Your mount is on backwards in these pictures, you want the cantilever to hold the scope further forwards to increase eye relief.
Rifle Scopes *JUST RELEASED* Nightforce NX8 FFP 1-8x24mm 30mm Tube & ATACR F1 1-8x24mm 34mm Tube Models
- Thread starter redneckbmxer24
- Start date
Thanks for the response.
Certainly one could use the reticle holdovers, I just think it’s a shame to have to on an optic with a zero-stop elevation turret.
Personally I will buy if they release as SFP. I care more about eyebox and FOV on a lpvo than I do precision shooting ability.
I’m also scratching my head wondering what difference the extra two inches in length mean on a weapon that is supposed to be concealable and covert. Read, even the shortest of PDW weapons can accomadate the myriad of lpvo’s on the market. I think squeezing the 8x of this and trying to check ALL the boxes results in a “okay” shooting experience where it counts most with these optics...close to mid range. I fail to see any practical advantage to this over the Khales k16 or even Razor. As it stands now this a jack of all trades master of none in my book, hopefully a sfp version/lower mag version is in the works.
I’m also scratching my head wondering what difference the extra two inches in length mean on a weapon that is supposed to be concealable and covert. Read, even the shortest of PDW weapons can accomadate the myriad of lpvo’s on the market. I think squeezing the 8x of this and trying to check ALL the boxes results in a “okay” shooting experience where it counts most with these optics...close to mid range. I fail to see any practical advantage to this over the Khales k16 or even Razor. As it stands now this a jack of all trades master of none in my book, hopefully a sfp version/lower mag version is in the works.
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If you fail to see the practical advantage then go buy a Kahles or Razor. They are good SFP choices. I highly doubt NF is going to completely re-engineer the NX8 and ATACR to produce a SFP version.
Help me understand why I wouldn't be at max mag range when looking at a target at 500 yrds? I trying to compare the NX8 to the K16i. I realize the optics are built differently, but is the extra 2x at the top end worth the loss in eyebox and FOV.
Firstly, IMO there is no practical advantage to a 8x compared to a 6x on a rifle that will only go to 5-600yds. I say those ranges because LPVO are typically used on close to mid-range platforms. In the event someone’s specific application makes it the 8x an advantage, I fail to see how it is worth it at the expense of such a tight and unforgiving eyebox. As far as FFP vs SFP on an LPVO I think many will be at max power at extended diatances so the FFP is unnecessary.
As far as “reengineering” for SFP this is from Nightforce rep: “They were designed to be corrected in 1st or 2nd foal plane, so it is possible and has been discussed, but there are no immediate plans at the moment. Over the course of this year, we will continue to evaluate the market for such application.”
I adore Nightforce products and am always recommending them. My work rifle wears and ATACR and my personal sports the NXS. I waited for the NX8 but feel its a matter of “jack of all trades” master of none. By checking all the boxes (ie. 8x, FFP, compact package) the product is mediocre in all fields with the exception of brightness and size. I’m sure its selling like crazy and in the end, my opinion means nothing. But those are my 100% unbiased thoughs on a product that I was ready to buy.
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Do you own either a NX8 or an ATACR? Or are you just regurgitating info from others regarding the eye box?
I’ve yet to run into a situation with my NX8 where the “tight and unforgiving” eye box was an issue.
In my opinion after handling and using the NX8, it is not. YMMV so I highly recommend you check them out in person and figure how you will use it more prior to purchase
My buddy got his and I was able to spend some time behind it. I don’t speak on things unless I’ve experienced them firsthand. I certainly noticed the eyebox and compared to others in its price range its among the worst. Hell, its so sensitive it gives the illusion of illumination “flickering” just like the mk6/mk8.
I’m glad you like yours and didn’t notice it. But for someone who cares about eyebox and fov, or will mainly be using it as a close range optic, I for one found it too narrow and sensitive for what it costs. Like I said, for those purposes and price, better options exist.
Sounds to me like you “evaluated” your buddy’s optic without it mounted to a rifle. The flickering illumination has already been addressed by the NF rep, and it simply isn’t present when the optic is on a rifle.
