Rifle Scopes USO SR8 1-8 Reddot; worth it?

[TheGerman]

Have been considering the USO 1-8 for my SPR for a while as the true 1x with the red dot and the 8x upper end seem to meld in perfectly with the needs of an 18" SPR rifle in 5.56. I'll gladly give up 2x at the top end to gain a true 1x at the bottom with a red dot.

My question is to anyone thats held one, are they worth it and since this is the first generation of them, are there any quirks or shortfalls that make people wish some feature would be included (like the 2.5-10 NF originally not having a parallax adjustment)? Also, how forgiving is the eye box at the 1x with the red dot? Nothing would be more useless than a tiny eye box at 1x that blacked out as soon as you moved anything.

Who has these in stock? Called around 2 weeks ago and no-one seemed to have one.

 

[RTO]

I have considered getting one after handling Knights. Eye relief was good and clarity was as expected. I had no complaints from what I saw handling it after a match. I will probably end up with one before its all said and done.
My .02

 

[Dogtown]

I think the general consensus is that USO won the 1-8x battle over S&B, Leupold and Premiere. Search around; I'm pretty sure there's an exhaustive review of it here on the Hide.

 

[FreedomFeens]

You can get an SWFA 1-6 used for $8-900. I have never tried USO products but do not doubt they are one of the best producers in the market, however, they are just too high and I can't see anything it would provide that the SWFA wouldn't. It has 1x, red dot capability-with the reticle(larger than the USO red dot) and 6x capability for distance shots. A win-win in my book.

 

[Dogtown]

I can't see anything it would provide that the SWFA wouldn't.

Durability, for starters.

 

[FreedomFeens]

Durability, for starters.

Do you have personal experience with an SWFA 1-6 failing? I'm not sure if this is true and i haven't tried to verify it but I read on some forum that SWFA scopes underwent military testing and performed well. Are you hammering nails with your scopes? Feeling the scope in my hand, I would consider it durable for the most jarring activity i do with the rifle, which would be dropping to prone from standing and bumping up against objects during training courses.

 

[Dogtown]

Nope, no personal experience with that SWFA in particular, but I have had experience with plenty economical scopes as well as USO scopes and the most obvious difference between the two is durability, not to mention optical clarity, tracking, etc. No doubt, the SWFA is a good value and I'd use one for plinking in a heartbeat, but I wouldn't risk my life with one. But that's just me; your standards may be different.

 

[Dogtown]

You can get an SWFA 1-6 used for $8-900. I have never tried USO products but do not doubt they are one of the best producers in the market, however, they are just too high and I can't see anything it would provide that the SWFA wouldn't. It has 1x, red dot capability-with the reticle(larger than the USO red dot) and 6x capability for distance shots. A win-win in my book.

And don't take my word for it either - there are plenty of people here that can speak to the differences between SWFA and USO scopes.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Have been considering the USO 1-8 for my SPR for a while as the true 1x with the red dot and the 8x upper end seem to meld in perfectly with the needs of an 18" SPR rifle in 5.56. I'll gladly give up 2x at the top end to gain a true 1x at the bottom with a red dot.

My question is to anyone thats held one, are they worth it and since this is the first generation of them, are there any quirks or shortfalls that make people wish some feature would be included (like the 2.5-10 NF originally not having a parallax adjustment)? Also, how forgiving is the eye box at the 1x with the red dot? Nothing would be more useless than a tiny eye box at 1x that blacked out as soon as you moved anything.

Who has these in stock? Called around 2 weeks ago and no-one seemed to have one.

It is definitely worth it. As stated, USO beat everyone in the 1-8 game hands down. At 1x the eye box is plenty big, I'd say it falls between a Eotech and a T1 when shouldered. I don't feel like it is restrictive and or small at all.

SWFAs 1-6 scopes are good but IMO, it's apples and anvils. The old saying, you get what you pay for applies here, the USO is a top shelf item and lives up to that position....IMO.

