Rifle Scopes Anything beat a SWFA 3-15 yet?

[Bender]

I bought a new rifle a month ago and I’m looking for a reliable cheap scope to put on it, any new scope going to beat the SWFA 3-15 for a scope under $1000? I was dragging my feet on purchasing to see what came out of the shot show. I hear tiny rumors that they might make improvements at SWFA? The Nikon ffp looks nice.... but I don’t know if it is built as robust..... I guess I’ll just watch the used scope room here...

 

[Boydo]

I haven't heard anything about improvements to that line of scopes. I love them, and have a couple 10x fixed and the 5-20 HD. They are all bombproof and a great value. Id be excited if they did some improvements to that line as I feel they are starting to get a little dated with the technology. Id love to see a zero stop feature.
But, to answer your question, I do not think anything on the market as of yet can beat the 3-15 in its price range. They all seem to track reliably and are rugged as hell.

 

[PBWalsh]

I agree, I kick my self for selling the two I had (10x classic, 3-9). I’d love to see them put a ZS on the 5-20 and 10 mil turrets of the 10x HD model.

You might, just might can get a PST G2 or a XTRII with more features, but I seriously doubt you’ll find a scope in that price range that is as durable or that had tracking so repeatable.

 

[Bender]

I have had two, and sold them both. I might as well make it three. Lol

 

[GoVandals]

Does anyone know if they discontinued the SFP mil quad? It's not on their site anymore, but the SFP MOA version keeps going on and off the site too so maybe they just don't list it if it isn't in stock.

 

[demolitionman]

The only thing swfa needs to update is their reticle, which isn't bad at all. I actually like their 5 mills per revolution and the washer zero stop is great in my opinion. A hashmark reticle rather than diamonds....we all could wish.

 

[koshkin]

I use their 3-9x42, 10x42HD and 5-20x50 quite a bit and I am very much used to the diamonds.

Then again, I switch between reticle so much that as long as it is in mrad, I do not have a very hard time adjusting.

ILya

 

[Nik H]

I use their 3-9x42, 10x42HD and 5-20x50 quite a bit and I am very much used to the diamonds.

Then again, I switch between reticle so much that as long as it is in mrad, I do not have a very hard time adjusting.

ILya

I use their 3-15 but have been thinking of replacing it with the 5-20 for my Annie trainer. Have you used the 3-15? Would be interested in any thoughts you have as far as comparing them go

 

[USPatriot556]

I've not seen much out there to compete with the SWFA line, almost universally. I have not had much to do with the variables, but I'd really like to try a 3-15 or 3-9 HD on a gas gun.

There are a lot of scopes in the price range, but nothing I'd be terribly interested in. If you don't care to dial the turrets and prefer holdover, the primary arms ACSS scopes might be worth looking at.

It seems like fixed power scopes are really being outsold by marginal quality variables. I really hope SWFA can keep them coming, tracking, and affordable.

 

[stello1001]

Weaver

 

[Bender]

Weaver

Yeah, that new 34mm Weaver looks nice. I’ll go look at one. I forgot what they cost. I just wish they had a better reticle.

 

[stello1001]

Yeah, that new 34mm Weaver looks nice. I’ll go look at one. I forgot what they cost. I just wish they had a better reticle.

I was talking in general about the 30 MM tube scopes like the 3-15 or the 4-20. Anyhow, that big 34mm tube scope is not bad at all.

 

[supercorndogs]

Athlon Ares. Most of the Burris XTRII scopes can be had under a grand. SWFA 5-20 comes up under a grand quiet a bit.

 

[Smooth_87]

I really like the 5-20 HD. It’s built tough.

Some points I’d like addressed.

Mag ring and parallax way too stiff, add a zero stop.

Apart from those small issues they are great! The reticle is good in my opinion.

 

[koshkin]

I use their 3-15 but have been thinking of replacing it with the 5-20 for my Annie trainer. Have you used the 3-15? Would be interested in any thoughts you have as far as comparing them go

I've used every single scope SWFA has ever made including every flavor of the 3-15x42. I really like the 3-15x42FFP and in its price range, it has very little competition if any, given its track record.

