Rifle Scopes How much difference between the SWFA 10x and 10xHD?

[SquarePizza]

Like the title says, I am wondering what the real differences are between the SWFA 10x and the 10x HD model. I see that the turrets are different, but what makes the HD model 'better' to bring the higher price?

I am asking because I have the normal 10x model and I have been quite happy with it, but I have been seeing a few HD model pop up in the classifieds and my wheels have been turning.

 

[BALLISTIC]

Quality. I owned one of the original SWFA SS 10x, and got good use out of it. When the HD models came out I purchased one to replace my non-HD version for the sole reason of matching Mil turrets. Overall I'd say that HD version was worth the price over the non-HD. The glass is better, the turrets actuation is crisper, and even the finish seems to be better.

Now, there are more options for <$1K scopes. I would look at the Vortex Viper PST line, and the SWFA SS variables, as they seem to be getting good reviews and, for the most part, a variable is usually more beneficial. I am not trying to steer you away from the SS 10x HD, but I wouldn't pay $800 for a new one, there are better options for similar cost. A used one could be a good deal though, and I hate the Mil-Quad reticle, I prefer standard hashes or dots.

 

[SquarePizza]

Definitely would not spring for a new one, but like I say, I have seen some real nice deals on used ones.

 

[JoeGrine]

The glass is night and day. HD supplies a sharper image and peripheral field of view. Every aspect of the HD is different, no component is similar.

Overall appearance is going to be different. The HD has a Satin Matte Finish, the Non HD has a flat Matte Finish.
See attachment

The HD has a wider Diopter so you can fine tune it to your eye more specifically.
See the attachment.
There is also a locking ring. This is great because once you have located the perfect position, you can lock it down and it will never move.

The parallax adjustments are located in the same position, however there are differences in the etching.

In relationship to the turrets. All the HD models are Mil/Mil only. The non-HD is available in MOA adjustments with a mil dot reticle or Mil/Mil with a mil reticle.

 

[kmose73]

I've got a 10x hd for sale

 

[Integr8d]

High Density... Binocular Glossary

Manufacturers have hopped onto the 'HD' marketing wagon, knowing full-well that people will misinterpret the acronym. In this case, I don't think it matters much though. HD, in terms of optics, might as well mean 'high definition' (a term which is already pretty f'in arbitrary). In both cases, it means 'better'.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

As others have said, quality. I think $799 is too much for the HD model, but closer to $600 it's a really nice scope for the money. I own the 10x HD (as well as almost their entire lineup now... 5-20x, 3-9x, 1-6x, 1-4x, fixed 6x non-HD) and it is a basic scope with very good glass, nice turrets, and a HUGE adjustment range for a 30mm tube (I believe it's somewhere around 36 mils or close to 130 MOA of elevation, if I remember correctly). It has typical made in Japan quality and should be rugged. Nothing fancy. I personally like the mil-quad reticle a lot, but some of that's just a personal preference and if you don't, obviously it's not the scope for you.

I've owned several Vortex Viper PST models and I would not put them in the same class as the HD model SS's - the 4-16x50 and 2.5-10x44 models are FAR behind the HD SS's in optical clarity (however, the 2.5-10x32 FFP model is not far behind the 10x HD), and all of them simply do not feel like they have the same construction quality or ruggedness. Of course they do offer a lot of features for the price, including illumination, if you need it and are willing to sacrifice other aspects for it. A much better comparison IMHO is the Bushnell Elite Tactical line, which in the $700-900 range gives you very good glass and construction quality.

The $299 SS scopes are a very good value. The $799 list 10x HD is a nicer scope. Not necessarily 267% nicer, but nicer.

 

[SquarePizza]

Wow, thank you for the response SomeOtherGuy. =)

I have an unhealthy love for a fixed 10x, and I have been loving my SS 10x, but every time a 10x HD pops up used I think about it a little more.

I am also glad that you brought up the 2.5-10x32 PST because that is the other scope on my want list, which I am also waiting for the first wave of them to hit the used market.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

I am also glad that you brought up the 2.5-10x32 PST because that is the other scope on my want list, which I am also waiting for the first wave of them to hit the used market.

You mean second wave? I already sold mine, and I think a few others did as well. It was definitely the best glass of any PST I've played with, but the small exit pupil at 10x, the not quite ideal reticle design (it's great 10x but too thin at 2.5x) and typical PST feel all moved it into my for-sale pile. I've gone around with PSTs enough, I view them as $500 scopes with the illumination of a $1500 scope. IMHO, and this is just an opinion, the best sub-$1k scope lines on the market are SWFA SS and Bushnell Elite Tactical (with an honorable mention for the old XTRs and the Leupold VX-R and VX-6 series).

 

[Urquell23]

I am thinking about selling my HD. It is the older one with the Mil Dot Reticle.
If I decide to sell it, I would take $500 for it. great condition. -Joe