Replies to post #19954 on Optex Systems Holdings Inc. (OPXS)

[shell3]

Nightforce Military Optics - The Scoop

(Just thought some would like a read about who OPXS is supplying with the $6.9M two year order)


Alright, so this is the interesting bit. Everything about Nightforce is dead serious, and its no surprise therefore that they have a running contract with the US Navy's Naval Special Warfare group and is the sole supplier of optics to Navy SEAL teams, which use the 3.5-15x50 F1 NXS, 5.5-22x56 NXS and the 2.5-10x24 NXS.

First, build quality and construction. Where all Nightforce scopes are tested rigorously for defects and robustness, including a reputed 1000g shock test on hydraulic arms (I'm not 100% if this is the case, but I wouldn't be surprised - given that I have talked to Nightforce's chief gunsmith who witnessed Nightforce engineers destroy a certain competitor's scope during shock testing), mil-spec optics are even more rigorously tested. I have no details on what this testing includes. Furthermore, where "vanilla" Nightforce optics are put together with a mil-spec adhesive, their military line is constructed so that it cannot be pulled apart without destroying the main tube - ergo unless the entire scope is FUBAR, it will continue to operate.

Secondly, illumination. The critical difference is Nightforce military optics have the ability to operate with night vision devices, goggles or otherwise. Conventional lit reticles are too bright for sensitive night vision equipment, rendering "vanilla" Nightforce NXS scopes incapable of night fighting. Dedicated NV rheostat levels in mil-spec NXS models address this problem.

Thirdly, optical quality. There is no evidence that I can find online that indicates this is the case, however seeing as I have a 2.5-10x24 NX on my Tikka Sabre 51 - a beasty little optic that performs on par with my 3-12x50 PMII scope in urban night time conditions, something which took me by surprise and forced a rather comical double take, I suspected this to be the case.

So where does this leave us common folk who don't have the opportunity to get one of these wonder mil-spec NXSs? Well, word is Nightforce is incorporating some of their mil-spec features into the next iteration of civilian optics. I doubt they will include the bomb proof construction - NF scopes are ridiculously more robust than we need them to be already, hopefully their optical components become more mainstream. Nightforce is also working on a super scope dubbed the "Beast" by those who have seen it. These lucky few unanimously agree - it's a game changer on every level. I haven't seen one, so I can't say, but given Nightforce isn't likely to rest on their laurels as other optical giants have in recent years, I'd take their assessment with a grain of salt, but hope for the best.