AR15.Com Archives
 Nightforce vs US Optics. Ford vs Chevy or something more?
1HI4X  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 9:55:46 AM
I'm looking at the Nightforce NXS F1 3.5-15x50 and the USO SN-3 TPAL 3.2-17x44 to sit atop my OBR heavy once it arrives. The USO can be had in any tube diameter while the NF is 30mm only. Reticle is still undetermined so that is not an issue at this point. Other than the price difference of about $1000 (with the options I've chosen with the USO) is there a difference between these two mfgs?
Black-X  [Member]
5/17/2012 10:42:53 AM
Both are awesome scopes (and companies). I've been using NF and winning with them at matches but I have a USO on order for my next rifle. I see it as you get an awesome "standard" scope from NF for less money whereas you get to customize and order exactly what you want with USO for more money. FWIW, I'm going with USO moving forward.

Regardless, I personally feel that you are deep into win-win territory.
SteelonSteel  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 11:11:24 AM
My first high end scope was a USO 3.5-17x. it's beefy and accurate but I cannot put my finger on it but it just doesn't seem as clear as NF scopes. Could be just the coatings and colorization on the NF suits my eyes better. I've since bought two NF scopes and replaced the USO.

As I target shoot mostly I wanted over 20x that the USO I had didn't deliver. Nothing really wrong with the USO but I like my NF's better. I ordered my USO to be mostly like the Leopolds I was already shooting and had mildots mixed with MoA knobs just like all the old scopes had. I also should have gone with my gut and ordered more magnification. MY NF scopes are mil/mil, over 20x and illuminated. I'm quite happy.

My USO is sitting there for the day I get around to building a .308 AR rifle.


ETA- yep either is a a win win.
D-RAS03  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 11:15:09 AM
Even thought the Nightforce only has a 30mm tube it packs a ton of elevation. They are both great scopes. I had a chance to use two USOs for a few weeks and was left less than impressed. But there are a lot of fans of USO scopes here. I ended up buying the F1 and am more than happy with it. Honestly get the F1 or take a look at the S&B PM2
MINOBARN  [Member]
5/17/2012 11:15:59 AM
I had the same problem. I keep leaning to USO for the EREK. The last push was NF not having a FFP MOA (that I liked)

I would say you get more with the NF, but you can be picky with USO.
D-RAS03  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 11:18:17 AM
Originally Posted By SteelonSteel:
My first high end scope was a USO 3.5-17x. it's beefy and accurate but I cannot put my finger on it but it just doesn't seem as clear as NF scopes. Could be just the coatings and colorization on the NF suits my eyes better. I've since bought two NF scopes and replaced the USO.

As I target shoot mostly I wanted over 20x that the USO I had didn't deliver. Nothing really wrong with the USO but I like my NF's better. I ordered my USO to be mostly like the Leopolds I was already shooting and had mildots mixed with MoA knobs just like all the old scopes had. I also should have gone with my gut and ordered more magnification. MY NF scopes are mil/mil, over 20x and illuminated. I'm quite happy.


ETA- yep either is a a win win.


I was told by USO when I called them about this exact issue. They told me that their scopes show true color and all other scopes have filters in the glass to make things stand out.
WayneG  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 12:24:54 PM
I've owned both and now I stick with USO. I've had excellent support from the company, from beginning a build through helping me solve some minor issues. I just don't know of any other company I can call with a problem and end up talking to the company president or the guy who actaully built my scope, both of whom are totally committed to helping me out. USO CS is truly outstanding.

On the scope itself, I just love the EREK. I've grown so accustomed to it I really can't make the shift back to other scopes, which is really unfortunate for my wallet.

As stated before, both NF or USO are top tier, so you'll be happy any way you go.
1HI4X  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 5:51:43 PM
You guys aren't making this any easier. I might have to pick one this time then the other one on my next rifle (300WM).
Rob01  [Moderator]
5/17/2012 6:21:58 PM
I would get the NF. Have owned multiples of both and the NF is a better scope. Get the MLR2 reticle. The NF comes with every option you need in a scope. Only down side is the illumination control but once set it's fine. Save the $1000 for ammo and get the NF.
1HI4X  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 9:38:36 PM
Originally Posted By Rob01:
...Save the $1000 for ammo and get the NF.


This was a BIG plus in my book. $1000 is worth a few rounds.

Thanks everyone for your input.
jmt1271  [Team Member]
5/17/2012 10:13:09 PM
If I were spending someone elses money, I'd say go with Schmidt.

I have owned a half dozen USO's and they are great scopes, but I think Schmidt is better in that price range. And Premier as well. But I no longer think I need to spend that much money to get more scope than I need.

I can get more scope than I need with Nightforce for sure, even though I dont love them. I use them.

Vortex is a great value. Of the two you offered, Nightforce.
RugRat  [Team Member]
5/18/2012 12:26:25 PM
For the record, I wouldn't pay the price of a Nightforce for a Ford or a Chevy.

But, I would pay it for a Nightforce and have several times.

Nightforce has always returned to me more than I paid for in confidence, service, and performance.

I never felt I got my money's worth with any Ford or Chevy I purchased.