Leupold MK4 MRT 2.5-8 vs. US Optics SN3 1.8-10

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

Hi All,

The title says it all. I'm looking for good quality optics for my M1A Scout which will be dropped into a JAE G2 stock with either a Smith or Sadlak mount.

I am a recreational shooter, that is looking to build a quality SHTF all purpose battle rifle that has the flexibility to reach out and touch someone or something at 500-600 yds with reasonable accuracy and is equally at home under urban warfare conditions. CQB isn't as important to me. Money is always a concern, but I'm more interested in value and something that will last a lifetime or at least close to it while still take a beating (hate to admit it but neglect is probably a better term) AND function properly when called upon for duty.

My question is:

1. Given the big price difference after options, is the SN3 worth double the money or am I going to be equally as well off with the MK4 taking the long term and my interests into consideration? Or phrased another way, can the MK4 hold it's own against the SN3?

I realize I'm going to have to grow into alot of it's capabilities as my skills mature so it may take a while for me and the scope to realize it's full potention.

2. Are there any other optics I should be considering for my set up?


Thanks in advance!

[Teletiger7]

The USO scopes are very nice optics. Customer support is closeby. My reservation about the Leupy is that I've seen many posts stating that recent QC of scopes including the MK4 line is going down. Have you considered the Nightforce 2.5-10X32 ?

http://www.nightforceoptics.com/SCOPES_OVERVIEW/COMPACT_NXS_MODELS_/compact2_5-10x32nxs_/compact2_5-10x32nxs_.html

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

I saw the thread on here about Leupold vs. NF and had the same concerns about whether or not the Leupy would hold up. Hadn't really considered NF as I figured they were all going to be overkill for my application, but I also wasn't aware they had that particular model though, so will check it out. Thanks for the suggestion!

[brando]

I don't like Leupold these days. They were great in the 80s and 90s, but have been eclipsed by others these days. That said, the MRT is probably one of their best tactical optics. But, you can't go wrong with a custom scope from USO.

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

Unfortunately, I'm hearing that consistently enough now that it raises some red flags. Am leaning towards raising some extra funds and going with the USO but will check out the NF first. It will hurt the wallet in the short term but know that will go away quickly once I get it out for a test drive.

BTW, I just got off the phone with Lisa at JAE. My G2 stock is shipping Monday and I'll have it mid-next week...SCORE . Got real lucky on that one.

They've got a bit of experience with the USO folks as they are practically neighbors.

[Mute]

I'm as big a USO whore as anyone and would never tell anyone not to buy one. However, if funds are tight, the NF is a lot of bang for the buck. I use to recommend Leupold for filling that role but not any longer.

[aplinker]

I'd agree with all of the above. You're getting the good advice.

Definitely check NF.

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

cool. great to hear the endorsements for NF. I was checking out the NXS last night and am getting pretty amp'd up about it. particularly since I can have it literally today vs. the 16-20 week wait on the USO.

I'll let you guys know how things turn out. thanks again for the great advice!

[Tony.]

I am a big USO whore, so I am biased. Also take a look (there is a link on SnipersHide) at their new 1.8x10 T-Pal it is not on the website. I have one on order and for me it is the ideal SPR scope.

Also not on their website, is their new "milestone" elevation knob. It is the same idea off of their SSDS scope. Basically there is a stronger click/detent as you hit certain clicks on the elevation turret (100 yrds, 200 yrds, etc.) It allows you to dial your dope without having to look at the turret.

BTW, if you are getting a lit reticle. The USO green reticle rocks. All my USO reticles are green.

[Bongos]

How can you compare a USO front focal plane vs Leupy and NF fixed focal plane... it's line comparing an automatic to a revolver

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

yeah, i hear you. prefer front focal plane, but i guess i gotta decide if the I can handle the cost differential and wait time on the USO. I appreciate everyone looking at it from the different angles as it's been educating and helpful.

[brando]

You'll really only want FFP is you intend to mil targets for range. There's a lot of talk in the last couple of years about FFP, but a lot of people seem to go out of their way to get scopes with that feature who end up never using the reticle to range their targets. And on top of that, it's not 100% necessary, just beneficial as with FFP it doesn't matter what magnification you're set to. With a SFP scope you can mil just fine; you just have to be consistent with the magnification setting.

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

never having had it, not sure i'd ever miss it. But however impractical it might be, is always nice to have something i could always grow into. With the price differential and wait times, think I'm probably better off getting the NF and then as my skills and interest improve, get a custom USO (Jeff at USO btw, has been great to chat with). I can get into the NF recommended here for about $1350 delivered. It would save me roughly $1000 and give me an excuse to work on my next .308 build topped off with USO setup.

[Mute]

For me, the big advantage of FFP being able to do holdovers at any magnification rather than ranging. It definitely has its advantages.

[LibertyOptics]

I am a recreational shooter, that is looking to build a quality SHTF all purpose battle rifle that has the flexibility to reach out and touch someone or something at 500-600 yds with reasonable accuracy and is equally at home under urban warfare conditions. CQB isn't as important to me. Money is always a concern, but I'm more interested in value and something that will last a lifetime or at least close to it while still take a beating (hate to admit it but neglect is probably a better term) AND function properly when called upon for duty.

That's a pretty tall order, and you consider the NXS overkill? That should be the level of scope where you begin...LOL

USO is much more scope than a Lupy.

The choices of "Buy Once, Cry Once" "SHTF" scopes are getting slim, as I've got evidence of failures of evey scope made (save for Premier Heritage). The safest choice is the rugged ACOG. The NXS 2.5-10x32 is a nice all-round variable.

Just don't scrimp.

Scott