• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Rifle Scopes New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is a honest opinion, and look at it this way, when you talk to Crane / the Navy which uses a lot of NF, they look at this scope to go on a 300WM Or 338LM.

The 20 Mils makes sense.

As far as the fast paced match comment, well okay I supposed if I gave you the scope blind and said go shoot a match you'd have a problem, what what fasted pace stage are you dialing ? And if so, won't .2 get you there faster than .1, I think we all know 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, every bit as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.... than the lever just becomes odd or even. If you need .9 mils you go, 2, 4, 6, 8, Lever 9... You can hit the lever with the same hand as the one turning the knob.

I would assume someone buying it and using it in a match would have practiced for at least 1 day before. That is more than enough time to figure it out.

Still fast paced stages, usually mean you are holding and not dialing at least all the stages I have shot that are fast paced. Most cases you are always going UP or Down in a linear fashion, not going back and forth.

I could see someone bumping the lever in competition and added .1 to their dope and on some small targets, yep you have a miss. That can be an issue.

Most agreed the ATACR was a great all around scope, except for being SPF, an F1 model based off the same would be perfect for 99% of the guy out there. </div></div>

I understand what you're saying. I also know competition shooters are only a small blip on the radar for a company like NF.

I had no complaints with the ATACR. A FFP version would be sweet but knowing NF has that new illumination and windage knob lock i'd be still wishing for those with a FFP ATACR. I know there's a FFP ATACR in the future but i'd rather have a BEAST that works for me.

I understand the even/odd concept. I know with some training i could make it work. I'm just concerned with the extra step involved. You know how much mental stress can play a part on you in a match...is the lever on...is it off? I just wish i had the .1 clicks like always with the option of the lever for fine adjustment as a bonus.


I forgot to ask at SHOT. The reticle in the BEAST only went to 4 mils just like the ATACR. On NFs website they show the BEAST going to more like 10mils. Do you know if this was just a matter of the prototype model of the beast no having the FFP reticle in it yet?
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

This is just my own observation but since NF made the BEAST and there are already concerns about it's design and so forth then why not stick with S&B/Premier/Hensoldt? I mean if the S&B/Premier/Hensoldt are roughly the same price as the BEAST plus or minus a little and their track record is proven then just stick with what works. Disregard the NF BEAST then.

Heath
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lowlight quick question on the operation of the beast.

Say if I wanted to dial to 1.7mil I would dial to 1.6 and then flick the lower lever and that would kick it the extra .1 to 1.7?

And I'm assuming if I wanted to drop to 1.5, I would rotate the knob to 1.4 then flick the lever to add the additional .1 to take it to 1.5?

Is that the basics of how it operates?</div></div>

Yes the lever only goes up..

If you want to dial 1.7 you are correct, however if you want to dial down to 1.5, you just dial down 1 click on the turret, the lever stays put. 1.7 -.2 = 1.5 if you want 1.4 from that 1.5 you just move the lever.

The lever does not have to be moved every time, it just adds that to your .2 adjustments.

Think of it like Odd or Even numbers, if you leave it on it's like going up .3 instead of .2.

People are confusing the lever as if it has to be reset or as if moving the turret changes the lever setting. They are completely independent but still move the erector. Same as the old Unertl MST100.

In fact the prototype had the lever moving 4 .1 clicks up and down like the Unertl. They refined it to move .1 only, and it adds. Nobody complained about the Unertl for how many years. You dope was never 5, it was 5 -+2 or 8, -1 you always had to operate both together.

If you 308 dope is

.3 for 200, 1 click on the turret, lever on
1.2 just 6 clicks on the turret lever off
2.2 would be turret only no lever
3.2 would be turret only no lever
4.1 would be 4 mils on the turret lever on
etc...

It's really quite easy, maybe that is because I started on a Unertl I know that you just need to nudge the lever to move it, and you can do it with the same hand I see it as a non-issue
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

We have come SO FAR since the Unertl 10x take-it-or-leave-it days.

Great write-up.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Cool LL......Wanted to get it down before I was going to order one. The days of the germans are gone....thats plainly obvious from the encounters and new products over the past year.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

I mean the turret is well spaced and clearly marked, it's not like you are dialing blind...

