Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I think it is because a lot of those who grew up on the KJV but who are looking for something more modern will go with the NKJV. This seems to be a common choice for pastors and churches who would prefer not to use the KJV but have a lot of members who still use it. I think this is one reason why the MacArthur Study Bible was first issued in the NKJV. MacArthur is Critical Text all the way as the notes demonstrate. I remember reading somewhere that the NKJV was chosen because it would appeal to a wider range of people than the NASB would.

I think the difference is also that within the last year or two they introduced a dirt cheap $1 edition that has sold well even though with the 3 column text I have found it practicably unreadable when I've looked at it.