Re: USO 1-8-10x37mm
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you guys.
DH.....I have not shot my set up at close range yet. I have CQB set up for that, so havent been too concerned about close in stuff with the 1.8x10. However, I would think that the 1.8x would be very satisfactory down to 50 yds or less.
FALAR....... I have not shot it yet past 600 yds at a 12in steel disc. Here again, I havent worried about further because the specific purpose of my 18 inch .223 is to "own tactical targets out to 600yds". But to answer your question about 10x for 800 to 1000yds, a few years ago, that was considered very adequate for tactical sized targets. I would guess that a huge number of shooters on the HIDE started out shooting tactical targets out to 1000 yds with 10x max magnification. The fact that most of us are using 15 to 18 power now, doesnt make 10x hopelessly inadequate.
About the 37mm, vs 44mm obj: with the slim
line SN3 37mm obj you do have limited options on turrets, pretty much have to go with USO#1. However you can, like I did, order the standard SN3 1.8x10 with a 37 mm obj instead of the standard 44. With that option, you CAN get EREK, USO #3 turrets etc.
For my puposes, if I can hit smallish tactical targets at 600 yds WITHOUT adj parallax, I am a happy camper. With the USO #3 elev turrent you have 10 mils per turn, which gets me way past 600 yds(about 900). I spec'd a USO #1 windage because it has a screw on cover, which prevents inadvertent moving of the windage turret, and I hold wind anyway. Also the #1 turret is smaller and trimmer that the #3.
All in all, for my purposes, I think the USO 1.8x10 is about perfect for an SPR. The fact that it is so darn cute is an added bonus.