One of the newest additions to the U.S. Optics lineup is the TS-20X.  Built for both long-range hunters and precision shooters alike, the TS-20X features a broad magnification range.  The 2.5-20 power scope aims to be just a cut above your average Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO).

This higher magnification range is paired with an intuitive first focal plane (FFP) reticle.  This combo should allow the shooter to engage targets at both close and extended ranges. U.S. Optics was kind enough to promptly send over the optic and a 34mm mount so I could try this out for myself.  

The Mount

From U.S. Optics you have the option to purchase the TX-20x with a single piece scope mount.  This makes scope buying a convenient one-stop-shop if you purchase from their website.  

Made out of 6061-T6 aluminum, the 34mm single-piece mount is equal parts light and tough.  Using a mounting system called “DLOC”, U.S. Optics boasts the following specs on their website.  

• Cantilever body and ring allows scope to be mounted in either direction providing additional eye relief
• Scope will retain zero if taken off for storage or other purposes, providing true “Return to Zero” accuracy when re-attached
• DLOC system utilizes sixteen (16) engagement points with six (6) recoil lugs allowing the mount to grab more rail than any other mount on the market
• Heavy duty springs allow for solid retention as well as one handed manipulation
• The extreme grip by the DLOC mount allows the user the ability to only hand tighten retention knobs or torque to spec
• Designed to allow for quick detachment / attachment
• Tightening knobs allow for h and tightening to rail without worry of mount integrity
• If scope needs to be removed, hand tightening knobs allows for quick detachment to access backup sighting system or secondary optic

Using the spring-loaded system is easy and intuitive.  With the spring-loaded screws backed out, push them in to release the lugs, and then add or remove the base to your rifle.  You can hand tighten the knobs, but I recommend using an appropriately sized torque wrench to attach the base using the torque values provided.  

 

The Optic

There are two different versions of the TS-20x.  The GENIIXR (using MILs) and the MDMOA (using MOA).  The two optics have similar, but different, reticles that reflect the differences in these two values.  

As the majority of my ballistics tables are built on MOA I asked for this variant for this review.  Both MIL and MOA are great choices. I decided to keep things simple and use the data I had on hand.  This way I could focus more on the optic.  

Located on the scope’s left-hand turret are parallax adjustments starting as low as 10 yards.  On the outside of the turret is the battery housing for the illuminated reticle. The TS-20x came with a battery pre-installed. It utilizes 11 different adjustable brightness settings.  

 

At The Range

With the scope zeroed at a local range, I took the TS-20x out to a local spot with steel at various distances.  This would be the true test of how quickly I could find and engage various targets.

Sending the first cold bore shots downrange, I quickly found the elevation and windage adjustments were my favorite part of the TS-20x.  Every ¼ MOA adjustment had a very crisp feel and audible click. These make it easy to make confident adjustments, without feeling the need to double check them.  

Like most First Focal Plane optics, I quickly settled into a magnification that I felt best suited the reticle.    At lower magnification, the reticle is still crisp, but smaller hash marks are hard to make out in the noise of surrounding objects.  I found myself using the full range of zoom throughout the day.  Most of the time zooming out to 10x to get the right blend of reticle size and overall magnification.

Features like the illuminated reticle proved to be more useful than I thought.  Even in broad daylight.  The full duplex (rather than dot) illumination provides a nice contrast against darker targets.

 

Tracking & Subtensions

The final step would be testing the reticle subtensions and verifying the optic tracks correctly.  The TS-20x features hash marks that each indicate 1 MOA.

Editorial Note: U.S. Optics has indicated reticle is in MOA and NOT IPHY (as the article originally stated).

Using these Champion Redfield Style Sight-In targets I was able to quickly verify the reticle’s subtensions against the grid style target.

With the gun locked into the tripod, I proceeded to fire a three round group to establish a baseline.  Since the initial review, the .300PRC RPR Magnum has held just under .6 MOA.  The three ground group quickly verified that result.

Group in place it was time to see how the scope tracked.  I adjusted the scope 4 MOA down, and 4 MOA to the right.

The shot landed exactly where it should have, and well within the rifle’s margin of error.

Up next would be correcting the traverse adjustment on the scope.  Based on the initial grouping I decided to add a safe 1/2 MOA of adjustment into the optic and fired the fifth round.  Perfect, and right above center.

Now it was time to return the scope to zero, readjust, and go for the center bullseye.  With the scope adjusted 1/2MOA to the right, I adjusted the elevation 3/4MOA down and fired.  Just right of center and well within the margin of error. I couldn’t have asked for a better result.

Note:  Testing done indoor at TNT Guns and Range to eliminate environmental factors.

Pro’s & Con’s

Out of the box, the TS-20x is an all-around intuitive optic.  It is a nice blend of form and function, while not being overly complicated.  I thoroughly appreciate the two separate reticles created for the different TS-20x models.  The MOA reticle paired itself perfectly with the MOA adjustments on the scope.  Additionally, the glass has an excellent light transmission that makes the reticle bright and easy to find.

As functional as I found the TS-20x to be, there were some features I couldn’t seem to look past.  The included scope caps were simply too large and often slid off.  I understand these aren’t part of the scope, but they don’t provide a great out-of-the-box first impression.  Additionally, I found a constant edge distortion to be present in the scope’s field of view.  It’s harder to notice at lower magnifications but becomes more obvious at higher zoom.

The Verdict 

The TS-20x is a great all-in-one option.  This wide range of magnification appeals to a wider variety of shooters.  U.S. Optics looks keen on using a magnification range that will be popular among both precision rifle shooters and hunters.  For both of these choices, I think it’s a great fit.  So if you’re in one of these two markets, I think the TS-20x is worth considering. 

The MSRP for the U.S. Optics TS-20x is $1,495.00 and it is now shipping.  

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