 

[Lowlight]

The USO Is awesome !

They knocked it out of the park and even during SHOT you had a lot of the Germans Admiring USO for it. They were regularly at their booth with their X Ray Specks

If I can get caught up, I have to Review to finish, but needless to say the USO knocks it out of the park

 

[phreakmode]

I have an SR8, MK8, MK6 and the USO is by far the best of the best. Eye relief and eye box are excellent, size/weight/profile is excellent, covered turrets for an SPR type optic is excellent, image resolution is very good, illumination and control are very good, reticle is very usable at all magnifications including 1. Not even in the same league as the super snipers, fuck, not even playing the same sport to be more fitting. I no longer own the SWFA.

If you are stuck on your SWFA, rock on .

For a quality optic however, get ahold of Lazy21 - Julio has had these USOs in stock and is a vendor here on the Hide.

 

[FreedomFeens]

I have an SR8, MK8, MK6 and the USO is by far the best of the best. Eye relief and eye box are excellent, size/weight/profile is excellent, covered turrets for an SPR type optic is excellent, image resolution is very good, illumination and control are very good, reticle is very usable at all magnifications including 1. Not even in the same league as the super snipers, fuck, not even playing the same sport to be more fitting. I no longer own the SWFA.

If you are stuck on your SWFA, rock on .

For a quality optic however, get ahold of Lazy21 - Julio has had these USOs in stock and is a vendor here on the Hide.

There is a significant price difference b/t the two scopes, someone who practiced with an swfa 1-6 would have no disadvantage against someone who practiced with a USO in competition. I can't think of anything the USO can do the swfa cannot, other than a bit more range.

 

[scudzuki]

There is a significant price difference b/t the two scopes, someone who practiced with an swfa 1-6 would have no disadvantage against someone who practiced with a USO in competition. I can't think of anything the USO can do the swfa cannot, other than a bit more range.

And yet, people keep paying the premium for a Kahles 6-24 over a Viper PST 6-24, even though they have identical features.

I got out over the weekend with my new SR-8s and it's pretty awesome. I bet the SWFA 1-6 is pretty exceptional (as well as the Vortex Razor 1-6) but I'm glad to have the extra magnification as my eyes get older.

Joe

 

[Dogtown]

There is a significant price difference b/t the two scopes, someone who practiced with an swfa 1-6 would have no disadvantage against someone who practiced with a USO in competition. I can't think of anything the USO can do the swfa cannot, other than a bit more range.

The point is not all scopes are created equal, even when they have the same features. People have different needs and standards and smart ones get optics that fit within those metrics. The guy who's plinking on the weekend has different standards and expectations than the guy competing in 3-gun or the LEO professional or soldier. For example, the plinker's standards are low enough that "cheap and works" is usually sufficient while someone risking their life with the optic is willing to spend more to get durability and reliability. You rarely find inexpensive magnified optics that have all those qualities.

 

[lazy21]

I just got a call that they're going to start on a few SR8-C that I ordered.....The German, or timing to jump on the phone was completely jacked up

 

[SNIPERS4DUMMIES]

The Leupold MK6 1-6x20 is a great option if you don't necessarily need the 8x

 

[DT1]

I took a peek through one (USO 1-8x) last Spring and down on 1x the view was actually less than 1x. Probably more like .75x. The FOV was really nice for up close hosing but it was a little freaky to see the image smaller through the scope than with the naked eye. Curious if anyone else has noticed this or perhaps it was a quirk with that particular unit? Several people also looked through the scope and noted the same thing.

 

[pmclaine]

I just got a call that they're going to start on a few SR8-C that I ordered.....The German, or timing to jump on the phone was completely jacked up

Reaaallllyyyy, Hmmmm! Interesting!

How many of the few?

