One scope I haven't heard anyone mention as per the thread title is US Optics. I'd really like to get my hand on one of these scopes. Does anyone have one, and what do they think of it? I know they're rare here, and there may not even be a dealer in Canada. I've always been curious about these. I know the glass is very good.
Nightforce vs Schmidt and Bender vs Vortex vs US Optics
- Thread starter bacardi
- Start date
- Location
- Jameson, SK
I must admit.....my MH is going to wear my bushnell 3.5-21 (it's getting the same color that I drummed up, but with the air dry cerakote). I have a 1-6 Razor that's going to live on my Rec7, so the Rec is getting the same color too.....
- Location
- Jameson, SK
I brought USO up way back at the beginning of this pissing match and unfavourable comments were made..... I've never laid eyes on one. I did almost buy a USO spotter with a reticle in it, but I read some terrible reviews on it so I jammed out on the deal.
Ok, maybe USO gets a dishonourable mention but I'd still like to check one out. They have a different control setup than the standard format and the turret housing looks like some abomination from China. I certainly wouldn't buy one based on looks.
While I somewhat agree, I find the ugly looks are what cause me to like them.
Check out their webpage. Of any scope, I think they are some of the best for customization, etc. Very rare in Canada. You should import one and let us know how you like it.
I have some experience with USO, in scopes and their spotter, or field scope. While it's nice to have a reticle in a spotter (but not necessary), their spotter has their proprietary Ergo parallax adjustment/ focus, which can be a bit "problematic". Similarly most of their rifle who's prior to 2010 or so had the same Ergo, but it's now been replaced with the TPAL system. You either hate it or deal with it.
Most USO's are rather specialized or custom built, so there may be other little quirks. I have found the quality to be excellent, and the technical support to be top notch. The glass is pretty good quality, likely equivalent to S&B and Premier and other top glass, but personal preference will rule. (As an example, I ran a first gen Razor, but the glass didn't like me eyes, or vica versa, but everyone is different...)
I currently have one USO, with a Horus reticle in it, and I have a love/hate relationship with it, as it pretty much demands a 40 minute rail, and is realistically built to spot your own shots/ corrections. USO took Horus's concept and shifted it 4 Mrad beyond the design. Normal zero ends up being very high in field of view, and that is just how the reticle is placed. Being FFP, it works great at lower magnification, but at 22x, it can be interesting. Conversations with the guys at USO, they were very clear it is pretty much a custom design. (I didn't design or order this one, I just ended up with it). I would buy another USO, likely with a Gen 2 reticle or something more conventional, but I would still run a 20 moa rail, as they do not seem to get all the elevation as the current Schmidts or Nightforces etc. The EREK system is a bit different, but okay when you get it figured out. It's sort of a customizable zero stop, so it may appeal more to technical shooters, such as might want to be able to go to more than a few Mrad down (only a few practical applications for this, I will leave it to y'all to guess
)
If this was your only high end scope, I might recommend going to something a bit more mainstream.
Just $0.02 worth..
Most USO's are rather specialized or custom built, so there may be other little quirks. I have found the quality to be excellent, and the technical support to be top notch. The glass is pretty good quality, likely equivalent to S&B and Premier and other top glass, but personal preference will rule. (As an example, I ran a first gen Razor, but the glass didn't like me eyes, or vica versa, but everyone is different...)
I currently have one USO, with a Horus reticle in it, and I have a love/hate relationship with it, as it pretty much demands a 40 minute rail, and is realistically built to spot your own shots/ corrections. USO took Horus's concept and shifted it 4 Mrad beyond the design. Normal zero ends up being very high in field of view, and that is just how the reticle is placed. Being FFP, it works great at lower magnification, but at 22x, it can be interesting. Conversations with the guys at USO, they were very clear it is pretty much a custom design. (I didn't design or order this one, I just ended up with it). I would buy another USO, likely with a Gen 2 reticle or something more conventional, but I would still run a 20 moa rail, as they do not seem to get all the elevation as the current Schmidts or Nightforces etc. The EREK system is a bit different, but okay when you get it figured out. It's sort of a customizable zero stop, so it may appeal more to technical shooters, such as might want to be able to go to more than a few Mrad down (only a few practical applications for this, I will leave it to y'all to guess
)If this was your only high end scope, I might recommend going to something a bit more mainstream.
