifle is already very light and could do with a bit of weight (T3) or if the rifle is heavy- but used from a quad or general fixed position, then you can go with NF.

Do not get tied up in whistles and bells. All you want is a reliable unit that can be dialed in MOA and is true to MOA.
08 May 2014
@ 06:57 pm (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Thanks for the reply Nathan.

I only mentioned Swavoski as it is in the top tier of scopes, I am not considering buying one.

I was more interested in features for the money, for example, a 2k Sightron Vs a 4k NF, are the extra features (claimed to be) offered by the NF (zero stop, "better" glass, more refined and accurate adjustments etc) worth an extra 2k?

All I'm after is a scope in the high power range 5-25 or so, and clicks true mil/MOA, with nice clear glass. This is for my 7mm rem mag, so weight isn't really a concern.

Thanks for all the time you take here.
08 May 2014
@ 08:03 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Regarding the Sightron SIII and NF NXS.

Sightron supply glass to NF so clairty bis identical.

Both have accurate, reliable and positive MOA adjustments.

Both are solid performers.

The NXS is more robust in the event of very heavy falls- the ali tube is thicker- plain and simple. The Sightron SIII can handle a tumble of about 1 to 2 meters / yards on rocky terrain (if the glass is not impacted) based on what I have seen so far from client reports. It will dent and look pretty beaten up- but it will keep going. An NSX will handle heavier or faster trauma as per battle field requirements.

The NXS is illuminated. I have never had a need for this but those who have illuminated reticles appreciate it. I simply utilize the solid crosshair of the Sightron mil dot reticle. I believe that Sightron are now venturing more into illuminated reticles.

I have never had need of a zero stop. I make a note on my charts as to which hash line I am zeroed to. It is also committed to memory but making a note tends to be a part of committing to memory.

Both units have their strengths and limitations. The limitations of the NXS are simply weight. Nightforce are now also venturing more into light weight scopes (up to 16 power I think). I will assume that these are made at the Sightron plant until I have further evidence to the contrary. Pricing appears to be similar to Sightron.

Example of turret hash markings on Sightron:

08 May 2014
@ 09:11 pm (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Awesome info Nathan, many thanks!
08 May 2014
@ 10:05 pm (GMT)

Alvaro Piqueras Alonso-Lamberti

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range

Can´t be said better with less words! Nathan nailed it!

Maybe, adding another option to the equation, you can consider Schmidt und Bender PM series (Police and Military)... But dials are MILs, not MOA (0,1MIL bigger correction than .25 MOAs, so less accurate corrections), apart from that, seem to be rugged and bright.

Quote:
If you really insist on paying big money for a punch in the eye- pay me, will be the easiest money I have made in years.
Very nice sentence... hylarius!! :D
10 May 2014
@ 01:30 am (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
The NF has it, couldn't be happier.

NF ATACR 5-25x56



Cheers
10 May 2014
@ 07:45 pm (GMT)

Alvaro Piqueras Alonso-Lamberti

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Nice pic!

What rings are you using?
25 May 2014
@ 05:51 am (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Nightforce rings - about the only available option in a 36mm tube size. For those also considering this scope, or the BEAST. the NF rings alone are 4-500 bucks.

25 May 2014
@ 08:13 am (GMT)

Mike Neeson

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Sorry, going to be a bit cheeky. Get a sightron and with the $3000 you save go and buy ammo. Thats a whole lot of shooting...
25 May 2014
@ 07:34 pm (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Funny you should say that, I got the scope from DED, who had the Sightron, NXS, ATACR, and even a BEAST.

The sightron was a very nice scope, however there was a noticeable difference in glass between that and the ATACR, after seeing them side by side, my view was #%^ it, I'll buy the best I can afford once and not worry about it again.

Despite the $$, I have not regretted it once.
25 May 2014
@ 08:03 pm (GMT)

Michael Neeson

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Chris your probably right, but imagine this. You pull your rifle close to your shoulder, you look through your optics and no, they're not quite as good as the "big one" but you have this warm feeling wash over you because you know that the money you saved was quite literally a life saver to the poor african village you donated the savings to. They can now be vaccinated, have clean running water and can now afford to send their kids to school instead of working in the fields... imagine that.
25 May 2014
@ 09:06 pm (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Well, that escalated quickly... :)
25 May 2014
@ 09:54 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Hi Chris, there should not have been any difference in glass as both use the same glass. One small thing that may have effected your choice is that during initial inspection, most folk adjust the parallax and zoom but few people adjust the rear focus ring on the SIII which has a pronounced effect on clarity at an individual level. I am guessing you did not do this. Not to worry- you have a good scope.

Oddly enough I was talking to a comp shooter today who was saying the same and that he owns high end scopes from Europe and also NF scopes but none are clearer than his Japanese optic. The NF generally has different features than Sightron but optical clarity is normally the same.
25 May 2014
@ 10:01 pm (GMT)

Michael Neeson

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Haha I guess it did. That's the sound of me getting off my Utopic soap box. Now to reload some more ammo...
25 May 2014
@ 10:32 pm (GMT)

Chris McKoy

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
The difference could well have been in diopter.

However I do like having the option of clubbing fur seals should the need arise.
25 May 2014
@ 10:51 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Can't take you anywhere....
25 May 2014
@ 10:58 pm (GMT)

Michael Neeson

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
I hear they are delicious, veal from the sea.
25 May 2014
@ 11:10 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Optics choices in the 2-5k range
Really....you mean even better than dolphin pork of the sea?

You guys are terrible. Bad bad influence.
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