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Rifle Scopes US Optics Honest take on reliability

M

m1a convert

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 29, 2003
287
4
Idaho Falls
#1
I have talked to a few people that have said that the scopes would track. Would break etc.

I would like to get a 1.5-6 and USO seems to make the scope with the best features.

What are your honest experiences with US Optics and the durability and tracking abilities of the scopes?

Not trying to start a war, just wanting honest feedback.
 
#3
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

Ok - I am not a military HSLD kind of guy - I Hunt...A LOT! I picked up my first USO scope back in 07'...it cost me a testicle (not literally) but it was the most I ever spent on glass. As I shot that rifle more and more I realized I actually enjoyed scoping/spotting with it. I searched around and picked up another for one of my 6mm guns - the quality was no different. It was not until I took a trip out out West with a friend and we were involved in an accident that I realized how much the QUALITY of a good scope paid off. While driving through Colorado on into the mountains we got hit and pushed over the road side. We were both extremely lucky to have been able to climb out of the truck alive. While the truck was a total loss and most of the guns were damaged beyond repair. I was able to remove and reinstall 3 USO scopes without anything more than some scuffs and abrasions...its no B.S. - these are the toughest scopes I have ever seen! I am not trying to sound like an advertisement but you take a rifle with a scope and lay it in the back of an open top Wrangler/Defender and watch it go end over end down a 35-40 embankment...you sort of figure its toast.
The short side is this:

Is there glass that is more "clear" than USO? Possibly...its like anything else you get what you pay for and perception is solely on the user. I can say that anybody who has used my gear has always been impressed with the clarity of my USO scopes.

Is there cheaper scopes than USO that could get the same job done? Absolutely! You could go and buy a Nikon, Pentax, Leupold etc. - But, if something happens they are trash. The customer service is awful (that's being polite...the repair times are hit and miss...and quite honestly everyone of those companies have other businesses..so they are not relying on customer feedback and sales. The only thing USO I see is scopes and optics...I do not see USO cameras, scanners etc. - they focus on one product line and DO IT VERY WELL.

If I buy a USO scope is a good deal? Hell Yes! First, if you buy the scope its like a contained loss - figure your going to use it...if you needed to dump it for $$ you could easily get back 90%+...now go buy a Pentax, Nikon or Leupold and try to pull that trick. When something like a scope holds that much residual value it speaks volumes to the quality, warranty and service of a company.

If you really are on the fence about the scope - go check one out in person. Find somebody local to show a scope...maybe a comparison. I am not one of these "USO Fags" you see on the hide with the decals on my gun, USO boxers..jerking off at my USO girls calender...I am just a guy that buys quality shit ONE TIME...versus attempting to "buy up" which inevitably results in spending much more in the end.

Good luck and if you need any help..flip me a PM.
 
#5
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

Thought you got some pretty honest feedback in this thread:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...078#Post1176078

There have been several of your posts where you indicate people are telling you of USO problems. Who ARE these people? Few on this site have had any issues with USO scopes, and when one comes up from time to time, USO takes care of it ASAP.

Not sure what the agenda is here, but asking the same question over and over again is likely to get you the same answer.
 
#7
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really.... Another thread? Me thinks no amount of question answering will bring you down off that fence... </div></div>

I am looking at buying almost 8K of scopes for 3 guns that I am going to use a lot. I just want to make sure I know exactly what I am doing and what I am getting.

I have had 2 $1300 scopes quit on me and lots of people said they were tough. Just making sure I have good info.

Thanks for everyones patience.
 
#8
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

The 1.5-6 USO I have is one of my favorites. Mine is on an AR but they would be fine for most hunting rigs. Of the 5 USO's in use, I've had one that had to go back for repair. Something in the ERGO on a SN-3 3.2-17, sent it back and was fixed at no cost. None of mine are safe queens, they all get used in 3 gun, tactical comps, F-class (not much wear and tear here) or hunting.
I've sold several scopes for USO by letting guys get behind mine and twist on the turrets, and generally see how user friendly they are.
 
#9
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

If you shoot long range at all you'll break scopes. That is the weakest link in the system. My decision to pick USO is that I know I'll break it eventually, and when I do I call Jeff and he fixes it. I don't have to send it to another country or some subcontractor.

I can say that Leupold's customer service was very good, and Nightforce's was exceptional, but the options I wanted and the serviced I demanded was filled by USO.
 
