Rifle Scopes NF or SWFA scope??

[toshu]

I am in the market for a tactical scope for my rifles. The primary one is an AR10 and the backup will be a Savage 10FP. I hope to buy a scope that I can use on either.....I will be using it for long range 600-1000 yd shooting F class as well as hunting


So.....those of you who have handled either of these scopes but more importantly, BOTH of them, I would love to hear your experiences and thoughts about how they compare on:
Glass clarity
Image color
Ruggedness and repeatability
Any problems
Reticle
etc

I have had the opportunity last year to shoot thru a NF NXS 5.5-22x56 out to 1250 yards and liked it. I have also read some of the posts here about the SWFA 5-20x50 scope. Most seem to be positive but not all.

I missed out on the promo for the SWFA over the summer, but am looking forward to see what the Black friday promo will be for the non illuminated scope.

I am replacing a 3-9x40 Tasco, that does not track well, and as a result of that I am looking for a scope that is SOLID and RELIABLE......who knows, some day my life may depend on that scope and I want to have the right tool.


Besides, my wife wants to buy me a Christmas present, so I need to help her make the best buy.

 

[steve123]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

A better comparison would be the NF F1 3.5-15x50 and SS 5-20x50 because they are both FFP. $800 difference in price but the F1 comes with rings. If money is a big concern then you have the answer.

Another consideration would be the Bushnell/Horus HDMR 3.5-21x50. It's FFP.

For SFP scopes the NXS is about the best there is and certainly proven. Sightron S111's are rumored to be almost a NF for less money except they won't be as durable and not quite the build quality.

 

[TxShooter63]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Bushnell has amazing quality for the price. My concern would be the amount of adjustment available.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Nightforce all the way.

Mike @ CST

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nightforce all the way.

Mike @ CST </div></div>

Why?????

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toshu</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nightforce all the way.

Mike @ CST </div></div>

Why?????</div></div>

Well.....
You said you wanted this for F-class and Hunting. You do not "need" a FFP scope for either of those two functions. In F-class, I would think you'd prefer the thinner recticle you get from a SFP scope over the thicker lines of the FFP. Same holds true for hunting. Also, with hunting, when you turn the power way down on the FFP models, many people find the recticle very difficult to see, again, benefit goes to the SFP model.

The "cool" factor right now is FFP scopes.....everybody wants them and that's fine. It's your money, certainly buy what you want, but if you actually look at what you might "need" vs what you "want" you might find yourself with more checkmarks in the SFP catagory......and thus bringing us to NightForce which is one of the best SFP scopes out there and the reason for Mike's comment.

If you ask for help/advice on an optic, you have to be willing to accept what's given to you even if it's maybe not what you want to hear. Dont get tunnel vision over the whole FFP deal and the SSHD Black Friday thing. They didn't reinvent the wheel with the SSHD, it's just another optic, good for some, not do good for others. There will be many other very nice sales/specials going on over holidays for optics, besides the SSHD deal.

 

[XTR]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

The SSHD is new on the market, so far it looks good. I got one in the group buy, and I like it. I have to say once you get used to a FFP even in hunting, you start to depend on it.

NF is well established and a known, the SSHD 5-20 is not so well established.

I put my SSHD5-20 on my hunting 308, right now I wouldn't trade it for a NXS 5.5-22. I've got 2 rifles with FFP scopes and I use them for holdovers. That's me. I do use a NF 8-32BR with an NP2DD on my F-TR rifle, and I love it. But that is a 36x scope for poking round targets with known ring sizes.

Rifle season opens here in the AM, hopefully I get to post a pic with the new SSHD scope tomorrow evening.

