I've used or seen used 10-12 VX3 with turrets, CDS/M1's, and dozens of Mk4 variables (which are functionally identical) in the last year from out of the box to at least 500 rounds. Around 15-20% were not functional out of the box. I.e.- unable to zero or adjustments so bad that they couldn't be used. Around 30-40% failed within 500-1,000 rounds. No abuse, just zeroing and shooting.


Pros of VX3-

1) Price
2) Weight


Cons of VX3-

1) High rate of loss of zero
2) High rate of incorrect adjustments
3) High rate of inability to return to zero





Pros of NF Compact-

1) Lowest failure rate in the business
2) One of the, if not the, most durable scopes made
3) Consistently near perfect adjustments
4) Untouchable zero retention
5) They just work


Cons of NF Compact-

1) Price





As EHG stated, Leupold Mark 4 fixed powers are excellent scopes. Unfortunately they are fixed high power MOA/mil scopes priced well outside their competition. If Leupold would do what several entities have asked and build a variable with the construction and quality of the Mark 4 Fixed powers, they'd have something.




As far as glass goes, it's a non starter. First off, no ones eyes are as calibrated as they think they are. Second, brand bias and general emotions play WAY more into "evaluations" of glass than anyone will admit. Thirdly, every major company knows exactly how their competitors match up by measuring them. The differance a between quality glass is measured in nanometers and microns. Every single lens has a prescription and it is measured.

Manufacturers make a balance between contrast and resolution with every scopes. Contrast being the "pop" that you see when looking through really good glass, and resolution being the ability to resolve fine details. Contrast and resolution are constantly at odds with each other. To get one you give up the other to an extent. Nightforce historically has lacked the "pop" of other Alpha glass because they put more into resolution than into contrast. That's what you're hearing when people "complain" about NF glass. It's not that it's not excellent, it is, it's just that it doesn't have the visual "pop" that people look for when they don't know what they are looking at.

Having said that the 2.5-10x42mm and especially the ATACR and BEAST have world class glass that is as good as anyone's.