Rifleman's Blog

I decided to take the scope off my Sako TRG and move it to my LMT MWS. In my search for some new glass, I decided to try out the new Nightforce MOAR reticle.

Sako TRG 22 with Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 MOAR HS Zero Stop

For 20 years now, Nightforce has been building optics catering to professionals, hunters, and recreational shooters. The ruggedness, repeatably, and durability of Nightforce rifle scopes are unmatched by any other optic in their class. Their are tons of shooters from all different backgrounds that look to Nightforce when they are looking for consistency, dependability, and reliability.

The NXS 5.5-22×56 with the new MOAR reticle is the first Nightforce optic that I have owned. For those not familiar with Nightforce optics, here is a quick rundown of some of the features of this particular scope:

• 30mm tube for enhanced tube rigidity and added internal adjustment
• Exposed windage and elevation knobs with 20 MOA per revolution on the elevation knob
• Some models are equipped with a mechanical “zero stop” feature which, once engaged, does not allow the shooter to dial down past his zero
• Side focus vs Adjustable Objective which allows the shooter to more easily adjust for parallax
• Illuminated reticle which is turned on/off by manipulating the side focus knob
• The entire eye piece of the scope rotates when changing magnification. This gives the shooter more surface area to grab onto when needing to quickly adjust the scope’s magnification setting.
• Available in 50 or 56mm objective (same retail price)
• Matching turret and reticle

MOAR @ 5.5x

I would describe the new MOAR as an improved NP-R1 reticle. Taking it’s design cues from the NP-R1, the new MOAR in my opinion is a more versatile reticle that dynamic shooters and hunters can enjoy.

The MOAR has subtensions thicker than those of Nightforce’s traditional reticles, allowing the reticle to be seen with ease against dark backgrounds in my opinion. With markers at the 10 and 20 MOA marks the reticle, 30MOA markers in the 3.5-15 and 2.5-10, the reticle is very fast and easy to view in field conditions. The 3, 6, and 9 o’clock posts point to the center of the reticle, which I find help in speed of target acquisition.

The MOAR has 1 MOA spacing on the horizontal as well as the vertical axis providing for precise range-finding and hold offs. The first hash marks on the reticle are 2 MOA from center with the crosshair being 1 MOA in length. Each long hash mark is 2 MOA with the short line being one. This allows the shooter to quickly count by 2’s.

While the reticle does a great job catering to the field shooters, I believe the paper punchers will be left wanting more. I find that the thicker subtensions of the MOAR compared to the NP-R1 can cause some difficulty when trying to shoot tiny groups.

However, during load development, I did find a work around. The new MOAR design has a floating center crosshair. I find that this floating crosshair design allows the shooter to bracket the target by using the box created by the first MOA lines.

It will be interesting to see what Nightforce does with their next evolution of their reticles. If I could make a suggestion, it would be to replace the NP-R1 AND NP-R2 completely for the MOAR design. I would offer two reticles in the MOAR. The version which they have now and a MOAR-f (f for fine). The “f” version having the same subtensions as the NP-R1 for the paper punchers.

Currently the MOAR is shipping in the NXS 3.5-15, 5.5-25, and the 8-32 NXS. New for 2013 is the addition of the reticle in the 2.5-10, the ATACR, as well as the long awaited BEAST.

For those interested, here are the specs on the rifle:

Trg22-

• Factory Sako Break
• Factory Sako Bi-Pod
• Near Manufacturing Base (20MOA)
• Nightforce .885 UL Rings