Rifle Scopes USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

[sweet17]

i'm looking at the SN-3 and SN-3S scopes on US Optic's website, and it's not clear to me what the difference is between these two models? the SN-3S is a quarter pound lighter for some reason. The SN-3 can be ordered with the EREK elevation knob, and the SN-3S does not offer this option. the EREK elevation knob is a $175 option. it must do something that the standard elevation knob doesn't? can someone give me a brief explanation?

btw, i'm looking for an appropriate scope for my SCAR 17 (.308) that will be useful in SHTF situations and also suitable for shooting steel out to 800 yards. i am considering a Nightforce 2.5-10x32, but i am also interested in the US Optics SN-3 1.8-10x37. the Nightforce is a good $500 less than the SN-3, but it's SFP and all things being equal i'd prefer a FFP scope as i want to be able to use it for ranging, hold overs, etc. without having to fully engage my brain

but i sure do like the Nightforce, and if i go this route i will just have to tie a string around my finger to remind me to make sure the magnification is at 10x for ranging and hold over, etc.

which scope do you think is more appropriate for my purposes? i'm also trying to keep the scope as light and compact as possible which is the main reason i am limiting the magnification to 10x (i want to keep the objective size as small as possible).

any advise or comments are very much appreciated.

btw, i have an Eotech EXPS3 on it for close up work, and i am very happy with it. very fast target acquisition, compact and light weight.

 

[AlabamaShooter]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

The "S" version only has a 37mm objective to keep the overall profile of the scope to be small. And the knobs are limited to the slimline versions for the same reason.
Then 1.8-10 "non S" version gives you the option of the 44mm or the 37mm objective and the different knobs.

At least thats the way I interpreted their website descriptions.

AS

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

US Optics SN-3 1.8-10x37

From your words...

Look to the SN3 1.8-10 either 37 or 44mm. There is very little difference in weight between the 37 and 44mm obj.

FFP, choose your reticle and build it to your liking. You wont find a tougher scope on the market.

 

[77Bronc]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

This is my USO SN-3, 1.8-10, TPAL with EREK, mounted on my LMT .308

When getting the TPAL option, only 37mm is available. Like the poster above said, this scope is built tough. When I was deciding on a scope, my two choices where the same as yours, I selected the USO based on feedback, never held one. The glass on each brand is excellent, dont take anything away from the NF, they are outstanding too, I may get one later...

The EREK is the best $175 you will spend, get it. If you are looking to save money, do without the paralax adjustment first, especially at this magnification. The USO is a FFP scope, so you need to add that into the cost comparison of the NF. I never really thought much about FFP, but I think about it now, it is great. Both scopes are excellent, I am glad of my decision.

Edit: To add, the USO is not a light weight, I do not have the weight of each in front of my, but I would guess the USO is 4oz or more heavier than the NF. My MWS above is tipping the scale at 13 lbs if I had to guess. No light weight. IMO, you will not go wrong with either, I am very pleased with my decision.


77

 

[NoExpert]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

I had the 44mm and switched to the 37mm for the same reasons you're looking at one.

1.8-10X37:

1.8-10X44:

The SN-3S is the "Slim" model, so they limit the options to keep the weight down. Also, the 1/4 pound difference is in the objective, the SN-3's listed weight is based on a 44mm objective.

I played with a guy's NF NXS 2.5-10X32, really nice scope, but I couldn't get past the SFP and no parallax control. The USO is like it's bigger brother.

 

[sweet17]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 77Bronc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is my USO SN-3, 1.8-10, TPAL with EREK, mounted on my LMT .308

When getting the TPAL option, only 37mm is available. Like the poster above said, this scope is built tough. When I was deciding on a scope, my two choices where the same as yours, I selected the USO based on feedback, never held one. The glass on each brand is excellent, dont take anything away from the NF, they are outstanding too, I may get one later...

The EREK is the best $175 you will spend, get it. If you are looking to save money, do without the paralax adjustment first, especially at this magnification. The USO is a FFP scope, so you need to add that into the cost comparison of the NF. I never really thought much about FFP, but I think about it now, it is great. Both scopes are excellent, I am glad of my decision.

Edit: To add, the USO is not a light weight, I do not have the weight of each in front of my, but I would guess the USO is 4oz or more heavier than the NF. My MWS above is tipping the scale at 13 lbs if I had to guess. No light weight. IMO, you will not go wrong with either, I am very pleased with my decision.


77 </div></div>

first class setup you have there. looks great. i really like the way that EREK knob looks on that scope

btw, i went back to the us optics website, and i didn't see TPAL listed as one of the options for this scope? maybe i was looking in the wrong place. regardless, i know US Optics will make scopes anyway the customer wants. but since i'm trying to manage my costs, i will probably opt not to go with any parallax adjustments. i've heard it's really not necessary on a 10x scope. i was planning on going with the illuminated reticle. if you had to choose between the illuminated reticle or TPAL, which would you choose? btw, which reticle did you choose? i want a mils reticle (and MIL knobs) and i'm considering the MIL Scale GAP.

