When it comes to optics brands, Nightforce stands out as a notable player with an impressive legacy. Its reputation as a reliable provider of high-quality scopes has even earned it contracts with the U.S. military. However, the performance of the scope is only as good as the mount holding it. So, are Nightforce scope mounts as good as its optics? We’ve asked that question to our friends at a prominent sports and hunting store, Gritr Outdoors, and here’s what they had to say. Enjoy reading!
Nightforce Scope Mounts
One-piece mounts have been a staple in the world of semi-automatic platforms for quite some time and are now gaining traction with bolt-action rifles. Their popularity stems from their robust design and the enhanced stability they offer. Among these, the Nightforce scope mounts – Unimount, Magmount, and Ultramount – stand out for their superior performance.
Nightforce Ultramount
The Nightforce Ultramount is no ordinary commercial scope mount. You may not know, but between 2018 and 2021, Nightforce competed for the USSOCOM S-VPS, P-VPS, and R-VPS contracts, which it won.
The ATACR 1-8×24 F1 low-power electro-optical variable rifle scope has become the S-VPS (Squad-Variable Powered Scope). The scope includes ED glass and daylight illumination, which are essential features for precision shooting in various lighting conditions. Plus, it features an intelligent reticle, a FOV at 1x equivalent to open sights, and low-profile 0.1 mil-rad turrets designed to prevent accidental adjustment.
The Nightforce ATACR 4-20×50 F1 scope has been selected as the R-VPS (Ranging-Variable Power Scope) for Mid-Range and the Designated Marksman applications of USSOCOM’s Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon Systems. The scope is designed for engagements out to 1.200m and features ED glass, 0.1 Mil-Radian adjustment value for both windage and elevation, and the exceptional Horus Vision TREMOR3 reticle.
Finally, the P-VPS consists of the ATACR 5-25×56 F1 and 7-35×56 F1 scopes selected as standard and long-range solutions for the USSOCOM’s Sniper Weapon Systems. These riflescopes are designed for engagements out to 1.500 and beyond. Both will work with the MK22 Sniper System based on the Barrett MRAD rifle.
So, the Nightforce Ultramount scope mount was chosen to be used by USSOCOM with the abovementioned riflescopes. The programs have specific requirements that need to be met by scope mounts, including the ability to withstand heavy recoil, maintain zero under harsh conditions, and offer compatibility with a range of firearms.
Crafted from aluminum, steel, and titanium, the Ultramount strikes a balance between weight, strength, and stiffness. This blend ensures a reliable and repeatable mounting solution for both bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic rifles.
The Ultramount features two integral recoil lugs in addition to titanium crossbolts. These features work together to provide a secure fit that can withstand the heavy recoil associated with military-grade firearms. Plus, stainless screws and titanium bolts and jaws provide enhanced rust and corrosion resistance.
For the convenience of the user, all pertinent torque specifications and tightening sequences are laser engraved on each mount.
When it comes to customization, you can choose between Dark Earth or Black anodizing, 1.54in or 1.93in height, and 0 MOA or 20 MOA bias options. As for the weight, the 1.54i” Ultramount weighs 5.9oz, while the 1.93″ variant weighs 6.1oz.
While the Nightforce Ultramount may not offer as many accessory options as some other mounts, such as the Badger Ordnance COMM, it still has some flexibility. For instance, you can still attach red dot optics to the Ultramount using additional ring top accessories like the Nightforce RAP and X-treme Duty Multimount.
Nightforce X-treme Duty Multimount is a 3-slot 1913 rail section designed for mounting red dots for CQB. On the other hand, the Nightforce RAP is a 4-inch rail for mounting rangefinders, levels, and data boards.
Nightforce Duty Unimount
Now, let’s discuss the Nightforce scope mounted engineered for civilian shooters. What makes the Duty Unimount outstanding is a cantilever design, meaning it extends forward from the base, away from the rifle’s receiver or rail system.
This provides several benefits altogether. Firstly, it can help with eye relief – you can position your scope at an optimal distance for your eye comfort and shooting style without being limited by the length of the rail. Secondly, the forward positioning can help balance the weight of the scope, especially in rifles where the center of gravity is towards the rear, improving maneuverability. Finally, a cantilever design can also free up space on the rail system for other accessories like backup sights, lasers, or lights.
All in all, if you’ve got an AR15, AR-10, or any other semi-auto rifle with a short receiver rail, this Nightforce scope mount is going to be particularly advantageous.
Don’t forget that the Extended Unimount and Service Rifle Unimount are also available for those situations when additional eye relief is needed.
Nightforce Duty Magmount & Compact Magmount
Moving on to the Nightforce Duty Magmount and Compact Magmount, these mounts are specially designed to allow clearance of 56mm objective riflescopes on rifles with continuous rails (Both Unimount and Magmount are designed to be mounted to firearms with a MIL-STD 1913 rail.) This is a feature you’ll appreciate if you’re dealing with heavy recoil, as is often the case with professional and competition bolt action rifles. By the way, for enhanced resistance to recoil, Nightforce Magmounts feature a third crossbolt. It adds extra stability.
As for construction, both Nightforce Unimount and Magmount feature a CNC machined 7075-T6 hard anodized aluminum body and titanium cross bolts and jaws, just like the Ultramount.
Final Words
So, if you’re in the market for one-piece mounts that deliver in terms of design, performance, and construction, look no further than Nightforce scope mounts. Whether you’re dealing with a semi-automatic platform or a bolt-action rifle, these mounts have got you covered.
