Nightforce NX8 1-8 thoughts and experience in 2022

[Sensei]

Any guess on a comparison of the 1-8 NX8 with a top dot vs. the ATACR and no dot?

I prefer offset dots to top mounts. I first used a TA31 ECOS over 15 years ago and found it difficult to find the dot after breaking cheek weld as opposed to shifting the gun with my face still indexed to find an offset dot.

Having said that, the NX8 is perfectly usable for 90+% off applications. The dot is likely improving on the margins. I suspect that a dot on the ATACR is well into the realm of diminishing returns. However, I’ve not yet shoulder either the NX8 nor ATACR with a dot to test that theory. I just know that I plan to put an offset RDS on the NX8 first.

[dontshakepandas]

I’m not going to lie, this thread has me missing my NX8 and thinking about picking up another one. I think the Razor is a better fit for the purpose of the gun, but something in me just loves the NX8.

Anybody want a deal on a Razor. Kidding. Maybe?

[mrozowjj]

An ACOG is pretty good so long as you and/or the target aren't moving inside 100yds and you don't need to do anything inside 25yds. The 3.5X TA11 is better than the 4X TA31 I think, but comes at a size/weight penalty. I had an RMR piggybacked on a TA01 crosshair model for a minute and that wasn't too bad. ACOG's do have really good glass.

The TA31 is only 14.9oz which really isn't all that much lighter so I can't really justify going ACOG red dot for weight. The TA11 is longer overall and like 2.7oz heavier than the TA31 but has a longer eye relief. That said it's 17.6oz which is the same weight as the NX8 1-8.

I still do kind of like the ACOG for just being a stupid simple optic, no fiddling with a throw lever, no brightness levels, no exposed turrets, no battery. The BDC reticle is simple but usable.