Rifle Scopes US Optics or Nightforce

[ForgeValley]

I'm looking at an optic for my LMT MWS, and have narrowed the field down to the NF ATACR 4-16x42 F1 or the US Optics B17 3.2-17x50.

Reticle will be a T3 so that's not a differentiator. They are about the same price and weight, the B17 is a couple of inches longer.

I have a 7-35 Atacr and am very happy with it. Any compelling reason to go over to the USO? I don't know a lot about USO scopes or the company, but seems they've been around a long time, and made in America. How is the USO warranty?

 

[Nik H]

I have 2 USOs...SN-4 (1x4) and an SN-3 (3.2-17). These are old. Bought them in 1998 from John himself when I lived in SoCal. They both are mounted and work and work.
Company has always done right by me. My optics aren't even really supported any longer and I can still get them serviced on the few times they need to be.
Not familiar with the new stuff but sounds like the same optic as my SN3. I'm sure it will be nice.

I also have a few NF including the one you mention. I really like my NF. It is mounted on my Larue 5.56 tOBR. The thing is easy to shoot well. I love the whole ATACR series. A 7-35 ATACR bumped out the original optic on my AT. I think that scope is nothing short of amazing.

All in all, I'd buy the NF.

 

[Gasgun]

Second this.
I’m running the 4-16X F1 ATACR on my MWS and I think that it’s about the perfect combination of size, weight and mag range for what I use my MWS for.

 

[Strykervet]

I ended up a USO fanboy I guess by accident. I just kept getting good deals on here in the PX. I have an ER25 on a .50, an LR17 on an SR25, both milGAP's, both TPAL, both with maxed options. I also have the USO observation scope (kinda in a league of it's own, it's a spotter but built like a scope for longer eye relief) and I also have an MR-8 --I think that's what it's called. It's the 1-8x with the "dual focal plane" such that at low power it operates like a reflex sight but at higher magnifications you have a tree reticle in FFP. Technically it's all FFP but at low mag it doesn't seem that way since there's now way to range at low power. I put this on a Grendel SBR, seemed appropriate.

The older USO optics with the TPAL are sort of a bitch to zero at first. I'm still not savvy. The TPAL erector is nice, but it's sorta complicated compared to others --after zeroing you have to readjust the erector and sorta rezero. TPAL also requires a mount with a longer space for the erector --I use Badger mounts myself, solid and they work well.

I think the B series to be an upgrade to the older models. Just simpler to use. And just as solid. USO is known for bulletproof optics.

I'd LOVE a B10 though. I think it's be perfect for a Grendel that needs a scope badly.

I like the NF stuff but can't really make a comparison as I don't own any. What I can say is USO has stellar CS, however, once they discontinued certain items, you can no longer get accessories for those nor with they make any modifications to them. But they still honor warranty work as far as I know. Haven't had to send one back yet.

What USO also does that sorta sets them apart is that they always preferred the customer to order the scope from them directly so they could build it to your spec. They'll custom build the scope to your specs. Obj. size, tube size, TPAL, focus, etc. Who else does that?

I have no complaints with my USO scopes other than they are long and heavy. However, the new B series simplified things and they aren't as long or heavy as they used to be. But note that I once saw them hammer a nail through a 2x4 with one and it worked fine after. Amazing. It's definitely a scope you can bet your life on, that's a fact.

That's a hard choice you present there... Either would be amazing. I imagine I'd go with the one that offers most of what you want out of it because they're both high end optics.

 

[JC Steel]

Both are great scopes for sure.
I like the b17 because of the tooless elevation re zero feature.
I think you’ll also have a slightly larger field of view on the uso.
Knobs have the ability to lock in the b17. Not sure on the NF
The new JVCR reticle will be available in the b17 very shortly.

 

[tnichols]

Short version, I’ve run both over the years and currently run more of the NF’s than the USO’s. I’ve toured the USO facility in Brea and they are great folks. CS is top notch for both. They are both tough as nails.

I’d vote for NF especially in the ATACR line.

 

[Srikaleak]

Nightforce 4-16x50 MilC here and love it. Also got an NX8 as well. Nightforce fanboy here.

 

[4darkseid]

US Optics, I own one it's outstanding. But for that money in the current market I'd look at a premier reticles heritage.
Night Force will suit you fine in the $1400-$1700 range.
Also, If you are looking at USO also check Zeiss Hensoldt and S&B. I try and buy once cry once on things like this. You can find them new to almost new on long range shooting forums for decent prices as well.