How many guys in Competition or anywhere else are truly NOT looking at the turret.

You can see in the image, it's well spaced.
nfbeastcontrols.jpg


If you know you have a even number to dial, you just use the turret, if you have an odd number you go to the line before and hit the lever.

The main Mil is clearly marked, the 4 hash marks between are easy to see, you can easily find it.

Now I will say, if you are an MOA shooter, I feel bad for you, I would be confused using MOAs with this system. It would take a bit more time to use it. With mils it's easy, MOA at bit harder to figure out without using it.

That is part of the probably you are trying to do it without having in your hand. If you just glance up and 5.3 mils, you know, and can see, 5.2 mils easily then throw the lever.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

FYI

While NF has their own mounts, with an aftermarket one piece base and rings, a GDI will work and a SPUHR TPAL Version will work, the standard SPUHR will not fit this scope.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

The only scopes I own are Nightforce, but I will be passing on the Beast .
Dont need to be doing quick math in my head to know if I am +.1 or dial down .2 then flip lever for +.1
I will stick with dialing and visually verifying what I am set at.
I am interested in the better glass and the illumination change thou, and think those are great added features.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

I'd hardly consider having to add .1 to achieve odd increments "math".

It's actually a pretty brilliant solution to the problem of how to increase elevation travel per revolution without losing fine adjustment.

Joe
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

just a though for those not fond of the lever. i was thinking about comp shooting and realized. most comps ask you to shoot 1 to 2 moa targets, sometimes .5moa. so with this scope you could just go to the nearest .2 mark and shoot. that extra .1 will not make you miss and you might save a little time.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: axeltow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just a though for those not fond of the lever. i was thinking about comp shooting and realized. most comps ask you to shoot 1 to 2 moa targets, sometimes .5moa. so with this scope you could just go to the nearest .2 mark and shoot. that extra .1 will not make you miss and you might save a little time. </div></div>

With that logic i might as well go back to shooting a 308 because it will get me close enough most of the time.

This burning up 6mm and 6.5mm barrels all the time is getting old!!

No really i thought about that too but in reality it would only work sometimes and even then i'd still prefer to use my actual dope then to just get close enough.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

i agree with you for sure, and yes im probably switching back to 308 from 6.5cm.
the point i was making is that from the matches i go to, time is becoming more and more of a factor. gas guns are pretty accurate these days add a horus reticle and all you need is someone calling your holds and you dont have to come off the gun for an entire stage. i think this setup could shave a little time for the bolt/dial guys.
do i think its the end all be all? nope. am i going to buy one? probably not. but for a select few i would bet its the cats meow.
i bet it would work just fine making 1800m shots in the desert from a hide site where you have plenty of time to set up your shot. and you would know you could count on it because its a nf.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TimResin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When is nightforce coming out with the rings for the new tube?</div></div> Nightforce released their 34mm rings about 4-5 months ago. They're already out there.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Does the ATACR and BEAST come with a set of rings like the F1 does?
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scudzuki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd hardly consider having to add .1 to achieve odd increments "math".

It's actually a pretty brilliant solution to the problem of how to increase elevation travel per revolution without losing fine adjustment.

Joe </div></div>
[<span style="font-weight: bold">[/b]
I dont see the big advantage of having 20 mil on one revolution. If you need that much dialup, you are shooting at distances that you have the time to turn your 10 mil turret one more revolution and not have to think about one more thing like tripping a lever. I dont see the advantage of going to a 34 mm tube and adding 1/2 a pound in weight just to gain another 20 moa of dialup.

Why not give us a 5x22(or25) with 30 mm tube,which most everyone are using anyway, with the new glass and the improved illumination adjustment. This would make it more affordable as well.
It seems to me this type of scope would have a bigger market base of interested buyers.

