US Optics scopes (HONEST OPINIONS!!!!)

[FJR]

I am looking for honest opinions and experiences with US Optics scopes. It seems that some people rave about US Optics and other people accuse those people of advertising for US Optics. In my experience some VERY reputable and helpful people have reccomended US Optics scopes. I'm in the market for a new scope. I've narrowed it down to US Optics SN-3 3.2x17x44 mildot or a Nightforce 3.5x15x50 mil dot. The bottom line is that I'm going to be spending anywhere from $1000 to $2200 for a new scope and I don't want to regret my purchase. I'm sure that all of the big name scope companies have had some sort of scope failures. No product is foolproof. I want people's honest input about these scopes. Heresay is discouraged. For what its worth I've had favorable experiences with customer service from both companies. Thanks in advance. FJR

[Slick0311]

A co-worker (and good friend) of mine uses a US optics scope that he had made for him that cost about $2000.00. He has had it about 4 years now and seems to be happy with it. It is however as big as his sniper rifle:D and I think it even has a fish finder built into it:D
He waited a long time for the scope to be completed, but is satisfied with the quality and said he would get another one. If you want specifics on his scope and dealings with them I can get them for you or put him in touch with you.
I have a Leupold Long Range M1 Tactical 3.5x10 on my rifle and shoot as well or better then him on any given day and I spent less than half than he did.:eek:

[TonyY]

I have been using USO scopes for the last 4 or 5 years. I have an SN3 and a few SN6s. The optics are comparible if not better than European scopes. ( I have S&B, Swarovski and Ziess hunting scopes). I have never had a problem with any of the mechanics of the scope. I prefer 1/4 MOA target turrets but I understand they have a single revolution 1000yd turret now that may be a better option. If you do decide on a USO make sure you go over all of the options with them. (ie with a variable make sure you know what power the mildots are set for (this depends on whether you want a front or rear focal plane reticle). My preference is a mildot reticle with quick range brackets on the lower right. For bases and rings I'd go with Badgers as a preference over USOs. The only problem I have had with them was with a mirage tube that didn't fit correctly and they sent me a new one free of charge that works fine. In the past wait time for a scope was up to and maybe slightly more than a year, but I understand they have improved and keep certain modules in stock. They are expensive and heavier than other scopes I have used but in my opinion they work well.

[longrange1947]

The only experience I had with the USO optics was bad. The scope had the wrong reticle.

The Night Force is a good scope and the mil dots are hollow which has advantages. We have one attched to the .338. However the USO and the Night Force are in the second focal plane and that makes the mils only correct at one power setting. I would also look at the Leupold M3LR or the M1LR if you prefer a scope adjustment that is less then the bullet diameter at 100. :D I prefer not to make a full revolution as it will bite you in the butt at some time. Premier is now setting the M1LR and M3LR scopes up with a Gen II reticle in the first focal plane so the mil dot is a mil through out the power settings.

Another option is the S&B taht Premier is working with that will place the Gen II reticle in the first focal plane and it is a honey of a scope and reticle. The adjustments are in metric but figure 1/3 moa per click and it is no big deal.

Tony, becareful with the quick references as they can really lead to a bad range estimation on a quick read at long range. Just not enough of a difference in target size at those ranges. use the mils and then set your scope on 500. If the mil reading is close to two mils from head to groin the aim chest. If the mil reading is more then 2.4 then go for a groin shot. If it is more then 5 mils the aim at the belly. If it is smaller then 1.8 then go for a top of the head. If smaller then 1.6 then go 1 mil high and 1.4 go 1.25 mils high. Quick and puts their dick in the dirt. :D

[tactical]

HOGs, a little input on this. Rick/Longrange is right on the reticle. He received one for testing and someone at the plant had put a 17X reticle in a 10X scope (that makes it around 5.5moa spacing on the dots not 3.6moa) They Mixed up the reticles and cost the company big time. It should have been caught but was not.

Rick you are incorrect on US Optics being rear focal plane. They are front focal plane and can be used (Provided the chowder heads put the right reticle in LOL) at any power for ranging.

I have had mostly good experience with US Optics scopes. What I do know is all scopes break. Take a look at the price, quality, the scopes and user feedback before making a choice.

Mike Miller

[longrange1947]

Sorry Mike, you are right, I was thinking Leupold as being in the second focal and had added USO in the thought train of an old fart. This caused the cross linking of gave me the statement USO instead of Leupold.

In any case, Mike is correct in the fact that USO is in the first plane.

Mike, my worry is if they blew a quality control on something being checked out, how would they do on a large order? Also you know how I get along with with NIH man himself. ;)

My opinion is go with the S&B with GEN II reticle by Premier first, second would be Leupold LR with the GEN II, and then Night Force.

Of course, this is only my opinion and as in tactics and a**holes, everyone has atleast one. :D

Sorry Mike and thank you for catching my screw up. Did you get the package yet?

[tactical]

Rick, if I was in your shoes I would feel the same way. Exactly! I would stay away also. I took myself out of that deal as I was as disapointed in the whole thing as you were.

Take care my friend.

No package yet but not worried.

[Sharky]

Get a Leupold and you cant go wrong. I still think that, for the money, they're as good as it gets.

[tactical]

Sharky, good to see. Cant say enough good about the old MK4's. Not the best glas but damm tough and field ready for ever.

I used to think the VariX3 LR M1 and M3's were too wimpy for field work but then Dick Thomas at Premier put a front focal plane glass etched Gen two mildot in and my love with the scope has taken off.LOL Its now a damm fine scope also and a best but for varible power sniper optics.

[Sharky]

Hey Mike,

where you been anyway? Haven't seen you around lately. How's the sling business? As far as the scopes go, if I had the money, and I wanted a tactical type scopeI'd just go buy an M3A and be done with it. Of course, if I was shootin chucks or hunting deer, there are better choices, but they're all Leupold. ;)

[longrange1947]

Hey Sharky how goes it?

I used to be a dyed in the wool M3A fan as well, hell it was our only choice for the M24 in 86-87. However, the newer scopes are doing a good job of pushing it off my number one list. If we had the choices then that we have now the choice may not have been the fixed power. We are looking at a number of them as a possible replacment ans the variables are the way to go. They are now more durable, verstile, holds zero throughout the power range, and the mil dots in the first plane really helps. Add Premier's new Gen II reticle and you have a good one. I like the S&B and the new M3 LR by Leupold. give them a look and think you will convert as well. ;)

Still no package Mike?

[tactical]

Rick, you the man. Thanks for the package it came today. Christmas in September. Still waiting on contract news. Last I heard it was supposed to be done this or next week. Work outs are going fine.

Thanks again

Sharky, the site was down so long I thought it would never come back. Missed you all.

Mike