First Look: Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 F2 Riflescope

For several years, those looking for the highest-magnification option in the Nightforce Optics ATACR lineup were restricted to the first focal plane-only model of the company's 7-35x56 mm ATACR riflescope. Now for 2019, Nightforce brought out the F2 model of the optic for consumers, giving them a choice between first and second focal planes.

"Since we introduced the first focal plane 7-35x two years ago, it has become one of our most popular models," said Alan Stilwell, North American sales manager for Nightforce. "With its brilliant ED glass, extraordinary resolving power and the virtually indestructible construction that characterizes all of our ATACR riflescopes, we believe it is the most precise, powerful instrument for extended-range shooting on the market today."

In recent years, long-range shooters have focused on the benefits of first focal plane riflescopes, and optics manufacturers chased after the growing demand for FFP scopes. The reason for the demand is understandable, as FFP optics feature reticles that adjust in size along with increased or decreased magnification, ensuring that all hash marks inside the reticle remain accurate at any magnification level. However, the benefit of SFP optics over FFP optics is that their reticle crosshairs remain constant in size throughout the magnification range. On small targets at longer distances, this means that SFP reticles tend to cover less of the target than FFP reticles, allowing shooters to aim more-precisely at a distance.

Each Nightforce Optics ATACR 7-35x56 F2 riflescope is constructed on a larger, 34 mm main-body tube. This expanded space inside the scope allows for an increased adjustment range over smaller-bodied optics, and the ATACR F2 features 100 MOA or 29 MRAD of total elevation adjustment, along with 60 MOA or 17 MRAD of windage adjustment. Standard features on these optics are the company's trademarked DigIllum reticle-illumination feature and the turret's ZeroStop aspect on the elevation turret, ensuring that shooters never lose track of their zero.

Each Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F2 optic is available with either an MOAR-T or MIL-C reticle, both proprietary designs from the company. The suggested retail price on the new scope is $3,100.