Just $0.02 worth..
Had an SN-3 TPAL for a while (3.2-17x44).
Probably the most robust scope I have ever owned. There used to be a video on USO's FB page that shows what kind of abuse these optics can take and still hold zero and track.
Glass was only ok. EREK turret was pretty mushy and indistinct. Could have been my scope as some of the others I tried weren't too bad. Still not as good as most other brands in this price range. Controls were very stiff.
Havent looked at them in a while but they used to be a multi piece tube construction and used to be anodized. It was pretty common that the anodize did not perfectly match on all the components of the scope resulting in a sort of mottled appearance.
They used to have almost endless options on their build sheet which has since been pared down considerably however they still are a very consumer configurable optic when custom ordered.
Overall rating: Meh...
There are numerous other optics I would rather have for similar money if shopping for a new scope.
Probably the most robust scope I have ever owned. There used to be a video on USO's FB page that shows what kind of abuse these optics can take and still hold zero and track.
Glass was only ok. EREK turret was pretty mushy and indistinct. Could have been my scope as some of the others I tried weren't too bad. Still not as good as most other brands in this price range. Controls were very stiff.
Havent looked at them in a while but they used to be a multi piece tube construction and used to be anodized. It was pretty common that the anodize did not perfectly match on all the components of the scope resulting in a sort of mottled appearance.
They used to have almost endless options on their build sheet which has since been pared down considerably however they still are a very consumer configurable optic when custom ordered.
Overall rating: Meh...
There are numerous other optics I would rather have for similar money if shopping for a new scope.
Actually, I think you nailed it with that comment, "as interesting as they are". My favorite of what I now have is my Premier, and I would probably go TT next, because of it!
I haven't read the whole thread but I will give you my opinion.
I have a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP. The first one brand new out of the box had a canted reticle.
It was sent in and when it came back it had scratches on it.
I complained and it was sent back again and it was replaced for a new one.
If you are looking in the $3,000 area you have the Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50 at $3,300 or the 4.5-27x56 for $3,750
If I was in that price range the Schmidt & Bender PMii 5-25x56 in FFP with the P4F reticle would be my choice for $3,800.
Due to the stronger US dollar it makes more financial sense to go with Schmidt & Bender.
I have a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP. The first one brand new out of the box had a canted reticle.
It was sent in and when it came back it had scratches on it.
I complained and it was sent back again and it was replaced for a new one.
If you are looking in the $3,000 area you have the Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50 at $3,300 or the 4.5-27x56 for $3,750
If I was in that price range the Schmidt & Bender PMii 5-25x56 in FFP with the P4F reticle would be my choice for $3,800.
Due to the stronger US dollar it makes more financial sense to go with Schmidt & Bender.
I HATE MTC turrets, locking is pretty cool, but hate the MTC. I had ordered a SB from wolverine that I thought had DT turrets (description said so) but came with MTC/LT. I would have prefered the DT turrets, my current scope TT525P is non-mtc. Apparently premiers MTC was pretty good, but still the SB mtc ruined it for me. Always over dialing. All SB PMII have a zero stop.
Your going to want FFP due to the mil's being accurate all the way through your mag range.
Your going to want FFP due to the mil's being accurate all the way through your mag range.
arcticcathonda
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
IMHO, no. I much prefer the DT.
I don't like the MTC either.
Another thing to watch out for with Schmidt & Bender are scopes that are available in CW or CCW.
Nothing will screw with you more than dialing the opposite way than you are used to on elevation.
The exact scope I would like to purchase is the 677-911-982-A8-A2
It is the S&B PMii 5-25x56 DT Illuminated P4L Fine Reticle-CCW- 1/4 MOA
I know that others would prefer it in MRAD but that is my personal preference.
That scope is selling for $3,739USD yet only $3,899CDN
Another thing to watch out for with Schmidt & Bender are scopes that are available in CW or CCW.
Nothing will screw with you more than dialing the opposite way than you are used to on elevation.
The exact scope I would like to purchase is the 677-911-982-A8-A2
It is the S&B PMii 5-25x56 DT Illuminated P4L Fine Reticle-CCW- 1/4 MOA
I know that others would prefer it in MRAD but that is my personal preference.
That scope is selling for $3,739USD yet only $3,899CDN
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