 

[nfoley]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I am curious as to why so many SS 5-20HDs are being sold here recently. Seems like a couple are showing up every week here for sale. Not sure if guys bought them on the group buy with intent of selling and making a few bucks (which is fine), or many have bought them and not liked them.
I currently have the NF 5.5-22 and Sightron SIII 6-24 LRMOA. I really like the Sightron a lot for the money. Only thing I really like better on the NF (with the speed turret) is the fact that I can get out to 1000 yds with less than a full revolution of turn. Other than that I am completely satisfied with the Sightron. I like the 10oz lighter weight on the Sightron, and how the side focus protrudes less compared with the NF. Clarity and tracking on the scopes are both exceptional.
I like the Sightron so much I just bought another one with the mil/mil reticle from a fellow hide member today!

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nfoley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am curious as to why so many SS 5-20HDs are being sold here recently. Seems like a couple are showing up every week here for sale. Not sure if guys bought them on the group buy with intent of selling and making a few bucks (which is fine), or many have bought them and not liked them.
I currently have the NF 5.5-22 and Sightron SIII 6-24 LRMOA. I really like the Sightron a lot for the money. Only thing I really like better on the NF (with the speed turret) is the fact that I can get out to 1000 yds with less than a full revolution of turn. Other than that I am completely satisfied with the Sightron. I like the 10oz lighter weight on the Sightron, and how the side focus protrudes less compared with the NF. Clarity and tracking on the scopes are both exceptional.
I like the Sightron so much I just bought another one with the mil/mil reticle from a fellow hide member today!</div></div>

That was a good buy you snagged on the SIII Mil/Mil in the classifieds.

As for the SSHD's, yes there have been alot for sale. I'm just going to guess and say that alot of people don't like them, but are too afraid to actually say anything for fear of being jumped on since this is "The Scope" right now. I dont care for mine, but as with all optics it's really just a matter of personal preference.

 

[lead ƒarmer]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

No experience here with the SS, but I can definitely throw in another vote for the Nightforce. I have the 5.5-22x56 on my 338 Lapua and the scope flat out performs at all ranges.

 

[LawnMM]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Have had a SWFA, now own a NF, no comparison. Buy the NF.

 

[XTR]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

This AM in the woods/stand with my SWFA, my first real complaint is that the illumination on mine bleeds all over the reticle. It's supposed to be only on the center dot.

So far that's the only thing I've seen that I don't like. When I consider that I 've never used the illum on any of my other 2 scopes that have it it's not a big concern.

As for the number for sale, a lot of folks jumped on the group buy in May/June now 5 months later scopes and CC charges are hitting.

<span style="font-style: italic">(as for the hunt, Nothing to shoot this AM, bucks only today, something crossed on the woodline at about 100 yds at almost first light, but even with my Steiners I couldn't tell for sure if it had a rack so I let it walk. On the other hand my partner shot a 'yote with a 450 Marlin. heheh, not exactly a "varmint round" but it made her very dead.)</span>

 

[BCP]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I would set up one rifle for Fclass and the other for hunting/whatever else. You have the money to do so.

I think a lot of people bought the SS5-20 on impulse or to try and make a couple bucks.

 

[7mmSTW]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I would like to see some more end user reviews (on the SS 5-20HD) as well as some extended use reviews by folks who previously would've scoffed at the SS line. I am skeptical as well about the new HD's but then again I have never been disapointed in my old SS fixed 10...It's hard to spend that kind of money on something I've never laid my hands on.

 

[snipedogg]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmSTW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to see some more end user reviews (on the SS 5-20HD) as well as some extended use reviews by folks who previously would've scoffed at the SS line. I am skeptical as well about the new HD's but then again I have never been disapointed in my old SS fixed 10...It's hard to spend that kind of money on something I've never laid my hands on. </div></div>

LL did a review on the SS HD. It's in the thread in this section, or you'll find it on youtube. It will probably give you a better idea about the scope. The review was good and once again, I think it's a matter of personal preference between the two.

 

[joebino55]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I don't think it's possible to go wrong with Nightforce. That being said I am anxiously awaiting for Black Friday so I can form my own opinion on the SS.

