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Rifle Scopes Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

map_it

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 4, 2010
309
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Price Point is $1,500-$1,800. Do I go with a used NXS F1 3.5-15X50 or one of the USO Models like the 1.8-10-44? Rifle is a .308 Custom Tacticial Bolt. Normal stocked rifle with a 22" finished length barrel. Looking at using the rifle for extented shots at 300-400 yards mostly shooting from a bench and deer hunting.... I really like the NXS but the modularlarity of the USO is very cool. Lead time not a big issue. Was thinking or trying to pick one up here used and then sending it to USO for upgrades if needed? This is my first build and venture into longrange shooting so any comments would be helpful....
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

Yeah I'd go with the F1 too..wait I did...twice!

The USO's are nice scopes, I can't deny that, after using a ST-10 for a few days in September I couldn't really fault it for much. That being said, it was really nice to go back to my F1 that had that little bit of extra magnification, a side parallax knob, and a pretty easy to use zero stop. Those were some of the things that swayed me towards the NF a couple of years ago in addition to the NF's rock solid reputation for dependability in many aspects.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

I put a USO 1.8-10 44mm on my hunting rifle. Plenty for all I shoot with that rifle including steel at 600. I prefer USO for many reasons but all of that is subjective and personal preference. The low end is very useful on a hunting gun. Both are excellent scopes.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

Based on your usage that you explained, the USO fits that bill nicely. There are reasons I might have told you F1 instead, but on your set up that 1.8-10 would be a great scope. Not to mention tough as nails, which is nice for a scope that goes hunting.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

I have just started into the long range venture and purchase my 1st upper scale scope. A NF 5.5-22x56 with HS turrets and ZS. I am really pleased with it although I haven't had time really mess with it and put it through the paces.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

I'm a lefty so it is very appealing to me to have a scope built for a left handed shooter...turrent and illum. knobs next to each other just above the bolt handle just like all of the righty have.

Like the fact I could have turrent covers when I hunt and uncover then at the range...A little shorter and lighter.

Why do I need the 37mm? I thought the 44mm objective would be better for low light gathering? Also how is the glass. The only scope I have is a Swarvoski on my AR and that glass is pretty good. Is the glass in the USO better or worst than the Nightforce??....

Thanks so much for the help.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Renneberg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it matters, I just purchased a NF. I was surprised to see "Made in Japan" on the bottom of the tube.
Sorta bummed me out.</div></div>

It could be worse, some leave you guessing.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

Im new to long rang shooting to. I started with a Bushnell 6500 for not very long. I bought a Leupy Mark 4 just like almost everyone else. Stayed with it a while. Looked thru a NF 3 Leupys where gone in a week. Then I played with a US optics bought one. I like both NF and US just if you like more knobs and stuff. Both are great scopes.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

I say get the Nightforce. While USO makes a very solid scope I'm not a fan of the turrets. But Nightforce has really done something good with the new high speed turrets.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

Naples Florida....but i run my own Land Surveying Company and our project run from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. Thanks for the suggestion. If any Hide Member want to PM me maybe we can meet somewhere...
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

USO has the turrets that have all the elevation in ONE TURN. That is a nice feature. Also, if you want it, they have IPHY elevation and reticles I think. USO seems to be a custom order outfit, you have to wait quite a while, unless you can find one instock. They are good though.

Nightforce is less money, equally robust and good features for the money.

Can't go wrong with either.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BNix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a lefty so it is very appealing to me to have a scope built for a left handed shooter...turrent and illum. knobs next to each other just above the bolt handle just like all of the righty have.

Like the fact I could have turrent covers when I hunt and uncover then at the range...A little shorter and lighter.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Why do I need the 37mm?</span> I thought the 44mm objective would be better for low light gathering? Also how is the glass. The only scope I have is a Swarvoski on my AR and that glass is pretty good. Is the glass in the USO better or worst than the Nightforce??....

Thanks so much for the help. </div></div>

Owned both and could not tell a distinguishable difference. The 37mm is more compact, and would fit nicely on your described rifle.

