Atacr 7-35x56 or 5-25x56 for long range hunting and shooting.

[gmchenry]

Looking at changing scopes on my 300 Norma mag improved. Trying to decide between atacr 5-25x56 or 7-35x56. Hardly any difference in weight a little longer on the 7x35. I have heard people say optically the 7x35 is better just looking for people's first-hand experience and opinions thanks.

 

[PNWGATOR]

My wife has the ATACR 5-25 on her competition rifle. She seldom, if ever, powers above 12x at matches. That said, this data shows “what the pros use” and the 7-35 is/was the clear preference:

Best Scope – What The Pros Use

I recently surveyed the top ranked shooters in both the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and the Nationa...

precisionrifleblog.com

 

[WeiserBucks]

I have a 5-25 and really like it for load development, shooting practice and easy terrain hunts. I use a 4-16 for weight savings on more physical hunts, really like the more compact size and locking elevation turret. The 7-35 gets great reviews but I haven't used one myself.

 

[gmchenry]

Thanks for the reply guys. I wish I could find one of each and be able to compare them side by side little tough sometimes though

 

[gmchenry]

I have a couple NX8 4-32X50 SFP and they're really nice but everybody says the atacr it is quite a bit better glass. That's why I'm considering switching to the atacr.

 

[WeiserBucks]

ATACR is a step up in glass quality and a much better eye box. The NX8 a fine optic, but in my opinion it has to have many compromises in order to fit it's niche.

 

[gmchenry]

Weiserbucks I'm going to try the atacr just not sure witch one. The 10oz more is worth it for better glass

 

[WeiserBucks]

Pretty simple choice, if you want high magnification get the 7-35. If you don't absolutely need high magnification 5-25 is very versatile.

 

[Big Ern]

Probably way more scope than you need.

atacr 4-16 easily gets you out to 1300-1400 yds.

another option in a smaller package is the S&B 5-20 or 3-20 ultra shorts. Can shoot a mile at 20x power no problem.

 

[gmchenry]

I originally was going to go with the 5-25 but i have read a few other places where the 7-35 people say optically is a little better. I really don't need more than 25 power but the 35 would be kind of nice for looking at mirage and calling wind

 

[EmanP223]

I sold my 5-25 for a second 7-35 and another buddy just did the same. The more open view on the 7-35 makes all the difference in the world. Looking through the 5-25 is like looking through a bottle afterward. It also parallaxes down much much closer.

 

[skierhs]

I use the 7-35 F1 on my .338 LM in a spurh mount. I’ve spent a lot of time around the 5-25 but don’t own one personally.
That being said, for almost all applications in a first focal scope the 7-35 beats out the 5-25. The reason being when I’m using the scopes on the same magnification the 7-35 is more in the middle of the scopes optical range and thus I get a better image than on the 5-25. Furthermore, it provides extra magnification if I so desire while not loosing much of the lower power. Either way a first focal plane scope below 10x can be a challenge to use so I find most of my usage is in the 14-19x range so i never have a feeling of missing out.
All that being said they’re both great scopes but the 7-35 checks more boxes for me as a long range hunting scope.

 

[1shotgear]

For a dedicated long range rig, the ATACR 7x35 is probably the better option between the two. Although you will probably never shoot on 35 power, it is very nice to have to read mirage, especially if you are shooting without a spotter. In our opinion, it is difficult to tell any difference in optical quality between the 5x25 and 7x35.

 

[gmchenry]

Great info you guys, thank you. This helps me in making a good decision.

 

[Todd606]

Wow it’s awesome to find this article thanks everybody I was actually trying to figure out which of these two scopes to purchase and it’s obvious I will be going with the 7 x 35. Now the hunt begins for a used one. Thanks again.