The ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter is very much like its X-Sight alternatives but is also very different.
While many X-Sight scopes are perfect for night vision coyote hunting, the Buckhunter is made for daytime use.
Whether it’s mounted to an AR-15 for coyotes, 30-30 Win for hog hunting, or a .270 Win for deer, the X-Sight 4K Buckhunter is no stranger to the hunt.
Quick Overview...
What We Like: Smart digital scope
What We Don’t Like: Day use only
Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Predator Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting, Digital Day Use, Mid to Long-Range, Light to Heavy Caliber Rifles, Digital
- Magnification: 5-20x
- Objective Diameter: 70mm
- Coatings: Digital display
- FOV: 240 ft/1000 yds
- Eye Relief: 90mm
- Adjustments: Digital
- Dimensions: 14.9 x 3 x 3”/2.2 lbs
Our Verdict: What it really comes down to is if you want and need digital benefits from your daytime scope. It’s a matter of traditional scope VS digital. If you’re on the digital bandwagon, you’ll value the built-in digital features. Since the electronics can handle recoil, the scope is capable of putting out sub-MOA groupings at various distances, and firmware updates are available, it’s a viable option for those who desire digital scope features.
Who is the ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter 5-20X Best Suited to?
You may see X-Sight and think you’re landing a night vision scope. This isn’t the case with the Buckhunter model as it’s a daytime only scope. Why choose this over a traditional glass rifle scope?
You have multiple digital features to take advantage of without having to mount a camera or the need to use additional aids such as dope cards and rangefinders.
The only downside about buying such a scope is the learning curve. Obviously, it’s more complex than a traditional scope because it uses electronics. There’s also a lot of trust required in those electronics since a lot of the mechanical action that you’re accustomed to is now dependent on the built-in computer.
The 4K Buckhunter is best suited to those already familiar with X-Sight scopes or who are willing to learn the system.
How Does the ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter 5-20X Perform?
The X-Sight 4K Buckhunter is a feature-packed scope that may just replace your traditional daytime scope. As a digital scope, it may not be as super clear as high-end glass to see holes on paper at the range, but it does provide great image quality to hit steel at 600 yards and maybe further.
The major benefits of having the Buckhunter on your rifle is the fact that it has so many features that can make things easier in the hunt while also being able to record and stream live. Zeroing in is fast and easy, adjustments can be automatically done, and you can move between reticles and colors as needed for the conditions and terrain.
If you can get past the fact that the 4K Buckhunter will need firmware updates in the future, you’ll be happy with the scope. It is an electronic digital scope after all, so glitches and issues can arise. The latest firmware updates released by ATN tend to address the most common problems that buyers experience.
Features & Benefits
Smart Digital Scope
The X-Sight is a well-known series by ATN that provides digital night vision for hog hunting, coyote hunting, varmint control, and all things night hunting. The X-Sight Buckhunter is different in the fact that it doesn’t provide night vision but does provide a digital display and smart digital features to improve your daytime hunts.
The scope is packed to the max with smart features such as RAV, Dual Streaming and Video, Rangefinder, and more as is expected of an X-Sight scope.
On the flip side, there are digital X-Sight models that don’t come with all the bells and whistles if you don’t have need for the extra perks. The X-Sight LTV 5-20x is a scaled-down version that does provide night vision, is ultra-lightweight, and is simpler to use to in the field.
Feature-Packed
The 4K Buckhunter features a Smart Rangefinder which is a digital stadiametric rangefinder. Get a distance on your buck through the scope and then the reticle will automatically adjust for the correct point of impact.
You’ll also have onboard access to a Ballistic Calculator. Input your rifle, cartridge, and environmental data and it does all the work for you. Save it to the Profile Manager and move between five different profiles based on the weapon/caliber you’re using at the time. No need to rezero, use math, or take along charts. With the ATN Obsidian app, you can sync all this information via your smartphone.
You can also take advantage of the Smart Mil Dot Reticle. Because it’s adjustable, you can manipulate the mil hashmarks to best suit your loads. It also adjusts itself for accuracy throughout the entire magnification range.
With Dual Stream Video, you can simultaneously record and stream live online. With RAV (Recoil Activated Video), you’ll never forget to hit the record button. The scope senses action and automatically starts recording so that you never miss that trophy takedown.
Scope Features
Instead of traditional glass elements that are used to transmit ambient light like a traditional rifle scope, the X-Sight a built-in computer with a sensor. It has ATN’s Obsidian IV Dual core and 4K M265 sensor. While video is recorded in 1080p, the display is seen with 1280x720 HD resolution. Needless to say, the sight picture is clear, sharp, and highly visible – exactly what you need for hunting.
To get zeroed in, the scope has ATN’s One Shot Zero. Make a shot and the program will aid you in making adjustments to the reticle to the POI and you’re done.
You have multiple reticles and reticle color patterns to choose from including the Smart Mil Dot Reticle. You also have digital zoom of 4x from 5 to 20x.
As far as build goes, the scope is rather big compared to the ultralight X-Sight LTV versions. It’s 14.9” long and weighs 2.2 lbs. It has a 30mm tube, so 30mm rings are in order. You will want to take note of the 70mm aperture, so ring height will be paramount to allow the objective bell to clear the receiver/barrel. Additionally, factor in the cost for a mount since that is not included.
Battery Life
Like all of the X-Sight scopes, it has a built-in lithium-ion battery. With the new core and sensor, it runs cooler than its comparable digital models. It lasts up to 18+ hours with continuous operation, but of course, you can also pack a 5V battery bank if you’re paranoid about it failing.
Quality Build
The scope is made with hardened aluminum alloy, so it’s tough. The internal electronics are assembled to withstand the recoil from high caliber weapons even up to 375 H&H.
While X-Sight scopes are no stranger to firmware issues and glitches, ATN does provide the latest firmware updates on their website along with How To videos and tons of advice to common questions.
Like most optics with electronic components, there is a limited warranty. The Buckhunter scope comes with a limited 2-year warranty, so it’s best to get familiar with the scope sooner rather than later.
Limitations
Day Use Only
Although the Buckhunter is a digital X-Sight scope, it does not have a night vision mode. It’s intended for day use like you would a traditional scope with the added perk of having digital features.
For night hunting work, you’ll need to check out the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro and ATN X-Sight LTV. For thermal imaging, you’ll want either the ATN Thor 4 or the ATN Thor LT. The X-Sight 4K Buckhunter is the only digital scope that does not provide night vision.
Popular Questions
The built-in stadiametric rangefinder on the 4K Buckhunter is decently accurate if you have reasonable knowledge of the size of targets. A laser rangefinder would be a preferred device for accurate ranging.
The ATN ABL 1000 rangefinder can be used with the Buckhunter scope and will also adjust your POI after pairing it with the scope.
The Buckhunter model does not come with an IR illuminator as it is not a digital night vision scope. Accessories included with the X-Sight 4K Buckhunter is the charging cable, sunshade, scope cover, eyecup, and lens cloth.
The X-Sight 4K Pro is made for both day and night use, so it has digital night vision capabilities. The X-Sight 4K Buckhunter is not night vision compatible and is only intended for use during daylight hours. However, with its good specs and electronic components, it would also be a good scope for low-light conditions but will become pixelated the darker it gets.
Yes, you will need to purchase a 4 to 64 GB micro SD card to store images and videos.
Conclusion
If you are aware from the get-go that the Buckhunter lacks night vision, you won’t be disappointed.
Essentially, it’s just a digital version of a daytime scope. It has multiple features, widgets, an internal battery, and is weather resistant. If you’re looking for something different, a souped-up electronic scope is definitely that – different.
Further Reading