 

[XTR]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Personally i think the HDMRs are the best new thing out there and that will probably be my next scope purchase

 

[jeo556]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I also have a SS 5-20X HD and I'm very happy with it so far. I will say that It is my first non-hunting scope so I don't have anything to compare it too. However, when setting it up at the range the fellow next to me did have a NF 5.5-22 NSX and I was able to take a look through it. Honestly I thought that the glass in the SS was a little better but my opinion is obviously a little biased. Keep in mind that glass is probably the least important factor when choosing a "tacticool" scope.

Keeping in mind my lack of expierence with other higher-end scopes, I will say that the SS seems very well built, that the turrets are very nice with tactile and audible clicks as well as 10 mil/rev, and the eye reliefe is really nice. I love the reticle but do admit that I'm so used to looking through a SFP scope that when the mag is up over 15x the reticle looks like some 2"x4"s..... Again, this is the nature of the beast when dealing with FFP scopes.

Even though I really like my SS I don't think that overall it is running along side of a comparable Nightforce F1, but I scored my SS for half the price. Value wise I think the SS wins but if you are shooting comps or your life depends on it the NF would probably serve you a little better. For my purposes, at least in the mean time, I'm very content with the SS.

 

[SScott]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nfoley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am curious as to why so many SS 5-20HDs are being sold here recently. Seems like a couple are showing up every week here for sale. <span style="color: #000099">Not sure if guys bought them on the group buy with intent of selling and making a few bucks (which is fine), or many have bought them and not liked them.</span>I currently have the NF 5.5-22 and Sightron SIII 6-24 LRMOA. I really like the Sightron a lot for the money. Only thing I really like better on the NF (with the speed turret) is the fact that I can get out to 1000 yds with less than a full revolution of turn. Other than that I am completely satisfied with the Sightron. I like the 10oz lighter weight on the Sightron, and how the side focus protrudes less compared with the NF. Clarity and tracking on the scopes are both exceptional.
I like the Sightron so much I just bought another one with the mil/mil reticle from a fellow hide member today! </div></div>

First off, I am an owner of two of the SS HD's, and I sold my Nightforce after I got them and did the comparison. I was fully prepared to sell SS HD's if they did not meet muster, as I am like most shooters here and will not put up with sub par equipment.
I wanted to address the comments about the SS HD's being sold here. It is well known that we only paid $1,000 per scope, and they are being offered for $100. or more over cost, so I think that answers the question about the people selling them to make a buck.
When I got my scopes I did a comparision to my Nightforce 5.5-22x50 and was very pleased.
I was testing them against each other at 500 and 700 yards looking at the details of the shingles on the roofs and bricks on the chimneys, the clarity was so close but I felt like I could pick out a little more detail with the Nightforce, again it was so close and I felt like it wasn't enough to make me miss a shot on a steel target during a comp.
I don't want to sound like a Fanboy, so I will leave it brief, and say that I am very happy with these scopes, if I could change anything it would be making the parallax and magnification knobs easier to turn.
SScott

SScott

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trevor300wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toshu</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSTACTICAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nightforce all the way.

Mike @ CST </div></div>

Why?????</div></div>

Well.....
You said you wanted this for F-class and Hunting. You do not "need" a FFP scope for either of those two functions. In F-class, I would think you'd prefer the thinner recticle you get from a SFP scope over the thicker lines of the FFP. Same holds true for hunting. Also, with hunting, when you turn the power way down on the FFP models, many people find the recticle very difficult to see, again, benefit goes to the SFP model.

The "cool" factor right now is FFP scopes.....everybody wants them and that's fine. It's your money, certainly buy what you want, but if you actually look at what you might "need" vs what you "want" you might find yourself with more checkmarks in the SFP catagory......and thus bringing us to NightForce which is one of the best SFP scopes out there and the reason for Mike's comment.

If you ask for help/advice on an optic, you have to be willing to accept what's given to you even if it's maybe not what you want to hear. Dont get tunnel vision over the whole FFP deal and the SSHD Black Friday thing. They didn't reinvent the wheel with the SSHD, it's just another optic, good for some, not do good for others. There will be many other very nice sales/specials going on over holidays for optics, besides the SSHD deal. </div></div>

Trevor,
Thanks for your comments.
I am willing to hear all sides, that is why I posted this and asked for specific comparison results. I am new and need to learn. Scopes and bolt guns are my weakness.

