This link will take you to the brochure posted on the website which explains a little more about the MIL-SPEC models.
http://nightforceoptics.com/pdf/MilSpecFlyerPDF.pdf

MIL-SPEC is not a different set of features and benefits. It is a construction method that differs from the commercial models. A construction method that allows us to certify the product to several of the standards of MIL-STD 810G for scratch resistance, submersion, and pressure. The semi permanent construction method allows us to exceed the standards required. The riflescope is assembled with a semi resilient two part adhesive. Once assembled, near impossible to disassemble without damage.

We hand select scopes with better optical qualities that are to be made to MIL-SPEC. That does not mean that commercial scopes do not have the same optical quality. It just means that when we select optical components, that we utilize the specs that are closer to the bottom end of our spec rather than the top end. Those same optical components still go in to the commercial product. I think you would be hard pressed to ever see a difference without expensive optical testing equipment.

The MIL-SPEC product was designed for the warfighter and select federal agencies that sometimes deploy to warzones. Designed for the guys that may be doing waterborne insertions/deployments from submarines as well as HALO inserting from high altitude aircraft. They are designed to handle the rapid descents and radical pressure changes that cause other scopes to fog internally. They are designed to withstand pressures at depths down to 100' without a dive bag. Requirements that the commercial shooter does not require or want to pay additional for. We can build about 2.5 commercial model scopes to every one MIL-SPEC model. There are increased costs associated with the MIL-SPEC model. WE choose not to sell MIL-SPEC to the individual as it is a design criteria for a discriminating customer. Any scope we sell to the Military, is MIL-SPEC.

The commercial product is waterproof to 3 meters (10') for about 10 minutes. The MIL-SPEC can withstand 100' for 2+ hours.

Our MIL-SPEC product is also considered a "Defense Article" under the ITAR and regulated for export by the Department of State. Commercial product is considered "Dual Use" and therefore controlled for export by the Department of Commerce and Bureau of Industry and Security.

The bullet hole scope in our catalog was a MIL-SPEC 3.5-15x50 second focal plane model that was utilized on a Marine XM3 Sniper Rifle.

As for the MIL-SPEC models that were released for commercial sale, they were contract overruns for the US Army. The Army had originally ordered them for the Mk13 rifle with Mil-Dots and near the final delivery order, decided to change their reticle selection to the Horus H58. Being that they are MIL-SPEC and FFP, we were not able to change the reticles since the objective cell needs to be reset once the erector is removed for reticle replacement. The objective cell is pretty much permanently bonded in place and removal would cause damage. We made the decision to sell them commercially as a nostalgic and limited availability item.
They have since all been sold and there are a little over 200 floating around.

Any Nightforce product can be assembled to meet the MIL-SPEC requirements. It just so happens that the F1's that were available for that limited time were F1's.

MIL-SPEC scopes do carry a 10 year warranty whereas the commercial product carries a limited lifetime warranty.

Hopefully this answers the questions about differences of the MIL-SPEC compared to the commercial product.

Originally Posted By stickyheat:
Whelp looks like they are sold out. Probably gonna see them getting flipped for crazy money.