Regarding the eye box, which is probably one of the most over-hyped and mis-represented qualities of LPVO in general, if you can’t get into the eye box on 1x-4x with an acceptable amount of speed, then you probably need to work on how you mount the rifle. Whether I’m shooting slick, with soft armor or hard plates, in a t-shirt or a heavy jacket, with or without a ballistic helmet, at 1x the optic functions just like a red dot. I am not any slower with the NX8 compared to my standard Aimpoint T-2 on a 14.5” 5.56 Carbine. Around barricades, under vehicles, through ports, standing/kneeling/prone, it doesn’t matter.
Yes, the eye box is tight at higher magnification, but in what scenario is someone going to take snap shot at 6x-8x that requires so much speed there isn’t time to slightly adjust cheekweld or find support for the rifle? If youre in any sort of environment where the potential for an in-your-face engagement exists, but you’re running the optic at high magnification, then you’re probably running an offset sighting system of some sort, and you’d use that instead of shooting at 6x-8x, so the tight eye box is a non issues.
The NX8 is in a class of its own, and it’s pointless to compare it to anything else. I look at this like I looked at the Leupy Mk6 3-18 when it was released. Was the glass the greatest? No. Did the image quality degrade at high magnification? Yes. But for it’s intended purpose and target user, it was the only game in town. Now look at the field, ultra shorts are all the rage and glass/specs/options have all improved greatly. The NX8 is probably going to drive advancements in the LPVO category, much like the Mk6 did for the ultra shorts. If it’s not for you, then it’s not for you. Run a Kahles or a Razor if you want SFP and their accompanying FOV, size and/or weight.
It gets tiring reading about people gripe about eyebox, field of view, cost, etc etc etc. Buy something else if the NX8 or ATACR doesn’t fit your needs.
Regarding the eye box, which is probably one of the most over-hyped and mis-represented qualities of LPVO in general, if you can’t get into the eye box on 1x-4x with an acceptable amount of speed, then you probably need to work on how you mount the rifle. Whether I’m shooting slick, with soft armor or hard plates, in a t-shirt or a heavy jacket, with or without a ballistic helmet, at 1x the optic functions just like a red dot. I am not any slower with the NX8 compared to my standard Aimpoint T-2 on a 14.5” 5.56 Carbine. Around barricades, under vehicles, through ports, standing/kneeling/prone, it doesn’t matter.
Yes, the eye box is tight at higher magnification, but in what scenario is someone going to take snap shot at 6x-8x that requires so much speed there isn’t time to slightly adjust cheekweld or find support for the rifle? If youre in any sort of environment where the potential for an in-your-face engagement exists, but you’re running the optic at high magnification, then you’re probably running an offset sighting system of some sort, and you’d use that instead of shooting at 6x-8x, so the tight eye box is a non issues.
The NX8 is in a class of its own, and it’s pointless to compare it to anything else. I look at this like I looked at the Leupy Mk6 3-18 when it was released. Was the glass the greatest? No. Did the image quality degrade at high magnification? Yes. But for it’s intended purpose and target user, it was the only game in town. Now look at the field, ultra shorts are all the rage and glass/specs/options have all improved greatly. The NX8 is probably going to drive advancements in the LPVO category, much like the Mk6 did for the ultra shorts. If it’s not for you, then it’s not for you. Run a Kahles or a Razor if you want SFP and their accompanying FOV, size and/or weight.
It gets tiring reading about people gripe about eyebox, field of view, cost, etc etc etc. Buy something else if the NX8 or ATACR doesn’t fit your needs.
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Initially yes it was unmounted, however I checked it out again after it was on the rifle and spent sometime with it and did basic drills/shooting.
You inquired whether I was regurgitating the complaints of others, so clearly I’m not the only one who feels the way I do about it. Again I’m glad you like yours and its eyebox/fov is satisfactory to you. I was disappointed by it. My splits (eotech vs t-1) corroborate my preference, although in full disclosure reticle size could be the main reason for those results; regardless I like what I like. As far as flicker other owners have reported the issue as well, so its not like I’m making this stuff up. Yes, it was only noticeable at 8x on the rifle, but it was there nonetheless. Some owner even mentioned he found the 8x so unuseabke due to reticle size and sensitivity he doesn’t even go that high.
You keep highlighting its size and weight but its only 2” shorter than most LPVO and its weight is on par as well. Its greatest feats size and weight are negligible compared to other 30mm tube LPVO.
As far as everyone bitching I do intend to wait and see if they release a sfp version prior ti buying and only posted my unbiased opinion when people asked about certain aspects in this thread.