 

[sweet17]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoExpert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the 44mm and switched to the 37mm for the same reasons you're looking at one.

1.8-10X37:

1.8-10X44:

The SN-3S is the "Slim" model, so they limit the options to keep the weight down. Also, the 1/4 pound difference is in the objective, the SN-3's listed weight is based on a 44mm objective.

I played with a guy's NF NXS 2.5-10X32, really nice scope, but I couldn't get past the SFP and no parallax control. The USO is like it's bigger brother. </div></div>

thanks for clearing that up for me

i want to keep my scope "light weight" but i love that EREK knob so i'll go with the SN-3 version with EREK and 37mm objective.

how do you like the illuminated reticle? which reticle did you choose? i'm leaning towards MIL GAP Scale.

btw, this is the first time i've ever seen a picture of a US Optics scope that wasn't black. what color is that in the first picture (the one with the 37mm objective?)? is that their optional "brown" color? or did you specify a custom color? my SCAR 17 is flat dark earth so that scope would look great

 

[Falar]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

I went with the 1.8-10x44 ERGO. I like the bigger objective size because I was still able to mount it in USO L rings and of course the larger exit pupil diameter. I went with ERGO instead of TPal not just for the larger objective, but also because it seems that with the ERGO system you don't have to fiddle with it around as much anyway ESPECIALLY with a scope in this power range. Mine has an illuminated JNG-MIL reticle. It doesn't have as many ranging/holdover features as the Mil Scale MPR reticle that my bigger USOs wear but it does have a large ring that is handy for engaging closer in targets at low magnification.


When I first got done building it:

 

[doc76251]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sweet17</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

first class setup you have there. looks great. i really like the way that EREK knob looks on that scope

btw, i went back to the us optics website, and i didn't see TPAL listed as one of the options for this scope? maybe i was looking in the wrong place. regardless, i know US Optics will make scopes anyway the customer wants. but since i'm trying to manage my costs, i will probably opt not to go with any parallax adjustments. i've heard it's really not necessary on a 10x scope. i was planning on going with the illuminated reticle. if you had to choose between the illuminated reticle or TPAL, which would you choose? btw, which reticle did you choose? i want a mils reticle (and MIL knobs) and i'm considering the MIL Scale GAP. </div></div>

If you have any questions on setting one up drop me a PM/e-mail there are several options that are not listed on the webs site and the pricing is not current.

Cheers,

doc

 

[NoExpert]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sweet17</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thanks for clearing that up for me

i want to keep my scope "light weight" but i love that EREK knob so i'll go with the SN-3 version with EREK and 37mm objective.

how do you like the illuminated reticle? which reticle did you choose? i'm leaning towards MIL GAP Scale.

btw, this is the first time i've ever seen a picture of a US Optics scope that wasn't black. what color is that in the first picture (the one with the 37mm objective?)? is that their optional "brown" color? or did you specify a custom color? my SCAR 17 is flat dark earth so that scope would look great

</div></div>

I like having an illuminated reticle myself, some people think they're useless but I've always had one and rather have than to want. I currently have their "old" digital illumination module (64 settings) but I'm looking forward to the "new" 12 position digital module they're working on. Supposed to be dimmer on the low end and brighter on the high end than the current one.

MIL GAP on the 1.8-10X37:

1.8X (a little fuzzy since the camera had trouble focusing)

10X

As for the colour, the first pic is Cerakote's Magpul flat dark earth (pretty close match).

The second pic is USO's brown anodizing.

 

[77Bronc]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

Sweet,

The SN-3 1.8-10 TPAL is not on the website, it is their catalog. When I was ordering my scope, I called and talked to Becky and told her I wanted the ERGO option, then she asked if I wanted the TPAL, for a few dollars more, I said yes, noting when selecting the TPAL, only 37mm is available, you can get the 44mm with the ERGO option.

As far as TPAL vs.illuminated reticle, I would go with TPAL, for my shooting. I thought the parallax adjustment would not be needed, but look at my posting in this section about my range trip this morning, I am glad I have the parallax adjustment, I feel it gives you a better "tuning" capability for the scope.

I went with the Mil Dot reticle, I like the bold lines, I am 53 and my eyes are not what they were when I started shooting 40 years ago. I considered the Mil Scale Gap, but the lines are thin

As far as cost, I am looking at my invoice now, the scope with shipping and insurance was $2117. Photo of the box end cover with the specifications as I ordered it. If you need more help, let me know.

77

 

[NoExpert]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

Something to note between T-PAL and ERGO, T-PAL is much more finicky when adjusting it where as ERGO is almost set and forget. Just a difference in the setup. This is why I went with ERGO after playing with both, the objective is only about three or four inches past the turret block so it's not a huge stretch to adjust it.

