Rifle Scopes Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Knight6

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Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 29, 2012
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California, USA
Wondering which other manufacturers measure up against the above. I see quite a few Virtex users and SWAFA users out there. Have not had the chance to check out their scopes because of deployments. How do these match up and are there other makes folks like for long range 800 and above?
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Those aforementioned companies go by Vortex and SWFA.
Granted, am SWFA SS is not comparable to an S&B, you are comparing optics of vastly different price points.

For the ballpark price you pay for an SWFA, they have been regarded as some of the best glass THAT AMOUNT OF $ can buy you, and the same could be said for the other companies you mention as you move up the pay scale of course.
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Check out the March F 3-24 42mm and March FX 5-40 56mm. Both FFP, mil/mil with great reticle and novel zero stop. Both 2/3 rds the size and weight of comparable magnification scopes. Relative new (4-5 years) but bright, crisp glass. Priced less than most premium scopes. Many great options of scopes throughout the price range in the last few years. Just need to do your research to find the perfect optics to fit your needs and wallet. Thanks for your service and good shooting !
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Waldo makes very good points. I would say the top end Vortex, SWFA, Bushnell, Leupold are comparable to the mid and high end manufacturers in that they can/will do the same job,(though durability and optical superiority are subjective to the end user) they just aren't quite as nice, or perhaps lack a few of the features, quality, and reputation as the the highest end manufacturers. Would I like a PMII? Of course, could I do any better with one? Not likely. Is there anything a PMII will do that an NXS wont? I dont think so, at least not enough to justify the price difference. But there are those who want the best and can afford it, good for them, they can enjoy the fruits of their top end scopes. And those of us who cant, will enjoy the fruits of our mid level scopes.
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Guess one brand I might suggest ading to your list is the Sightron S III. I've got a 10-50x and an 8-32X on a couple of 1,000 yard rifles. For my eyes...they are very close to the optical quality of the NightForce scopes I used to own...but they are half the price.

You'll find tons of opinions on who makes the best glass / scope. It ultimately boils down to what your eye likes and the features you desire to have in a scope. I really like the clarity and definition I get from my Premier's and my IOR ( German Glass )....but...I get by pretty decent with the Sightron, Vortex and NightForce. My wallet appreciates the price point of the Japanese sourced optics...so I have more of them.

Guess if you could find guys at a range some time...with the many different scopes you listed...I'd recommend spending some time looking through them. That will give you the very best input as to which scope your eye likes best....for the money you're wanting to spend.

Wayne
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Thanks for the opinions there are so many scopes on the market now that it starts to be difficult to see the wood from the trees. While I would love to always be able to buy top end I was sure there were good scopes out there at a lower price point. You have given me some options to look at. Welcome further comment by anyone using other makes.
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

The last two rifle systems I've signed for had S&B and NightForce. For my personal rifle I have at home I ended up getting an IOR and love it.
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Premier Heritage is up there with S&B. I have been using a PH 3-15 and 5-25, just switched to the S&B 5-25 and IMO the S&B and PH are very close. I have seen more failures with the PH but have yet to have any issues with the scoopes I have owned and Im not easy on gear.
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Hensoldt has better glass than them all. NF has the reliability reputation to beat, but customer service has a lot of room to grow.

Vortex has the warranty/CS to beat. Reliability with Vortex has been impressive so far.
 
Re: Who measures up to USO, S&B, NF, Leupold

Premier Heritage is as good as it gets. I'd agree with Captain Kirk, there is not much measurable advantage to one over the other between PH and S&B. Both are top tier optics.

And +1 for SWFA as being incredible bang for your buck.