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Yup, I did ask if you were regurgitating information, because that is what the vast majority of posters in this thread are doing. There is a whole lot of speculation and assumption, and not a lot of first-hand knowledge, being posted in this thread. No offense, but I don't put a lot weight on information gleaned from borrowing a buddy's rifle and shooting a few basic drills during what was probably one range session.
Nobody is talking about Eotech vs T-1. Talk to me when you compare a T-1 (single dot) to a NX8 (single dot) to eliminate the reticle preference bias. Same rifle, same mount height, same ammo, same targets, etc., and I bet you'd find that you're just as fast with the NX8.
The flicker issue has been talked about, and addressed. It's a limitation of the illumination system, and isn't present when the optic is mounted on a rifle. Not really debatable.
coming from a trijicon 1-8x28, i like the atacr a lot more.
older pics, scope has been painted to match the sr15
older pics, scope has been painted to match the sr15
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Getting ready to pull the trigger (pun intended) on the NX8 but couldn't understand the difference between the C599 and C598. It is, as you pointed out that the elevation is capped on the LE/Mil version (C599) and uncapped (C598) on the other (both have windage capped if I understand correctly). Question, why? The LE/Mil, is about $45 cheaper than the commercial version which has the ZeroStop, now I'm not sure which one I want. Why did you get the capped one and not the ZeroStop? I'm, convinced I'm missing something or is it just personal preference? Thanks in advance!
coming from a trijicon 1-8x28, i like the atacr a lot more.
older pics, scope has been painted to match the sr15
Nice rifle! Is that the Geissele Super Precision in standard or extended length? I'm trying to decide between the standard (05-417B) and extended (05-405B) models and I'm not sure which is a good length for an ATACR on my AR-15.
I have 2 NXS1-8 MOA arriving tomorrow and should get range zero/test Friday on a Mega AR15 and an MCX 300 BO
Sorry but where are you seeing a capped elevation turret NX8. I cant seem to find that product number anywhere on their website. Or do you have to call them?
The reason I like the capped version is the possibility of the turrets getting bumped and turned/moved. In law enforcement these scopes get moved in and out of vehicles, put in rifle racks, put in trunks of vehicles, generally are subject to being bumped, brushed around, moved etc. I am of the opinion that having a solid zero, and having the turrets capped is FAR more secure. If I set a 50/200 zero, I know I’m solid poa/poi from contact to approximately 250 yards. In civilian law enforcement, the chances of taking a shot out past 250 yds is INCREDIBLY low. If, and this is an incredibly low probability if, a shot had to be taken past that range, I could hold 1mil in the very simple, uncluttered reticle, and be on at 300yds. So for me, the precision of the 1-8 is great. The ability to take a precise shot is excellent, and FAR more likely than having to dial for distance on a long shot. I like the ability to identify a weapon in the hand vs a black cell phone, but I don’t anticipate having to take a shot where dialing elevation would be necessary. So, I believe in Law Enforcement, the benefits of capped turrets, the peace of mind of my turrets not getting bumped and turned somehow far outweigh the ability to quickly dial for distance.
I have done similar in the past. The key will be a top shelf mount like LaRue OBR or NF Uniount for quick/RE;I able change and documented zero change
Was just wondering that myself, the two published NX8 part numbers are C598 and C600 as far as I see.
I’ve got a pair of LaRue mounts (one 30 mm and one 34 mm) that should work. I realize that the ATACR is likely the better fit for a 308 AR, but it’s not an option at the moment as I just bought a RPR to give precision rifle a try.
I saw something about 308 recoil causing the shooter to come out of the eye box on the NX8. Any further developments there? Or is that something that just needs to be fixed with trigger time.
My NX8 should be here this week or next. I ran nxs scopes on 308 gas guns for years, never had an issue with the eye box under recoil. Im sure the atacr is easier, but solid fundamentals are what matter here. Just train it well and youll be fine.
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The capped turrets are an LE/Mil option only. I suspect they will eventually add it to the commercial product line.
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Excellent, thanks for the reply and makes perfect sense. I use holdovers versus dialing in my day job so even though this will be for personal not business it's probably good to be consistent.
So there's no such thing then as a C599? Military part numbers have an M prefix, correct?
Under 400 yds, I will take a good second focal plane scope all day long. Once you get past 400-500 yds the first focal plane scopes come into their own as do larger caliber rifles.
