US Optics Field Spotting Scope

[DMack]

First and foremost, I would like to thank Jason Kyle from US Optics for taking the time to listen to my drivel, and answer my questions as I pose them to him. It is such a breath of fresh air to deal with a company, where their sales reps know the product in and out. Jason not only understands optics, he's also a shooter.

I'd also like to thank Arnold from US Optics for all he has done for me and our program. I am a life long fan of US Optics.

Ok, now down to business.

FedEx came today, and dropped my Field Spotting Scopes off. We all know that we as shooters are only as good as our spotters... and I was in desperate need of good glass to replace our old ageing spotting scopes at work. I looked at all the options out there, and decided that I needed something that was "Ranger Proof"... because I know my limitations. If I can find a way to break it, I usually will.

I have used the SN3 line of optics now successfully for a while, and I am currently running one on my PWS MK214 test mule. So, I wanted to stick with the bullet proof optics that USO turns out.

I knew I wanted a FFP spotting scope, and I knew it had to be graduated in MIL increments, since that is how my optics are calibrated.

This also will aide in our Tactical Spotter Class. Giving the ability to call the trace, and give the shooter DOPE corrections accurately and quickly is a game changer. It also has to be jumpable, swimable, and tough as nails.

So, here's what showed up. Three identical sets...

They come shipped in a NICE protective case.

Inside, I found that the case was custom fitted to the Manfroto Tripod and Tripod Head, as well as the Spotting Scope itself. (The Spotting Scope is not in it's protective plastic, because I removed it at work, and had to get my eye down it... I couldn't wait until I got it home.)

The ManFroto Tripod is the best out there. Very sturdy, and the quick adjust head is really user friendly. It is a bit high, for normal prone work, but will work for what I need it for. I have a smaller (shorter) ManFroto Tripod that I use when lying prone... But, hey... this is for the Spotter, right?

Here is the link to the US Optics Field Spotting Scope. It is a 15-40x60mm First Focal Plane Spotting Scope, with the ERGO adjustment on the Objective bell. The power ring is very easy to adjust, and the reticle is sharp and smooth, just as expected.

http://www.usoptics.com/configurator/configure.php?PN=SPO-100

I went with the MIL-GAP reticle, since it is graduated in MILs and will make calling very straight forward.

Again, all I can say is thank you to US Optics for their continued support, and for turning out amazing equipment.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Cheers

Sirhr

 

[dt00083]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

I wish I had that setup for my uso spotter.

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Congrats on the awesome set.

USO always turn out the top tier in optics!

 

[Aqua Mark]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Waiting for mine right now, that full kit with the tripod looks like the ticket!

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

This is the first time I have used the Manfroto Head... it's really stout. I have always liked the Manfroto tripods, in my opinion, they are the best. This tripod is a bit tall, but it will be perfect for the firing line, with the spotter directly behind the shooter for calling trace...

I have some shorter tripods that I use when the shooter uses the scope himself / herself. (I have not had a female student yet, I just had to add that for PC-ness...)

Gonna give them a run next week during a live fire session. I will definitely let you know how I like them. The MIL Gap reticle is very easy to see, and the graduations / stadia lines are sharp and clear. They are positioned in .5 mil increments... should make calling easy.

To say these things are robust, is an understatement. The eye relief is forgiving too... all in all, I think I chose correctly.

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

I took a few pics outside today. This spotting scope could literally drive nails. This thing is tough, and very easy to set up. The Manfroto tripod is super sturdy, and the grip ball head is really easy to use.

I tried to get a "through the glass" picture of the reticle... but, it was MUCH harder than I thought... anyway, you can see how the MIL Gap reticle is graduated. I like it...

The eye relief is generous, and not very picky. At full power, the reticle grows to the point to where you can't see the full downward stadia line...

I don't think this will be an issue in how I plan on using this scope.

The picture does NOT do the glass justice... I was using a point and shoot camera that kept on trying to focus on the eye piece...

 

[BobinNC]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Outstanding......and I need one.

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

The scope has an extended eye relief... I like it, because we shoot / spot using PRO Masks all the time. So, it helps when you are wearing the Darth Vader Mask. Takes a few seconds to get comfy with it...

 

[jbailey]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

I'm also waiting for my USO Spotter (about 1 month in). Anyway, the key thing I was concerned about is the parallex adjustment -- do you find the ERGO adjustment to be smooth enough to adjust it quickly w/o losing the target in view?

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

JB... from my limited experience with it so far, just playing around with it in my front yard, and in my living room... the ERGO Parallax adjustment seems a bit stiff. It required me to hold the rear of the scope near the eye piece and rotate the ERGO adjustment to keep what I was looking at in view. Granted, I did not have everything locked down properly, and I don't have a lot of time behind this scope... However, it tracks very smoothly, and I think once I run it a bit it will loosen up considerably.

We are having a live shoot next WED (10 AUG 2011) and I will have a chance to REALLY work these out.

I will post some more information on it after Wednesday.

Tomorrow, I'm doing some chrono testing at our City Range... so, I will have my scope there to mess around with a bit. After all, it's USO... built like a TANK!!!

 

[J.Boyette]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesBailey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm also waiting for my USO Spotter (about 1 month in). Anyway, the key thing I was concerned about is the parallex adjustment -- do you find the ERGO adjustment to be smooth enough to adjust it quickly w/o losing the target in view? </div></div>

Sir,

Think about this, its not a parallax adjustment like on a riflescope. Its a focus adjustment.

When I have used one I was able to have a focus range within +/- adjustment of 400yds with less then a 1/2 turn.

not bad at all. But you are right, if they would not be as tight like on a riflescope since you have no recoil it would be nicer.

