Rifle Scopes Newb help with USOptics

ChivaLRy

ChivaLRy

Private
Minuteman
Apr 10, 2011
15
0
31
Idaho
#1
Hello All,

This is my first post and I am very excited to glean as much information here as I possibly can. As far as I can tell there are some VERY knowledgable and informative folks here and I would be glad to get some input on some of my questions on optics to start with... So to begin, I graduated a couple weeks ago and my graduation present from my (Awesome) dad was a rifle package. I don't get very excited about many things, but this is something that excites me greatly and if I could spend all day every day with guns and shooting them I would in a heartbeat. But not to get too far off topic...
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We bought a Remington model 700 Target Tactical in .308 Win to replace or rather give me a little bit farther range than my Marlin .22Mag. It is a beautiful firearm and I cannot wait to use it, however I cannot begin to shoot it until I get the glass on top, unless I just want to point it in the general direction and start sending rounds.
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So, thus far with the research I currently have in my arsenal, I have found the following scope that I really like, but I have some questions about various aspects concerning it:

Company: US Optics
Model: SN-3
Power: 3.2-17x
Objective Lens dia.: 58mm Low Profile
Tube dia.: 35mm
Reticle: MIL-Dot
Elevation and Windage: U.S. #1 1/10 MIL
Reticle Lighting: 11 Position Rheostat (Red)
Base: Remington 700 Long Action (20 MOA down)
Rings: 35mm P6M-3500-XL (1.00" Height 1.00" Thickness)

So that is the basic info on the scope. My questions are following:
1) Is my rifle actually a long action or short action? I am pretty sure it is a long action, but can someone explain the difference between the two to me?
2) Can I get some personal opinions on the following two different reticles?
MIL-Dot
MIL-Scale GAP
3) Will the rings mentioned above used with the base also mentioned above clear the barrel, bolt, etc.?
4) Finally (at least for now) can anyone recommend a gunsmith that lives in or around the Idaho Falls area that is willing to teach or at least mentor a newbie through a few aspects of gunsmithing (eg. mounting a scope properly, etc.)? I am a very hands-on type of person and I would like to be able to work on/repair my equipment in the field if/when it is needed.

Well that's all for tonight. Thank you all in advance for any input or suggestions you can offer me.
smile.gif
I am looking forward to learning from you all.
 
#2
Re: Newb help with USOptics

I have Mildot reticles on a few scopes, but on my USO I run a GAP. You also have to decide if you want the parallax (focus) adjustment to be at the front, or side of the scope. I got mine on left side. I also like the EREK turret for elevation (without the 'milestone' heavy mil clicks). Its all personal preference. 58mm is a pretty large objective, you didn't state if you are shooting off a bench, or running around with this rifle in tac comps.

If you are ordering the scope new, the new electronic digital illumination button is a cool feature. You can also get a very small bubble level installed inside the tube, which is another little feature you may want to consider if you are having a new scope built.

There is a FAQ sheet and a ring height info somewhere on this forum you can check as well.

You will get plenty of opinions on scopes and features, good luck and enjoy it!

Just for visual, here are two rifles with a 3.2x17 with 30mm tube and 44mm objective, EREK elevation knob. Seekins medium rings .87". Its a good size scope for a mid-range 308 shooter (to 1000 yds).

By the way, these 308's are short action.

DSCN4492web.jpg


DSCN3570web.jpg


And here is a 5-25 with 34mm tube and 58mm objective, its a bigger scope than yours, but same size bell, for you to see size comparison. This is the shipping area of the US Optics factory.
DSCN3574web.jpg
 
#3
Re: Newb help with USOptics

Just to answer a couple questions...
I will use this rifle for mainly personal "lone ranger" type shooting.
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lol Setting up different scenarios and what not to challenge myself. Eventually I would like to get into tac competitions, but I won't be trying that until I am comfortable with the rifle at long range. And yes I am ordering this scope new from US Optics. Thank you Storm for your reply and suggestions. The pictures help a lot too.
 
#4
Re: Newb help with USOptics

Looks like a good build to me. I prefer the #3 turret for windage but each has its pros and cons. If you are going to zero, then hold windage the #1 is greeat because it can be capped. Drawback (if you see it as such)is that the #1 will have 4.8 mils total per turnm and will be marked with 2.3 or 2.3 R and 2.3 2.4 left. If you shoot where will be strong prevailing winds and shoot a long way its something to consider. I like the #3 becasue I'm a retard that gets confused easily and I never dial too far to be off a revolution.

