Just ordered one of these, it’s the illuminated FFP with the MP-8 reticle. I’ve been researching IOR for a while and what I’ve learned from the shooting community has been pretty impressive across most of IOR’s available models. I hear a lot of folks saying the glass and scope quality on many models is very close to if not better than the similar Leupy and NF offerings, and perhaps just a notch below the top-shelf German glass. I had been looking around for some time to find an all-purpose 2.5-10x type of scope that would be versatile enough for use on my longer-barreled AR’s, as well as my various bolt action rifles, and finally found a nice deal on one at Liberty Optics.
For the mount, I got an ADM one-piece. It was hard deciding between this and the LT option, but anyway, the ADM looks pretty good. I wanted something that would make it easy to transition the scope among different flat-tops:
Just curious if anyone else has tried this particular IOR or a similar model, and how it has worked out after using it for a while, or if you have any tips for new users.
I’ve owned 2 of them and loved the glass & MP-8 reticle (much better than mildots!). Not much to add except they were rugged, accurate & worth every penny IMHO.
Tomac
Did you find that the illumination module lasts a long time? I’ve noticed that a lot of companies, like Leupold for instance, will guarantee the scope for life, but will only guarantee the illumination module for a couple years. I’m wondering if these things are sort of destined to burn out after a few years.
Sorry, didn’t get the chance to use the illumination long enough to determine longevity. However, I don’t recall any special mention of the illumination or any related problems.
Tomac
I love mine. Mounted on a 18" SPR-ish using a LaRue LT-104. My only complaint is that the min illumination is too bright, but that is merely a theoretical downside, since I shoot this gun solely at the range. Get yours from Liberty Optics, Scott stands behind what he sells.
I did! And yes, Scott is great. He gave me a good deal on TWO scopes that I bought, including the IOR, and also sold me the ADM 1-piece mount.
I was sort of ignorant about 1-piece mounts for use on flat-top rifles. I had been under the impression that Larue was pretty much the only game in town, for these types of mounts. Scott filled me in that ADM was a decent alternative, they seem pretty solid.
I`ve been using one of these since 02/03 on a canned Molot Vepr Super in .308 for the most part surplus ammo to NATO specs but with some Lapua 180 grainers thrown in for hunting, totalling about 10K rounds , and am very satisfied with the scopes performance. Mines so old that the illum reticle are green…
Holds a true zero and does a great 25X25 boxing test (25 clicks sideways to the left, 25 clicks upwards, 25 clicks sideways to the right and 25 clicks down) shooting a group at each stop and returning to the original group for a total of 25 shots.
Someone on The Hide was trying to explain to me that when you get below about 3or 4x on the scope, the field of view doesn’t increase or something. Never looked thru one, but he had a couple that he had used. He still liked them, that was the only issue IIRC that he had with them. Do they still have that quirk?
On my 6 fold scopes, the lowest power is kinda like looking through a tube. The field of view doesn’t really fill the scope tube. It doesn’t affect anything, other than it looks a little odd.
seven or eight years ago i put a FFP non-illum model on my PSS. it’s very clear and has been quite durable, especially after several years atop a 300WM
The best place is Scott at Liberty Optics. If there is a problem he will make it right. He frequently posts on snipershide.com. Bought my IOR 2.5-10x42 FFP from him, totally satisfied, and am buying a Premier 5-25x56 from him too.
I’ll sing Scott’s praises as well. I have bought two IOR’s from him and wanted to buy the 1/4 for my patrol rifle. Scott would not sell it to me as he didn’t feel it was fit for duty. I doubt too many guys would have passed up the sale considering he didn’t carry any of my secondary choices.
Wow…talked to Scott today and am I impressed with him and his company. Apparently they didn’t have the FFP model as it apparently is being discontinued in favor of a new (improved) model in 6-8 weeks. Accordingly he offered me a discount on a Premier scope (3-15x50) that I couldn’t pass up (even though its twice as much) and so I’ve decided to go that route. Buy once, cry once.
We chatted for about 10 minutes, and Scott is really an impressive source of knowledge about what you need.
My understanding is that the IOR 2.5-10x42 models are having two minor upgrades. They are changing something in the reticle, and I think doing away with the turret caps that cover the tactical knobs. Other than that, the 2.5-10x is one of the most long-running, reliable models that they make (that’s what Scott said), and if a person can still find one out there, and if you like the MP-8 illum. reticle and turret caps the way they are, they should be as reliable and as good a deal as the updated models will be. Maybe a better deal, if you can still find one. Scott doesn’t have any of the FFP left, although SWFA still has some for $1039. The 2010 models are probably going to cost another $100 higher.
On the Premier scopes, they are definitely impressive. Give us a report and pics once you get a chance to try yours. I am interested in them, esp. because along with US Optics, they are about the only company that fully makes their scope in the U.S. (even Nightforce scopes are made in Japan). But, the price at $2500–or even $2500 less a discount–is a little rich for my blood.
Darn, I wish I picked up another one when they were going for $900 a month or so ago. My 20" 6.8 upper needs a better scope.
On the Premier scopes, they are definitely impressive. Give us a report and pics once you get a chance to try yours. I am interested in them, esp. because along with US Optics, they are about the only company that fully makes their scope in the U.S. (even Nightforce scopes are made in Japan). But, the price at $2500–or even $2500 less a discount–is a little rich for my blood.
LOL. This ties my now six year old PowerMac G5 dual-2.0 as the most expensive consumer item I have ever bought, other than the usual expenses for shelter and transportation. I put it on layaway to lessen the pain, since I won’t take delivery from Scott until November anyways. At least I can take consolation that I’m not coughing up $3k+ for a S&B PMII, which I was going to do until I read about the Premiers.
My Jim Klein flintlock remains the most expensive firearms related purchase to date, though the premier scope was a “w/ow” . My only consolation is that for that setup I’ll never need to buy another scope…ever.
