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BIG DAY for me SR-25 attained (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/9/2026 1:45:18 PM EDT
Went to my local shop for a surefire purchase for another build. Low and behold a new SR-25 with dimpled barrel on the wall. I could not believe my eyes. I've never seen an SR-25 in person much less for sale locally. What was going to be a relatively small purchase turned into a "I'd better buy this now or never see another one again" type of situation. NOT in the budget or plan, but I wasn't going to let this one slip away. Bought an additional KAC mag as well. Guess I'll comb the KAC threads for recommendations on ammo and optics for this gun. I'm beyond thrilled, now to figure out how to pay for this beast .
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So lets talk optics for this gun. I'm not likely to shoot 1,000 meters here in the SE, so thinking a 1-10 would be sufficient. I'd like something durable with a relatively light/small footprint. On the list for consideration is the: Nightforce Atacr 1-8 Leupold MK5 Trijicon Credo 1-10 ( don't know much about this one What else should I consider and what are the hives thoughts on these optics listed? |
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I had a 1-8 ATACR on my DSR25 and I liked it, however I do think the 4-16 NF is a more rounded and versatile optic choice. I know you said compact, but you should try to find a store or someone at the range to compare them. |
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Those only belong on L129A1 clones. |
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Originally Posted By PresampleDepot: I had a 1-8 ATACR on my DSR25 and I liked it, however I do think the 4-16 NF is a more rounded and versatile optic choice. I know you said compact, but you should try to find a store or someone at the range to compare them. I agree. I had an ATACR 1-8 on my SR25 APC, but found that I always wanted more magnification. It now has a Mk5 3.6-18 with tremor 3 reticle and I enjoy it much more. I’ve been thinking really hard about moving the mk5 to one of my ARs and buying a Zero Compromise 4-20 for my APC. That glass is spectacular. |
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I am narrowing down the optic choices for this SR-25. I've been down a rabbit hole a bit in researching options. I live in the SE and can't envision 1,000 m shots taking place. With that said, ample magnification for target ID etc would be nice. I keep going back to the Leupold Mark 5 HD 2-10 CRM-mil reticle. While this doesn't have the most magnification, it's size, glass, features and durability keep it near the top of the list. Any reason not to consider this optic? Another optic that is at the top of the list is the venerable Nightforce Atacr line. The NF Atacr 4-16 has the pedigree, durability, more magnification than I can forsee needing (and that is an important consideration). The penalty for this extra magnification is weight and size. Another knock on the 4-16 magnification is the compromise of no low magnification for close in distances. While I could always piggyback a dot on the Atacr, that's adding weight bulk to an already hefty package. My use case for the SR-25 is a battle rifle and with that, comes the working distances of 100m out to maybe 800m....possibly. I am leaning toward the Leupold but hoping those of you with experience with the SR-25 and these types of engagements can chime in with some insights and sway me one way or the other. I guess one of my big questions, is the Leupold as durable and reliable as the NF? What else should I look at for this rifles role. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and recommendations. |
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: I am narrowing down the optic choices for this SR-25. I've been down a rabbit hole a bit in researching options. I live in the SE and can't envision 1,000 m shots taking place. With that said, ample magnification for target ID etc would be nice. I keep going back to the Leupold Mark 5 HD 2-10 CRM-mil reticle. While this doesn't have the most magnification, it's size, glass, features and durability keep it near the top of the list. Any reason not to consider this optic? Another optic that is at the top of the list is the venerable Nightforce Atacr line. The NF Atacr 4-16 has the pedigree, durability, more magnification than I can forsee needing (and that is an important consideration). The penalty for this extra magnification is weight and size. Another knock on the 4-16 magnification is the compromise of no low magnification for close in distances. While I could always piggyback a dot on the Atacr, that's adding weight bulk to an already hefty package. My use case for the SR-25 is a battle rifle and with that, comes the working distances of 100m out to maybe 800m....possibly. I am leaning toward the Leupold but hoping those of you with experience with the SR-25 and these types of engagements can chime in with some insights and sway me one way or the other. I guess one of my big questions, is the Leupold as durable and reliable as the NF? What else should I look at for this rifles role. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and recommendations. I know a lot of people like leupold, but Nightforce has a well earned reputation for durability. I’m sure leupold is durable enough, but if that is of concern, you will not go wrong with nightforce. My advice is pick a role for the rifle. When you start trying to do everything with it, you’ll never take advantage of its potential on either end of the spectrum. Light, speed up close, or precision at distance. You can have 2 of the above, not all 3. Optics are always a compromise. You can have elements of all 3, but never to the max potential. I’m sure some will disagree, but I have yet to find the solution. I’d go top end for now and bias it toward the NF 4-16. Offset or piggyback a red dot and you’ll have additional bulk, but a nice distance rifle that you *could* use up close if needed. |
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Originally Posted By Marksman14: I know a lot of people like leupold, but Nightforce has a well earned reputation for durability. I’m sure leupold is durable enough, but if that is of concern, you will not go wrong with nightforce. My advice is pick a role for the rifle. When you start trying to do everything with it, you’ll never take advantage of its potential on either end of the spectrum. Light, speed up close, or precision at distance. You can have 2 of the above, not all 3. Optics are always a compromise. You can have elements of all 3, but never to the max potential. I’m sure some will disagree, but I have yet to find the solution. I’d go top end for now and bias it toward the NF 4-16. Offset or piggyback a red dot and you’ll have additional bulk, but a nice distance rifle that you *could* use up close if needed. Sage advice and heard. You can't have it all and one must choose the right tool for the job. I had a chance to sight in the iron sights at my 25y range today. My stupid old eyes need help but I'm pleased (though not surprised) at how well the SR-25 grouped. For some reason, I can no longer figure out how to imbed a photo so you'll have to trust me that the group is nice....for me. 