For a general purpose scope that can do everything in a pinch: precision, hunting, plinking, etc, I really like the 3-15x range and my recommendations for this configuration with FFP reticle basically scale up as follows:

SWFA SS 3-15x42FFP if you are on a budget
Vortex PST Gen 2 3-15x44 if you can spend a little more and want extra features (ZS and illumination)
Steiner T5Xi 3-15x50 if you want more performance, but want to stay under $2k (although as I test the Gen 2 PST 3-15x44 it is really growing on me and makes the Steiner a less obvious choice for the money)
Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15x50 if you want the best of the breed

ILya

 

[Nik H]

I've used every single scope SWFA has ever made including every flavor of the 3-15x42. I really like the 3-15x42FFP and in its price range, it has very little competition if any, given its track record.

For a general purpose scope that can do everything in a pinch: precision, hunting, plinking, etc, I really like the 3-15x range and my recommendations for this configuration with FFP reticle basically scale up as follows:

SWFA SS 3-15x42FFP if you are on a budget
Vortex PST Gen 2 3-15x44 if you can spend a little more and want extra features (ZS and illumination)
Steiner T5Xi 3-15x50 if you want more performance, but want to stay under $2k (although as I test the Gen 2 PST 3-15x44 it is really growing on me and makes the Steiner a less obvious choice for the money)
Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15x50 if you want the best of the breed

ILya

Thanks for the list. Where would you put the 5-20 in terms of the others that you mentioned? Being that this is a dedicated rimfire scope, I wanted a little more than the 15X. That is why I am looking at the SWFA 5-20. However it has no ZS which I view as a limitation.

 

[koshkin]

Thanks for the list. Where would you put the 5-20 in terms of the others that you mentioned? Being that this is a dedicated rimfire scope, I wanted a little more than the 15X. That is why I am looking at the SWFA 5-20. However it has no ZS which I view as a limitation.

5-20x50 in terms of overall quality competes with Steiner T5Xi.

ILya

 

[Primus]

Considering the T5x is a steaming pile of dung, that's not a fair comparison for the swfa.

 

[Nik H]

I heard the new ones are better than the initial runs...

I haven't seen one in the wild though

 

[koshkin]

Considering the T5x is a steaming pile of dung, that's not a fair comparison for the swfa.

T5Xi has an early turret issue that has been resolved. I have seen several of them since and they have been good.

ILya

 

[Primus]

So they fixed the canted reticles, lack of tracking, poor illumination, grey reticle and poor glass quality? They also went back in time and unforced people to post a bullshit positive review on their website before they would ship them the caps and accessories that people had already paid for?

They are a poorly made burris with the name stiener slapped on the side.

Interesting.

 

[abizdafuzz]

I enjoy both my 3-15 and 5-20 SWFAs, but they are built like tanks and a bit heavy for some uses. But, for the price I don't think you can beat them.

 

[Bender]

I just sent $$$ for a Weaver 6-30x56 for a song..... I hope it is as robust as SWFA.....lol

 

[supercorndogs]

I heard the new ones are better than the initial runs...

I haven't seen one in the wild though

Mine was right in there with the DMRII and Cronus. Glass is decent, my upgraded turrets tracked properly. The never lost turrets are cool. I am pretty happy with the 10 mil standard turrets with less moving parts. The Cronus is pretty impressive for the money. I don't miss my TX5i or DMRII anyway.

Burris's tactical scopes have gained a reputation for being rock solid.

 

[Nik H]

Mine was right in there with the DMRII and Cronus. Glass is decent, my upgraded turrets tracked properly. The never lost turrets are cool. I am pretty happy with the 10 mil standard turrets with less moving parts. The Cronus is pretty impressive for the money. I don't miss my TX5i or DMRII anyway.

Burris's tactical scopes have gained a reputation for being rock solid.

Which do you run now that you have used a Cronus?

 

[supercorndogs]

Cronus and a couple LRHS. With the new ED glass Bushnell is putting in everything they may have closed the gap glass wise. I haven't seen the new ones yet. My Cronus is clearer at 29 than my DMRII was at 21.

 

[jlficken]

I grabbed a 1st Gen Sig Tango6 3-18x for $735 a couple weeks ago and it is nice.

I am honestly contemplating selling my Gen II Razor for a 2nd Gen Tango6.

 

[Hoyt7mm]

I've got both the 5-20HD and 3-15 FFP Super Snipers. I love both. Glass on the 5-20 is obviously better. That said, I have more faith in the reliability of the 3-15 just based on my experiences.

Also tried an Athlon Talos BTR...wasn't impressed. Glass was nice for the price, but it completely failed to track. I would like to try the new Cronus BTR though!

 

[Bender]

I've got both the 5-20HD and 3-15 FFP Super Snipers. I love both. Glass on the 5-20 is obviously better. That said, I have more faith in the reliability of the 3-15 just based on my experiences.