Also, correct me if I am wrong but it seems the reticle choices availible for these 2 new scopes are thicker.</span>
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

I have the NF NXS 5.5-22x56 NPR1 and it's the perfect scope for what it is. I had been wanting a FFP and the best option for me was the Schmidt 5-25x56 MSR reticle. Love both scopes and use each for different things as they both have a certain purpose. The bottom line for me going with another night force was OPTIONS. I have grown tired of the hipe and wait for the anticipated new night forces. To me they were a disappointment. For the price of a BEAST I will take another Schmidt. The ATACR should have been a FFP then it would have been hands down for me. My two cents.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Does the turret reset to the even 0.2 mil marks when dialing down?

nfbeastcontrols.jpg


For example, you want to dial 2.1 mils up from your baseline zero = 10 clicks up (to the 2 mark), the add 0.1 mil with the lever.

If you want to dial down to 1.0 mil, you just dial down to the 1.0 mark or you have to do something about the extra 0.1 that you added in the first setting?

 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scimitar2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How does the glass compare to a S&B? Is the image as bright and clear edge to edge? </div></div>
Lowlight posted this on Page 6:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It was on par with Hensoldt, if they stuck with the same coatings and optics I saw, which they said they have, it is gonna rival them all.

It was tested alongside a S&B 5-25x and out performed it, or at least spec'd to out perform it, and I understand saying that is a bit limiting and subjective because there is more than one criteria to take into account. But they were going for it.

I was super impressed, they said the coatings being used were similar to a Leica spotter so they raised the bar for sure and even brought in some people from Europe as opposed to Japan, so this was a departure for them. It has some German engineering inside I will say that.

I was really happy with what I saw.</div></div>
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TiroFijo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the turret reset to the even 0.2 mil marks when dialing down?

nfbeastcontrols.jpg


For example, you want to dial 2.1 mils up from your baseline zero = 10 clicks up (to the 2 mark), the add 0.1 mil with the lever.

If you want to dial down to 1.0 mil, you just dial down to the 1.0 mark or you have to do something about the extra 0.1 that you added in the first setting?

</div></div>

You just move the lever back to center... that dial "down" your .1

So if you have 2.0 mils on the turret dialed with the .1 lever engaged, you have 2.1, remove the .1 from the lever you have 2.0 .... if you have 2.0 and want 1.9 you have to dial down .2 and then throw the lever.

it can actually be accomplished with one hand, dialing and manipulating the lever is pretty easy.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Seems like the .2 mil turret would be better if the lever had four positions; 0, .05, .1, 1.5; or else five positions; -.1, -.05, 0, +.05, +.1

Seems like they solved the "problem" of dialing more than one revolution but neglected the fine adjust problem. I'd rather deal with a couple rotations but have a finer adjust range.

Minor issue, though. Looks solid in every other way.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Well folks, I'm coming off a week-long self-imposed ban. It was like a fast: A cleansing ritual of sorts.

During that week I saw the ATACR. I like it: Solid; heavy; compact. It would be a godsend to have one in a FFP model.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TiroFijo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the turret reset to the even 0.2 mil marks when dialing down?

For example, you want to dial 2.1 mils up from your baseline zero = 10 clicks up (to the 2 mark), the add 0.1 mil with the lever.

If you want to dial down to 1.0 mil, you just dial down to the 1.0 mark or you have to do something about the extra 0.1 that you added in the first setting?

</div></div>

You just move the lever back to center... that dial "down" your .1

So if you have 2.0 mils on the turret dialed with the .1 lever engaged, you have 2.1, remove the .1 from the lever you have 2.0 .... if you have 2.0 and want 1.9 you have to dial down .2 and then throw the lever.

it can actually be accomplished with one hand, dialing and manipulating the lever is pretty easy. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Can you turn the elevation knob with the lever engaged in the +0.1 position, or you have to release it (and remove the +0.1 click) to be able to turn the elevation knob? </span>

Thanks in advance
smile.gif
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

The knob can be manipulated regardless of lever position.
The lever does not auto reset when the knob is turned.
The lever only adds elevation. It does not go below.
If you want to go below zero, you need to set the ZeroStop below and the lever can be utilized to go up from the points below zero.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Thanks 00bullitt

Just to make sure, please bear with me:

For example, you want to dial 2.1 mils up from your baseline zero = 10 clicks up (to the 2 mark), the add 0.1 mil with the lever.