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Let's see the target without the rifle on top of it. |
"I miss the days of being able to shoot all commies" G.B.
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: I am narrowing down the optic choices for this SR-25. I've been down a rabbit hole a bit in researching options. I live in the SE and can't envision 1,000 m shots taking place. With that said, ample magnification for target ID etc would be nice. I keep going back to the Leupold Mark 5 HD 2-10 CRM-mil reticle. While this doesn't have the most magnification, it's size, glass, features and durability keep it near the top of the list. Any reason not to consider this optic? Another optic that is at the top of the list is the venerable Nightforce Atacr line. The NF Atacr 4-16 has the pedigree, durability, more magnification than I can forsee needing (and that is an important consideration). The penalty for this extra magnification is weight and size. Another knock on the 4-16 magnification is the compromise of no low magnification for close in distances. While I could always piggyback a dot on the Atacr, that's adding weight bulk to an already hefty package. My use case for the SR-25 is a battle rifle and with that, comes the working distances of 100m out to maybe 800m....possibly. I am leaning toward the Leupold but hoping those of you with experience with the SR-25 and these types of engagements can chime in with some insights and sway me one way or the other. I guess one of my big questions, is the Leupold as durable and reliable as the NF? What else should I look at for this rifles role. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and recommendations. The weight of the mk5 2-10 is almost the same as the 3.6-18. Personally I would go with more magnification. Even shooting out to 400-600 you’ll be glad for the extra magnification. So that narrows you down to the mk5 3.6-18 or the ATACR 4-16. Both are excellent. You can’t go wrong with either. I personally don’t like the digilume illumination control and the non-Euro diopter of the NF. A couple friends have the mk5 2-10, ATACR 4-16, various S&B pm2, various Kahles, and Zero Compromise. I have owned an ATACR 7-35, have owned an S&B 4-16 pm2, and currently own a mk5 3.6-18. If you have the funds, I’d strongly consider the Zero Compromise 4-20. It’s about the same form factor as the mk5 3.6-18 and NF 4-16. The glass is seriously fantastic. If you want to save some money, the NF 4-16 ATACR is the easy button, even overlooking the illumination and diopter. It is well proven, bulletproof, has fantastic service, and uses 34mm mounts which opens up your mount options over the mk5 and ZCO. |
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Originally Posted By FluxIntegral: Love the NF ATCR 4-16 on my ACC. Seems like the gun and optic were made for one another. Another solid option would be the NF NX8 2.5x20. Have one of those on DD5V4 6.5C and really like it. Thanks for that insight and real world experience. I'm headed to check out the NF Atacr line tomorrow. Will report back w/ photos! |
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: Sounds like the answer is NF 4-16!  You’ll be very happy with it. Great glass. Great company. Well suited to the SR25. Grab an Arisaka offset mount for an ACRO-p2 or piggyback it on top of your mount and you’ll have a perfect contact to 700m rifle. |
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: So lets talk optics for this gun. I'm not likely to shoot 1,000 meters here in the SE, so thinking a 1-10 would be sufficient. I'd like something durable with a relatively light/small footprint. On the list for consideration is the: Nightforce Atacr 1-8 Leupold MK5 Trijicon Credo 1-10 ( don't know much about this one What else should I consider and what are the hives thoughts on these optics listed? NX6 2-12 1-10 are jack of all trades master of none. They’re OKAY at 1x and even worse at 10x. Abysmal field of view, lack of depth, and mainly incredibly tight eyeboxes. The 1-8 is better, but many of same issues, just not as bad. If you’re planning on shooting distance primarily, lean towards the 2-10 element theos or the 2-12 nightforce. 16x+ is overkill imo for a 16” gas gun. Especially if you aren’t hanging out at 800/900+ |
