The new U.S. Optics B-Series scopes will have a Horus reticle option.
U.S. Optics was ready at SHOT Show this year with (3) new rifle scopes. Their new B-Series rifle scopes are packed with outstanding features that truly separate high-end glass from ordinary rifle scopes. I was able to talk with U.S. Optics marketing representative Maggie, and she described the technological advancements of the U.S Optics B-Series scopes.
The new U.S. Optics scopes are the B-10, B-17, and B-25 rifle scopes. Each scope derives its name from the highest magnification offered. This makes it easy to reference the slight differences between them. Each scope comes with common features like wider but shorter turrets, zero stop technology, and illuminated reticles, but each scope also has its individual characteristics as well.
The B-Series rifle scopes have outstanding professional features.
U.S. Optics B-Series Rifle Scopes
The B-Series scopes have been specifically designed by U.S. Optics engineers to have shorter and lighter tubes to reduce profile and bulk on the shooter’s rifle. The new B-Series scopes have the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M0V75VY” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]illuminated reticle[/easyazon_link] controls to the outside of the Parallax adjustment knob instead of an entirely separate knob. Reticle illumination is as simple as push-button control, while holding the button constantly in will turn the illumination off regardless of power level. This move eliminates an unnecessary separate control knob, making the illumination controls easier to access while reducing the overall size and profile of the scopes.
Push-button illumination controls have been moved to the Parallax turret.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00I11YVGO” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]U.S. Optics B-Series scopes[/easyazon_link] also come with zero stop technology. A zero stop allows the shooter to confidently return their turret to zero by simply dialing down until the turret locks. Once the zero has been determined, the B-Series scopes are easily locked into zero. The elevation turret has a locking ring designed to push down over the threads to lock the position in place while allowing the shooter to move the turret to true zero. Once zero is lined up, the locking ring is pulled outward to lock in the position and return elevation adjustments.
Windage zero requires pressing the turret inward to release the control gears, and then pulling the turret out to lock in settings.
The windage turret also has zero stop technology. When the windage zero is obtained, the shooter simply pushes the turret inward to lock the turret adjustment gears for adjustment. Once the turret is moved to actual zero, the shooter can pull the turret outward and to lock in the zero and re-engage the adjustment gears. The windage turret will then make fine adjustments to windage from the zero point. In addition, when dialing down from windage adjustments the turret stops hard at actual zero.
An added feature of the elevation turret is a tactile revolution indicator. The elevation turret has a silver-colored standard screw in the middle of the turret. When zero is obtained, the shooter can tighten this screw until snug against the turret. Then, as the shooter makes elevations adjustments, the screw will elevate outside of the turret frame to provide the shooter a tactile acknowledgement of when they have completed full 360-degree revolutions. This is accomplished without interfering with the elevation fine adjustment controls. If the screw is flush with the turret the shooter knows they are on the first (or zero) revolution.
A flush screw means the shooter is on the zero level adjustments.
A raised screw indicates the turret is on or above one or more revolutions.
The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M1WY0OW” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]B-Series turrets[/easyazon_link] are designed to be shorter than normal turrets, but a little wider as well. This reduces the turret profile without sacrificing manipulation control. Each turret has six (6) control contact points around the turret, with machined depressions in between. This gives the shooter positive turret control whether gloved or bare handed.
Lowered turret height reduces snagging potential, while larger width provides excellent tactile control.
All of the new U.S. Optics B-Series scopes will have first focal plane (FFP) reticles. The first focal plane reticle is ideal for long distances shooting, as it maintains the hash mark striation or mil-dot values of the reticle regardless of magnification level. Though the reticle becomes larger with higher magnification (somewhat reduces the visual picture in the glass), the shooter can still confidently use hold-overs. Second focal plane reticles magnify without adjusting the reticle, and therefore lose hold-over values.
The B-Series scopes will come with multiple reticle choices. The B-10 has three options, including: the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00I11YT8E” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]GAP Mil[/easyazon_link]; the MOA Scale Type I, or the Horris Vision H425. The B-17 will provide the GAP Mil; Gen II XR; MGR; IGR; or the Horus Vision H102 reticles. U.S. Optics suggests the B-17 for shots out to 1700+ yards. Finally, the B-25 will allow shooters to choose from the GAP Mil; Gen II XR; Mil Scale MPR; MGR; IGR; PR2; H37; H59; or H102 reticles. For extreme distance shots of 2500+ yards, U.S. Optics recommends the B-25.
Considering the B-Series are set up for Mil-dot adjustments it would be unwise to use the MOA reticle in my opinion. It is much easier to maintain the same adjustment values to reticle values in my opinion, but U.S. Optics give the shooter the option. The Horris Vision reticles will cost the buyer an additional $300.00 however.
The B-Series scopes have excellent features and great glass.
