Rifle Scopes SWFA SS scopes

[L2bravo]

I am new to lr shooting, and am looking at a variety of scopes. I have seen the SS scopes mentioned several times. I looked at them online, and see that they have an NSN #. I would be left to think that would mean at least something good.

Can you guys with a lot more experience, please enlightn me on them? Are they pretty rugged? Where are they built? Warranty? Is the fixed power a hinderance at all?

Thanks guys for the help, this sight is great! Josh

 

[HD1911]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I only have experience with the fixed 10HD and the 3-9ffp...didn't like the 3-9 at all. I always found myself using between 6 - 9 power on the variable, as u really couldn't make out the Reticle as it was tiny below 6 power. And it also didn't have a Focus/Parallax adjustment. I may be a little biased, but I really like Fixed 10x scopes for some reason...maybe because that's what I started out on.

They seem pretty Rugged, yes. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they are Made in Japan. I think they have a lifetime warranty also.

Is the Fixed 10 a hindrance? I honestly had no problem whatsoever ringing steel with it from 100 Yards all the way out to 780 yards (max range I had available at the time). I will say that the Mildot reticle, I found to be a tad thick, but that's probably personal preference. But maybe the new Mil-Quad reticle is thinner? I don't know. I would prolly go that route because the reticle is broken down into finer increments i.e. - .5 Mil Hash marks inbetween each 1 Mil diamond.

Hope this helps you Josh

 

[Shooter45]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Depending on your needs and price range, the SWFA line is a lot of scope for the money. I run the 5-20 on an Fulton Armory M1a and on an FN 300WSM. They track accuractely, glass is good, and seem very dependable. SWFA has a lifetime warranty all their scopes as well and fairly strong customer service.
There has been a lot of research done on the scopes here so use this search engine and you can look up specific scopes. There was a recent one done on the 10x42 for fixed powers that you mentioned interest in:

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

 

[L2bravo]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Thank you for some of the help guys. Why is it that it seems like a lot of guys use the fixed power scopes in 10x? Not only these, but others as well.

On another note, I'm also wondering what the fixed 6x would be like on one of my AR's?

Thanks for all the help, Josh

 

[BCP]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I have the fixed 6x on top of an AR right now but only as a temporary thing I plan on replacing it with the 5-15 vortex from midway. It's fine for a 2MOA battle rifle or a 22 caliber trainer but for everything else you'll end up wanting more magnification.

 

[Twitch2120]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

im loving my 5-20. i feel it compares well to other high end japanese scopes. the new bushnell DMR mk2 with 10 mil turrets kinda rains on its parade but i am very happy with mine regardless.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

same here, very happy with my SS scopes, a couple 20X, a 10X and a 5-20 and several friends have them also including the 3-9 and a 10X HD and a couple more 5-20, all very satisfied with them but the 5-20 is the hands down favorite of all.

 

[FALex]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I own two 5-20's and I could not be happier with them. Both of them track absolutely true. During a recent competition, we had a stage where we built up dope for multiple different ranges. During one of the final stages, we had to engage the same targets from all of those different ranges. Since I am continuously evaluating my scope's tracking, I dialed for each shot and hits were dead on.

Not to mention, these things are beefy! Only reason I would upgrade is to get into something like a Razor, Kahles, S&B, etc...

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I've had the 3-9x42 FFP for maybe 6 months, and just got the fixed 6x model on their Black Friday sale.

The 3-9 really impresses me and seems like a great value. I haven't found anything I dislike, although it did take me several tries to get the reticle focused well for my eyes. Construction quality and ruggedness seems terrific. Glass quality is excellent, though not quite as sharp as a Leupold Mark4 or my Weaver Super Slam Euro.