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: Thanks man. The NX6 2-12 looks interesting Its a very very good scope, another one I just snagged as well. The discount price makes it a knockout. MSRP is a little tougher to chew. The NX6 line, in the two examples I have, are very very good scopes. The glass isn't stressed, they look good at the bottom end all the way up to the top end. Mine will be going on a 14.5 MK1 in 5.56, I piggybacked an RMR HD on it. Light(ish) weight, side parallax, for me its a banger of a 556 SPR style optic. Only downside for using it on a .308 is that the reticle subtensions are 1/2 mil. Plenty good for a "get hits" reticle, for a precision rifle that I can stretch easily beyond 500, I prefer to have a little more data available ala the tremor 3. However, if you're looking to keep it trim but want a good close up option, the exact piggyback setup I did may be quite literally the perfect match for you with this rifle. Most people wouldn't do with a 16" 308 what I would be doing with it. If Nightforce decides to offer the Tremor 3 in the NX6 3-18, I would do a backflip. |
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Originally Posted By thedownzero: NX6 2-12 1-10 are jack of all trades master of none. They’re OKAY at 1x and even worse at 10x. Abysmal field of view, lack of depth, and mainly incredibly tight eyeboxes. The 1-8 is better, but many of same issues, just not as bad. In my experience, this all gets worse with a FFP optic (which is the rage). I learned this after acquiring an ATACR 1-8, Vortex Gen III 1-10, NX8 1-8, and Leupold Mk6 1-6. All FFP. Then to see what all the noise was about, I bought a Vortex Gen II 1-6 (SFP). Wow, what a difference. The 1x has a very generous eyebox. Almost red dot like. This is what an LPVO is supposed to offer. Red dot like up close, more precision at distance. The FFP set ups compromise on the 1x performance (and at higher mag, they are fixed parallax). The Leup Mk6 1-6 is almost unusable at 1x. Still like all of these LPVOs, but if you're really interested in a 1x that negates the need for a red dot sight, I'd stick with a SPF. That NF NX6 1-6 SFP has my interest. Seems like a purpose built Vortex Razor killer. |
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Originally Posted By FluxIntegral: In my experience, this all gets worse with a FFP optic (which is the rage). I learned this after acquiring an ATACR 1-8, Vortex Gen III 1-10, NX8 1-8, and Leupold Mk6 1-6. All FFP. Then to see what all the noise was about, I bought a Vortex Gen II 1-6 (SFP). Wow, what a difference. The 1x has a very generous eyebox. Almost red dot like. This is what an LPVO is supposed to offer. Red dot like up close, more precision at distance. The FFP set ups compromise on the 1x performance (and at higher mag, they are fixed parallax). The Leup Mk6 1-6 is almost unusable at 1x. Still like all of these LPVOs, but if you're really interested in a 1x that negates the need for a red dot sight, I'd stick with a SPF. That NF NX6 1-6 SFP has my interest. Seems like a purpose built Vortex Razor killer. I feel the same. However the NX6 1-6 FFP fixes all that. They really nailed that optic. |
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I spent a LOT of time at a local shop that carries NF, Leupold, Trijicon and other optics. They had the Leupold MK5 3.6-18 and the NF Atacr 4-6 which were the 2 I kept going back to. I really liked the Leupold and was ready to buy. Then I had a look at the NF NX6-2-12. For my needs, I think the NX6 2-12 is a good jumping off point for this gun and th ranges I anticipate shooting. At $1,000 cheaper than the Leupold and Atacr, and with a useable magnification range and feature set for a fledgling longer range shooter, it just made more sense. Nobody says you can only have 1 nice optic, right? Thanks to everyone for suggestions and recommendations. Who knows, I might just end up with that Atacr 4-16 in the end.
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: I spent a LOT of time at a local shop that carries NF, Leupold, Trijicon and other optics. They had the Leupold MK5 3.6-18 and the NF Atacr 4-6 which were the 2 I kept going back to. I really liked the Leupold and was ready to buy. Then I had a look at the NF NX6-2-12. For my needs, I think the NX6 2-12 is a good jumping off point for this gun and th ranges I anticipate shooting. At $1,000 cheaper than the Leupold and Atacr, and with a useable magnification range and feature set for a fledgling longer range shooter, it just made more sense. Nobody says you can only have 1 nice optic, right? Thanks to everyone for suggestions and recommendations. Who knows, I might just end up with that Atacr 4-16 in the end. Not a thing wrong with having more than one optic for an SR25.  