#10
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

I have had a USO for about a year or so now. Most of my shooting is done inside 200 yards. I can get out to about 900 with access to a friends farm. I just a couple of weeks ago, got to shoot 1000 in a FTR Class match @ AEDC. I also have a suppressor with about a 5 MOA difference in POI. I can honestly say that I have ran the EREK knob up and down quite a bit. I have shot with it from 100 to 1000 yards. It tracks. I have the SSDS. It has dual detent on the EREK. The first thing people do is want to crank on some elevation to feel the movement. I know there are alot of guys a whole lot harder on their stuff than me. I just shoot as a passtime not professionally.
I have been well pleased with my USO.
 
#11
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

I traded for one on here just a bit ago and there was a problem with the crosshairs in the scope not being "square" - meaning the were not lined up with the turrets. Called Jeff, told him I am not the original owner and what is wrong. Got an RMA and an assurance they would take care of it and get it back to me in - get this - A COUPLE OF WEEKS!!. What can you say about that other than fantastic customer service. I, for one, am sold.

 
#13
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll say this- when you charge a premium for a scope that has the highest return to the factory of all the premium scopes, you better have good customer service. </div></div>

And this comment is based on what statistic? Not challenging you specifically but for the OP's benefit it would be best to list hard facts/numbers between USO and other manufacturers because this type of info is exactly what the OP is interested in. There has been a spotlight on USOs lately, mostly due to the OP's own questions regarding negative feedback he has "heard". I understand personal experiences can be taken with a grain of salt and is general not measurable, but to make a claim that USO has the "highest return to the factory of all the premium scopes", some numbers for comparison is needed. Thanks.
 
#14
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: long-shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've broke Leupold, Nightforce, my MST-100, and will one day break my USO TPAL, but it hasn't happened yet.

</div></div>

May i ask how the hell you broke a MST-100 ????
 
#15
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: long-shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've broke Leupold, Nightforce, my MST-100, and will one day break my USO TPAL, but it hasn't happened yet.

</div></div>

May i ask how the hell you broke a MST-100 ???? </div></div>

It wasn't mounted on a rifle yet, and he clubbed an intruder with it.
 
#16
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

Convert,
You and I have pm'd a bit already. While I am fairly new to using USO optics I will say this, guys can argue about optical clarity between the major brands all day long and while yes I may agree that scope x may be clearer than scope y on a given day that could change under differant conditions.
I have found the everyones Mark1 Mod 2 eyeball is differant so what may be clearer to you is not the same for me.
Moving onto USO products.
I have played with USO scopes to me (to me that is ) they seem to be the most rugged and repeatable units out there. USO's are SOLID and I dont see why you should worry about they quality. But as Long shot stated things can break. The differance between the manufacturers is that USO is right here in the USA if you have a problem you can call and talk to a person and not get lost swirling in some corporate customer service cespool trying to find out who what and when to send your scope to for repair. USO will fix it and make it right or John will have a fit. Answer me this do you know the name of the CEO at Night force? Heck no, but if your problem was serious enough I am sure John would be involved.
IMHO when you buy a USO your not just getting a great piece of glass you are buying service you can count on, so your 8k is also an insurance policy for your shooting future.

Admitidly, if you have very specific technical questions I may not have the answers and i would refer you to Doc. In the meantime if you need me, you know how to contact me.

PS Doc was the one who finally convinced me that spending the same or more on glass than the rifle is OK because what good is a $2k rifle if you cant see or hit what you shoot at.
 
#17
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: long-shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've broke Leupold, Nightforce, my MST-100, and will one day break my USO TPAL, but it hasn't happened yet.

</div></div>

May i ask how the hell you broke a MST-100 ???? </div></div>

I broke the wire reticle twice! The scope itself is a beast, and I highly doubt I'll have to worry about that one too much.
 
#20
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

m1a,

With all the posts you have made regarding US Optics you are either looking to find some reason not to buy one or you are looking for someone to garunteeeee that yours will be perfect.

I cannot help you with the former but I will do the later, your scope(s) will be sent to you manufactured with the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship and customer service that US Optics is famous for. The current build time is 16 - 18 weeks. A 50% deposit with any of our dealers or with USO directly will get your optic in the build line and your time will begin.

Just so we don't missunderstand each other, ALL garunteeees are two parts. The first part says it will be right, the 2nd part says what the company will do about it.

I think there have been enough posts regarding what happens if something goes wrong with a scope that I don't have to elaborate on customer service. Please be advised that although there have been scope failures this number is exceedingly small in comparison to the number of optics that we manufacture. All manufacturers have a return rate regardless of the product, ours is very small and each receives the personal attention of John, the President of the Company. Returns take up very little of his time but he will stop the world on a dime to rectify an issue.

I hope this sets your mind at ease and if there are any questions about build specifications please feel free to contact me. My number and e-mail are below.

