Rifle Scopes Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

[GUNNER75]

Well, the time has probably come. Yep, I think I am going to have to drink a little of the US Optic Koolaid.

I like to keep it simple and the same. Been running Leupold 3.5/4.5/6.5/8.5-50TMR on my serious rigs. (personal and testing)

Typically I run 3.5's on my AR. .223's (coyote calling) 4.5's on my .223 LR P dog guns, 6.5's on my .308's, and 8.5's on my .243 Varm Match rigs.

Think it is time to try one of these US Optics out. Only one major issue. I am afraid I will like it so much that I will need it on all rifles. That fellas will be a problem. Don't have the cash to do so.

I have one main Varmint match rifle that I will probably run some half assed tactical matches with this summer. I like magnification, just used to using it (very small targets). Naturally, the tactical matches will be quite a bit bigger targets.

What is the choice of choices, best of best in the US Optics line up pic.

Build it, I am not that familiar with them at all.
Guess if I built it on my own, I would favor this:
-IPHY-Due to Leupolds that I run
-Side focus-if available
-No illuimination
-5 to 25 power range or similar
-50mm, just because I like the balance of bell diameter and visual look of the package. (stupid I know, but whatever)

 

[JRose]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

3.2-17x TPal w/ 44mm obj, no need for a 25x on your .243. I run a 17x on my .243, .308, and .6.5.... I've never felt the need for more mag all the way out to 1k.

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Would you say the same thing if the targets at say 500 to 600 were no taller than 10" tall and 4" wide?

Think that the higher power would be preferred in this situation. Once again, smaller targets at distance=I tend to lean on more magnification.

Thoughts?

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

If you want more mag than the 3.2-17 I;d recommend the 3.8-22 ERGO. Side focus is nice, but after running both I prefer the adjustable objective of the ERGO.
I like higher mag myself, and usually run my 5-25 around 20X. I dial down to 12-15 for movers and finding targets.

Some folks will tell you 10X has been killing tangoes for years out to 1000m just fine, and that is true-but the new specs will be calling for 25X topend on day scopes.


Just know that the 3.8-22 or 5-25 USO's are a pretty good sized addition to your rifle! IPHY is great if that's what you are used to. I'd recommend the 1/2 elevation clicks-easier to read on an EREK or 51.5 moa per turn on the #3 turrets....

 

[Witch_Doctor]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3.2-17x TPal w/ 44mm obj, no need for a 25x on your .243. I run a 17x on my .243, .308, and .6.5.... I've never felt the need for more mag all the way out to 1k. </div></div>
+1 I am running the 3.2-17x44 TPAL, great set up, the TPAL is a great set up.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

I would go for the 3.8-22, the tPal is nice to have, but the Ergo paralex is more forgiving. I went with 58mm objective myself. I sometimes shoot at dusk so I wanted to extend my shooting as much as I could before I couldnt see the target. YMMV

 

[Bronco]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

I had a 3.8-22X58 SN-3 and sold it to buy another 3.2-17X44. As mentioned the 22X scope is large! 17X is plenty for your 10"X4" targets @ 600. I use one of these on a 338 LM and have shot out to 1 mile with it and could bisect a 12" target.
I like the ERGO 44 mm objective, EREK with 1/2 moa clicks, moa scale type 1 reticle.
I see you live in Gods country of KS, if you ever make it back east to Ark city area, you can have a look through mine.

 

[Rafael]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Wade;
If you have not tried one and you can't get out to look at Bronco's.....I can ship you my SN-3 3.2-17x44 to try for a week.
It has 1/4 IPHY adjustments and IPHY reticle, 30mm tube, ERGO objective. Not exactly what you want but you can try mine and get an idea what you want.
It might help you decide.

Don't be trying to buy my scope though.....it's a keeper.

 

[pklin1297]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

That's an awesome offer by Rafael... If I was in your position Gunner I'd take his offer. Try it before you buy it because it is a big investment in both time and money.

 

[Swan]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Whatever you decide to have them build, I'd get on it. My initial build time quote was 4 months... just emailed USO and now they are quoting 5-6 months! So don't wait any longer.

 

[Rafael]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Wade is someone I trust. When you trust someone its not such a generous thing to do.

I agree though...get USO started as soon as you identify your wants.

 

[LFOD1776]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

I recently tried out a 3.2-17; my previous USOs have all been 3.8-22s. I have to say that I really missed that last bit of magnification. With 17x at 100 yards it was possible to see 30-cal holes on paper, but difficult; at 200 yards it was very difficult. At 22x it's a pretty easy view. I'd gotten used to not having to bring my spotting scope along to the range with me.

Of course, way out to 600 yards you'll need the assistance of a very high-power spotting scope, so maybe you won't really miss the extra magnification.

Personally, I ordered a 10-42x 80mm SN-9 for use at very long range. I'll let you know how that works out for me!

