The TS-6X is part of the ‘Tactical Sporting’ series on USO’s offering sheet. The TS line from U.S. Optics was, is, and will continue to be the company’s venture into the middle cost market of the optics world. Features end users want, but without a price tag twice that of the rifle its on.
Four models, two LPVO’s, a mid range twelve power, and a long range twenty power, fill out the series at present. While their flagship line of ‘Premier’ optics (B-Series and SVS) populate their premium space, USO wants to reach discerning buyers in lower price points too.
The TS-6X, and it’s more powerful sibling the TS-8X, are offered in both first and second focal plane. Depending upon your particular needs, the models are there to provide. Several reticle options too.
Now the model we’re talking about here is the 6X, front focal plane. However, everything I’ve found on the 6 applies to the 8. The TS-8X has a couple minor dimensional differences, it’s actually shorter than the 6X by approximately 1/4 inch, however from an overall footprint and support standpoint the only real difference is the maximum magnification. The 8 is currently inhabiting my M16A5 ‘Concept’ rifle and rounding it’s capability out nicely.
TS-6X Specs
Everyone loves specs so here’s the TS-6X
Magnification: 1x-6x
Exit Pupil Diameter: 4mm
Diopter: +3, -2.5
Parallax Adjustment: fixed 100 yards
Field of View @ 1x: 118’ @ 100 yards
Field of View @ 8x: 15’ @ 100 yards
Eye Relief: 4 Inches
Objective Lens Housing Diameter: 24mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Overall Length: 10.75
Ocular Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Weight: 17.9 oz
Reticle Illumination: Red
Battery: 2032
Finish Color: Matte Black
Elevation Knob: ¼ MOA
Elevation Travel: 100+ MOA
Windage Knob: ¼ MOA
Windage Adjustment Range: 100+ MOA
Reticle: First Focal Plane Mil Scale
What does this mean?
In short, a 1-6x LPVO with an LED illuminated reticle that uses a 30mm mount. You’ll mount the TS-6X with the ocular lens above where the rear sight would be, or is if you have a folder, and adjust based on your comfort. 30mm mounts are plentiful, the ZRO Delta’s are particularly handy for setting eye relief with their spring loaded rail clamp design. On AR’s I tend to just push the optic as far forward as I can get it on the receiver.
Glass
The glass quality USO chose for the TS is what makes them stand apart from their field. If you look at the optic body, it resembles other series of imported optics, but that similarity ends at the lenses. The clarity is exceptional and the LED illumination is usably bright under the majority of conditions. USO’s reticle design took into account that particular difficulty and their engineers selected a suitable LED and Mil reticles to perform.
Illumination and glass quality are a challenge still being tackled by optic companies, especially when it comes to front focal plane offerings. The TS-6X and TS-8X designs offer an excellent balance in all aspects for the price range. Multiple reticles are available, end user preference. The MS2 reticle works out to a 40MOA ring, if you’d like to compare the reticle scale to a reflex style sight.
Turrets and Adjustments
1/4 MOA turrets with MIL reticles… yes they did that.
Is it a minor gripe of mine? Yes.
Is it the end of the world, especially on an LPVO, no.
16 clicks on a 1/4 MOA turret equal a MIL. Using that conversion the TS-6X is easily zeroed, regardless of distance. Instead of “Well four clicks is an inch.. but only at 100 yards so at 50 yards that’s 8 clicks and I’m not sure if that’s a little more than an inch or less than…” you have the crosshair being 16 clicks end to end, 16 clicks from the center to any of the long Mil lines that make up that inner box, and 16 clicks for each long line after that. You can adjust off the reticle quickly and accurately.
The turret adjustments themselves are crisp, clean, and properly scaled. The turrets are capped so they will not turn inadvertently while afield. Simple. Easy.
Brightness adjustment is 11 settings on a radial dial. Power is provided by your average everyday 2032 lithium coin style battery, another logistically easy maintenance point.
Running on the guns
The TS-6X and TS-8X have been on three rifles each, .308 caliber being the heaviest recoil wise. Regardless of platform, the scopes tracked to zero quickly and maintained it. The rifles have been dropped and tipped over (sometimes even on purpose) onto the top and sides of the scopes and zero didn’t shift. Turret caps are doing their jobs, mounts are doing their jobs, and the scopes keep doing their jobs.
I don’t think I could ask for more.
