USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

[XTR]

I'm beginning to see that I'm going to need a spotter. I can't keep hoping that the guys I'm squadded with on the targets will have one.


For scoring F class matches I've used some really good stuff (Kowa) and some really cheap stuff. For that kind of shooting the angled eyepiece looked to be great, and having a scope that I can mount down by me and focus on mirage closer in from the target would be nice too.

I see the USO spotters for sale used for less than $1000 every month or so, and though I like the idea of the reticle I'm not sure I need one for most of my applications, though the weight is a big consideration if I ever did want to carry it hunting.

So, for the sake of discussion with those who may have experience, USO or something else in the sub $1000 range?

 

[264win]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

pm sent.

 

[PLeighton]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

The USO Spotter is a bit different than the typical spotting scope.
Has great glass and USO quality, but it is pretty much a USO rifle scope without turrets.
With that in mind, it also has the eye relief of a rifle scope.

I personally did not care for it due to the eye relief and I have heard others say that it is more of an observation scope than a spotting scope for this reason.
On a positive note, it is one of the more affordable USO products.

My opinion is that you would be better off with a Bushnell Excursion or Leupold Mark 4 if you wanted the reticle.
If the reticle is not that big a deal, then the field opens up even more.
(Kowa, Vortex, & Pentax)

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

You don't want to mix Kowa and USO as spotters in the same sentence. Totally different function and use.

For flat range work where a reticle is not needed, get a Kowa.

For a field application where you want a matching reticle to the shooter's day scope but don't want it mounted on a rifle, get the USO.

Neither does the other spotter's job worth a shit. And yes I've owned/used the USO, Kowa, and the Bushnell lupy copy with mil dot reticle all side-side.

 

[XTR]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

I kind of thought that the USO wasn't what I was looking for. I really think I'm in the market for an angled spotter.

 

[Mr Flannel]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

Go for the Vortex Razor HD angled. Comes with a 20-60x zoom eyepiece but you can also get a 30x fixed mil-reticle eyepiece. Admittedly a bit more coin than $1K but worth it if you can stretch that far.

Scott at Liberty Optics sells them at his usual good prices.

Have a look here, if not already seen:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2593621

Cheers, Justin

 

[XTR]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

I pulled the trigger on a used angled Leica Televid 77 with 20-60x Eyepiece. Buy once, cry once, and it was still less than a new Kowa or a Vortex Razor HD.

 

[M21guy]

Re: USO spotter or something angled for similar $$

I think the USO might be for me. For those with experience, is it hard to get a sight picture? I mean to you have to hunt around getting proper eye relief and such?