1)Unless the Tactical Target is any different than other 308 700 actions its is a short action. (if the ejection port is ~2 3/8" its a short action).
2)Getting a plain mildot in this day an d age is like buying a car with a distributor for ignition. Yes its simple and worked for years, but there are much more precise options.
-GAP: Great reticle without being too busy. Probably USO's most versatile and popular mil reticle. Can't go wrong there.
-Mil MPR: My favorite, but a little too much info for most when they first look at it. However after they shoot it a time or two many really like it.
3)Ring height is going to depend on your base and barrel contour. With the factory barrel and most 20moa bases you should be be ok.
4) No suggestions from me, other than to not sweat mounting a scope and base. Read up here or ask specifically when you have you gear in hand and you will get all sorts of direction.


The 58mm is a big objective. I like tham alot, but prepare for the "Hubble" comments. Here's a 3.2-17x44 (30mm tube) on my POF next to a 3.8-22X58 (35mm tube). Your build would be as fat as the top one and as short as the bottom one:
usosn3sizecomp001.jpg



If I can help with any questions let me know.

-oh I really like the internal level that I got on my most recent one!!


 
#5
Re: Newb help with USOptics

The only thing I would change is I would get the EREK elevation, I really like it. It's big and for the most part dummy proof. I also like the #3 windage knob, again, because it's idiot proof.

The mil-dot is tried and true, but like Sobr said, there are better options avalable. (Mine is a mildot, and I want to switch it over to the MPR eventually)

Sounds like you are going to have a killer first long range rifle, congratulations!
 
#6
Re: Newb help with USOptics

I have nothing to add as far as advice, other than, you have superb taste in glass! Best of luck with your new rifle!

As an aside, I'm diggin' that race boat with the blown-injected big block Chevy engine! Wow!
 
#7
Re: Newb help with USOptics

Oh, I didn't see the #1 elevation-change that unless you are going to cap it once zeroed and not dial. You will have an oddball numer of mils per revolution (4.8) and can get lost easily.

#3 for elevation and windage is nice. They each give 105 clicks per turn, so you will still have 10.5 mil per turn elevation.

The Erek is nice-often a bear to zero properly at first, but once that's done it is a GREAT turret. I hear there's a USO #4 (mini Erek) nowdays, but have yet to see or play with one personally.
 
#8
Re: Newb help with USOptics

Can someone tell me the pros & cons between the EREK vs. the #3 elevation and windage knobs? I would like to be able to move the elevation/windage knobs on the fly versus just holding for wind. Also, where would one go about getting a front flip-up cover for the 58mm objective? USO's web site says they have ones that work on the 44mm but not the 58...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> you have superb taste in glass! </div></div> thanks Dave.
smile.gif
My signature (also my life motto adopted from my dad) is kinda the reason I guess.
Thank you everyone for all the superb help, advice, and input. It is worth millions!
 
#9
Re: Newb help with USOptics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChivaLRy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can someone tell me the pros & cons between the EREK vs. the #3 elevation and windage knobs? I would like to be able to move the elevation/windage knobs on the fly versus just holding for wind. </div></div>

As I understand it, the #3 knob simply has more clicks per revolution. Not only does that allow you to spin the dial and get to your setting faster, it also reduces the chances of "getting lost" in your revs. (Now how many times have I spun the thing around?) That is why I like it over the #1. For elevation, I favor the EREK. Once you have it zeroed, it allows for the full elevation travel from bottom to top of the knob's travel. It's low profile, clear, and allows for 9 mils per turn. Yea, it's a bit of a pain to get it zeroed, but once you do it's my favorite turret I've ever used... The #3 windage with the zero stop and the EREK turret is a winning combo for me, the more I use it the more I love it.
 
#10
Re: Newb help with USOptics

I had the EREK and US#3 with windage stop on my last USO scope, very nice setup. The one I just ordered will have the EREK and US#1 with cover though since I tend to adjust elevation and hold over for windage. The new one will have the GAP reticle, seems simple and less cluttered. I also went down on the objective size. You may want to consider the 44mm objective, less weight and bulk to carry is a big plus.
 
#11
Re: Newb help with USOptics

same here, the one I have on order:
3.2-17
red digital illumination
44mm objective
EREK
Gap Mil reticle
#1 windage
With 175g loads shooting at 500 yards I use the reticle and may only require a slight hold into the wind

750 and 1K I dial in the elevation and use the horizontal hash marks for windwage
 
#13
Re: Newb help with USOptics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DieTrying310</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another question for you US Optics guys. Is the SN-9 the only FFP they offer? </div></div>

I think all USO's are FFP.
 
#16
Re: Newb help with USOptics

Hello All,

The EREK knob allows you to maximize the travel you get out of your scope. You can adjust the foot screw for a rough zero so all the movement is up and it prevents you from getting lost. The major difference for the windage knobs is that the US#3 has 105 clicks per rev and the US#1 has 48. You can also get a windage stop on the US#3 that will give you 5 mils left and right. For reticles I personally like the MIl Gap. It's simple and easy to use. You can always call me at the office if you have any questions 714 582 1956. Jason
 
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