Rifle Scopes Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

[slowr1der]

So hunting season is coming up and I'm trying to decide what I want to do. I've currently got a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on my rifle as I enjoy target shooting quite a bit in the off season. However, I also want to use this rifle to hunt with. We do a lot of hunting with dogs where we are constantly walking with the rifles, and are always pretty rough on them. I previously had a Nikon Monarch on this rifle, and I'm tempted to put it back on for the hunting season, but I just can't decide. I feel the Monarch has better glass which is a plus, as on the occasions when I do hunt in a stand deer usually come out in the evenings when low light performance is important. The other thing I'm worried about with the SWFA is the turrets getting snagged on something when running through the woods, and when I need a quick shot, me not noticing they are off. I will also mention that the majority of my shots are 250 yards or under so I don't need to adjust the scope very much during the season once it's sighted in. However, on the other hand there are a couple of fields we hunt that are 500+ yards, and while we rarely see deer in them, it would be nice to dial out for it if we do see one.

So I just wondered if any of you all used this scope on a hunting rifle, and if you had any issues with the turrets getting caught on stuff, or anything else really? I'm just unsure if I'd be better off to use this during hunting season like I like to do the rest of the year, or if I should slap the Monarch onto hunt with for a couple of months since I won't be shooting any super long ranges for the most part.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

No reason it wouldn't be good hunting scope. I shot a 223 out to 750 with one on top and was suprised at how nice it was.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

I would be using it for hunting but it's just too damn heavy for the task. When it comes to trekking, I'm an ultralight kind of guy, and weight will supersede just about any other factor almost all of the time.

 

[Top Cat]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

Monarch has better glass...?

Even if that's true for your eyes, SS 3-9 glass is good, and plenty good enough to hunt with.

As to weight...it's a bit heavier than lighter duty scopes, but not much more than some. The SS is about 4oz heavier than the Monarch, and that weight goes into it's ruggedness.

The SS is a very usable and versatile hunting scope at the expense of a little weight.

As with any exposed turret design, tape the turrets down and shoot at longer ranges using the dots. That's why they're there...There's no need to dial at all until way past 500yds.

The SS 3-9 works well in a hunting role...it's a decent scope... but the bottom line is to choose whatever scope works best for your eyes and your style of hunting.

TC

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

I just got back from a deer hunting trip in N. Dakota using the SS 3x9 on my AR. It worked great.

 

[The Gump]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

I feel it would make a great scope for hunting. I've been contemplating buying a second one for my deer rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Top Cat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As with any exposed turret design, tape the turrets down and shoot at longer ranges using the dots. That's why they're there...There's no need to dial at all until way past 500yds.
TC </div></div>

1.Why would the turrets need to be taped when they can be zeroed and verified prior to the shot being taken?

2.I was under the impression the milling reticle was designed for range estimation, not as a bullet drop compensator, necessarily. Am I incorrect?

 

[Top Cat]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

If you have time to check and re-zero a scope before taking a shot, there is also time to remove the tape and dial it in.

If not, it's confidence inspiring to know that rough handling hasn't changed the zero, and won't change it, unless <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">you</span></span> change it.

A mil reticle has different spacing than a BDC, but the graduations on a mil reticle can be used as alternative aiming points as well as for ranging.

So you are not incorrect, but whether a scope is dialed up 2 mils, or held 2 mils high using the reticle, the bullet impact on the target will be the same.

If a scope has these features, they can be used, or not, as the user prefers.

TC

 

[Jon A]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

I've had a couple of these now and they work great for hunting. On mine the knobs have been stiff enough (they're also fairly smooth so they don't catch on things as much as some) that having them move accidentally was never a worry.

Of course if one is worried there's nothing wrong with taping them up and using the reticle, it's nice to have that option. I did that last year with a PST (one of the early ones with turrets that turned very easily). Just know your dope and you can do either.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

The SS 3-9 is well suited for the task and it's what you've been using for target work all summer. Stick with what you practice/train with.

 

[7mmRM]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

IMO, it would be a fantastic choice as a hunting scope.

 

[Heltsley]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?


I have a couple of the older design Mil dots and love it for hunding.

The newer ret. may be harder to see in low light but that is just a guess given that I do not have the new retical patern on my SS 3x9.

 

[Jon A]

Re: Anyone use a SWFA SS 3-9x42 on their hunting rig?

The new reticle is easier to see in low light. Works better than the old mildot, especially on 3X.