Rifle Scopes NF 4-16 Replacement

[Crews]

I have a 4-16x42 ATACR with a Mil-R on my 16.5” short action rifle. I am absolutely in love with the rock solid construction, and the overall compact form factor.

I am not crazy about the rotating eye piece, or the lack of refined hash marks for wind holds. I’ve saved up a bit of money, and am contemplating a new optic to address these items. I’d ideally like to step up to a larger objective too. I’m no glass snob but I’d at least like something that’s as good as the ATACR. I don’t feel like my current 16x top end limits me much, I’d rather give up a bit of top end to stay more compact.

My budget is ~$2,600. The Kahles K318i and Minox ZP5 3-15 both look like pretty good options for me, if I was able to find a deal on a used one. Anything else I should be considering?

Also, seems like the k525i is compact enough to not look like a telescope on top a compact rifle. I seem to see more of those for sale used, and wondering if that’s a clue. I’m not necessarily in need of that top end, be that as it may would I be giving up anything to the two mentioned above?

 

[Bandit31]

I have a 4-16 ATACR F1 and a 3-15x Minox ZP5 right now. Personally, I'd lean towards another NF instead of the ZP5 for the features alone. They both have their trade - offs so it's up to you what features you'd prefer more.

If your eyes are set on the Minox, the 3-15x's go for cheap used, about $2k or less. Minox also has closeout ZP5's with the Mr2 reticle for $2k. A used NF 4-16x with MiL -C is going to be within $100 of the Minox. You may also be able to find one with a Horus reticle for around $2100 as well.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

It wouldn't solve you're issue with the rotating eye piece but look into the 4-16x50 ATACR with MIL-C reticle. Depending how much you hate the rotating eye piece it's everything you want. I have a k318i as well as the smaller ATACR with MIL-C. Like them both but I did notice a fisheye effect on the kahles in the beginning. Either it only happens in certain lighting or I'm used to it now because I don't see it anymore now.

 

[Crews]

I have a 4-16 ATACR F1 and a 3-15x Minox ZP5 right now. Personally, I'd lean towards another NF instead of the ZP5 for the features alone. They both have their trade - offs so it's up to you what features you'd prefer more.

Can you expound a bit on what features specifically? Would love to hear your thoughts.

The NF rotating eyepiece is a really big pain in the ass for me. But if I’m just being a drama queen and the same scope with 50 objective and a MilC is still the best option, I guess I could get over it.

 

[Bandit31]

Can you expound a bit on what features specifically? Would love to hear your thoughts.

The NF rotating eyepiece is a really big pain in the ass for me. But if I’m just being a drama queen and the same scope with 50 objective and a MilC is still the best option, I guess I could get over it.

Sure, the capped windage and how the NF illumination is integrated into the parrallax knob. The illumination on the NF's is also better than the both Minox's I have, as well as the one's I've had in the past. Not that It's been troubling but the diopter locking ring is better on the NF than Minox. Not really a deal breaker but I also like the numbers on the parallax knob vs how the Minox is. The NF is also more compact and has more reticle options.
I've tried to put both thru their paces and several times had the illumination turn on the Minox and bumped the windage when hunting, with the majority of those times being when I had the rifle slung or in my pack.

There's a thread comparing the 50mm to 42mm NF. If you search for it, there's a post from Terry Cross with word from someone else in the know.
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/atacr-4-16x50-f1-vs-the-42mm-version.6905320/

Look for post 28.

 

[CSTactical]

I have a 4-16x42 ATACR with a Mil-R on my 16.5” short action rifle. I am absolutely in love with the rock solid construction, and the overall compact form factor.

I am not crazy about the rotating eye piece, or the lack of refined hash marks for wind holds. I’ve saved up a bit of money, and am contemplating a new optic to address these items. I’d ideally like to step up to a larger objective too. I’m no glass snob but I’d at least like something that’s as good as the ATACR. I don’t feel like my current 16x top end limits me much, I’d rather give up a bit of top end to stay more compact.

My budget is ~$2,600. The Kahles K318i and Minox ZP5 3-15 both look like pretty good options for me, if I was able to find a deal on a used one. Anything else I should be considering?

Also, seems like the k525i is compact enough to not look like a telescope on top a compact rifle. I seem to see more of those for sale used, and wondering if that’s a clue. I’m not necessarily in need of that top end, be that as it may would I be giving up anything to the two mentioned above?

Give us a call at 916-670-1103 and we'll see if we can help you out

 

[hypno02]

You’d be crazy to swap that optic out. The milR is an extremely capable reticle.

Spend that $ on another NF in the PX!

 

[steve123]

Sell it just before your new Burris XTR3 3.3-18 comes in.

Sight unseen, the new Burris looks to favor winning the scope wars for 2019. There are a lot of stupid reticles out there and this isn't one of them.

 

[Crews]

The illumination on the NF's is also better than the both Minox's I have,

I've tried to put both thru their paces and several times had the illumination turn on the Minox and bumped the windage when hunting, with the majority of those times being when I had the rifle slung or in my pack.

I am a hunter first and foremost, so this is good feedback.

 

[Crews]

You’d be crazy to swap that optic out. The milR is an extremely capable reticle.

Spend that $ on another NF in the PX!

I feel like reticle design is probably a pretty personal thing. I am really having a hard time feeling good about my aiming points for anything less than a 1 mil hold. And that is the parameter for a lot of my shooting.

 

[deersniper]

Can you expound a bit on what features specifically? Would love to hear your thoughts.

The NF rotating eyepiece is a really big pain in the ass for me. But if I’m just being a drama queen and the same scope with 50 objective and a MilC is still the best option, I guess I could get over it.

I love the rotating eye piece. Just reach up and grab it. Also a big fan of the elevation turret

 

[Crews]

Yeah, I’d really like it too if it wasn’t for the lens cover thing. That’s actually what the most irritating part is. Always having to rotate the damn lens cover out of the way.

 

[Terry Cross]

Regarding the your displeasure with the reticle, I would not be surprised if the new Mil-XT isn't offered in that scope next year.
It might be a simple UPS trip to Orofino, ID for a reticle swap in your existing scope.

The rotating eyepiece can be a PITA but it does deliver increased robustness in the design and assists in making those scope bombproof.

./

 

[Crews]

Assuming I had the exact same scope I have right now but with a Mil C reticle, it is starting to sound like the Minox isn’t really much of an upgrade. I am also starting to think that the k318i may not be either, even if I could find one in my price range.

 

[Crews]

It might be a simple UPS trip to Orofino, ID for a reticle swap in your existing scope.

./

Unfortunately, I asked NF and they’re not offering this capability with the F1 scopes, for now at least. They made it sound like it’s something that will possibly be added in the future.

 

[317millhand]

consider a mk5 or mk6? very compact as well

 

[phlegm]

+1 for ATACR 4-16x50 w/ Mil-C or Mil-XT.