 

[Guest]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Either the SN-3 3.2-17x 0r the 3.8x22 will do you just fine. The Ergo, with a .5 IPHY Erek and wind is a good set up across the board. The only thing major left is 44 or 58 mm Obj. I have both Obj's and will say this, my SN-3 17x w/ 44mm is on a 22" .308 and it does the job to far exceed the error range of the .308.
The 22X, 58mm, I have is on a 300wm and is much better for hunting targets far, or hidden/camo'ed deep in the woods. Both have the MDMOA reticals, Ergo's, 1/2" Erek's and 1/2" windage knobs. Best set up's I've used in all my years. Yes they add weight, but well worth it.

 

[GUNNER75]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Thanks for the info fellas and thanks for the very very generous offers. I have a shooter stopping through here in a week or so with a couple different models. Pretty sure one is the 3.8-22.

Will have to scrape around a bit, but hope to get one ordered up shortly.

Thanks again!

 

[Rafael]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

That sounds good, Wade.

To add my 2 cents on scope selection.....

I prefer a 30mm tube because it opens up alot of mounting options that may not be there with the larger tubes.

EREK! Get the scope built with the EREK elevation knob or one of the newer variants. It can be set as a zero-stop, very handy feature. It has alot of clicks per revolution. It is pretty low-profile.

I have the "thin" MDMOA reticle, really an IPHY reticle.
It's a good mix of fairly fine lines but not so thin it is easily lost.

Windage: Get a knob with a screw-on cover. You can always leave the cover off....but some knobs do not allow the use of the cover.

Go through all the options with a USO representative on the phone. There are many choices and it can get confusing. They will help you figure it out. If there is any chance you can go visit them while there on other business......do it!

 

[hydro556]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

USO seems to really be running behind recently. I have heard several guys whose build times have exceeded expectations by a good bit.

If you are not in a hurry though, I would definitely recommend that you give the TPal a shot. I have had a few of both, and I just cant get into adjusting the objective. Maybe its my eyes, but I find myself adjusting parallax a lot, and dont like having to reach all the way to the front of the scope. The side focus is just so much easier in my opinion, and I can tell zero difference in image quality. Even when I put them side by side and try to see the difference, I just cannot.

TPal all the way for me

 

[hydro556]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

I agree with most of the other guys about the power range. I think the 3.2-17x44 is the best compromise between size and power. Even though I am one of those guys who likes a lot of mag, the 22x seems bulky compared to the 17x.

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GUNNER75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would you say the same thing if the targets at say 500 to 600 were no taller than 10" tall and 4" wide?

Think that the higher power would be preferred in this situation. Once again, smaller targets at distance=I tend to lean on more magnification.

Thoughts? </div></div>

I comfortably shot p-dogs to 800 with my 3.2-17 TPAL (44mm)
I haven't tried farther because at the time I didn't have the dope, and now I am just waiting on weather....
I might recommend waiting on a used one.... save time and money.....

 

[brand692]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Witch Doctor</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3.2-17x TPal w/ 44mm obj, no need for a 25x on your .243. I run a 17x on my .243, .308, and .6.5.... I've never felt the need for more mag all the way out to 1k. </div></div>
+1 I am running the 3.2-17x44 TPAL, great set up, the TPAL is a great set up. </div></div>

+1. I too have two 3.2-17x44 TPALs. I have also had ERGOs, but I prefer the more precise TPAL. Lots of guys like the more forgiving ERGO, but TPALs are what I prefer. And yes, the glass is so good, you won't need a 25x. Really they only guys who are looking for that magnification are shooting a 10 inch target at 1000 yards, which is exactly why I'm looking for one now.

 

[Aries64]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hydro556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree with most of the other guys about the power range. I think the 3.2-17x44 is the best compromise between size and power. Even though I am one of those guys who likes a lot of mag, the 22x seems bulky compared to the 17x. </div></div>
I agree - maybe because the 22X is about 2" longer than the 17X. When you see a 17X and 22X side-by-side the 17X is dwarfed.

To put it in perspective, a PMII 5-25X wearing a 2" ARD or Sunshade and closed BC Flip Opens is about 18.75" long. A 22X USO ERGO is close to that without an ARD, Sunshade, or BCs'. It is one hefty motherfucker too. And IIRC, the high-magnification (5-25X) T-PAL is slightly longer than the ERGO. Its' almost the size of a T-Ball bat.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Focus Type:</span></span>

The ERGO tends to be more forgiving than the T-PAL for parallax focus, and lenses being of equal clarity, the ERGO should be slightly more clear with better resolution because there is one less lens between the objective and ocular lenses. However, this isn't always the case, as I had a 3.2-17X 44mm ERGO that, when viewed alongside a friend's 3.2-17X T-PAL wasn't as clear.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Objective Diameter:</span></span>

Unless you need every last bit of exit pupil diameter for shooting at night or dusk alot, go with a 44mm objective. The O.D. of the 58mm will require you to use much taller rings, and thus raise your cheekpiece higher to maintain a good cheekweld.