Also tried an Athlon Talos BTR...wasn't impressed. Glass was nice for the price, but it completely failed to track. I would like to try the new Cronus BTR though!

My weaver made in Japan should be here tomorrow. Is built like a tank and has a zero stop it’s the only reason I chose it over SWFA 5–20.

 

[Velocity Chad]

My weaver made in Japan should be here tomorrow. Is built like a tank and has a zero stop it’s the only reason I chose it over SWFA 5–20.

I have 2 of the weaver tactical 3-15x50 scopes and a buddy has one. For the money they are pretty damn hard to beat. The glass is better than anything else in the price range I have looked through.

 

[Hoyt7mm]

I've heard good things about the Weavers, but haven't had the opportunity to play with one

 

[Bender]

I have the 6-30x56 34mm Weaver coming tomorrow. The reticle leaves a little bit to be desired but I don’t shoot competitions, I wish it was a Christmas tree but for the price I got at I’m not going to complain. I might watch for a used Primary Arms of the same construction.

 

[Hondo64d]

My weaver made in Japan should be here tomorrow. Is built like a tank and has a zero stop it’s the only reason I chose it over SWFA 5–20.

I didn’t know the Weaver Tacticals had zero stop. Which model?

John

 

[Bender]

I didn’t know the Weaver Tacticals had zero stop. Which model?

John

The 6-30x56.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...tactical_6_30x56_34mm.html/?c3ch=CSE&c3nid=98

 

[Hondo64d]

The 6-30x56.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...tactical_6_30x56_34mm.html/?c3ch=CSE&c3nid=98

Thanks. I wish they would put that feature on the 3-15 and 4-20.

John

 

[joshobean]

Old thread, but how do people feel about the 3-15 in 2020? I put a 3-18x56 Optika6 on a 308 gas gun and really like it, but its a heavy brute. I have a lightweight 6.5 CM and an Aero 6.5 Grendel I'm looking to find scopes for, purpose is some deer hunting and occasional under 600 yard shooting potentially. Would any current/previous owners still recommend the SWFA 3-15? I really wish they offered it with HD glass, and/or illumination. Reticle isn't my favorite but looks servicable.

 

[Bender]

It’s a good scope for the price. But it’s not overly light. It is very robust but you could pick up a nicer used scope for $700. Bushnell lrhst is a great scope. And I’m a SWFA whore.

 

[joshobean]

It’s a good scope for the price. But it’s not overly light. It is very robust but you could pick up a nicer used scope for $700. Bushnell lrhst is a great scope. And I’m a SWFA whore.

Thanks for the advice. I've been looking at the bushy's as well. Not many of those in my current budget. Sucks to be "the poors" sometimes!

 

[Bender]

It’s still a great option. I’m still not rich either. Lol. I still have a fixed 10x SWFA. Always will. if I wanted another $700ish scope, used bushy would be where I start.

 

[E. Bryant]

I have several of the SWFA 3-15x scopes on various rimfires, with the most recent purchase being Black Friday last year. Yeah, I still think they are a good value, and I probably have not bought my last one.

 

[joshobean]

Appreciate the replies guys, this is a great community.

 

[koshkin]

The big advantage SWFA has over a lot of other stuff is that they keep the same model running for quite a long time. That means there are a lot of them out there and that there is a clear record of quality and durability. That counts for a lot.

Like with anything, they have had a few that needed work and they took care of them, but I know their return/service percentages. They are astonishingly low.

ILya

 

[atomic41]

I'm a big SWFA fan and own several. I wish they would they would do some updates...it's time.

 

[Bender]

I'm a big SWFA fan and own several. I wish they would they would do some updates...it's time.

A fixed 12x with a modern tree reticle? YES PLEASE

 

[Basher]

A fixed 12x with a modern tree reticle? YES PLEASE

Or offer it in all their optics including fixed, variable, and the HD models. Heck, if they added a ZS and a modern reticle to the 5-20x, it would be a front runner again for best budget optic right up there with the Bushy LRTS models. As they stand, the SWFA optics are an amazing value used, but as more time goes by they become a harder sale when new as more options become available in the same price range. Great as they are, if I had $700 to burn I’d pick up a used 3-12x LRTS (or wait for a really good deal on a 4.5-18x) over a new SWFA 3-15x unless I just REEAALLLLY needed that 10y parallax and didn’t need illumination or a ZS. At $500 and under is where they shine, so I say lower their price point if they’re not going to update them, or apply some modern touches if they want to keep prices where they are. Then again, I don’t know their sales nimbers. Maybe they’re still good enough that SWFA doesn’t think updates are worth it, or maybe they’re already working on updates and they’ll be the biggest surprise when they drop, who knows.

