Any experience with U.S. Optics FDN 25x?

[codyadams]

I'm wanting to purchase an american made scope (well, as american made as is possible) with a max magnification 18x +, so that essentially narrows it down to the Leupold scopes, specifically the MK5HD 5-25, then the Nightforce ATACR 5-25 (the BEAST is a little out of my budget), and U.S. Optics 5-25. I know about the NF and Leupy as there is oodles of information, but info is limited on this one.

Can anyone please enlighten me on this specific scope from U.S. Optics? Thanks in advance.

 

[Capt RB]

I have 3 but not a foundation series. The B25 I have has been great however I have not shot alot with it yet. It is now on my 300prc which I have not shot yet. I did shoot it on my creed and it was perfect on a tall target and box test to 15 mils elevation(about a mile with these 2 rifles). The reticle matched the turrets putting them touching or as close as I could shoot them that day also.

 

[Doozy]

I only have an earlier version of a US Optics scope (LR-17). They are very(!) good to military and their customer service is amazing. I can't speak for their newer scopes, especially since their factory's relocation, but they had top quality in tracking etc. I feel like their quality control is better than Nightforce... or at least used to be based on feedback I read.

Another scope you may want to take a look at is the Vortex Razor HD AMG ...this is VERY different from their Razor II scopes that are better known. The AMG scope is 100% made in America; they even ensured the springs and screws are sourced from American companies. The AMG is considered Vortex's flagship scope. FYI.

 

[Doozy]

By the way, I just finished the certification for US Optics on Expertvoice.com (a great website, BTW) and if you can get approved for that site, you can get a 35% discount on the FDN-25 ($2,241), FDN-18 ($1,884), etc.

US Optics has a lifetime warranty on all their products and, as you stated, is made in the US. Again their quality is top rate; They have videos of people throwing their scopes in the air as well, and I believe they are just as rugged as Nightforce. I think the only reason they aren't more popular is perhaps because they are priced a bit higher... and their 25x scope is very long. I'm not really sure, but they are great. ...I guess I'm a bit of a US Optics homer (like I said, they gave me an amazing military discount, as well as a free Cerekote coating I think because the scope was delayed a bit) but actually I only own one, so I don't have a lot of experience with their products.

Years later the illumination control on my scope stopped working and without needing to give them any proof or the old one, they sent me their latest illumination control ... notwithstanding the warranty on the electronics was technically expired. They didn't even bring that up; they just sent me the new part for free.

 

[BallisticsGuy]

F-series USO's are not made in the USA.

I have owned the B-series, TPAL series and still own the ERGO series of USO's. The SN3 ERGO's are basically bomb proof and if you could overlook the objective parallax they're probably one of the best scopes ever made. The SN3's were way ahead of their time at the time but rested on their laurels too long and didn't innovate. Then they came out with the TPAL's which was a nice upgrade to side parallax without any apparent change in how awesome they were but there a little drop in quality control consistency especially as the sale of the company to the current owners was being finalized. The B-series were fine as far as function but the new EREK knob and and turret lock ring SUCKED DONKEY BALLS. The latest F(oundation) series are no longer made in USA and I wouldn't trust them for a second because of that. The reason to offshore was margin, not quality.

 

[codyadams]

By the way, I just finished the certification for US Optics on Expertvoice.com (a great website, BTW) and if you can get approved for that site, you can get a 35% discount on the FDN-25 ($2,241), FDN-18 ($1,884), etc.

US Optics has a lifetime warranty on all their products and, as you stated, is made in the US. Again their quality is top rate; They have videos of people throwing their scopes in the air as well, and I believe they are just as rugged as Nightforce. I think the only reason they aren't more popular is perhaps because they are priced a bit higher... and their 25x scope is very long. I'm not really sure, but they are great. ...I guess I'm a bit of a US Optics homer (like I said, they gave me an amazing military discount, as well as a free Cerekote coating I think because the scope was delayed a bit) but actually I only own one, so I don't have a lot of experience with their products.

Years later the illumination control on my scope stopped working and without needing to give them any proof or the old one, they sent me their latest illumination control ... notwithstanding the warranty on the electronics was technically expired. They didn't even bring that up; they just sent me the new part for free.

I am in fact on expert voice. They sound good, I just haven't heard from anyone that has one of their scopes that has come out of their new factory, and from what I heard, somewhat new ownership as well. I hope they are as good as their previous optics!

 

[codyadams]

F-series USO's are not made in the USA.

I have owned the B-series, TPAL series and still own the ERGO series of USO's. The SN3 ERGO's are basically bomb proof and if you could overlook the objective parallax they're probably one of the best scopes ever made. The SN3's were way ahead of their time at the time but rested on their laurels too long and didn't innovate. Then they came out with the TPAL's which was a nice upgrade to side parallax without any apparent change in how awesome they were but there a little drop in quality control consistency especially as the sale of the company to the current owners was being finalized. The B-series were fine as far as function but the new EREK knob and and turret lock ring SUCKED DONKEY BALLS. The latest F(oundation) series are no longer made in USA and I wouldn't trust them for a second because of that. The reason to offshore was margin, not quality.

So do they not have any american made scopes now? The T series are not made in america either.

 

[SDPlinker]

Have the B-25 with H59 reticle, love the scope, great tracking, great glass, great light gathering. Was going to make my next purchase a Leupold MK5 but have decided on a Pulsar Therminion XP50 instead.

 

[Okanogan]

While not responding directly to the original question, the Vortex Razor HD AMG 6-24 is also an American made scope. I have two on different custom hunting rifles and have been very happy with them. Just noting another option should you choose to look at it.

 

[FEENIX]

So do they not have any american made scopes now? The T series are not made in america either.

I have an e-mail confirmation from USO that their TS scopes (I have the TS-12X and TS-20X, they are not bad but I did not pay full price for them) are made in China and sent to US for QA inspection but I am not sure about their Foundation Series scopes.

ADDED: 09/21/20

I sent a query directly to USO about this on 09/19/20 and will share their response.

 

[406precision]

I would second the AMG from vortex it is as American made as they get the reticle wire does come from Germany

 

[dfanonymous]

I third the AMG as most American AND Vortex gives out one of the best % off on ExpertVoice. They also have the Ebr7 b reticle. I wasn't aware the German 4 reticle was in the AMG but rather the new line of razor HD LHs.

 

[406precision]

The actual retilce wire is built in Germany is my understanding

 

[Capt RB]

The actual retilce wire is built in Germany is my understanding

They are etched not wire no?