 

[lazy21]

LMAO, not yours!!!!

yours is a SR8-M

 

[scudzuki]

I took a peek through one (USO 1-8x) last Spring and down on 1x the view was actually less than 1x. Probably more like .75x. The FOV was really nice for up close hosing but it was a little freaky to see the image smaller through the scope than with the naked eye. Curious if anyone else has noticed this or perhaps it was a quirk with that particular unit? Several people also looked through the scope and noted the same thing.

This is common in variable power optics that go down to 1x. It may appear that way if your target is close, but a target at the minimum distance that you would realistically be shooting is 1x.

Joe

 

[pmclaine]

LMAO, not yours!!!!

yours is a SR8-M

Through no fault of my excellent sales guys - It has been a long time and I think the designations have changed - I don't even remember what I have coming but I know it will be sweet.

Ive been enjoying my iron sights on the rifle so I'm really going to like it when I have that scope.

 

[TheGerman]

Looks like I'll do the rounds again. At least 2 places I called said they expect to be restocked mid-August.

We shall see.

 

[lazy21]

Through no fault of my excellent sales guys - It has been a long time and I think the designations have changed - I don't even remember what I have coming but I know it will be sweet.

Ive been enjoying my iron sights on the rifle so I'm really going to like it when I have that scope.

do you want me to loan you a scope?

 

[Cncjerry]

Durability, for starters.

Uh,oh, SWFA fan boys will see this as an insult and this thread will derail.

 

[pmclaine]

do you want me to loan you a scope?

Very kind of you but I will either fall in love with it or break it. Either way it will cost me money.

Ill have my day in due time.

 

[FreedomFeens]

The point is not all scopes are created equal, even when they have the same features. People have different needs and standards and smart ones get optics that fit within those metrics. The guy who's plinking on the weekend has different standards and expectations than the guy competing in 3-gun or the LEO professional or soldier. For example, the plinker's standards are low enough that "cheap and works" is usually sufficient while someone risking their life with the optic is willing to spend more to get durability and reliability. You rarely find inexpensive magnified optics that have all those qualities.

That's why I chose the swfa, it has all those qualities. How is battery life on the USO 1-8? Is it like an aimpoint? For that price i would expect some advanced battery tech.

 

[Dogtown]

You think it has some advanced battery tech? Why would one optic cost more than another? Looking at it another way, why does a BMW cost more than a Hyundai? Both will get the average person from point A to point B, but drivers that are harder on their vehicles and push them at the top end of their capabilities more often will likely go with the BMW over the guy just commuting to work. It's absolutely a needs/capabilities argument. And yes, there are plenty of people who buy high end optics who won't ever get the most out of them, just like there are people who buy cars as status symbols, but I'm not talking about those people. Not all scopes are created equal, even though they may have the same features like 1-8x, mil turrets, zero stop, red dot illumination - they often don't do it all at the same level.

That's why there is a market for higher end scopes. The same goes for rifles: do you think people are crazy for spending lots of money on custom rifles or high end AIs and DTAs? Should they just stick with stock Rem700s?

 

[macfly]

So what is the deal with the M model?!
Does anyone have any info on time frame , availability.....anything?

 

[scudzuki]

That's why I chose the swfa, it has all those qualities. How is battery life on the USO 1-8? Is it like an aimpoint? For that price i would expect some advanced battery tech.

Pretty much the only thing that differentiates an Aimpoint from an $80 Bushnell TRS-25 red dot is the battle proven toughness, and the ACET circuitry that enables my Comp M4 to run for 5 years on a single AA battery.
Other than that, they are simple devices.

What you are paying for in the USO is low volume, meticulous hand crafting, American labor, and an R&D department that got their 1-8 power to market before S&B, which is undoubtedly a much larger company with deeper pockets (more staff).

Joe

 

[997/2man]

I think the general consensus is that USO won the 1-8x battle over S&B, Leupold and Premiere. Search around; I'm pretty sure there's an exhaustive review of it here on the Hide.

Didn't know that Premiere(sp.) made a 1-8X. Could be wrong.


I don't think that there has been an "exhaustive review" done yet with S&B, Leupold, and USO. Could be wrong.


