Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,746
- 5,818
With the "robust scope" thread - I thought I'd bring up a little info on a scope not well known by many, U.S. Optics.
Yes, they're made right here in the USA, and yes, they're a true premium scope. Several years ago I had the opportunity to do a six month test of one on my SWAT/Sniper rifle - came away from that impressed, but with a few reservations. Am seeing these scopes mostly used by: military, police, long-range/precision shooters, and guys who just have to have "the best" scope available.
Here's a link to their web site - http://www.usoptics.com
I tested the SN3, 3.2-17x, with a big ol' objective lens. Good grief that thing was Big and Heavy. On the other hand, I've NEVER shot my rifle so well as I did with that scope on it...
Sorry the photos aren't as good, I was using an older digital camera at the time. I think you'll get the idea though, that this is a Big scope.
Clarity, even in low light, was very good. Adjustments were Solid, with very distinct "clicks" as the elevation or windage knobs were dialed. This thing took a fall from about 6' onto rocks, while mounted on my rifle, and the zero didn't even budge. I can't say that about other scopes I've banged around a bit.
There was an illuminated reticle, nice in several low-light situations encountered during the test. Often in low light situations the target will still be visible, but the crosshairs fade away and can't be seen. With the illuminated reticle, even on the lowest setting, suddenly the crosshairs are visible again, and accurate shooting can be accomplished in amazingly low light. Poachers really ought to consider this one! Kidding!
I could go on about the great features of the scope, and how they're essentially custom built one by one, to your chosen specifications - and about how strong they are...
A few drawbacks were noted:
The entry fee isn't for everyone. Many U.S. Optics scopes are priced up in the $2,000+ range. They're not the only scopes that expensive, and there are USO scopes avail for less, but they're not cheap in any way.
It's a heavy rascal. Big, bulky and heavy. The SN-3 was designed for great optics and to be very rugged, not light. There are smaller, lighter models available.
Eye relief was pretty critical on the one I tested. If my eye was in the right spot behind the scope, all was well. Well? Even better, all was great! If I was a little out of position though, not so good. Very unlike the hunting scopes I favor which have a generous "eye box."
That's about it for the short version. I used that scope in SWAT training, on actual call-outs, in a long range match or two and on a couple of coyote hunting trips. It performed very well, and I only reluctantly handed it back. The department wasn't going to buy such an expensive scope for the team, but if my family budget had allowed, I'd have seriously considered keeping that scope. Sigh...
Anyway, that's a quick and dirty look at U.S. Optics.
Guy
Yes, they're made right here in the USA, and yes, they're a true premium scope. Several years ago I had the opportunity to do a six month test of one on my SWAT/Sniper rifle - came away from that impressed, but with a few reservations. Am seeing these scopes mostly used by: military, police, long-range/precision shooters, and guys who just have to have "the best" scope available.
Here's a link to their web site - http://www.usoptics.com
I tested the SN3, 3.2-17x, with a big ol' objective lens. Good grief that thing was Big and Heavy. On the other hand, I've NEVER shot my rifle so well as I did with that scope on it...
Sorry the photos aren't as good, I was using an older digital camera at the time. I think you'll get the idea though, that this is a Big scope.
Clarity, even in low light, was very good. Adjustments were Solid, with very distinct "clicks" as the elevation or windage knobs were dialed. This thing took a fall from about 6' onto rocks, while mounted on my rifle, and the zero didn't even budge. I can't say that about other scopes I've banged around a bit.
There was an illuminated reticle, nice in several low-light situations encountered during the test. Often in low light situations the target will still be visible, but the crosshairs fade away and can't be seen. With the illuminated reticle, even on the lowest setting, suddenly the crosshairs are visible again, and accurate shooting can be accomplished in amazingly low light. Poachers really ought to consider this one! Kidding!
I could go on about the great features of the scope, and how they're essentially custom built one by one, to your chosen specifications - and about how strong they are...
A few drawbacks were noted:
The entry fee isn't for everyone. Many U.S. Optics scopes are priced up in the $2,000+ range. They're not the only scopes that expensive, and there are USO scopes avail for less, but they're not cheap in any way.
It's a heavy rascal. Big, bulky and heavy. The SN-3 was designed for great optics and to be very rugged, not light. There are smaller, lighter models available.
Eye relief was pretty critical on the one I tested. If my eye was in the right spot behind the scope, all was well. Well? Even better, all was great! If I was a little out of position though, not so good. Very unlike the hunting scopes I favor which have a generous "eye box."
That's about it for the short version. I used that scope in SWAT training, on actual call-outs, in a long range match or two and on a couple of coyote hunting trips. It performed very well, and I only reluctantly handed it back. The department wasn't going to buy such an expensive scope for the team, but if my family budget had allowed, I'd have seriously considered keeping that scope. Sigh...
Anyway, that's a quick and dirty look at U.S. Optics.
Guy
