Rifle Scopes IOR Rundown

[BlackWhiskey]

I've heard a lot of good and bad things about IOR, but nothing conclusive that sways me one way or other. I like the features they offer but I've heard they have durability, eye relief and customer service problems. I've also heard these problems have now been fixed. What's really going on?

 

[azimutha]

Re: IOR Rundown

From what I know, most of the problems have been worked out, particularly with their 3-18 and 2.5-10 models. I have one scope of another brand with as good or better glass and, frankly, I'm not convinced that is much of a factor in an overall scope purchase. I'm persuaded more durability and tracking performance as well as - should I ever need it - highly responsive customer service available in this country.

Brands I'd consider before IOR (in no particular order): Vortex, U.S. Optics, NF, Premier, Super Sniper (SWFA)

 

[RHutch]

Re: IOR Rundown

The most recent issues (last2-3 years) were with the 3-18 FFP.
I owned 1 of those and 2 of the SFP and had no issues with the samples I had.

As far as I know, the 2.5-10 has always been a solid scope. Had 1 of the older ones(2007 vintage?)and currently have the latest version, which is a fine piece.

 

[cape]

Re: IOR Rundown

the 3-18 with the new erek type ele knob looks great, but is it better than a NXS nightforce? I think that they are in direct compitition for a price point.

 

[BCP]

Re: IOR Rundown

I have a pair of the fixed power ones and they work fine. Great glass. As far as newer models go I would consider the 2.5-10 FFP and would buy from Liberty Optics.

 

[chpprguy]

Re: IOR Rundown

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cape</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the 3-18 with the new erek type ele knob looks great, but is it better than a NXS nightforce? I think that they are in direct compitition for a price point. </div></div>

The SH version IOR is FFP, NXS are SFP.
one major difference...

 

[scotharr]

Re: IOR Rundown

Superb glass, suspect durability, much improved customer service, bulky and heavy. That's how I'd sum up my experience. I switched over to Nightforce and never looked back.

 

[300ATT]

Re: IOR Rundown

I have two of the 3-18x FFP and they have performed great. Passed the box test with perfect repeatability. I also tested the accuracy of the knobs vs. reticle (w/Lowlight's random spotter test). Suffice it to say the results were astounding ... every spotter drilled through the center - A+.

IMHO - great scope for the $ and one of the best reticles out there.

Not sure if They are any more bulky than the S&B's and USO's w/34mm tubes and since I can't compare I will remain silent on this point.

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: IOR Rundown

mine only issue I had with my 10x fixed one was the recticle would "shine" in bright light, or a certain angle of lighting. This made it look more silver than black. It was annoying. Not sure if other ones had the same issue or not. Curious, has anyone else experienced this ?

I'm looking for another AR 308 scope, and am considering IOR for this latest build, just not sure yet.

 

[lanwickum]

Re: IOR Rundown

I have a first gen SH edition. Never had an issue. It has some scratches and looks used. Never had to adjust it. Much smaller than most 18x scopes with adjustable knobs. The 2 turn knobs are excellent for not getting lost on.
Only downfall is the small scope leaves little room for eye relief adjustment. It is ok to put both rings in front of the knobs if needed. It will hold up to it. I did not need to.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Re: IOR Rundown

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: montana</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a first gen SH edition. Never had an issue. It has some scratches and looks used. Never had to adjust it. Much smaller than most 18x scopes with adjustable knobs. The 2 turn knobs are excellent for not getting lost on.
Only downfall is the small scope leaves little room for eye relief adjustment. It is ok to put both rings in front of the knobs if needed. It will hold up to it. I did not need to. </div></div>

I have the 3-18x42 35mm FFP Sniper's Hide Edition GEN 4 and found the eye relief a little short for my R700 LA. However, I put it on my Sako TRG 42 and the eye relief was better.

Here's a pic next to a NF 8-32 x 56 NXS:

Jamie

 

[NorCal Vu]

Re: IOR Rundown

We have a saying out here...friends dont let friends buy IOR =).

IOR SH Edition scopes have been 4 for 4 with some others that never made it on rifles after what we have seen. They were sold BNIB. 4 on the range, 4 fails. 1 failed twice.

If that price range I would run a NXS any day of the week over an IOR.

 

[djw442]

Re: IOR Rundown

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PadronAniversary</div><div class="ubbcode-body">mine only issue I had with my 10x fixed one was the recticle would "shine" in bright light, or a certain angle of lighting. This made it look more silver than black. It was annoying. Not sure if other ones had the same issue or not. Curious, has anyone else experienced this ?

I'm looking for another AR 308 scope, and am considering IOR for this latest build, just not sure yet. </div></div>

Padron, I have a 6X fixed and the rectical will shine a silvery color in bright light or when the sun hits it at a certain angle. I alos have a 2.5x10 and have not noticed the recticle "shine". It is just annoying more than anything though.

 

[rossneder]

Re: IOR Rundown

I've had 3 or 4 of them. Might of been three but it was fixed twice.
Starting 4 years ago, two different lines all failed except the last one which I promptly sold when returned as a NIB never mounted.

The idea or great glass is/was great, the execution has failed in my mind.

On the other hand, they replaced or repaired every time.

Ross

 

[Jon A]

Re: IOR Rundown

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: djw442</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PadronAniversary</div><div class="ubbcode-body">mine only issue I had with my 10x fixed one was the recticle would "shine" in bright light, or a certain angle of lighting. This made it look more silver than black. It was annoying. Not sure if other ones had the same issue or not. Curious, has anyone else experienced this ?

I'm looking for another AR 308 scope, and am considering IOR for this latest build, just not sure yet. </div></div>

Padron, I have a 6X fixed and the rectical will shine a silvery color in bright light or when the sun hits it at a certain angle. I alos have a 2.5x10 and have not noticed the recticle "shine". It is just annoying more than anything though. </div></div>
SFP IORs will do this and in some lighting conditions it makes the reticle harder to see IMHO. The FFP IORs hardly ever do this; the reticle stays dark black with good contrast in almost all lighting conditions which makes them easier to see. One of the nice things about FFP reticles. Many other brands show a similar trend, BTW.

 

[herr.baer]

Re: IOR Rundown

Well I just mounted my IOR 3-18 FFP last night so I guess I will see how it goes.

Many thanks to Scott at Liberty Optics for great service.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: IOR Rundown

IOR's glass is great for the money; if the scope works as advertised, it is a great deal.

I've owned the SH3-18, a 4-14 and now have a 2.5-10 (the new one) and really liked them all for the price.

The old illumination systems were far too bright, that has been fixed on the new ones. The glass is always a pleasant surprise, and the mechanicals work well (unless they break - which sucks when it happens.)

So long as you buy something they've been making for awhile, you should be fine. From my simple observation, it seems thoe scopes on 30mm tubes have less troubles than those on the larger tubes - maybe it is anecdotal.

I have the new 2.5-10 FFP on my 300 Whisper and have been very, very pleased. It ain't as pretty as my Hensoldt, but it gets the job done.

If you buy, I'd only buy from SWFA or Scott at Liberty Optics, there "might" be a problem and both operations will take care of you. Nothing against other sells, but both have always done right by me - even when IOR did not.

 

[cmdecker]

Re: IOR Rundown

I have owned several IOR's, including most recently the new version of the Pitbull. I can say nothing but good things about their scopes. Haven't had a single issue.