That's a good point - and subtension thickness becomes a concern at longer distances as well. FWIW, the FC-MOA's center dot is 1.25 minutes wide. That's a bit on the big side.
Just leveled, mounted and bore sighted (2) NXS 1-8 on a MCX 300 and my Mega AR 15. Initial dry firing and checking at booth 1X/8X eye box was not an issue for me (low ready to shouldered rifle) with either scope or rifle. I did run the NXS 1-4 for several years in 3 Gun which may have helped with smaller eye box.Now my splits at CQB are not the fastest but not too bad for old Marine and did not seem any slower dry fire than red dot or Vortex 1-6 (not Razor). I suspect if any issues occur some range time will cure in mounting the gun technique issues (none seen in limited dry fire)
Initial feedback on reticle is very good but I will supply more feedback after I zero at CLinton House in SC Friday. Both guns shot sub-MOA with my loads from bench + bipod but that will not be my goal with them combined with NXS1-8 that said do not foresee any issues banging 1.5 to 3 MOA steel
Initial feedback on reticle is very good but I will supply more feedback after I zero at CLinton House in SC Friday. Both guns shot sub-MOA with my loads from bench + bipod but that will not be my goal with them combined with NXS1-8 that said do not foresee any issues banging 1.5 to 3 MOA steel
I just received my NX8 and ATACR 1-8's.
I got the C599 NX8, which is only available through their MIL/LE Office to qualified purchasers. I asked them when it would be availble to the general public and they were unsure if it would as it would solely depend on demand. They saw the need to have it available for MIL/LE, hence why they have an exclusive part number for the capped MIL/MIL version.
Looking forward to giving these a shakedown as they are impressive out of the box. I am absolutely amazed at how bright the illuminated reticle is.
I got the C599 NX8, which is only available through their MIL/LE Office to qualified purchasers. I asked them when it would be availble to the general public and they were unsure if it would as it would solely depend on demand. They saw the need to have it available for MIL/LE, hence why they have an exclusive part number for the capped MIL/MIL version.
Looking forward to giving these a shakedown as they are impressive out of the box. I am absolutely amazed at how bright the illuminated reticle is.
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I don’t have my NX8 yet, but I felt compelled to reply after reading the review about ten times and trying to wrap my head around it. If I’m using a red dot then I’m at 1x in a CQB situation and unlikely looking at anything out past 100 yards (if that). Anything further then I’m on the scope with magnification and the red dot at zero (illumination). The reason I kept reading this over and over is it sounded like the reviewer was magnifying the red dot 8x. Unless I'm completely missing something (not to be ruled out) that makes no sense to me whatsoever.
So the actual center dot is .35mil/1.2moa. The segmented circle is 2mil across(6.875moa). On 1x, the circle changes in relation to the target to form the dot....ala FFP......so the dot is 2mils on 1x and you see the 2mil segmented circle with .35mil dot in center at 8x. Very well designed. Too big for long range precision.....maybe a smidge. 1moa would have been more appropriate, but I think the reflective surface area is why its sooooo freaking bright! Perfect for CQB and ultimate speed inside 200 yards.
The .35mil dot could be too big depending on the target size you are shooting at a specific distance. Its all relative I suppose.
I zeroed today and pushed out to 600 yards on 6" plates and the dot was covering it when I dialed, but holding over with either the FC-MIL or FC-DM was beautiful. Still easy to hit 6" plates at that distance.
I actually pushed out to 1k on 12" plates and was nailing them. The .35mil dot covered it edge to edge perfectly and allowed for excellent windage holdoff.
The .35mil dot could be too big depending on the target size you are shooting at a specific distance. Its all relative I suppose.
I zeroed today and pushed out to 600 yards on 6" plates and the dot was covering it when I dialed, but holding over with either the FC-MIL or FC-DM was beautiful. Still easy to hit 6" plates at that distance.
I actually pushed out to 1k on 12" plates and was nailing them. The .35mil dot covered it edge to edge perfectly and allowed for excellent windage holdoff.
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Awesome feedback. Thanks!
Not sure whether you mentioned it earlier, but on what rifle do you have the NX8 mounted?
I wondered about the size of the dot before I used either one, too. It's not an issue as the larger segmented circle gets out of the way, once magnified.
