Rifle Scopes IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

[Macmathews]

I had my heart set on buying the fairly new IOR 3.5-18 and now seeing the group buy for the SS 5-20 I am really tossed up.
Both scopes are FFP

I plan to mount this on a Rem700 5r .308 and use it for
hunting and shootin in the back yard. I have up to 1300 yards.

Pro's as I see them !.

IOR - Nicer mag range.
- supposed better glass

SS - Price
- more elevation travel 30mils vs 20 mils (I think)


Con's

IOR - questionable internals
- about 1750 $ vs $1050

SS - need to buy rings


Question is ?
if price were equal on both , what would you buy ?


BTW - first post , I have been a lurker but registered to ask this question

 

[RHutch]

Re: IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

There are only a handfull (literally) of people that can give an opinion on this because 99.99999% of the shooting population has never laid hands on the SSHD.

I own the IOR 3-15x50, and have had zero issues with it as a casual shooter.
I do like the MP-8 dot reticle very much.
Have owned 6-7 IOR scopes without issue.

I have held and looked at the SS 5-20 briefly and must say it seems to be a fine scope all the way around. Have one on order for a varmint rifle. May get another if my tag refunds show up in a timely manner.

My opinion: buy the SSHD at the current price as I believe the value is unmatched. Shoot it and form your own opinion. You will not lose any $$ if you decide to sell it down the road.

 

[2Shots]

Re: IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

I have a couple of the earlier ss models, they are clean and function well, especially for there price. I have shot IOR scopes and looked at several at shows and the 3.5 to 18 would be my scope of choice. The size is not huge like the 24x. People I know have owned and shot the IOR scopes and were very happy with the glass, but not happy with the functions. Service return time is questionable also. Hard choice, but as many of the ss that have been sold and hyped on here they better be good or that's going to be a lot of hate! I would probably pick the ss, cheaper and features I want. Of course I have one ordered also!

 

[springer01]

Re: IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

I have the IOR 3.5-18x50 and love it!! Had the previous 3-18x42 and liked it. Really like the power range and it is built like a tank. I am also about to order a SS 5-20x50, and this will be my first SS.

I don't see the reason for all these post Scope Name Here vs SS 5-20x50. The scope is not even out yet how can anyone give an opinion (besides the select few that have a production model). The few that do have them have given them nothing but praise.

I mean $500 off for the SS is a no brainer really. If you don't like it sell it and buy an IOR or save up and buy both.

 

[prplhaz72]

Re: IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

I have had 8 IOR scopes over the last few years. 5 of them went back for replacement. While I tried really hard to like them, it just did not work out.

When I got my SS 10xHD, I spent a lot of time comparing glass quality between it and my IOR 3-18x. During day light, low light, and dark. I honestly could not tell enough diff to make a noticeable difference in optical quality. In the end I sold my IOR and kept the 10x on my .308. That 3-18x purchase had been replaced 4 times. I have had 4 SS scopes over the last few years, not had a single problem with any of them. I have 2 SS 5-20x's on order. The fact that this one is the most expensive one yet makes me believe it will be the best SS yet.

I got two of the 1-4xs when they came out. Honestly two of the very best scopes I have ever owned. I would love to get 2 more of them for other guns. Optically I think they are 90%+ of my Swaro Z6. I have just been super happy with the function and optical quality of them. I am sure the 5-20x will be just as good.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

I bought an IOR 3X18X50 a few weeks ago. So far, I'm happy with it. I have no buyer regrets. The SS @ $1,000.00 is very enticing at this price. Since SWFA has a very good customer service wit their SS scopes, I think you would be happy with it.

 

[billyburl2]

Re: IOR 3.5-18x50 VS SS5-20x50

http://swfa.com/IOR-35-18x50-Tactical-35mm-Rifle-Scope-P47633.aspx
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50662.aspx
Even at retail, $300 is one hell of a set of rings! With the $500 discount it becomes almost laughable. You probably ought read the thread on the 5-20 by JonA. There are some direct comparisons between these two scopes in the beginning of that thread.