CIMG0007.jpg
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

You said long range shoot at 300 to 400 yards.

For that distance a 2.5-10x32 NSX made in USA Nightforce would be a good choice if you want a light more compact scope.

I have this scope on a 16" barrel AR type rifle and shoot on 600 yard range with no problem. I have MOA NPR2 illuminated reticle.

As soon as week do some work on our 800 yard range hopefully this weekend I plan to shoot it to 800 yards.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

For the stated use, hunting at 300-400 yds and a bit of benchrest, either scope offer plenty of magnification on max. However on the lower end of the range, the USO will have quite a bit wider FOV, which I think would be useful for hunting. I have used both scopes and own the USO. I have used the USO on my precision AR out to 1000 yds with great success. It is a fanastic picture, at least to my eyes. NF is also great, although I don't like their reticles nor their small turrets - but this is a personal call.

Net net, I think the wider FOV offered on the USO would be more useful to the OP, but again, this is a personal call for him.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RicosRevenge</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like Ferrari... you like Lamborghini... </div></div>The OP wasn't asking about which one people like better, he's wondering if Lambos break somewhere that Ferraris don't. Can you help him with that?
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The OP wasn't asking about which one people like better, he's wondering if Lambos break somewhere that Ferraris don't. Can you help him with that? </div></div>
Excuse me? Both are high-end pieces of art. The decision between the two generally comes down to personal opinion. The OP asked for any comments... kinda like your stellar offering to the topic:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">F1/MLR2</div></div>
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

CJGEMM,

Is that a 37mm in the photo? I really like the dimensions of the rifle and scope. I think I'm in luv.....
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RicosRevenge</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The OP wasn't asking about which one people like better, he's wondering if Lambos break somewhere that Ferraris don't. Can you help him with that? </div></div>Excuse me? Both are high-end pieces of art. The decision between the two generally comes down to personal opinion. The OP asked for any comments... kinda like your stellar offering to the topic:<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">F1/MLR2</div></div> </div></div>I know something about art. Scopes are not art, they are functional pieces of equipment. There were (big) hints to the OP in both of those posts. You missed them. Your response shows that you do not have meaningful experience with either scope.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BNix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">CJGEMM,

Is that a 37mm in the photo? I really like the dimensions of the rifle and scope. I think I'm in luv..... </div></div>

Yes
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

For that purpose, on that rifle, the nightforce is the way to go.

If you stretch your budget, things may change, but come to think of it, the f1 will suit your needs anyway, so no point spending 3g if you dont need to.

Chris
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im a fan of both.

I have a Nightforce. I want a USO.

If you could own either, your in a good position. </div></div>

Same here i have a SN-3 and want to add a NF to the collection, although the viper PSTs will more than likely take my cash just can't resist. To the OP either is fine and like everyone has said it will come down to personal preference. For what i love in a scope, FFP, illumination, Mil adjustments to mil reticle, and zero stop, the prices run me about the same. The nightforce with all those specs is around 2000+ so i shelled out the extra cash for my SN-3. I also adore the customization and CS of USO. I hear NF has great customer service also. Look at the specs/reticles/turrents/objectives and see what you like better on each one. Another personal preference of mine was the 44mm objective that i have on my SN-3, i like the low profile of the 44mm plus with the Ergo it probably has dimensions close to a 50mm. Also Midwayusa sales USO, thats where i got mine with setup i wanted exactly, which might have been lucky. I got my SN-3 with GAP mil reticle, U.S. M40 windage knob, Illumination, Ergo parallax, and so on. Midway has many of them in Mil-Mil setups or MOA-MOA.
 
Re: Looking Seriously at a USO vs Nightforce

I don't own a USO, but I have a friend who claims they have better optics than NF. I do like the fact that you can basically customize the USO to meet you're needs.

If it were me, I'd look at a NF and see if they build a scope close enough to you're preferences. If not, then see if USO will build something closer to you're preferences.