 

[TriggerJerk!]

I have a 3-15x42 SWFA on a FN SPR. I took it along to give it some love this past weekend while gathering DOPE on an AIAT load. Three of the folks that showed up had never seen an FN SPR. All of them were impressed with the clarity and brightness of the SWFA scope. When I told them it was 600, they could not believe it. Still a great scope, and washers make a fine zero stop. So I’m with ILya, the SWFA line are great scopes for the price. And I say that as an owner of Nightforce scopes!!

PS. I actually like the SWFA diamond reticle. The HD 5-20x50 and 1-6x24 are really nice as well.

 

[koshkin]

I have a 3-15x42 SWFA on a FN SPR. I took it along to give it some love this past weekend while gathering DOPE on an AIAT load. Three of the folks that showed up had never seen an FN SPR. All of them were impressed with the clarity and brightness of the SWFA scope. When I told them it was 600, they could not believe it. Still a great scope, and washers make a fine zero stop. So I’m with ILya, the SWFA line are great scopes for the price. And I say that as an owner of Nightforce scopes!!

PS. I actually like the SWFA diamond reticle. The HD 5-20x50 and 1-6x24 are really nice as well.

Diamonds work just fine in the Mil-Quad.

One of the things that does not get mentioned is that SWFA scoeps are also quite light for what they are. One of the many reasons I have two 3-9x42 scopes is that are 19 ounces while being exceedingly robust. 3-15x42 is 14 ounces. Fixed power scopes are under 20.

The new Ultralight is a really decent scope that weighs under 10 ounces. I have one with the 5.56 BDC reticle and offset red dot on an AR and the whole sighting system with the scope, rings and red dot weighs less than a pound. It is a really nice general purpose setup.

With the 3-15x42, if I were them, I would add a tree reticle option, illuminated dot and zero stop. Windage turret can be covered to save some cost and make it more compact. They would probably made a killing with a Japanese scopes with those feature four $700-$800.

ILya

 

[308pirate]

I bought a new rifle a month ago and I’m looking for a reliable cheap scope to put on it, any new scope going to beat the SWFA 3-15 for a scope under $1000? I was dragging my feet on purchasing to see what came out of the shot show. I hear tiny rumors that they might make improvements at SWFA? The Nikon ffp looks nice.... but I don’t know if it is built as robust..... I guess I’ll just watch the used scope room here...

Yep, if you can find a Steiner P4Xi 4-16X56 it beats anything in the sub $1K bracket and leaves it crying.

I think @gr8fuldoug from Camerland might have some still. If not, I still see them in amazon.

 

[drewthebrave]

Old thread, but how do people feel about the 3-15 in 2020? I put a 3-18x56 Optika6 on a 308 gas gun and really like it, but its a heavy brute. I have a lightweight 6.5 CM and an Aero 6.5 Grendel I'm looking to find scopes for, purpose is some deer hunting and occasional under 600 yard shooting potentially. Would any current/previous owners still recommend the SWFA 3-15? I really wish they offered it with HD glass, and/or illumination. Reticle isn't my favorite but looks servicable.

I have the SFP SWFA 3-15x on my 6.5 Grendel build, and it's excellent. While part of me wonders if the FFP version would be better, most of my long-range shooting is just at steel plates, so the Mil-Quad Diamond reticle is incredibly quick & useful for my primary use (target shooting). I have it zeroed at 40/200y, which has the top of diamond as the POI at 100 yards. When I eventually take it hunting, I feel confident in taking a quick shot out to 300 yards with this reticle. Within 300 yards, I can line up the diamond accordingly & take the shot -- assuming I have time to settle in at 15x magnification.

This is from Strelok with my 6.5G launching 123gr SSTs around 2450 FPS.

I'm also building a 6.5 Creedmoor on an Aero M5, and I'm not sure if I want to keep the 3-15x SWFA on my Grendel or put it on the Creedmoor. I bought an Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x for 50% off last year, so I'll have to see how I like the BTR's FFP vs the SWFA's SFP in practice before I decide. Honestly though, I wouldn't feel "under glassed" with the SWFA on the Creedmoor (within my budget & ability at least - others may disagree).

 

[joshobean]

Too bad they are OOS on the BDC reticles right now. I have 2 Grendels and 1 6.5 I'm looking to put glass on. Good info!