Re: nightforce vs usoptics
Nightforce, USO and S&B all make fine scopes. The glass in all 3 is the same outstanding quality.
USO does allow you to go crazy with the customizations, and if you are really into tweaking a scope like a rifle, then go for it. They definitely have the an aura of being the best, but frankly I personally don't see it.
I'd bet that most of us learned to shoot and toted whatever we were given. We adapted to the platform, not view versa.
I recall about 7 years ago getting in line for a USO scope. And I waited, and waited. It sounds like they have worked out their production issues, which is great.
I have an S&B which is a fantastic scope. But that is on a hunting rifle. All my tactical rifles have NF sitting on top of them. I was living in NC at the time and got to know some of the bench rest guys pretty well. Hawk's Ridge is a 1000 yard range in the mountains there they tend to haunt. They almost to a man use NF scopes. They believe that the glass is that good. And you'll not find a more picky and unforgiving group of shooters.
I also intorduced them to the joys of tactical rifles at one of the farms there. I was taking a lot of crap until they saw the performance. Pulled the Barrett 82 A1 out, and was lucky to get it back! They were friggin lined up like kids at an E ticket ride at Disney. Seeing Bill Shehane behind the trigger of a barrett was a sight to behold.
That Barrett semi is very rough on scopes. I have seen many take a dump from the sustained recoil. Not Nightforce. Just keeps holding zero and performing the same as the day it was mounted.
Can't really go wrong with any of the big three. It just boils down to what works best for you. Some guys like blonmdes, some like brunettes and some insane guys like redheads (I was married to one once).