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God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or degrees – but for scars
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: I spent a LOT of time at a local shop that carries NF, Leupold, Trijicon and other optics. They had the Leupold MK5 3.6-18 and the NF Atacr 4-6 which were the 2 I kept going back to. I really liked the Leupold and was ready to buy. Then I had a look at the NF NX6-2-12. For my needs, I think the NX6 2-12 is a good jumping off point for this gun and th ranges I anticipate shooting. At $1,000 cheaper than the Leupold and Atacr, and with a useable magnification range and feature set for a fledgling longer range shooter, it just made more sense. Nobody says you can only have 1 nice optic, right? Thanks to everyone for suggestions and recommendations. Who knows, I might just end up with that Atacr 4-16 in the end. Very reasonable choice- and a great optic to piggyback a MRDS should you decide to have a better close up capability! When you snag a 6.5 CM SR25 upper.....get the ATACR for that 
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Late 90's, reading Shotgun News and I want an SR25 but they aren't selling to civilians, too busy for contracts with .gov Sometime around Y2k, a year or so either side of it I think, I see an ad, maybe Lawmen's, had something like 10 rifles for sale to regular people. Old style, 24" heavy barrel, but it had the rail, not the round handguard. I called that number fast as I could and got it done. Some years later, ran across an online listing for a KAC built Mk11 Mod0. Oh yeah, I'll take that. EMC, yes please. ECR, yes please. Both online, both purchased years after the previous 2 rifles parted ways with me. I have never, in all this time that I've been chasing and buying these rifles, seen one on the wall of a retail store for sale, where I could touch it before dropping the money. Congrats amigo, and I hope you enjoy shooting yours as much as I've enjoyed shooting mine. |
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Originally Posted By Elvis121: Late 90's, reading Shotgun News and I want an SR25 but they aren't selling to civilians, too busy for contracts with .gov Sometime around Y2k, a year or so either side of it I think, I see an ad, maybe Lawmen's, had something like 10 rifles for sale to regular people. Old style, 24" heavy barrel, but it had the rail, not the round handguard. I called that number fast as I could and got it done. Some years later, ran across an online listing for a KAC built Mk11 Mod0. Oh yeah, I'll take that. EMC, yes please. ECR, yes please. Both online, both purchased years after the previous 2 rifles parted ways with me. I have never, in all this time that I've been chasing and buying these rifles, seen one on the wall of a retail store for sale, where I could touch it before dropping the money. Congrats amigo, and I hope you enjoy shooting yours as much as I've enjoyed shooting mine. In the lat 15 years or so, I have never seen a new KAC rifle for sale on a wall of a retail store. I've seen used ones maybe 2-3 times. But every time I have purchased a KAC rifle factory new it has been a great experience. I did buy, in person, a 14.5" SR25 Mod 2 upper from Weapon Outfitters in WA several years back. |
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Originally Posted By mdavis: Correct. I haven't seen a manual included since the EMC/ECR/ECC days. Originally Posted By mdavis: Originally Posted By jharpphoto: Totally agree. I didn't get a manual in the case from KAC. Do they no longer ship rifles w/ a manual? Correct. I haven't seen a manual included since the EMC/ECR/ECC days. My ACC came with one |
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Originally Posted By FluxIntegral: In my experience, this all gets worse with a FFP optic (which is the rage). I learned this after acquiring an ATACR 1-8, Vortex Gen III 1-10, NX8 1-8, and Leupold Mk6 1-6. All FFP. Then to see what all the noise was about, I bought a Vortex Gen II 1-6 (SFP). Wow, what a difference. The 1x has a very generous eyebox. Almost red dot like. This is what an LPVO is supposed to offer. Red dot like up close, more precision at distance. The FFP set ups compromise on the 1x performance (and at higher mag, they are fixed parallax). The Leup Mk6 1-6 is almost unusable at 1x. Still like all of these LPVOs, but if you're really interested in a 1x that negates the need for a red dot sight, I'd stick with a SPF. That NF NX6 1-6 SFP has my interest. Seems like a purpose built Vortex Razor killer. The PLX-C RDB debunks this theory weirdly enough. I have the NX6 1-6 and PLXC RDB. Both in FFP, had razor 1-6 and Kahles K16i and many more. FFP is no longer the constraint it once was. PLX-C absolutely outperforms both razor and kahles, and has slight edge over NX6. To be fair its a bit of splitting hairs, they are both by far the best two LPVO’s I’ve used. |
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Originally Posted By thedownzero: The PLX-C RDB debunks this theory weirdly enough. I have the NX6 1-6 and PLXC RDB. Both in FFP, had razor 1-6 and Kahles K16i and many more. FFP is no longer the constraint it once was. PLX-C absolutely outperforms both razor and kahles, and has slight edge over NX6. To be fair its a bit of splitting hairs, they are both by far the best two LPVO’s I’ve used. Have the NX6 1-6 FFP and PLxC RDB 1-8 - the PLxC is so good I bought a 2nd one. I still think the NX6 edges out the RDB at highest mag, but both are excellent. Also appreciate the smaller size, weight and turrets of the RDb over the NX6. |
BIG DAY for me SR-25 attained (Page 1 of 2)
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