ccoker
08-02-11, 20:36
Review of the US Optics SN-3 3.2-17x44
USO scopes are all handmade, to order in Brea, California,
They have earned a reputation for building some of the finest optics in the world with an emphasis on extreme durability.
It is nice to be able speak with someone and go over your intended use, likes and dislikes and come up with a scope that is built for YOUR needs.
Not what some marketing guy THINKs you need.
Typical build time is a few months and I can honestly say, well worth it.
Specs:
Gap Mil reticle
EREK elevation
capped windage
digital red illumination
ERGO focus
44mm objective
On top of my LTR with a jewell trigger and a Manners Precision MCS-T stock with 4 color digital camo
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3784/rangedaymay22008.jpg
A side view of the scope showing the new digital illumination system.
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5518/rangedaymay22012.jpg
The EREK knob.
This is in 1/10 mil clicks with 9 mils per revolution (two total revolutions available)
Running a 100 yard zero with my 308 and 175g Sierra Matchkings at 2575 FPS I need 10.5 mils of correction to hit at 1K.
I go one full revolution up from zero and continue on to hit the 10.5 mark that is etched on the dial (top row)
With the EREK zero stop you are able to set a hard stop at your desired zero (100 in my case) and be able to instantly return to it.
I tested the scope's adjustments for tracking both windage and elevation numerous times and they were always spot on.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4878/rangedaymay22017.jpg
Capped windage knob
http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/9791/rangedaymay22010.jpg
View through USO SN3 3-17 at 3x, 500 yards in foreground, 750 high right and 1K in distance
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/3921/tgrrangejuly2011006.jpg
AT 10x, 500 yards in foreground
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1936/tgrrangejuly2011007.jpg
at 17x at 1k
Amazing scope
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4793/tgrrangejuly2011004.jpg
Conclusion:
I have been running this scope for some time now while I have not abused it, nor do I intend to, by all accounts USO builds extremely tough and reliable scopes.
I am extremely impressed with this optic, the glass clarity is outstanding, the adjustment knobs track 100% true.
I like the Mil Gap reticle which is their most popular. I dial in elevation for long range and hold for windage.
The Mil Gap reticle is easy to know where you are at and not have to be hunting for it.
This scope came with the brand new digital illumination system which is a little too bright at it's lowest setting for truely low light conditions.
USO accepted feedback very well from the shooting community and came up with a new system that has fewer steps of brightness as well as lower, now NVG compatible brightness.
This is a user replaceable item, nice to be able to not have to send a scope back should you wish to change to the new system.
This is a fantastic scope and highly recommended.
USO scopes are all handmade, to order in Brea, California,
They have earned a reputation for building some of the finest optics in the world with an emphasis on extreme durability.
It is nice to be able speak with someone and go over your intended use, likes and dislikes and come up with a scope that is built for YOUR needs.
Not what some marketing guy THINKs you need.
Typical build time is a few months and I can honestly say, well worth it.
Specs:
Gap Mil reticle
EREK elevation
capped windage
digital red illumination
ERGO focus
44mm objective
On top of my LTR with a jewell trigger and a Manners Precision MCS-T stock with 4 color digital camo
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3784/rangedaymay22008.jpg
A side view of the scope showing the new digital illumination system.
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5518/rangedaymay22012.jpg
The EREK knob.
This is in 1/10 mil clicks with 9 mils per revolution (two total revolutions available)
Running a 100 yard zero with my 308 and 175g Sierra Matchkings at 2575 FPS I need 10.5 mils of correction to hit at 1K.
I go one full revolution up from zero and continue on to hit the 10.5 mark that is etched on the dial (top row)
With the EREK zero stop you are able to set a hard stop at your desired zero (100 in my case) and be able to instantly return to it.
I tested the scope's adjustments for tracking both windage and elevation numerous times and they were always spot on.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4878/rangedaymay22017.jpg
Capped windage knob
http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/9791/rangedaymay22010.jpg
View through USO SN3 3-17 at 3x, 500 yards in foreground, 750 high right and 1K in distance
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/3921/tgrrangejuly2011006.jpg
AT 10x, 500 yards in foreground
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1936/tgrrangejuly2011007.jpg
at 17x at 1k
Amazing scope
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4793/tgrrangejuly2011004.jpg
Conclusion:
I have been running this scope for some time now while I have not abused it, nor do I intend to, by all accounts USO builds extremely tough and reliable scopes.
I am extremely impressed with this optic, the glass clarity is outstanding, the adjustment knobs track 100% true.
I like the Mil Gap reticle which is their most popular. I dial in elevation for long range and hold for windage.
The Mil Gap reticle is easy to know where you are at and not have to be hunting for it.
This scope came with the brand new digital illumination system which is a little too bright at it's lowest setting for truely low light conditions.
USO accepted feedback very well from the shooting community and came up with a new system that has fewer steps of brightness as well as lower, now NVG compatible brightness.
This is a user replaceable item, nice to be able to not have to send a scope back should you wish to change to the new system.
This is a fantastic scope and highly recommended.