John

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

John... you are perfectly correct. USO calls it the ERGO Parallax, as they do their rifle scopes... but is really, just a focus ring.

It's easy to reach, easy to turn, but mine is VERY stiff right now, but I know it will become easier to turn with use. I will have it on the range today and will get a chance to really work with it using this Manfroto tripod / grip ball head...

 

[jbailey]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

thanks for those comments. I look forward to your range report and getting mine out in the field as well.

 

[M21guy]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

I'm very interested in the feedback also. Acquiring a USO spotter is on the priority list.

 

[toddconley]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Does all things in your picture come in one package from them? If
So what is the price ?

 

[Northland]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Thats a good combo there! Time for me to invest

 

[Sumpter Steve]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

I got to get one of these. I need a good spotter and I love USO.

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Sorry everyone... I have been so busy with work the past few days. As for this package, I ordered the Scope, the tripod and the grip ball head, the package came just as you see it. The total for everything (three sets) was less than $4,000.

I can look at the itemized receipt when I get to work tomorrow and let you know. I know the scope itself retails for about 1200 or so.

The glass is not as clear as the SN3, but it does not suck either. I personally, went with the USO scope, because I know them to be completely reliable and tougher than I would ever treat it. I'm pretty hard on gear...

Take a look at them. Give Jason a call at USO. He will answer all of your questions and then some. Besides, he's a very cool guy to chat with.

I made the right choice with this spotting scope. However, I have not had the chance to really get out and use it as it's gonna be used. That's coming in a few weeks. We have an invitation shoot on our .50 CAL range on AUG 10th... range report will follow.

Cheers,

Darren

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Ok, did a lot of shooting today with my PWS MK214. Here is an update on the US Optics Field Observation Scope. I spent some time talking about this with Jason from USO... and he said that they are renaming it to the Field Observation Scope.

This scope has eye relief. Period. It was designed under contract with the intent of being able to use it wearing a Pro Mask. This is fine with me, since we regularly shoot with Pro Masks on.

Ok, today was my first day using this scope. There were some worries about the clarity of the glass, and I must say... I found this spotter to be on par with my USO SN3. At first, just messing with it in my yard, I thought it was not as bright. But, today, actually USING it, it was perfect.

Of course, I shot out to only about 250 yards, but what I used it for was ranging bowling pins at unknown distance. I was teaching my dad how to read distance in MILs. He drove the spotter, I drove my rifle. He would give me a MIL read on the bowling pin, I would verify it with my SN3, and they were perfectly matched.

I found that the GAP MIL reticle is very easy to read... and subtends perfectly.

My SN3 also continues to amaze me.

Ok... now the cons. The focus ring (parallax) bell out front, is stiff. When on the ManFroto tripod, you have to hold the rear of the scope whilst turning the focus ring. Once you have it dialed in for what ever range you are looking at, you have to re adjust the tripod head. The grip ball head is nice, but fine adjustments are almost non existent.

I can't wait for the 10th of August... we will be shooting out past 1000 yards with the Barretts and .338's... so I will be able to really stretch these things and see how I like the reticle for reading trace.

So far, I am 100% pleased with this Field Spotting Scope.

 

[DMack]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Update:

We just completed the Florida SWAT Association Sniper Week and I used the USO Field Observation Scope extensively during that class. The focus ring has loosened up to where it is easy to rotate now, and I have grown to really love this scope.

What it is:

A very rugged observation optic, first focal plane, amazing glass clarity, with a very usable reticle for making wind calls to the shooter, or DOPE changes...

What it is not:

A very high powered spotting scope, for calling group sizes on paper at range.


This optic is perfect for calling trace, and giving advice to the shooter to make corrections to get him / her on target.

So far, I have swam with it, dropped it in my rucksack and lugged it all over the place. It's rugged, and ready to rock...

You just have to get used to the extended eye relief and you are good to go.

It's a winner in my book, for what we do.

 

[dappmgmt]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Sorry to drag this one back from the dead, but wanted to say thanks to the OP for the follow up and long term review. I am in the market and have been on the fence on the USO. Leaning strongly in that direction now.

Cheers!

 

[USACS]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Have you had the opportunity to compare this to a Leupold Mark4 spotter? If so, what were your impressions on the differences?

This question is open to anyone

 

[SPDSNYPR]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you had the opportunity to compare this to a Leupold Mark4 spotter? If so, what were your impressions on the differences?</div></div>

I second this question. It's budget request time and I want to pick up a standard spotting scope for our 3 sniper teams. I don't have the ability to compare them side by side, and want to know which would be better as a range tool or for general use. Since I can get 3 USOs for the price of 2 of the Luppys, if they are close in performance I'd like to get more for less money. There doesn't seem to be anything else out there in the same price and size range.

 

[YO_Doc]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

I have also been looking for a spotter for a few weeks now, I have to say that this tread has put the USO as the front runner in my search as of now.

Thanks for the updates.

 

[medic727]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

The OP commented on the tallness of the Manfrotto quick-adjust head. Manfrotto makes a heavier duty head that has a much lower center-of-gravity. It's the model 322RC2.The optics mounting plate is directly above the pivot point and the handgrip extends out at a right angle from the head. With the reduced mounting plate to tripod head distance the observation device describes more of a tilting motion, rather than a swinging one.

 

[Christopher Rance]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Great piece of kit. Has worked well for us.

 

[msrtex]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Looks like US Optics is updating their web site. I only get an email sign up page. Anyone know what the starting price for one of these is?

Got it, the site is back up now and looking great.

 

[JC Steel]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

dude thats a sick set up!! nice work

 

[joemusso]

Re: US Optics Field Spotting Scope

Does US Optic offer this as a kit if so how much?

thank you
joe