Also, if you are only holding your corrections, rather than dialing, the intelligent reticle is a great size for shooting at distance.
Also, if you are only holding your corrections, rather than dialing, the intelligent reticle is a great size for shooting at distance.
I will also say....while both my units have capped adjustments, they track perfect and are finger adjustable with great feeling clicks. I zeroed them and RTZ'ed without issue.
About to wrap up todays range session, but so impressed so far. I've got a ton of time on various LPVO's; both SFP and FFP variety, and these are well done.
The NX8 on a 12.5" gun still leaves enough room to get a clip on enabler in front without issue. My Vortex was a little long. So if you wonder why size matters for discreet use on short guns....there ya go.
Once I get more time on them both, I will get more in the weeds.
About to wrap up todays range session, but so impressed so far. I've got a ton of time on various LPVO's; both SFP and FFP variety, and these are well done.
The NX8 on a 12.5" gun still leaves enough room to get a clip on enabler in front without issue. My Vortex was a little long. So if you wonder why size matters for discreet use on short guns....there ya go.
Once I get more time on them both, I will get more in the weeds.
I run the dual capped version on my AR. I don’t find the dot to be too large at all. This is likely a two fold deal. First is that at any distance I’m LIKELY going to be shooting, the center illuminated dot with segmented circle is perfect. Super fast at 1X, run it like a red dot. As the power level goes up, the segmented circle with center dot becomes a perfect “bracketing reticle”. Bracket the target/suspect inside the circle, red center dot on high center mass and send it. VERY fast, and plenty accurate at room clearing distance. Second reason it’s not too big is that I’m not going to dial with this scope. At distance, I’m going to hold. In holding, the reticle is fantastic. I shot out to 500 yesterday on steel. I had no trouble at all making hits by holding in the mil reticle.
I definitely think we have to remember that NF I’d primarily looking at a mil/Leo market with these scopes. For that market, the reticle is very usable. If I was looking for a scope for long range shooting with a fine center aiming point, this would not be the scope for me. As a CQB, out to X distance in civilian law enforcement, I think it’s outstanding.
I definitely think we have to remember that NF I’d primarily looking at a mil/Leo market with these scopes. For that market, the reticle is very usable. If I was looking for a scope for long range shooting with a fine center aiming point, this would not be the scope for me. As a CQB, out to X distance in civilian law enforcement, I think it’s outstanding.
Range session went longer than expected. Had an opportunity to run through a shoothouse at the range.
My Vortex 1-6 is impressive for CQB and very swift inside 25 yards. Eyebox is quick to get behind and FOV is judicious. Kind of a benchmark for CQB use.
I ran my 16" 6.5CM through and it was quickly apparent that I gave up absolutely nothing to my Vortex on an URGI upper.
At room clearing distances, you are talking about 5" less FOV compared to the Vortex. The overly generous eyebox of the ATACR and ED glass quality were phenomenal. Red dot was stupid bright due to being about twice as large as the Vortex on 1x. So now, I have a slightly shorter, lighter, more powerful LPV.....I'M IN LOVE!!! NF did a fabulous job with the FC-DM reticle....very well rounded for close proximity and extended range work.
I didn't have enough time to do any work with my NX8 other than a few dry runs, but its obvious that it was not meant to compete performance wise with the ATACR.
Regardless, I love them both. The NX8 fits the bill perfectly for my piggie slayer where I use a clip on thermal full time at night.
My Vortex 1-6 is impressive for CQB and very swift inside 25 yards. Eyebox is quick to get behind and FOV is judicious. Kind of a benchmark for CQB use.
I ran my 16" 6.5CM through and it was quickly apparent that I gave up absolutely nothing to my Vortex on an URGI upper.
At room clearing distances, you are talking about 5" less FOV compared to the Vortex. The overly generous eyebox of the ATACR and ED glass quality were phenomenal. Red dot was stupid bright due to being about twice as large as the Vortex on 1x. So now, I have a slightly shorter, lighter, more powerful LPV.....I'M IN LOVE!!! NF did a fabulous job with the FC-DM reticle....very well rounded for close proximity and extended range work.
I didn't have enough time to do any work with my NX8 other than a few dry runs, but its obvious that it was not meant to compete performance wise with the ATACR.
Regardless, I love them both. The NX8 fits the bill perfectly for my piggie slayer where I use a clip on thermal full time at night.
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