If you want to dial down to 1.0 mil, you first move the lever back towards center to remove the +0.1 mil (you are back to 2.0), and then turn the knob to dial down to the "1" mark.

<span style="font-weight: bold">If you don't move the lever first (intentionally or because you forgot it), you still have 2.1 mils or elevation. If you dial down 1.0 mil (to the "1" mark) then the true setting will be 1.0 + 0.1 = 1.1 mils. Is this correct?</span>
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TiroFijo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks 00bullitt

Just to make sure, please bear with me:

For example, you want to dial 2.1 mils up from your baseline zero = 10 clicks up (to the 2 mark), the add 0.1 mil with the lever. <span style="color: #FF0000">Correct</span>

If you want to dial down to 1.0 mil, you first move the lever back towards center to remove the +0.1 mil (you are back to 2.0), and then turn the knob to dial down to the "1" mark.

<span style="font-weight: bold">If you don't move the lever first (intentionally or because you forgot it), you still have 2.1 mils or elevation. If you dial down 1.0 mil (to the "1" mark) then the true setting will be 1.0 + 0.1 = 1.1 mils. Is this correct?</span> <span style="color: #FF0000">If you forget to move the lever back to center,and dial down to 1, you will have 1.1 since the .1mr is still added. You can move the lever before or after you dial as it does not affect the total elevation change except for .1mr</span></div></div>
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 00bullitt</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TiroFijo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks 00bullitt

Just to make sure, please bear with me:

For example, you want to dial 2.1 mils up from your baseline zero = 10 clicks up (to the 2 mark), the add 0.1 mil with the lever. <span style="color: #FF0000">Correct</span>

If you want to dial down to 1.0 mil, you first move the lever back towards center to remove the +0.1 mil (you are back to 2.0), and then turn the knob to dial down to the "1" mark.

<span style="font-weight: bold">If you don't move the lever first (intentionally or because you forgot it), you still have 2.1 mils or elevation. If you dial down 1.0 mil (to the "1" mark) then the true setting will be 1.0 + 0.1 = 1.1 mils. Is this correct?</span> <span style="color: #FF0000">If you forget to move the lever back to center,and dial down to 1, you will have 1.1 since the .1mr is still added. You can move the lever before or after you dial as it does not affect the total elevation change except for .1mr</span></div></div> </div></div>

Is this like the secondary scale fine ajustment levers like ones on the Unertl USMC sniper/ MST100?
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sharfshutze</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is this like the secondary scale fine ajustment levers like ones on the Unertl USMC sniper/ MST100? </div></div>
Seems like it. Since everyone is offering their BEAST wish list, I would like to have seen a +0.1, 0, and -0.1 lever. I think they could still do this as I'm guessing it just adds a shim between the erector and the turret screw. This would give you three positions and make it more like the MST100 adjustment lever.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

I can't comment on the BEASTbut I did receive my ATACR yesterday. I took it unmounted today to the range. At 800 yards I placed it on sand bags to compare to my NXS 5.5x22x56 and my 5x25 S&B. The ATACR is really impressive. Much brighter than either of the others. Clarity much better IMO I got the moar reticle and really like it. It is going to end up on my PRS when it arrives. Unfired as of now but looks really impressive, so far I have to say better than S&B. What's with the new "red" cover on the zero stop? Is that for those that are unaware of what they have purchased?
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tackleberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can't comment on the BEASTbut I did receive my ATACR yesterday. I took it unmounted today to the range. At 800 yards I placed it on sand bags to compare to my NXS 5.5x22x56 and my 5x25 S&B. The ATACR is really impressive. Much brighter than either of the others. Clarity much better IMO I got the moar reticle and really like it. It is going to end up on my PRS when it arrives. Unfired as of now but looks really impressive, so far I have to say better than S&B. What's with the new "red" cover on the zero stop? Is that for those that are unaware of what they have purchased?</div></div>

The red cover is so they stand out in the optics counter amongst the other black tubes. Just remove before use.

