US Optics ST-10 vs. Leupold Mk 4

L

LevelHead

New member
Anone have either one of these scopes?

I've read some amazing things about US Optics, but I'm sort of leary of buyning the bottom model from any manufacturor.

I'm mounting on a Sako 75 7mm Rem Mag. I'm looking for long range mil dot and I want quality. Price range is $1k

Opinions?

-LevelHead-
 
They are both great scopes and you wouldn't go wrong with either. I've talked to quite a few people with the ST 10 and they say the optics are just as good if not better than the Mark 4s. But the Mark 4s are tried and true and you can find them used at www.snipercountry.com on the emporium for around $750-850. Buying a used Leupold is no problem with their 100% lifetime warrenty. Bottom line, they are both quality but make sure to get the adjustable objecvtive option on the ST 10 especially if you are shooting long range.
 
Leupold is a good scope, but overpriced. If you actually have a choice between the two, go with the US Optics. You can, for a few dollars, have them customize the scope with the features YOU use, not extra junk you don't. That being said, I wouldn't compare US Optics with Leupold. The US Optics is a step above. I'd compare the US Optics more with other top-end scopes like Nightforce.

I don't really understand the big deal about Leupold. Had 'em, and they were OK, but nothing special. I would put it like this.....the Leupold is like a production Rem 700 rifle. Good quality, reliable, nothing special. Nightforce is like an Iron Brigade Armoury rifle....really high quality, reliable, and a step up. The US Optics is like a custom-built rifle from your favourite gifted 'smith....Really high quality, built to fit YOU, and as good as it gets.
 
Ah!!!!!..........The age old battle resumes

As Charmed, and Rob, have alluded to...................

Consider first, the recourse you have "IF", you have a problem.

How LONG, will it take you to get it back??......days, weeks, MONTHS?????

Consider Resale value, "IF", you want to sell them at a later date.

Leupold is great, NF is good, and USO.....is POOR at best...

Consider SIZE, especially of the NF scopes.....and weight, are/is that a factor?.( Humongus obj's).........

Consider TRACK records, of all three........

USO's, are much better than in the past........so, you make the choice, and take your chances.

You are the final arbiter in this purchase.............is the kind of shooting you do, going to REQUIRE, and scope that costs in excess of $1,200.00......................

Do you need a VARIABLE powered scope...........

Then, the NF, Swaroski's, are good choices.........very expensive, but good.

For the "Bang for the Buck", it's darn tuff to beat a MK4............
Just my .02's................;)
 
I agree with Tshoes 100%. Personally I'm a Leupold man. You can't go wrong with them. If they break, you get them fixed for nothing and fast. The ever wise Tshoes also brought up other good points to ponder but a more specific point about variable vs fixed. What do you want? That will definately help to know but I'm assuming you want fixed because both the ST-10 and Mark 4s are fixed 10x. If you want variable them it's going to cost you for a US Optics. NF is another very good scope I didn't hit on because you didn't mention them but they make a fine variable around the $1100-1300 area. Also there are the 3.5-10x M1 LR scope from Leupold or the 6.5-20x LRT. Both have side focus and 30mm tubes and run around $800. Like I said before they are all quality and you will have good optics from any of them but think about Tshoes other questions before deciding.

At least you know basicly what you want and are realistic about the price. Some posts I've seen on this board want everything and want to pay nothing and ask questions like "I want a illuminated reticle mil dot scope with 30mm tube and side focus that you can run over with a truck for under $100". What can you say to that? It's kind of frustrating when you try to answer them and bring them back to reality and everyone jumps on you for being an elitist or say their $69 Walmart scope is the best ever and better than any Leupold or like scopes. I guess I'm ranting now like Dennis Miller and not really helping answer your question so I will stop. ;)
 
Do a search on Gale McMillan and read what Gale says about scopes. Gale believed strongly in Leupold and states that the high prices supports the life time warranty each scope carries. He also stated that the quality of construction made Leupold apart from the rest. Make mine Leupold.
 
Tshoes asks some interesting questions, BUT......


1) Leupold service has NOT been as good as for Nightforce, in my experience. The SN9 has never gone back. True, the Nightforce only got the reticle changed, but it was about a week. Leupold needed a replacement knob (I'm kinda rough on my gear). Took about 3 weeks.

2) The Mk 4 and Nightforce are only a couple hundred dollars apart. Yes, the Nightforce scopes are larger and heavier, but you get a larger objective (50mm or 56mm), greater resolution, and a MUCH tougher tube. In fact, read the evaluations at Snipercountry.com. I would NEVER try driving a nail into a board with a scope, but the Nightforce did it, and retained zero. Adjustments remained accurate. The only damage was a scratched finish. I DEFINITELY wouldn't try this with my USO, but then again I have a LOT more money in that one (try almost $3K). The Leupold would NOT handle it (thinner tube).

3) Leupold was the best in the world for a LONG time, and it is still one of the best hunting scopes around. If you just want a $400 scope to slap on your deer gun, then the Leupold is a steal. If you want the best quality optics for a benchrest or tactical gun, you go with the Nightforce, or if you have the money, a USO.

I'm a little tired of so many people saying 'Leupold is the best', but not having any experience with other options. Just reading about something isn't enough. My Leupold is on my hunting rifle, my USO is on my OH WOW SUPER COOL NINJA rifle, and my Nightforce is on my duty rifle. Which one do I keep with me every day? guess.....
 
