Nightforce B.E.A.S.T. 5-25×56 Review
The needs of the various shooting disciplines differ greatly. Whereas the fixed distance competition shooter may be fine with higher magnification and precise .125 MOA adjustments, the military/law enforcement/tactical shooter is typically looking for fast precise adjustments in rugged scope for dynamic shooting environments. Enter the B.E.A.S.T. from Nightforce.
B.E.A.S.T. stands for Best Example of Available Scope Technology, a scope, that according to Nightforce, was designed without cost in mind, and purely built for performance. In the words of Nightforce, their engineers were told “cut no corners”. The B.E.A.S.T. is a first focal plane, 5-25 power scope with a 56MM objective lens and 34mm body tube. It is a big scope, both in terms of size and performance.
Let’s take a look at the specifications below:
Nightforce offers four different models in MOA and MRAD, all of which are illuminated.
My B.E.A.S.T. is model C448 and uses the MIL-R reticle.
Each revolution of the scope gives the shooter 20 MRAD (60 MOA) of adjustments in a single revolution! This is a big deal if you want to quickly engage larger targets in a dynamic setting, whether it be a military/law enforcement action, or a timed stage on steel targets. One way this is accomplished is through the use of a .2 MRAD ( or .5 MOA) elevation adjustments, which are more coarse than those typically encountered. Should you need to make a finer .1 MRAD (.25 MOA) elevation adjustment, there is a small lever (known as the M2 precision elevator) located towards the base of the turret that can add a .1 MRAD (or .25 MOA) to an elevation adjustment you’ve dialed. While this may sound confusing at first, in practice, I’ve found it to work well making it a fast scope with that extra level of precision when needed.
Wind drift adjustments are less coarse and found in the more commonly encountered in .1 MRAD (.25 MOA). 
The scope tracks exceptionally well (forget about box tests- I shoot this thing at various ranges all the time). I’ve also observed clarity, light transmission, and resolution to be the very best of any scope I own. It has lived on my custom 6.5 Creedmoor rifle built on a Surgeon action ever since I built it back in early 2015 (to see learn more about the rifle click here). I’ve shot combination a couple times a month for nearly two years and still love everything about it. I’ve never found it wanting for magnification, reliability or durability. Take a look at most of my 6.5 Creedmoor posts, and you’ll see some exceptional groups shot with this rugged field scope.
The elevation and wind turrets on the B.E.A.S.T. lock, a nice feature if you handle your rifle as a tool that may get thrown around in the gun case or dropped in the dark woods.
Even though the B.E.A.S.T. is built for business, it can still deliver impressive down range precision on small targets like this 100 yard group(above) shot with 142 gr. Sierra MatchKings in my 6.5 Creedmoor.
My thoughts on B.E.A.S.T.
- Clear, crisp and clean. It is a fantastic optic to look through, the glass is clear, resolution is high and the its glass is the best I’ve used to date on a rifle scope.
- Tracks well. I’ve been shooting this optic for nearly two years and it tracks exceptionally well.
- All time favorite. The B.E.A.S.T. is my personal favorite rifle scope. I would have them on all my precision rifles if I could afford it- they aren’t cheap.
If you are looking for a field type scope, one that is durable, with a first focal plane and accurate adjustments and can afford it; I would give serious consideration to the Nightforce B.E.A.S.T. After two years behind it I continue to be impressed.
To learn more about the Nightforce B.E.A.S.T. 5-25×56, click here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.