The USO scope is fairly new, seems as if many people are waiting for one, so a general consensus with a large sampling is as yet unavailable. Could be wrong.


Good luck.

 

[Singlestack_Wonder]

That's why I chose the swfa, it has all those qualities. How is battery life on the USO 1-8? Is it like an aimpoint? For that price i would expect some advanced battery tech.

Wrong. The swfa is a low cost commercial scope. The U.S. Optics is a military grade, SHTF optic. No comparision. Beside superior optical quality and build quality, it also has a true daytime bright red dot. Not a weak, sometimes visible, dark red illuminated circle as the swfa.

You purchased a low cost scope and now are trying to justify the purchase by saying the U.S. Optics is not a higher grade scope compared to the swfa. Take some time to actually look at and hold a U.S. Optics scope. You will see the difference.

 

[pmclaine]

Any input on the SR-8s?? Very tempted by the Mile High deal

Do a search by poster "Roland".

He had a special order reticle made up and has one for sale in the optics section. He has some great pictures on the post he made after he received his. There is also a more involved review on the Hide home page.

Cant wait to get mine. I think its kind of a Jack of All trades that masters none but is good enough all around that nothing else comes close to the utility it offers.

Mine will be on a 16 inch LMT that I may be shooting close or far (600 yards) and I intend for a good to go beater.

Time will tell if they tried to make it do too much.

 

[DL32]

Personally, go with the 2.5-10x, parallax is not an issue out 1k.
If you need an 1x, go with a t1 micro offset.

My set-up, NF 2.5-10x mil/mil, spuhr sp-3002, spuhr aimpoint mount at 5'oclock & an aimpoint t1.
Whole thing is 30oz, lower than USO + mount.

I don't mess around with magnification when it comes to split second decisions, cant to 45 degrees and my target is toast.
0-1000 yards is now archived using the best red dot ever created (IMHO) and of course I love the NF version of a mil dot reticle. The whole set-up avoids parallax adjustment issues as they really aren't a concern up to 10x magnification on a "good" quality optic.

My 2 cents.

 

[Ronald]

I bought 10 of these with a custom Mil reticle. The scope is by far the best true 1-8 today. Nothing comes close to these. The red dot is very bright probably the brightest of all 1-6,1-8 out there. The eye relief is good at 1x, just mount the scope forward with a Larue SprE and at 1x its like shooing an Aimpoint scope, very easy to shoot fast at multiple close range targets. And the dot is always there very bright. And for the long shots the reticle is nice and very clear , the BDC on my reticle makes it easy to engage targets out to 800 yds.
Out of the 10 scopes i bought i have a couple left for sale. They are brand new inbox and carries UsOptics full warranty. I am selling these below any other dealers price.
So to answer your question if it is worth it?
HELL YES IT IS WORTH IT EVERY PENNY!!!

 

[pmclaine]

Do a search by poster "Roland".

He had a special order reticle made up and has one for sale in the optics section. He has some great pictures on the post he made after he received his. There is also a more involved review on the Hide home page.

Cant wait to get mine. I think its kind of a Jack of All trades that masters none but is good enough all around that nothing else comes close to the utility it offers.

Mine will be on a 16 inch LMT that I may be shooting close or far (600 yards) and I intend for a good to go beater.

Time will tell if they tried to make it do too much.

Ooops it was "Ronald" I wanted you to search for not "Roland". Looks like he found you.

 

[hk dave]

Any fish-eye at 1x?

 

[ZLBubba]

I got one of the very first USO 1-8s for my SPR. That scope will never leave my possession. Fantastic scope with a true 1x value. Love it.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Any fish-eye at 1x?

No, it is the best true 1x I've ever seen. I believe others have said the same in this thread or another one as well.

 

[Ronald]

Like everyone else is saying. No fish eye at 1x and this is the best TRUE 1x scope made today.

 

[mattsnuked]

I guess my eyes are different, my $400 Tac 30 had a better 1x than the USO.