Rifle Scopes Spotting Scope

[DP425]

Has anyone here got time behind both the Leupold M151 and the USO field spotting scope? I'm going to be in the market to buy a higher end spotter in the near future and just looking for other options

USO FSS:
15-40x60mm
2lb.
14.38"
2.51" eye relief
$995 (website estimate price w/MIL-MPR)

Mk4 M151
12-40x60mm
2.5lb.
12.4"
1.8" eye relief
$1060 (mildot) $1300 (TMR)

Got to say... the USO is cheaper and lighter; that's a nice advantage. However, it is longer... and, although this isn't as big of a factor... I personally think it's ugly as sin!
http://www.usoptics.com/product.php?partnumber=SPO-100

The M151 looks a lot better
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products...x60mm-tactical/

Anyhow, I've used the M151 A LOT and I like it for what it is; quality glass, good magnification and a reticle for range estimation. But I've never so much as seen a USO spotter in person, let alone used one. Anyone spend some time using one, or own one? Even better, anyone ever use both?


Last but not least, any other recommendations for a quality spotting scope with a reticle for around $900-$1100?

 

[Doc1911]

Re: Spotting Scope

If you are purchasing a scope to look "at" then get the Leuy, if you are getting one to look "thru" - get the USO.

Note the eye relief on the USO - some can't get use to it....

 

[DP425]

Re: Spotting Scope

Yeah, the eye relief is a bit of a curious thing for me. I've used scopes with a longer eye relief and it always takes me a second to get myself right and pull away a bit.

Although, due to reputation and commonality between optics, I'm leaning toward the USO

 

[Doc1911]

Re: Spotting Scope

I think if 'I remember correctly' the USO's have this much eye relief so they may be used with a gas mask.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Spotting Scope

For the money the Bushnell FFP MilDot spotter can't be beat, IMHO!

 

[samnev]

Re: Spotting Scope

Have you looked at the Leupold 12-40x60 HD spotter? I bought on in kit form and it's crystal clear and have used it to spot 30 cal holes outt to 450 yards so far. Haven't been able to shoot further since o got it.

 

[biodegraded]

Re: Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the money the Bushnell FFP MilDot spotter can't be beat, IMHO!</div></div>
Are they available again? Presumably the quality issues were worked out. I can't recall seeing a report on the revamped scope, though.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Spotting Scope

How sure your application I would also throw the Vortex Razor in the mix. While it is larger I think you will find that it has some significant advantages.

The US Optics is much more of a "field" scope as opposed to a "spotting" scope

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Re: Spotting Scope

I should have one of the "new" mildot spotters tomorrow, I'll let you know if it's any better. I'm just glad this whole thing is almost over, my dealings with Bushnell's CS left a lot to be desired.

 

[Alan Griffith]

Re: Spotting Scope

I got my "used" US Spotter from a Hide member last fall. It came with the MOA reticle turned 90 deg since he mounted on the side of a tripod which also steadied his rifle. I had a side by side test with my Zeiss 15-45 and their was no comparison. So, I thought I'd sell it but first wanted to give it a fair chance so I contacted USO, obtained a RA#. It took close to 3 months but it just arrived last week. Besides them cleaning it up and righting the reticle upright they didn't charge me a thing which tells me something about USO customer service. Again, performed a SxS test with my Zeiss. This time it was much more in line with the Zeiss. Still no Zeiss mind you but better. I then took it to our little Utah tactical match this past weekend and used it out to 600 yds with out a hitch. It's not designed to give you the clairity one might want to define bullet holes on paper at long range but I had no problem seeing hits on steel or misses on the berm behind. I think I've changed my mind on selling it; for now!

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: Spotting Scope

If you can find one, the old M49 US military spotting scopes are superb.

Optics were the best your tax dollars could buy c. 1970's and early '80s. Built like tanks. Cases. bags, tripods, etc. all intended for rugged field use and beautifully made.

They can be had for a few $hundred and the lower cost units will require refurb. But even with rebuild (there are specialists), they can stack up to the best modern units for a lot less $. No milling reticles or fancy stuff. Just the absolute best in glass and tough enough to use as tread chocks for tanks.

M49 is my scope of choice and my un-refurbed unit, though ugly, has seen a boatload of field use in all conditions, mainly reading license plates to amazing distances. The Swaro, Leupie, Zeiss, and other units are very up to date and fantastic quality w. great ranging reticles. Have not seen a USO unit, but bet it's superb. But most of these are 4 - 8x price of M49...

Watch for one on eBay or GB and happy bidding. You won't be disappointed.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[scotharr]

Re: Spotting Scope

In the price range you quoted, look for a Kowa. USO or Leupy are not the most popular spotting scope brands by a long shot...for a reason.

 

[biodegraded]

Re: Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you can find one, the old M49 US military spotting scopes are superb.</div></div>
The cognitive dissonance of the above with this post is rather jarring.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Spotting Scope

No doubt there is a cupful of nostalgia in Sirhrmechanic's post. I grew up in the 1950's myself and appreciate the analog world it was, devoid of texting, runaway Toyotas, and the internet. I long for a 1954 Stratocaster in perfect condition and would prefer it to a 2010 Peavey with mil dot tuners.

 

[biodegraded]

Re: Spotting Scope

Jack, you romantic, you.

I guess if it came down to it, I'd want a '59 Les Paul since that was the year I was born and Keith Richards, who famously uses one, is very close to my name.

More on topic to the OP, I'm hoping to see a few reports of the revamped Bushnell with mildot reticle to see if the QC issues have really been worked out. One certainly can not argue with the price if it delivers what it's supposed to.

 

[Snakum]

Re: Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the money the Bushnell FFP MilDot spotter can't be beat, IMHO! </div></div>

I have one of those in my cart at SWFA. Was curious ... how far out can you see hits against a white or flour. orange background?