Cheers,

Doc
 
#21
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

You will pay a lot and wait a lot for USO. It is time and money well spent.

Anything made by people can and will break. If enough units go out, some will have defects.

If the company backs up their product, that is all you can ask for. USO is just like Scott at LO. If you arent happy, they will make you happy.

Buy one or dont. There is no further info to be garnered from these topics. It has all been discussed repeatedly.
 
#22
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hydro556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You will pay a lot and wait a lot for USO. It is time and money well spent.

Anything made by people can and will break. If enough units go out, some will have defects.

If the company backs up their product, that is all you can ask for. USO is just like Scott at LO. If you arent happy, they will make you happy.

Buy one or dont. There is no further info to be garnered from these topics. It has all been discussed repeatedly. </div></div>


+1000!
 
#23
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

You asked for honest feedback:

First, it's a 3K scope, so you have to pay first and play second, or you're not even in the game. It's like the lottery: you can't win if you don't buy in. That's life.

Second, if you can afford to put 3k toward a scope, and there is any problem with it, you should be thankful to be one of the few who can afford to have such problems. Don't sweat it.

Third, in my experience the old USO's were tanks. The new ones are getting there. I have seen one USO with tracking issues; they fixed it free of charge. I have also seen one SB with glass issues. I compare that to many Leupolds I have seen do things they shouldn't do, and not do things they should do.

Fourth, I have seen very cheap scopes track and subtend well. But buying a cheap scope is still a crap shoot. Buying a premium scope doesn't mean nothing will happen, it just means that 99% of the time everything is OK and nothing happens. You pay extra to get from the 50% bracket to the 99% bracket.

Fifth, Arnold called me the other day. He said HE will be choosing my reticle and building my scope. He just wanted to call me to say that when I get it, if there is ANYTHING not to MY satifaction, I should send it back and he will either change the feature of make it right - the way I want it. You don't get that kind of service, or that kind of guarantee, anywhere else.

As for the scope he builds me, we're gonna find out...
 
#24
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll say this- when you charge a premium for a scope that has the highest return to the factory of all the premium scopes, you better have good customer service. </div></div>
How did you come up w/ that stat? I can think of another manufacturer that has had a higher return per sold!!
 
#25
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

I've never had an issue with my scope - bought it in 2001 and just picked it back up today (I missed it!) - and I bet it won't take much to put my zero back on it..

Good company, good product.
 
#26
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll say this- when you charge a premium for a scope that has the highest return to the factory of all the premium scopes, you better have good customer service. </div></div>
How did you come up w/ that stat? I can think of another manufacturer that has had a higher return per sold!! </div></div>
On further asking and digging around, this may not be true.
 
#28
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rafael</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which statement are you referring to?
Yours or Turk's? </div></div>

His own. As you can see he has deleted his original post up top.
 
#29
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

Hmmmmmmmmmm.
laugh.gif
 
#30
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

If it sucks you can sale it on the hide no problem.
Now what kind of bullets are you going to be shooting
 
#33
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

I feel that USO would be perfect for what I want. I just wanted to make sure they were GTG.

If I needed a reason not to buy one I would ask my wife for permission
grin.gif


 
#34
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

M1A,

Anything man made will break sooner or later but from what I see USO failure rates are very low. Our club has it's fair shares of USOs on the line and very few of them go down.

Vu
 
#37
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

M1 you are getting ridiculous with these threads man. COme on you have gotten great information in each and everyone of your threads that you started. Look at DOC's post and he is more than willing to point you to where you need to be.
 
#38
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

I had some issues with a USO that I didn't even know were there until pointed out when I was gonna trade it to try a diffrent scope. I didn't think anything was wrong with the scope. I email Jeff at USO. He said send it, we'll take care of it. Sweet. I havn't gotten it back yet as it wasn't very long ago, but they have been excellent to deal with and are taking care of those little "problems" I didn't know it had until a scope expert pointed them out to me.
There are some problems for ya.
In case you want to know what they are.

Spec of dust on the reticle.
redish tint to the reticle.
if you played with the reostat you could make the illumination fliker.

Just so you know. This scope is not new at all and has been used. Still looks like new when cleaned up.
 
#39
Re: US Optics Honest take on reliability

Once while shooting, I was attacked by a bunch of Gay Zombies. Gay zombies do not die the same way regular zombies do, so I took my USO off of my rifle and ass fucked them with it. I will tell you this, I mounted my scope and did a box test with it after the hordes had been defeated. It tracked perfectly and had no issues.

USO rocks!

Hope this helps M1a
 
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