 

[Rebels010]

I would stick with NF since you already have one. Like to keep things consistent when I can when things are pretty equal.

 

[Poorboyr]

US Optics for me. I currently own a few of them. To me they are much more forgiving than the Nightforce scopes. I have tried every nightforce model, and they just aren’t friendly to my eyes.

The customer service at USO is top notch too.

 

[AllWorkAndNoPlay]

2 Nitgtforce optics here and looking to get a 3rd this year...why fix it if it’s not broke?

 

[hypno02]

I’m a nightforce fanboy. Because they simply work.

Used to help run a retail store and uso had some nightmareish qc issues. Both b series optics and legacy builds.

NF all the way.

 

[ForgeValley]

Sounds like NF is getting the nod. Can't think of anything I don't like about my 7-35 atacr, I even like the rotating ocular for mag changes.

 

[45.308]

USO GAP ret user here, cant go wrong with either but I prefer USO. I like the ability to build what I want Vs buying only what is offered. I went to boomershoot that is NF country and a couple shooters asked what scopes I had, they looked through, took a couple shots and while they didn't openly say anything since it is NF country and their rifles all topped with NF, I could tell by their actions and such what they really thought. One did say he never heard of USO but would go do some research.

The EREK is easy to adjust and use once you figure it out. Only QC I had was a bubble level cap and a call is all it took with a brand new one arriving in a week with no questions.

You cant go wrong, stay with what you know or try something different, its your nuggets.

 

[Boostinmarc4]

Is there any discernible difference between USO and NF in glass quality? I've seen both track near as perfect as can be had, and both have good customer service.

 

[habman13]

No experience with USO. Got two, NXF 8X32X56 and ATACR 5X25X56 F1. Very pleased with the quality and their overall useable. The ATACR 5x25 is on my TAC 338 right now. Anyone mounted the ATACR 7X35 for extended range shooting on a 338 lapua or similar cal. Thanks
Robert

 

[flyright]

NF - doesn't get much better.

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

USO has always done right by me and if something happens they will get it fixed to get you back up and running. Like was said above the old SN3 TPALs were a royal pain to zero since you need an optical boresighter but the new B series are a big step up and are really easy to zero.

 

[aSilk_Suit007]

Its REALLY all up to YOU! Both are Excellent, but offer different recitals and styles. Wonder over to their websites and check them out to decide for yourself. I own the NightForce BEAST and currently the B17. both are great for the money!

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

Its REALLY all up to YOU! Both are Excellent, but offer different recitals and styles. Wonder over to their websites and check them out to decide for yourself. I own the NightForce BEAST and currently the B17. both are great for the money!

Agree here. I think it ultimately comes down to reticle and turret choice. US Optics turrets sit very low so selecting the right mount is crucial since you won't be able to see the turrets with vertical split rings (learned this the hard way).

 

[702lineman]

I have a 7-35 atacr and also a uso lr17. Just sold a er25 a bit ago. They are both great. No complaints. I sent my er25 in for service and checkup right before I sold it and had a quick turn around. Just a couple weeks including shipping from Illinois to Montana and back.

My opinion they are both good. I'm a big fan of the turrets on uso. Clicks are spaced about right. Glass is pretty good on both but they are totally different. Uso is a natural color, and nightforce is a bright popping color.

Only big plus to a uso is you can get some smoking deals on them in the PX here..not good if your selling one you buy new though

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

I have a 7-35 atacr and also a uso lr17. Just sold a er25 a bit ago. They are both great. No complaints. I sent my er25 in for service and checkup right before I sold it and had a quick turn around. Just a couple weeks including shipping from Illinois to Montana and back.

My opinion they are both good. I'm a big fan of the turrets on uso. Clicks are spaced about right. Glass is pretty good on both but they are totally different. Uso is a natural color, and nightforce is a bright popping color.

Only big plus to a uso is you can get some smoking deals on them in the PX here..not good if your selling one you buy new though

Resale value not that great?

 

[YF12A]

Just last week talked to one of the respected Hide vendors online here about the 5x25 vs the 7x35 ATACR and was told that the 7x35 had the best glass in the ATACR line. Just saying what I was told, my old eyes need all the help they can get.

 

[Poorboyr]

My opinion they are both good. I'm a big fan of the turrets on uso. Clicks are spaced about right. Glass is pretty good on both but they are totally different. Uso is a natural color, and nightforce is a bright popping color.

This is the perfect statement. Absolutely 100% agree.

