Ric (Wyo)
I have to agree with you.
I guess I'm a little behind times since I won't spend that amount of money on a scope either unless it has a built in computer and will self click to all ranges I tell it to shoot my rifle. For that amount, it better load my rifle too and also find the game for me. I could afford one but for me, why?
I too own the Nightforce, the Leupold Mark 4, the Leupold Longrange (8 1/2 to 25X 30mm tube and 50mm objectives) but, for my real longrange guns I keep going back to the "old" Bausch and Lomb Balvar (6x to 24X), American made and with the etched on dot reticle. They look somewhat like the Unertl only bigger in diameter on the main tube. I have the Kuharsky rear bases on them and I can get 135 MOA (540 1/4 MIN clicks) elevation from that scope and the 2100 yard elk kill took 53 MOA from a 100 yard zero. I had 82 MOA (328 1/4 Min clicks) left of usable elevation.
That scope will give more clicks then I need for any caliber I intend to shoot and that includes the 338/416 Rigby imp, 408 or the 50 cal.
I personnally don't need a more expensive scope on any of my rifles and these are truly the best scopes (For me) I can think of to use for the longrange hunting scenerio. I have used them exclusivly on my ultra LR rifles once I found out how good they were. There will be one of them on my 408 when it's completed too.
I have always avocated to anyone getting into this game, to buy the best you can afford. Sometimes however, you don't have to pay 3x, 4x or 5x as much for an item and still get the same or nearly the same quality and service from something else.
Granted, I too have not tried the US optics scope "on" my rifle but, I'll bet it won't do anything more then my B&L will do for "me". I have looked through them though.
Lets see, the B&L (when you can find them in like new condition) sells for $450.00 to $550.00 and the Kuharsky rear base is another $200.00 when you can find them also.
I will just say good luck to anyone trying any new product and at any price. I just hope the price of the item gives you the quality, service and satisfaction you are looking for. If it works for you, that's all that counts.
I too have heard that the service is not up to par on the US Optics scope when a repair is needed. The turn around time is not too good for some reason?
Anyway, to each his own as to how one wants to spend his or her money and I wish you all the best. For me the B&L Balvar and Kuharsky rear base system, is the Longrange scope of choice and I have tried most all of them to date.
Dantec---Just read your post and agree with your thoughts on the 30/378 and the Scope of choice outlasting the rifle. I think for a $2000.00 to $3000.00 price tag on any scope, the manufacurers are grabbing the consumer by the short hair though. That kind of price tag is not in line with other scopes available at the same or near the same quality.
As far as the Japan thoughts, I also agree with that 100% and that's exactly why I will stick "primarily" with the Leupolds and older B&L Balvars I mentioned earlier.
I like to hear you are shooting to 1500 yards and further. Good luck to you.
Good, safe shooting always.
Darryl Cassel
[ 07-30-2002: Message edited by: Darryl Cassel ]