U.S. Optics B-10 Scope Specifications
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum, Type III hard anodized, matte black
- Magnification: 1.8 – 10x
- Reticle: GAP Mil; MOA Scale Type I, or Horris Vision H425
- Illuminated Reticle: Red
- Focal Plane: First
- Battery Style: [easyazon_link identifier=”B0002DSVS8″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]3v CR2032[/easyazon_link], up to 8000 hours run time
- Overall Length: 12.98 inches (329.6mm)
- Tube Diameter: 1.33 inches (34mm)
- Objective Lens Housing Diameter: 2.0 inches (50.8mm)
- Objective Lens Diameter: 1.65 inches (42.0mm)
- Ocular Lens Diameter: 1.4 inches (35.0mm)
- Weight: 29.3 ounces (822g)
- Total Elevation Travel: 48 mils (165 MOA)
- Total Windage Adjustment: 40 mils (134 MOA)
- Turret Adjustment Increments: 1/10 mil per click
- Parallax Adjustment: 30 yards to infinity
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches (88.9mm)
- Diopter: 2.5 to -3.5
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 2.0 mm
- Field of View (FOV): @1.8x = 36.0 feet @ 100 yards
- Field of View (FOV): @10x = 11.3 feet @ 100 yards
- MSRP: $1699.00 (Horris reticle is $1999.00)
U.S. Optics B-17 Scope Specifications
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum, Type III hard anodized, matte black
- Magnification: 3.2 – 17x
- Illuminated Reticle: Red
- Focal Plane: First
- Battery Style: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00D8P5T0U” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]3v CR2032[/easyazon_link], up to 8000 hours run time
- Overall Length: 15.02 inches (381.5mm)
- Tube Diameter: 1.33 inches (34mm)
- Objective Lens Housing Diameter: 2.3 inches (58.63mm)
- Objective Lens Diameter: 1.96 inches (50.0mm)
- Ocular Lens Diameter: 1.4 inches (35.0mm)
- Weight: 31.3 ounces (887g)
- Total Elevation Travel: 35 mils (120 MOA)
- Total Windage Adjustment: 28 mils (96 MOA)
- Turret Adjustment Increments: 1/10 mil per click
- Parallax Adjustment: 50 yards to infinity
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches (88.9mm)
- Diopter: 2.5 to -3.5
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 3.0 mm
- Field of View (FOV): @3.2x = 25.5 feet @ 100 yards
- Field of View (FOV): @17x = 8.03 feet @ 100 yards
- MSRP: $2699.00 (Horris reticle is $2999.00).
U.S. Optics B-25 Scope Specifications
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum, Type III hard anodized, matte black
- Magnification: 5x – 25x
- Illuminated Reticle: Red
- Focal Plane: First
- Battery Style: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00K63J6R4″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]3v CR2032[/easyazon_link], up to 8000 hours run time
- Overall Length: 17.93 inches (455.42mm)
- Tube Diameter: 1.33 inches (34mm)
- Objective Lens Housing Diameter: 2.39 inches (60.63mm)
- Objective Lens Diameter: 2.04 inches (52.0mm)
- Ocular Lens Diameter: 1.4 inches (35.0mm)
- Weight: 35.9 ounces (1.01kg)
- Total Elevation Travel: 30 mils (105 MOA)
- Total Windage Adjustment: 28 mils (96 MOA)
- Turret Adjustment Increments: 1/10 mil per click
- Parallax Adjustment: 75 yards to infinity
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches (88.9mm)
- Diopter: 2.5 to -3.5
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 2.0 mm
- Field of View (FOV): @5x = 16.08 feet @ 100 yards
- Field of View (FOV): @25x = 5.25 feet @ 100 yards
- MSRP: $3249.00 (Horris reticle is $3549.00).
The B-Series U.S. Optics scopes open a wide range of possibilities.
Final Thoughts
U.S. Optics is one of the premier scope manufacturers in America. Their scopes are commonly discussed in conversations including other outstanding scope makers like Nighthawk, [easyazon_link identifier=”B018YKOX0A” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Leupold[/easyazon_link], and [easyazon_link identifier=”B001EC7KMY” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Vortex[/easyazon_link]. The new B-Series scopes have design features especially important to the professional shooter. A lowered profile, zero stop technology, illuminated reticle, and push/pull zero adjustments are all features very important to shooters who must have absolute confidence in their optics.
By shortening the length of the B-series scopes, U.S. Optics has reduced the overall weight. This may not seem too important, but to shooters who must heft 10-15 pound rifles, and another 10-15 pounds in ammunition, any weight reduction is incredibly important. Though these scopes are not bargain priced, their features are not bargain level either. For a professional shooter, the U.S. Optics B-Series scopes should be a serious consideration.
Glass clarity and reticle options are real highlights of the B-series scopes.