I’m probably going to regret this....
To be clear- if I could guarantee the function of the Gen II Razor 1-6x, it would be the optic I would use for your stated needs. However, in using a bunch of them the reliability and zero retention is not there. Same for most others. People will squeal at that, fair enough. Before stating such and such unit uses, or 3-gun popularity, etc.: ask yourself this- how many users are zeroing their rifles and pulling enough ammo from a single lot number to check zero retention for the entire barrels life? The answer is no one. The reason that people think all these scopes are so great is because they are not tracking zero retention in any meaningful way.
For your stated uses it would be between the SWFA SS 1-6x HD, NF NX8 1-8x, and NF ATACR 1-8x. Of those, for the stated use for me- NX8. Reliability, durability, size, and weight- it crushes everything else. The Trijicon VCOG 1-6x isn’t in consideration due its many shortcomings, and the 1-8x version doesn’t offer anything over the three above yet adds considerable size and weight.
Between the ATACR and 1-8x VCOG, the ATACR is better in every way. Well, some might like the circle on 1x better without illumination, but the NF is totally functional without it as well. The ATACR has a better eyebox, turrets, size, weight, and reticle when you do have batteries. The reticle on high power can be a wash depending on you preferences.
As for speed/usability in alternate positions- it’s really a wash. Using full kit- armor, helmet, belt, pistol, etc., time differences between them for the 9 hole VTAC drill on an 8” target at 100m is completely lost in the noise. World class comp shooters may be a second or two faster, everyone else it’s not even worth factoring.
There is a visual comfort that comes into play and that makes it seem like some are much faster/easier than others, but the targets and timer says no. For instance, for me I had thought the NX8 would be measurably slower than the Razor. Yet after a few thousand rounds in most conceivable uses, there was only a slight statistical difference inside 100m. Past that, due FFP the NX8 was faster. Either your index and alignment is solid or it not. If it is, you can use most anything, if it isn’t, everything is going to give you problems.
Left to right-
Minox ZP8- 2k’ish rounds, S&B SDII CC- 3k’ish rounds, ATACR- well over 100k, Razor Gen II- over 40k probably not quite 60k rounds, 1-6x VCOG- 30k’ish rounds, newer NX8, a bit over 20k IIRC.
[
The Minox loses zero from top impacts above 3ft. Otherwise works fine. S&B works. ATACR works- it, and about two dozen more have never had to be rezeroed unless barrel replacements. That specific Razor works, though adjustments are not correct. VCOG works except you can not get it focused to work at both low and high powers. NX8 works- and same as the ATACR.
that wasn’t good data?!! Now I’ve got to cancel my 50k round, single lot number, ammo order...
