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Review of the US Optics SN-3 3.2-17x44

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ccoker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ccoker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Review of the US Optics SN-3 3.2-17x44
    Posted: August/02/2011 at 20:27
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



A side view of the scope showing the new digital illumination system.


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.



Capped windage knob



View through USO SN3 3-17 at 3x, 500 yards in foreground, 750 high right and 1K in distance



AT 10x, 500 yards in foreground



at 17x at 1k
Amazing scope



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.

for more info:
www.usoptics.com

Edited by ccoker - August/02/2011 at 20:30
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Kickboxer View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2011 at 20:40
Nice, Charles.  I almost traded my Hensoldt in on a US Optics.  Still not out of the question that I will get one.  Your review "improves" my possibilities.  
So show us some hits on steel...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2011 at 20:44
Excellent Nice review. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2011 at 21:40
Ive wanted one for years almost as badly as I want a Heinsoldt.

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2011 at 22:14
Did I tell you my wife gave me a Hensoldt???
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2011 at 23:21
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Did I tell you my wife gave me a Hensoldt???

I think this is the first time I hear of that.  It is probably news to Wes as well....

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 04:58
Nice review. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 09:49
I've owned a few SN3s just like that one, the EREK is my favorite turret of everything used.

My criticism of USO has always been glass quality; sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is not-so-good.  With your review, I am hoping this is a "good glass" phase for them.

There is much value in being able to call the guy that owns the company and talk about his product.

My USOs have been very durable, very repeatable, and an overall great scopes.  The ability to customize is a great asset in many instances.


Glad you like the scope.  Nice paint job on the gun, too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 09:50
Nice review, Charlie. The 3.2-17 looks like a good pairing with the LTR (one of my all-time favorite rifles. BTW, I'm impressed you get that MV...with 175s no less. I've only ever gotten to 2675 with 165s and a pretty hot load).
 
It's cool that USO makes the illumination user-serviceable...shows a lot of attention to design and customer needs and desires.
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 10:28
Thanks for the awesome review Charles! As always, it's appreciated. Excellent 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 10:34
Originally posted by jonoMT jonoMT wrote:

 
It's cool that USO makes the illumination user-serviceable...shows a lot of attention to design and customer needs and desires.

That feature was a LONG TIME coming.  I bought and sold 2 SN3s from when they started talking about it to when they finally got it out the door.  Looks like a nice feature, and a huge advance over the prior version.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 10:38
Thanks for the review & pics Charlie,nice reviewExcellent
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2011 at 13:09
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

Ive wanted one for years almost as badly as I want a Heinsoldt.
 Same here
I heard Dan has one. I think his wife gave it to him, but I'm not sure.
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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