Blush......

Thanks for the unwarranted kudo's Rob.........
CL,
Let's not get off base here......
IF a variable scope is NOT needed, I'll take a MK4 (for the $$$$),, anyday........

The NF, is not really any better( they have NONE to compare),apples and apples.......Optics may be a bit better......but, as I said, not apples and apples.

Resale is problematic............I just sold a 5.5x22x56 Ill mil dot ret......ANIB, for less than $1100.00 shipped.........
And was lucky to get it......

If it was a Loopie MK4, it would have sold first or second day, not three weeks later........

USO's are (supposed to be great quality), you will get a lot of arguments here.........Resale will KILL you.........

And, as for service.......I have never had a MK4, or any Loopie take over 2 weeks turnaround for ANYTHING done to it.

They are not the best, they aren't the second best, or the third........but for what you get.......they are the best for the moolah.

I love to pick up an as new MK4, for around $800-850.00.........

After all, all the 50 cal guy's can't be wrong........and
I don't think 90% of all the LEO's with riffles out there are using them because they can't be trusted......... jus my .02's......
:)
 
I have done some long range work with both Leupold and Nightforce scopes.

The Nightforce I used was a 3.5-15X56 (I think). It was a big, heavy scope. VERY rugged. The optics are crystal clear and resolution was fantastic. One of the things that really impressed me about the Nightforce were the adjustment knobs. Each click of the knob was very solid feeling. When you make an adjustment there is no doubt about it and no need to look at the turret. It's like bank vault. In my book the Nightforce's etched reticle is a big plus also. The one thing I didn't care for with the Nightforce was the illumination adjustment. You must remove a cover on the side focus turret using a tiny screwdriver to adjust the intensity. Not a major concern since once you get the intensity set to where you want it (you don't need it to be very bright) there's not much need to fool with. It is as fine a scope as you can buy anywhere.

I have some trigger time behind several Leupolds also. I have used a Mk4 as well as some long range 3.5-10 tactical scopes. The picture is bright and the clarity and resolution are very good. I'd say that the Nightforce has a slight edge here but it is very minor. The Leupolds don't have that "forged from billet" feel that the Nightforce scopes have. If you drop your rifle you stand a good chance of damaging the scope if it contacts anything. Leupold's warrenty and service are second to none but that doesn't do you any good in the field. The clicks on the Leupold's turrets feel very weak and mushy compared to the Nightforce. The Leupold's reticle is wire, not etched glass and is more fragile. This does not affect the sight picture though

They are both fine scopes and will serve their owners well. I have seen and done some very fine long distance work with a Leupold. However, if I needed a scope that was going to live in the bush, and possibly be subject to harsh treatment I would go with the Nightforce. In my book, rugged reliability is worth more than a great warrentee.

All that being said, I am in the market for a new scope for my PSS. I'm not sure I can justify or afford the cost of the Nightforce so I am looking very hard at IOR Valdada. The price is right and they fall somewhere between the Nightforce and the Leupold.
 
ETCHED RETICLE & ILL RETICLE

MAY BE OK FOR REGULAR JOE'S..............
However, they are both subject to IR detection..........use em', outside of a LEO & target scenario, and you will get your six BUSTED...........
 
I understand the concern about the illuminated ret. and IR detection but how does an etched ret. compromise you with IR? I've not heard of that before.
 
The illuminated reticle can be turned on and off at will. Uh, Tshoes, You will show up better on thermal than your reticle would on IR. Of course, the ill ret can be quite a bonus in low light. Been there, used it, wouldn't trade it for the world. By the way, Tshoes......The first production NXS scopes went to the GOVERNMENT. Hmmmmm......

I don't have a problem with Leupolds, in fact, I like them. I do know that there are better out there.

Resale value? That can depend on a lot. Does the buyer know what he is looking at? Condition? Damage? It wasn't long ago that the IOR Valdada scopes were considered 'low-quality Russian imports' by an awful lot of people, even though they were VERY high quality. Name recognition means a lot, and for some people it means EVERYTHING......

Jaeger, you'll be happy with the IOR. I'm rather impressed with my 4x.

Tshoes, a side-focus objective like on the NXS is considered a BONUS by most people. Oh, and I was wrong,earlier. The Mk 4 M1 and the Nightforce are only about $100 apart. Nightforce optics have better scratch resistance, and are all but shock-PROOF, not just resistant. The lens coating is better than the Leupold, too.
 
Well, I've spoken with Mr. Huber at Nightforce about the 3.5-15X50 NSX. Their LEO factory direct sale is mighty tempting.

My choices are the NSX, the IOR 2.5-10X42 and a Leupold M3 Long Range tactical.

Having used the NSX I know how good it is. It's worth the price but it's a big price tag to swallow. I have not used the IOR and am basing that choice on reputation alone. A good friend will be taking delivery of an M3 any day now and I am anxious to see it. It looks like an excellant scope.

If only all my "problems" were this bad!
 
Jaeger, I have a M3 LR and it's a very nice scope. I think there was one on sale for only $600 at www.snipercountry.com at the Emporium. That's a real deal. I have one on my .308 and love it. It's probably not as tough as the Nightforce but it doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. Check out your friends and let us know what you think.
 
I agree. If I had $2500 for a scope I'd get the US Optics M40 but I have to get what I can afford.

Usually what you want, what you can afford, what you get, and what you need are 4 different things. Only on rare occasions are they the same.
 
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