Re: Trying to make a decision.... 17x or 22x USO
My opinion is probably worth exactly what I charge for it, so here goes.
22X illuminated Ergo obj 44mm.
I don't know if Vu and Mark run precision paper targets, but for comps you need to be able to identify targets. TPRC09 here in Phx (that many CA shooters attended) had targets that had you identifying shapes and playing cards at 100 yards. Keep in mind the playing cards were about 1.5" color reductions of cards, making target identification VERY tough. Try finding a 1" octogon inside a 1.25" circle under the clock sometime-its surprising how much the 1" circle inside the 1.25" octogon right next to it looks just the same, and keep in mind the wrong target is usually minus points.
I run a SN317X and found myself wishing it were a 22X.
For the same reason, the Tpal is not necessarily the way to go, as anectdotally the Ergo is a clearer (less lenses) picture. Objective size in the USO's is preference, my ST10 with a 37mm Ergo objective is (to my MKI ModI eyeball) as clear if not clearer than my SN3.
For comps you may find yourself missing illumination if you choose to forgo it now. If you don't get illumination, have them build the body so it can be added later (don't think it costs much different). We do night stages and just a touch of illum makes a big difference.
For those that talk about mirage on high magnification scopes, my train of thought is just the opposite of most. Personally if I can dial up and read mirage for wind doping purposes that's a huge plus, not as minus in my book.
Like I said, just my opinions, take 'em for what they are worth. You said "for comps" not "for hitting COM on bad guys at 1K" so that's what I respond to. I don't have any fancy moa pice, mine are just plain jane Type 1 moa reticles......