The fixed 6x, I think it's a good value. I don't think it's quite as nice as the 3-9x, of course it costs half as much. The optical quality is great in bright daylight, but not so good in heavy overcast, dim conditions (normal Michigan winter), despite the 7mm exit pupil (these are conditions where blue light predominates, and Leupold's twilight coatings are really nice to have). The w/e turrets felt a bit erratic when brand new, but seem to be getting more consistent with use. It's also HUGE for what it is, probably because the same shell is used for the higher power fixed scopes. The fixed 6x is marked as made by Kenko Optics, which I believe is the less respected of Japan's two main optics factories (LOW being the other). By appearance I would think the fixed came from a different factory than the 3-9, but I don't know that.

Looking at the fixed 10x, remember that there are two different models, one from the same inexpensive series as my 6x, the other the HD model which has different glass and may have different mechanicals.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

My friend got the 10x mil/mil for his AR10. All I have to say is NIIICCE!! For what the cost was vs. what he got, I say its a win. We went to break in the rifle and do some load development and I have no complaints about it. Actually, one small comment, not even a complaint, more of a preference. I am not a huge fan of excessively large turrets. I like the lower profile ones like the Nightforce and USO EREKs, Leupold M3. The Bushnell I have falls under the same category as the SS, and a lot of others. I know they have their purpose, but like I said, its a preference.

 

[shooterman_zero17]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Using a 16x on my trainer. Had a 3-9x42 on my 308 up until I traded it and later sold the scope. The 16x rocks, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one, or eleven different SS's for that matter.

On my .22:

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I've owned two 5-20's and sold them very quickly being extremely disipointed in them. One 3-9 which I liked on a SPR until I went hunting in heavy timber so I sold that. Currently own a fixed 6x with the mil-quad reticle. I really like the fixed 6x, I would much prefer if it was in the 3-9 scope body, it's freakin huge.

6x

 

[Mactrev]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Have a SS 5-20X HD and don't think you can find a better scope for the price. Glass is fantastic and nice quality . Looking forward to getting the SS 1-6X HD - SWFA customer service has been top notch too !!

 

[02Silver]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I have owned the 10HD and have the 5-20 Illuminated. They are excellent in every way, a great buy.

I haven't had any of the original line which are the fixed powers minus the 10HD. The research I have done on them suggests they are very good in their price range as well as very stout.

I would say the robustness is their biggest negative if one is concerned about weight. SWFA stands behind these very well. Some of the best customer service anywhere.

 

[BravoSector1]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I've owned 4 of them, all fixed power line, and am very happy with them. I just had one fail, a 6x on a single shot .50BMG, and have sent it back to SWFA. I'm guessing they will make it right. Other than weight...no complaints at all.

 

[L2bravo]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Ok, so maybe I have two different thoughts going on all at once.

As far as the 6X goes, would it be okay on an AR? How does this scope compare to a Burris MTAC, Leupold VX2, or something in this league? What is the glass like? What is the quality like? When you guys say it's heavy, do you mean as in heavy as hell?

Sorry for more questions, just looking at this, and would rather not shit in my mess kit is possible. Thanks, Josh

 

[drakeky]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I have the 5-20 which I really love.. I am waiting of course on the 1-6 as well and will, I am sure, love that scope and probably use it the most out of any scope I have. I also have a fixed 20x SS that I have in a quick detach Larue that I use to shoot groups with on paper at 100 yds when I am working up new loads for my AR's. I love it for that and that is all I have used it for. I like the mil quad reticle and the nice target turrets they have. Clicks are really solid too on the adjustments. Very nice and clear scopes. Would like to have another 5-20 and probably will soon.

 

[Ranger413]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I have experience with both the standard models and the HD variety. My very first purchase was a fixed 20X. For $300 you can't go wrong. I used this scope for two different Fifty Caliber Shooters Association matches at 1000 yards. I then purchased a 10X (non-HD) that I put atop a M1A. Plenty of power for me to do work on the local range, out to about 500 yards. Both scopes, I felt, were an exceptional value. I don't think they're heavy as hell, but you know they're riding on the gun. With the 30mm tube and large target-style turrets, they're just tough looking.

I recently upgraded the fixed 20X to one of the 5-20X HD models to top my 50 BMG. I decided to go that route so that I could vary the power setting should mirage be just too much at 20X. That, and the reviews on that particular model were really good. I've not been disappointed. Now, if the standard line-up of SWFA SS scopes are Sherman tanks, the 5-20X is a German Tiger. Holy nuts! Huge objetive lense and turrets that are big and very crisp.

