NF ATCAR vs NX8

aslrookie

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Mar 19, 2017
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I am debating between these two optics for use on my 11.5" 5.56 SBR. This is my main "go-to" rifle that's setup for NV use with MAWL laser and Modlite OKW for longer visible light shots. It previously had an Eotech with vortex micro 3x, but I moved that setup to my 300blk SBR instead. My main consideration for the ATACR is better low-light performance and eyebox. However, is the eyebox and glass worth $1k more than the NX8? Or is it diminishing returns after the NX8?
 
Perfect use case for the NX8. Eyebox “issue” is way overblown.

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ATACR is a lot better, but with that size rifle, and a MAWL, you are going to be cramped.
But worth it? lol My buddy has basically the same setup except he has a KAC upper whereas mine is a monolithic LMT upper, so that gives me a little more flexibility for mounting optics and lasers. I didn't get a chance to use it much, but it was nice when I did use it.
 
NX8 is fine. Eyebox is tight when you are at 8x, not at 1x. I am assuming that if you are shooting at 8x you are not on the move, and have a chance to get your head straight. It's a good scope. The ATACR is a really, really good scope. I agree this is a better place for the NX8, though I much prefer the Kahles k16i in this circumstance.
 
Its not just a price difference.

the NX8 sacrifices a lot in performance to fit itself in that small of a form factor and weigh as little as it does.
with all that other stuff on your gun for the NV and everything else four ounces on the scope is unlikely to make a any difference.
Certainly not enough to justify the compromises IMO.

if you plan on using the illumination on the scope with the NV and not just the laser to aim then the ATACR is the way to go since it has NV settings.
if not the Razor G3 1-10x is right around NX8 price wise but is much better balanced optically. i have certainly loved mine haha
 
Its not just a price difference.

the NX8 sacrifices a lot in performance to fit itself in that small of a form factor and weigh as little as it does.
with all that other stuff on your gun for the NV and everything else four ounces on the scope is unlikely to make a any difference.
Certainly not enough to justify the compromises IMO.

if you plan on using the illumination on the scope with the NV and not just the laser to aim then the ATACR is the way to go since it has NV settings.
if not the Razor G3 1-10x is right around NX8 price wise but is much better balanced optically. i have certainly loved mine haha
I plan on using a top mounted RMR for passive NV use. I can't imagine lining up binos and a LPVO would be very practical for passive use.
 
How's the glass in the evening/dark with and without white light? I've heard the NX8 drops off in clarity significantly past 6x, has this been your experience?

Ive never shot it at night but it’s been fine during dry fire training. In the mornings and evenings it’s actually damn good for its size. The edges seem to blur slightly on 1x but I only notice it indoors. I will agree that the scope loses clarity above 6x. It’s a great red dot replacement, but if you plan to spend a lot of time shooting longer distances the ATACR may make sense.
 
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