So, what is the perfect scope for the serious long range hunter and ELR shooter? Debatable for sure, but we can all agree today we have many good choices. Upon receiving the new NightForce ATACR Enhanced with the MOAR T reticle, I was pretty much like, “Let’s get this bad boy on my LRKM.” I will have to admit though, I had been 100% happy with the first gen ATACR that was riding in its rings now. So the thought does cross your mind, “Do I really want to change anything?” But after playing on the bench with the new Enhanced version, I soon saw there are some very nice upgrades with the new Enhanced. So off with the Gen one and on with the Enhanced.
Then of course, I pulled the tried and true NXS from my 300 Win and put the Gen 1 ATACR in its place.
Let’s go over the upgraded options of the new ATACR Enhanced compared to the Gen 1 ATACR SFP’s.
The first thing would be the large low profile 30 MOA turrets. Still retaining those distinct detent clicks we have grown to love with all NF scopes. Zero Stop for the elevation turret that is easily set by removing the turret cap and loosening 4 screws.
Then on to the 30 MOA windage turret. The new Enhanced comes with an optional turret cover cap that will help eliminate rotation errors while pulling the rifle from a scabbard on your horse or from the backpack scabbard as well. Me, myself, being of the belief that it is good to dial both elevation and windage for the first shot, to offer a dead center reticle hold, I opted to leave the cap in the box and install the nifty little beauty ring / thread protector that is also supplied. Nice to have options though. The new design windage turret also incorporates a rotational stop at 14.5 MOA in either direction. This is a great feature and eliminates the chance of getting a turn off when returning to zero. Sure you are limited to 14.5 MOA of windage dial, but let’s face it, if you need more than 14.5 MOA of windage for a shot, you are pretty much stepping into a low hit percentage zone anyway. But hey, it you really think you need more just go for the hold off with your reticle that offers another 20 MOA. So yeah, a total of 34.5 MOA for wind. Why am I even talking about this????? Sorry.
On the other side we find a newly designed, larger parallax knob that is engraved with yardage figures. Very handy to get you close to your parallax settings. I found them to be a great aid before going behind the scope.
Also on the new designed parallax knob is the new Digillum digital reticle illumination system. I will admit I do not typically use reticle illumination. But this is a way better system than before. You can quickly, while looking through the scope, illuminate, change intensity, and even change from red to green, if so desired. The new system also only illuminates the center cross. Great for not getting a bunch of unwanted glare covering your target, yet also very effective for the point of aim. So for that last light shot, I can see where filing through these settings could definitely bring something to the table. “Pun Intended.” Of course, check state and local laws for reticle illumination while hunting.
Next we move on to the tactical scope covers now included with the ATACR Enhanced. These Tenebraax Corp. covers are a nice step up from the bikini cover of the past. The new covers snap firmly closed and open with a light pull. They are multi-positional and rotate with detents so you can have them out of the way easily.
Pretty nice when that unexpected shower sneaks up on you, or the dust is blowing.
Then of course, included lately with many NightForce scopes, is the optional power throw knob for easier adjustment of the optical magnification setting. It comes with a plug in the threaded hole if you would rather not use it. But I really like being able to lock my thumb around it for easier movement.
All of this in a beautiful package to boot. But I found the real beauty when I started punching rocks with some real ELR. The ED glass is awesome for holding tight on that tiny aim point with the MOAR T reticle. This day we went beyond 1800 yards and were glad we had the optics to match the rifle for the job.
For this long range and ELR shooter this scope definitely fills the bill. The generous advertised 120 MOA of elevation proved to be even a little over that. Windage and elevation values were spot on .25 MOA. So when you slide in behind the Nightforce ATACR Enhanced be prepared for a high performance ride to way out there.
Below find a link to the full specification page:
http://nightforceoptics.com/atacr/atacr-5-25×56-sfp-enhanced-riflescope
In summary, I am not sure I personally could have asked for more from this scope for all my precision long range needs. Let’s just say the NightForce ATACR Enhanced has found a home on this rifle for a while anyway.
Jeff Brozovich
Go here for further questions or discussion of this review. http://www.longrangeonly.com/forum/showthread.php?2145-ATACR-Ehanced-SFP-Review&p=18682#post18682