The U.S. Marine Corps has selected the Nightforce Optics Mil-Spec ATACR 5-25x56 mm F1 riflescope for use as the day optic on the Mk13 Mod 7 .300 Win. Mag. sniper weapons system. The new rifle and scope combination is completely new from the M40 rifle, which has been in service since the Vietnam War.
“The optic features a Horus TReMoR3 Reticle and provides operators with an integrated milliradian-based grid that incorporates time-of-flight wind dots,” said Nightforce’s Mil-Gov-LE Business Development Manager Tod Litt. “Those dots are calibrated to the rifle and ammunition and aid in making quick, formula-free wind calls by judging direction and wind speed in miles per hour. The advanced reticle incorporates the Accuracy 1st speed shooting formula that makes engagement of moving targets easier and reduces engagement times for a substantial improvement in first-round hits.”
Adjustments on the optic are made using the patented NightForce Hi-Speed ZeroStop and the parallax dial is coupled to DigIllum digital-reticle illumination. The windage knob is cap covered to minimize inadvertent movement. The first-focal-plane, 34 mm riflescope weighs 38 ounces and has an overall length of 15.37 inches.
“The increased capability of the newly issued Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifle requires a scope that is as rugged, reliable, repeatable and dependable as the United States Marines tasked with using it,” said Litt. “The Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25x56 F1 was chosen as the day scope to take full advantage of the rifle systems' competencies.”
The new rifle is scheduled to be fielded late this year and early 2019 by elite Marine Corps Scout Snipers, although it’s already serving with MARSOC’s precision shooters. “The new day optic allows for positive identification of enemies at greater distances, and it has a grid-style reticle that allows for rapid reengagement without having to dial adjustments or ‘hold’ without a reference point,” Sgt. Randy Robles, Quantico Scout Sniper School instructor explained in May. “With this type of weapon in the fleet, we will increase our lethality and be able to conceal our location because we are creating a buffer between us and the enemy.”