 

[sweet17]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 77Bronc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sweet,

The SN-3 1.8-10 TPAL is not on the website, it is their catalog. When I was ordering my scope, I called and talked to Becky and told her I wanted the ERGO option, then she asked if I wanted the TPAL, for a few dollars more, I said yes, noting when selecting the TPAL, only 37mm is available, you can get the 44mm with the ERGO option.

As far as TPAL vs.illuminated reticle, I would go with TPAL, for my shooting. I thought the parallax adjustment would not be needed, but look at my posting in this section about my range trip this morning, I am glad I have the parallax adjustment, I feel it gives you a better "tuning" capability for the scope.

I went with the Mil Dot reticle, I like the bold lines, I am 53 and my eyes are not what they were when I started shooting 40 years ago. I considered the Mil Scale Gap, but the lines are thin

As far as cost, I am looking at my invoice now, the scope with shipping and insurance was $2117. Photo of the box end cover with the specifications as I ordered it. If you need more help, let me know.

77

</div></div>

i see your point about TPAL. if i can't swing both TPAL and illumination, i will opt for TPAL. my eyes are also starting to go (i'm 56) so that mil-dot reticle is looking better all the time

i live about 30 minutes away from US Optics' facility in Brea, CA. maybe they'll have an SN-3 1.8-10x37mm TPAL with EREK in the works for some lucky customer that they can show me before they ship it off. thank you for your input. i appreciate it.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

Where are you? If you want to fondle mine I'm in Riverside, about 40 minutes from USO...

 

[77Bronc]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

Sweet,

The one thing I learned from my experience with USO when I placed my order June 22 this year is their customer service is OUTSTANDING, I said it in caps because I mean it, Jason, Paige, Becky and John have been wonderful to work with and super responsive to my questions...I am sure thy would like to show you some scopes...

77

 

[sweet17]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 77Bronc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sweet,

The one thing I learned from my experience with USO when I placed my order June 22 this year is their customer service is OUTSTANDING, I said it in caps because I mean it, Jason, Paige, Becky and John have been wonderful to work with and super responsive to my questions...I am sure thy would like to show you some scopes...

77 </div></div>

i agree 100 percent. i actually visited their facility about a year ago. but i had not done my homework so i wasn't fully prepared to ask all the right questions

i'm going to contact them again soon (as soon as the stock market recovers...fingers crossed!) in hopes they will allow me to pay them another visit

btw, how is the backlog? does it take a long time to receive a scope after you place the order?

 

[77Bronc]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

I placed the order June 22, changed the scope from a straight
SN-3 to a TPAL on June 27, quoted an 8 to 10 week delivery, received a call on August 4, ready to ship, at my door August 10...in all about 6 weeks.

77

 

[997/2man]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

USO's SN-3s is a super optic for the AR platform, the magnification is adequate
for the .308 round. The reticle choice is important, I like the JNG reticle, but bench rest or target shooters might want #1 or GAP and more magnification. The JNG gives me quick elevation holdover if no time to use the EREK, which is a worthwhile option. It is a relatively compact scope, the ERGO is my pick.

The photos show what happens if you buy one. Happened to me again today.
This one is going on a LMT MWSF with a 16" barrel. The USO rings are perfect for
the SN-3s's 37mm objective. The LMT's SOPMOD is relatively low, 0.985" low ring height helps. They work on the 37mm objective, not the 44mm.

I thought that I might lose the green illumination against dark flora, and yes, it does to a point. Red would be a better choice in thick vegetation. But the green is very good at night. More arid areas, green would be my 1st choice. Both work well.

Shooting steel or leaning more tactical, prob. JNG reticle in red. More towards
long range (500+ yds.) the GAP or #1 in green.

Hold one and compare it to other scopes. You will know what to do. They just keep getting better with the new on/off switch with auto shutoff. The SN-3s is a robust, compact optic for the AR platform. It's going to be hard to beat. Very
versatile, made in the U.S.A.

Ordered this Thurs., got it today! USO ROCKS! Thanks Jeff, Thanks Paige.

 

[JFComfort]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

Get the EREK! That thing is so sweet. Once you have it set up and zeroed it acts similar to a zero stop, has a fast turn knob and you can utilize all of the travel for dialing elevation. Its also low profile.

 

[rommel500]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

Can anybody comment on the eyebox on both the 44mm and the 37mm? How finicky are they? Can you get behind it quickly or do you have to find that sweetspot?

I am looking at the USO 1-4x but the 1.8-10 looks good too if the eyebox is large.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: USO SN-3 vs. USO SN-3S 1.8-10x37

I've used both and they're pretty much the same. At 10X you might need to find the sweet spot, but lower it's fast. If you set up the eye relief right it's quick at any power.