I have an SN3, with an internal level. I find it really difficult to see. Is something wrong with the scope, my eye relief etc - or is it just always going to be so dark I need a flashlight to see the level?
Rifle Scopes USO Internal Scope Level
- Thread starter Fred @ Bison Tactical
- Start date
I noticed that it's hard to see indoors but if you're looking at something outdoors and or with a well lit background it is actually very easy to see. Check your eye relief just to be sure. I like the level inside the scope, it makes sense and it works for me so I'll be sending in my 2nd USO scope to have an internal level installed. I'm surprised other scope mfgr's haven't done this quite honestly.
Imagine looking through your scope and being able to glance at the bottom of the reticle and see your level inside the scope as opposed to looking at one with your left eye mounted on the outside that can be broken/banged around. It's just way easier to use and less crap on the outside of the gun/scope tube.
PZT, what's your experience with sight picture with the internal level? Isn't it like 15% reduction or something like that?
None, it's at the bottom of the tube, you have full view/use of your reticle. If you didn't know to look for it, most might even miss seeing it. It's no where close to being in the way of the reticle.
Here are a few pics others have posted in the past for reference. The thing to note is that with proper eye relief you don't even notice it as much as the camera makes it out to be. To see what the camera is showing in the pictures you would have to look /raise your head up and look down into the tube to see it that pronounced. With a normal cheek weld and eye relief you barely see it unless you look for it.
Knock on wood, I'd think that having the level inside of the scope would give you room to mount other "essentials" externally. Like an ACI, A reflex type optic for "danger close" situations. That, or laser pointers, or flashlights, etc. That, & assuming you're a shoot with both eyes open guy, it'd likely expand your FOV a Lot.
USO however, isn't the 1st with this idea. Back, 2 decades ago, Springfield built their line of precision optics with internal levels. Although comparing the two brands of glass, well...
USO however, isn't the 1st with this idea. Back, 2 decades ago, Springfield built their line of precision optics with internal levels. Although comparing the two brands of glass, well...
Mine is very hard to see except in bright daylight. Also, the bubble is huge. I wouldn't do it again. I much prefer my externally mounted USO rail mounted level.
yes, my concerns are:
1. difficult to see (unless in very bright light)
2. bubble is much smaller than the marks to each side
Pros (vs external mounted):
1. Its inline with your view - externals often are off to one side or another - so your eye views the level at an angle
2. External requires looking external to the scope
3. External is something else to break (unless incorporated into the mount)
Generally, My Spuhr mount level is more precise than the one inside the USO - ie, the bubble is closer to the hash marks. Its easier to see the internal bubble when the power on my 5-25 is above 5 - ie 10 ->. Mixed backgrounds of light and shade seem to make it more difficult to see the bubble. A light colored field on at bright day illuminate it well, but say shooting at an Elk in dark woods would be difficult to see the bubble (I am guessing from my current experience using trees as a test background).
I wish USO would make it more precise and easier to see (likely the most difficult of the two).
1. difficult to see (unless in very bright light)
2. bubble is much smaller than the marks to each side
Pros (vs external mounted):
1. Its inline with your view - externals often are off to one side or another - so your eye views the level at an angle
2. External requires looking external to the scope
3. External is something else to break (unless incorporated into the mount)
Generally, My Spuhr mount level is more precise than the one inside the USO - ie, the bubble is closer to the hash marks. Its easier to see the internal bubble when the power on my 5-25 is above 5 - ie 10 ->. Mixed backgrounds of light and shade seem to make it more difficult to see the bubble. A light colored field on at bright day illuminate it well, but say shooting at an Elk in dark woods would be difficult to see the bubble (I am guessing from my current experience using trees as a test background).
I wish USO would make it more precise and easier to see (likely the most difficult of the two).
I have to agree. Mine is a little dark as well and pretty useles in anything other than bright daylight. I much prefer the level on my sphur mount on my s&b. a quick glance lets me correct camt and i dont find it that distracting. Would have been nice if there were some way to illuminate it with the same illumination buttons
<a href="http://s1281.photobucket.com/user/333Tahoe/media/image_zpsf7726122.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a506/333Tahoe/image_zpsf7726122.jpg" border="0" alt="USO level photo image_zpsf7726122.jpg"/></a>
it really sucks when the internal level doesn't match the turrent.
it really sucks when the internal level doesn't match the turrent.
The top of the turret does not have a completely flat top surface, which could be why you are seeing that variance.
Holding the flashlight in a 22x power eye box at the same time your focusing a cell phone pic took serious skills!
My first springfield scope had an internal bubble and I go used to shooting it so it was a normal step for me to USO add that feature to my current USO. I guess its what your used to shooting.
If I remember it right, Springfield took the levels out of their tactical type scopes due to the %age of failures, & what it was costing them to fix'em under warranty.
Given & extending that thinking/KISS logic, one can fix/swap out an external level on the kitchen table/in the field. And not to hijack the thread, but does anyone have feedback on Vortex's levels? Vortex Optics - Bubble Level 30 mm Tube
Given & extending that thinking/KISS logic, one can fix/swap out an external level on the kitchen table/in the field. And not to hijack the thread, but does anyone have feedback on Vortex's levels? Vortex Optics - Bubble Level 30 mm Tube
Last edited:
I have been running the internal level for awhile now and really like it. I haven't had any problems or failures, my LR-17 has been used in a ton of matches here in the south west. You don't have anything you don't need hanging off the scope or rail, which is nice. During low light if I need to get a look at it I turn the illumination up and radiant light will allow me to see it. Once I'm plum I turn it off or back down to the lowest setting.
Just like all things personal preferences will vary but I have become a fan of it.
Just like all things personal preferences will vary but I have become a fan of it.
Similar threads
