Frank B: Have 3, with the NP-2DD & 1 with the NP-R2. Can't decide which I prefer the most. To me, it's a tie vote. Can't go wrong with either.
As to price, Nightforce controls the price. If a dealer gets caught discounting them, they lose their NF dealership. The only way they can get around that is to offer free shipping & some will offer discounts on non optical purchases.
There are some very good prices on the used market, BR 12-42x's going for somewhere in the $1200 range, and the forever warranty for no matter who owns it is excellent protection if it does need work. I bought 2 of mine new and 2 were used. All excellent scopes.