If you've got the jack and a little time to wait (5-20Xs will be slow coming due to the Facebook promo) then I'd go with the 5-20X for a precision rifle. If you're just starting out and/or don't want to spend a big chunk of cash, then any of the standard models will suit you fine. For 600 and in I would think anything in the 10 to 16 power range would suit you just fine.

 

[L2bravo]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Thanks guys for the insight. Any opinions on putting the 6X on an AR? I really am wondering about this now too. I think it may be decent(as in a good set up), but then again, haven't held one either. Thanks again, Josh

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: L2bravo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, so maybe I have two different thoughts going on all at once.

As far as the 6X goes, would it be okay on an AR? How does this scope compare to a Burris MTAC, Leupold VX2, or something in this league? What is the glass like? What is the quality like? When you guys say it's heavy, do you mean as in heavy as hell? </div></div>

I think the fixed 6x42 weighs around 21oz, which isn't awful. But it's also 14" long, very big for a 6x scope.

I also have the Burris MTAC 1.5-6x40 and 3.5-10x42 scopes. The SS 6x could be compared to the MTAC 3.5-10x42. IMHO that Burris is an outstanding value with a great reticle (not better than the mil-T on the SS, though) and glass quality that is exceptional for the price. In terms of ruggedness and adjustments I would have more confidence in the SS, but this is based only on feel. Also, typical prices on that MTAC are around $450, at which point you are getting close to the 3-9x42 SS with FFP reticle, which is in a step up from the MTAC.

As for using a fixed 6x on an AR, it all depends on your purpose. For paper or medium to large game hunting at moderate ranges, it should be good. For long distances or small varmints I would want more magnification (probably a lot more), and for any defensive use I would want something that went down to no more than 2x, tops.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

I would not run the 6x on a ar-15, it's just to large. I would run the 3-9 with a mil quad reticle without hesitation. Another great small packaged scope is the Pst 2.5-10 while it is SFP the reticle is by far the best for precision shooting do to the reticle size.

 

[Bob Roach]

Re: SWFA SS scopes

Between my brother and I we have probably owned atleast 10 Super Snipers over the years. My first was a Tasco 10X 42 Side Focus. The Original Navy Seal Contract version with the front lens all the way to the front of the bell. My understanding it was a requirement so the front lens could be wiped off when they came out of the water.
We have had numerout 10X, 16X, and 20X Super Snipers after the first one. No problems with any of them. Tracking has been great with every one.
The one negative was already mentioned. They are not super bright when the light starts to dim.
I also have 2 each MK IV M1 16X TMR scopes, a 30mm 6.5 - 20 Long Range Tactical M1 with Premier Gen II Reticle, as well as a 30mm 8.5-25 Long Range Tactical M1 again with a Premier Gen II Reticle.
The Fixed Power Super Snipers are not nearly as clear in dim light as the Leupolds. They do not cost $1500 either.

In my opinion they are as good as it gets for an entry level Tactical Scope. For $300 they cannot be beat for value.

Customer Service
The last scope we ordered was a 20X With M-Rad Reticle and Mil/Mil Adjustment. It came with a dent in the front bell from the factory. I E-Mailed SWFA. They called me back, and put a new scope in the mail with a Mailing Label to send the damaged one back that day. We had a replacement scope in 3 days. That is as good as Customer Service Gets! Being a repeat customer probably did not hurt either.

The new 20X M-Rad is headed to the range in the morning mounted on my brothers Custom Remington 700 HB 223 1/7 rifle. We have a box of 80 grain A-Max bullets loaded up Long to try out on this first range trip.
I am looking forward to seeing how it works out. The Glass looks to be a little more crisp than our older model Super Snipers. I think I like the Mil/Mil adjustment. We will probably need to have a Zero Stop fabricated for it once we get the 100 yard Zero worked out.

Just My 2 Cents

Bob