Nightforce Optics thought very carefully when coming up with the acronym B.E.A.S.T.

While B.E.A.S.T. does stand for “Best Example of Advanced Scope Technology,” it’s also a beast of a scope.

The Nightforce B.E.A.S.T. was announced in 2013, but has just become available for shipment to the commercial market.

While locating a reticle in a riflescope’s second focal plane is most common, a first focal plane location has distinct advantages to the accomplished shooter. All reticle subtensions, whether in MOA or Mil-Radian configuration, remain in the same visual proportion to the target across the B.E.A.S.T.’s entire magnification range. This makes a first focal plane reticle particularly effective for target holdovers, windage leads and range estimation. It eliminates a number of variables, resulting in greater speed and ultimately in greater accuracy in high-stress environments. 

The optical prescription and glass used in the B.E.A.S.T. was created through a collaboration between U.S. and German engineers, who were tasked with achieving resolution and clarity that surpassed that of any riflescope in the world.

True-to-eye light transmission exceeds 90 percent, with resolution and image clarity at unprecedented levels. XtremeSpeed adjustments on a 34mm tube provide 60 MOA (20 Mil-Radians) of adjustment instantly in a single rotation (120 MOA total travel) — meeting, or exceeding, the effective range of any known cartridge at extreme distances.

The heart of the B.E.A.S.T. is its i4F intelligent four-function elevation control. Initial adjustments with the primary elevation knob are lightning fast, in .50 MOA/.2 Mil-Radian increments. An integral fine adjustment lever provides additional elevation adjustments in .25 MOA/.1 Mil-Radian increments. It is the fastest, most precise elevation control ever conceived on a riflescope.

The patented Nightforce ZeroStop system, allowing an instant return to the shooter’s established zero point, is standard. A new 360-degree brake control allows instant securing of elevation adjustments.

Perhaps the shooter suddenly anticipates engaging a number of targets at a substantially longer range, for example, 750 meters. Dial in the necessary elevation, activate the 360-degree brake control by pressing the control on top of the elevation knob, rotate the control 90 degrees counter-clockwise, and an instant, secure setting is established at 750 meters. Another press of the brake control and a 90-degree clockwise turn of the control disengages the brake setting. Unlike competitor’s systems, it is an instant, intuitive, one-hand operation, requiring no fumbling with complicated mechanisms, no time lost, no distraction from the target.

The B.E.A.S.T. includes Nightforce DigIllum digital illuminated reticle technology, which has established new standards of convenience and repeatability. The shooter chooses the appropriate illumination setting for lighting conditions, from very dim to extremely bright, and can then turn off illumination to preserve battery power. When illumination is turned back on, it defaults to the shooter’s chosen setting. This ensures that the user’s night vision is not affected and that an instant shot is possible. DigIllum also includes a low-battery indicator and auto-off feature.

Nightforce’s B.E.A.S.T. achieves 90 percent or better light transmission, approaching the maximum limit of what is physically possible.

At just 15.37 inches in length, the B.E.A.S.T. is very compact relative to its power, allowing friendly attachment of thermal, night vision and other accessories.

The B.E.A.S.T. starts at $3,298.

For more information on the B.E.A.S.T. riflescope and other products from Nightforce, visit: http://www.nightforceoptics.com