However, something to keep in mind is that the 5-25X T-PAL is only available with the 58mm Objective, and the 3.2-17X T-PAL is only available with the 44mm Objective. The ERGOs' can be had with either size objective on both the 3.2-17X and 5-25X ERGO.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tube Diameter:</span></span>

The 30mm has plenty of travel for most people and calibers, and does offer more mounting options than with a 34mm or 35mm tube. However, <span style="font-style: italic">ringwise</span> there is a pretty good selection in 34mm and 35mm these days. The 34mm and 35mm tubes do look more proportional to the 44mm (and certainly the 58mm) than a 30mm tube does, and it doesn't hurt to have that last bit of travel.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Turrets/Knobs:</span></span>

I like EREK Elevation Knob and U.S. #3 M40 Windage. The EREK has lots of travel and the low-profile is cool. The U.S. #3 knob has lots of travel as well, and the M40 "scallops" match the EREK well.

If you shoot right-handed and mostly prone or off the bench LEFT HAND Windage is cool because you can see the setting while on the gun. However, if you need to be able to dial while shooting offhand stick with RIGHT HAND Windage (the default) so you can support the rifle with your weak hand and dial with your right hand.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Reticle:</span></span>

Of the MOA-based reticles, I like the RDPMOA the best. I like the PCMOA and MDMOA too, but they aren't as clean due to all the extra increments.

Keith

 

[pklin1297]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

As far as I've gathered by conversations with USO the 34mm tube does not offer more travel, as it is a thicker tube with same inner diameter as the 30mm, but the 35mm tube does offer some more travel.

Then again, I've read in other posts that neither offer more travel, they just add outside thickness to the tube walls. If that is the case, the 34mm and 35mm tubes will certainly be more robust, and better for driving those tent nails when camping.

 

[dpreston]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Just ordered my U.S. Optics today
3.8-22 x 58 SN-3 with the 35mm tube
.1 mil EREK/.1 mil M40#3 Left windage
GAP mil-scale reticle illuminated

Now all I have to do is wait 4 months to get it.. ahhhhhhh

 

[bcuzisedso]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

4 months....good luck. I have the exact same scope on order and it is going on week 23....

 

[doc76251]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

I can walk you through any questions you have for your build.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[USMCj]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dgp5014</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just ordered my U.S. Optics today
3.8-22 x 58 SN-3 with the 35mm tube
.1 mil EREK/.1 mil M40#3 Left windage
GAP mil-scale reticle illuminated

Now all I have to do is wait 4 months to get it.. ahhhhhhh </div></div>

besides the left windage, thats the same exact scope as mine, good taste

here is a little scope porn to ease the wait

 

[dpreston]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

yes 4 months... I am going on a trip in July, and the only way that I would be able to order this scope is if I could have it back by then. I'm putting all my extra cash towards this scope so I wouldnt have any extra money to buy something else. I explained my situation to them and they said it would be no problem. I love their customer service!

 

[pklin1297]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

USMCj, whose 35mm rings are you using there?

My USO being built is with 35mm tube with 44mm objective, so I am searching around for a low combo (rings and base) for this monster, and so far the lowest combo with quality and price kept in mind are seekins rings and base, maybe USO base also.

Somehow the 35mm tube just looks "right" on an USO, can't explain it. But having one is like putting a tube the size of a MTU barrel on top of the rifle...

 

[dpreston]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

pretty sure those are TPS mediums, but thats a 58mm

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SoCalPete</div><div class="ubbcode-body">USMCj, whose 35mm rings are you using there?

My USO being built is with 35mm tube with 44mm objective, so I am searching around for a low combo (rings and base) for this monster, and so far the lowest combo with quality and price kept in mind are seekins rings and base, maybe USO base also.

Somehow the 35mm tube just looks "right" on an USO, can't explain it. But having one is like putting a tube the size of a MTU barrel on top of the rifle...

</div></div>

I ran a 35mm tube/44mm objective USO with IOR V-TAC low rings on my 700 on a 20 MOA base,
it worked great....

 

[USMCj]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

Correct, those are TPS 35mm medium height rings, 1.18" I belive. I can get away with Seekins highs, but the are out of stock everywhere.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SoCalPete</div><div class="ubbcode-body">USMCj, whose 35mm rings are you using there?

My USO being built is with 35mm tube with 44mm objective, so I am searching around for a low combo (rings and base) for this monster, and so far the lowest combo with quality and price kept in mind are seekins rings and base, maybe USO base also.

Somehow the 35mm tube just looks "right" on an USO, can't explain it. But having one is like putting a tube the size of a MTU barrel on top of the rifle...

</div></div>

I run VTac lows (lowest 35mm rings I could find) on an EGW 20moa base with a 58mm TPal. I can't even think of using a flip cap

 

[pklin1297]

Re: Ok you US Optic Pro's, what set up.

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

I ran a 35mm tube/44mm objective USO with IOR V-TAC low rings on my 700 on a 20 MOA base,
it worked great....

</div></div>


chpprguy, whose base did you use? Do you happen to have a side shot of your setup so I can see the gap between the scope and the barrel? Oh yeah, what profile barrel is that? Thanks.

Sorry for hijacking the thread...