Sean
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Sean I understand to remove it, I have 5 other zero stop NXS'S
It will for sure stand out in anyone's display case with the red cover on it. I was just wondering what it was for. I saw it on Lone Wolfs review as well and thought what the heck is the red thing? Thanks for the response
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

Here's a question.

Can the Beast only be zeroed in .2 increments?
Basically if you're going to zero your rifle and you need to give it .1 one way or the other to get that perfect zero, are you going to be stuck being .1 high or low because of the .2 clicks? Obviously you could flip the lever to get a good 100yd zero but then nothing else lines up.

Does my question make sense??
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

The .1mr or .25moa fine lever can be used to establish your fine zero.
Then the lever can be centered back up just as the dial/knob can be zeroed.
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dunes450r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">very cool ideas and concepts. if only i could afford one! </div></div>

Start saving up the pennies!
 
Re: New Nightforce "B.E.A.S.T." & ATACR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 00bullitt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The .1mr or .25moa fine lever can be used to establish your fine zero.
Then the lever can be centered back up just as the dial/knob can be zeroed. </div></div>

Thank you for the clarification
 
I picked up an ATACR Saturday. Not mounted yet, it is replacing a Millet TRS which I liked just fine. It has the MOAR reticle. I have spent time looking through it while holding it like a sailor holds a spy glass. Every time I do I marvel. Just super clear and crisp to me. I actually looked at the regular NXS quite a bit at the gun shop. Even though it was quite a bit cheaper it never inspired me over what the Millet was. Reticle was better yes and glass was better but not $1500 worth of better. Is the ATACR and HD scope, anyone know? Looked for a cut away diagram to see but could not find one.

They got in 2 ATACR's, I looked through one and plunked down $2350.00. It was pretty good, enough of a difference over the NXS that it made we want to spend money to replace the Millet.

I hated buying new mounts and level and flip open caps though. Be happy to post pics if there is something specific you want to see. It is just sitting there in a box until paint later in the the week.
 
Last edited:
Could someone who has handled the BEAST comment on how the new illumination works? I havent been able to find a description of how it works.
 
Could someone who has handled the BEAST comment on how the new illumination works? I havent been able to find a description of how it works.
I ordered a BEAST from Eurooptic and from the limited amount of info I've seen on the illumination is that it's now digital and able to be switched from red to green.
 
My understanding of the Digillum system is that it "remembers" what setting you want it at. So that you can set your brightness level then turn the illum off if you want. When you turn it back on, it comes back on to the brightness level you had already selected. It's supposed to preserve the shooters night vision and avoid having the scope come on at max intensity and having to dial down. If I'm wrong on that, my apologies.
 
Nope, maybe Fall.

The illumination remembers and is in fact both red or green. You hold the button down it will flash and then change colors. You can then tap the button to change intensity. When you set it, it will come back to that setting where you left it. I believe it has 8 steps. Just tap the button to adjust. The Digi-Illum is the same as on the 2.5-10x42 I reviewed.
 
Nope, maybe Fall.

The illumination remembers and is in fact both red or green. You hold the button down it will flash and then change colors. You can then tap the button to change intensity. When you set it, it will come back to that setting where you left it. I believe it has 8 steps. Just tap the button to adjust. The Digi-Illum is the same as on the 2.5-10x42 I reviewed.

Thanks for the update on possible release and how the illum works. I have one on order and have been trying to research the functions as much as possible prior to its arrival but the info is pretty limited to the press release and basic PDF on the NF site. I have to contact NF on another issue this week and I'm hoping someone there may be able to offer an update on possible release date.
 
Isn't 60 MOA in one revolution very close together? My Premier Reticles MOA scope has 50 MOA per revolution and seeing the difference between 14.5 and 14.75 is very difficult. I would think 60 MOA (240 clicks) would be too much.
 
Isn't 60 MOA in one revolution very close together? My Premier Reticles MOA scope has 50 MOA per revolution and seeing the difference between 14.5 and 14.75 is very difficult. I would think 60 MOA (240 clicks) would be too much.

It's not 1/4MOA it's 1/2 with a 1/4 throw... it doesn't operate the same as your Premier, it's a completely different concept.