 

[DarkDiablo38258]

This past Sunday I was out with my shooting buddy sighting in our 6.5CM rifles. His wears an ATACR 5-25, and I have a B-17. Personally, looking through both the glass quality to me is about the same. The big advantage to me with the USO is the turrets. I like the tool-less zero feature, and I like how the profile is lower on the USO turrets. Only thing thing that I really like about the NF is that it comes with the sunshade and flip caps.

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

The tool-less zero is what really stands out to me. I love night force but reinstalling the turret to zero is so finicky for me. I feel you have to really press it on there and tighten.

 

[DarkDiablo38258]

The tool-less zero is what really stands out to me. I love night force but reinstalling the turret to zero is so finicky for me. I feel you have to really press it on there and tighten.

Really? Haven't set any of that on his scope yet. Sounds like I am in for a little fun.

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

Really? Haven't set any of that on his scope yet. Sounds like I am in for a little fun.

Sorry misspoke here. When reinstalling the turret after setting the zero clutch I kept having issues with getting the turret just right so I could tighten the set screws. Was it a deal breaker? No. I don't know maybe I'm being too careful (which I tend to be with optics).

 

[45.308]

With my USOs all I do is shoot to zero , install the allen wrench in the top of the EREK, hold the wrench and turn the EREK knob to O. Very close to a true 0. Now hold the EREK knob at 0 and adjust the allen wrench in the EREK to true tune to O. Go from sea level 90f humidity to 5000ft 32f dry, again, hold the EREK knob on 0 and adjust the allen wrench to re-0. So simple. Nothing to remove or install.

With cell at the bottom gives me a built in zero stop. I have mine set up at .5 off the stop. Twist it back to the stop count up 5 back to 0. Nothing to install, remove, replace other than top cap.

MY USOs are several years old. I am not implying USO is better, you cant wrong with either but the EREK on mine is stupid easy.

 

[Strykervet]

Resale value not that great?

Resale value ain't that bad, but if you have the older ones like I do, the LR17 and ER25 (they have the EREK knobs) they have taken a hit in value. With the B series it depends --some of us can get 'em cheaper than others and thus can sell 'em cheaper if we unload 'em.

But you can get a killer deal that way, the EREK knob, what it does, is it repositions the entire erector so you get the full elevation, all of it, vs. a regular erector where you just lose whatever room you had below the zero. They're long and they're heavy, so that also has effect.

I'm sure the B series came from people having difficulty with EREK, the weight and length, because otherwise you can't find anything about 'em to bitch about.

I'd like something else SIMPLY because all I have is USO it seems, but I'll be damned if I don't get a 1.8-10x some day. I guess a better way to explain it all is this: it just seems like USO makes products just for me. If I designed or had some custom optic made, it'd probably be a lot like those. And yeah, they have great CS but they don't keep things like extra caps or ARDs for their older scopes. With NF, it's either too expensive or doesn't come with what I want --always something. It's why I don't have one now, not that they aren't always considered, each time. Or the few NF's I really want, they sell the second they get posted in the PX.

All in all, I think USO is the best deal going on a high end optic for the price.

 

[boomslang]

Sorry misspoke here. When reinstalling the turret after setting the zero clutch I kept having issues with getting the turret just right so I could tighten the set screws. Was it a deal breaker? No. I don't know maybe I'm being too careful (which I tend to be with optics).

The turrets on both my NXS and ATACR F1 were that way as well after zeroing. Seemed as though it requires a little effort to displace the air trapped between the inside of the turret and the clutch.

 

[POGPride]

I have had Schmidt, vortex and NF. NF ATACR 7-35 with the Mil-xt has definitely been the best one yet.

 

[mikehotel]

I have a couple NXS's but the new ATACR 7-35 is amazing. You can't go wrong with NF.

 

[Voyager1]

I have both. The new Nightforce Atacr 4-16x42 Mil C and the old US Optics ER 5-25x58 Gen 2 XR reticle. This optic was made in the middle of the 2016 at the end of their run of the “Legacy series”. The company was subsequently sold and placed under new management. They have had some growing pains with their B series but I think they have since resolved them. These two particular optics aren’t a “fair” comparison as they serve different purposes. MY U.S. Optics ER 5-25x58 Gen 2 XR is one of the best long range scopes I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned quite a few. My Nightforce 4-16x42 Mil C is an excellent “all around “ optic although I’m not a fan of the “Zero Hold” as I prefer a true “Zero stop” ( those that own the optic will understand my reference. The US Optics ER 5-25x58 with Gen 2 XR reticle comes with HD German Schott Glass and was well worth the price of admission. If u could get one of the legacy models, that would be my first choice (they are both excellent).