AFA SFP and FFP, isnt the benefit of FFP in moving targets at unknown distances?? If I am hunting at longer distances I would think that would help?

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nfoley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am curious as to why so many SS 5-20HDs are being sold here recently. Seems like a couple are showing up every week here for sale. Not sure if guys bought them on the group buy with intent of selling and making a few bucks (which is fine), or many have bought them and not liked them.
I currently have the NF 5.5-22 and Sightron SIII 6-24 LRMOA. I really like the Sightron a lot for the money. Only thing I really like better on the NF (with the speed turret) is the fact that I can get out to 1000 yds with less than a full revolution of turn. Other than that I am completely satisfied with the Sightron. I like the 10oz lighter weight on the Sightron, and how the side focus protrudes less compared with the NF. Clarity and tracking on the scopes are both exceptional.
I like the Sightron so much I just bought another one with the mil/mil reticle from a fellow hide member today! </div></div>

Hmm.... Sightron....met some guys at a local F class shoot yesterday who have them and like theirs, espceially for the money

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would set up one rifle for Fclass and the other for hunting/whatever else. You have the money to do so.

I think a lot of people bought the SS5-20 on impulse or to try and make a couple bucks. </div></div>

BCP,
unfortunately I do not have the money to spend recklessly. Been unemployed after breaking many bones, for 2.5 years, so my spending decisions need to be wise, so it meets my needs on my AR-10 and my Savage 10 FP

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeo556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also have a SS 5-20X HD and I'm very happy with it so far. I will say that It is my first non-hunting scope so I don't have anything to compare it too. However, when setting it up at the range the fellow next to me did have a NF 5.5-22 NSX and I was able to take a look through it. Honestly I thought that the glass in the SS was a little better but my opinion is obviously a little biased. Keep in mind that glass is probably the least important factor when choosing a "tacticool" scope.

Keeping in mind my lack of expierence with other higher-end scopes, I will say that the SS seems very well built, that the turrets are very nice with tactile and audible clicks as well as 10 mil/rev, and the eye reliefe is really nice. I love the reticle but do admit that I'm so used to looking through a SFP scope that when the mag is up over 15x the reticle looks like some 2"x4"s..... Again, this is the nature of the beast when dealing with FFP scopes.

Even though I really like my SS I don't think that overall it is running along side of a comparable Nightforce F1, but I scored my SS for half the price. Value wise I think the SS wins but if you are shooting comps or your life depends on it the NF would probably serve you a little better. For my purposes, at least in the mean time, I'm very content with the SS.

</div></div>

Thanks for the comparison and comments.
I spoke to a guy who has both the NF and the SS and he echoed your comments about the glass in the SS being "brighter" and a "good deal".

 

[D_TROS]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

well gues I will comment. I have owned 3 nightforces. sold the first 2 to buy a USO, and recently sold the 3-15 to buy the SSHD and have a couple hundred extra left over to buy other stuff.

glass wise - equal

knobs - the 10mil per turn is very nice. that is the main reason I went with the SS. My NF had 10 moa, and the rifle it is on, a 22, I regularly shoot to at least 200. its nice to not have to worry about what rev you on. BUT the HS knobs would be better. I also like the feel of the NF knobs lots better. more solid feeling with less play. I also hate the way the illum. knob sticks way out on the SS. more of a visual nuisance than anything. Winner - SS, unless you got the HS knobs, then NF would be better.

travel - after zero, on a 30moa base, my ss has 25 mil up plus the ffp rect gives me the ability to hold over on any power. very nice. my NF had more travel, but that 25 mills and extra in the rect will get me to 500 yds with my 22. so equal.

Image color - tie

Ruggedness and repeatability - give edge to NF just cause its been around longer. the SS has a solid feel to it, but I felt more confident with the knobs primarily on the NF.

rect - as long as the rect matches the knobs, its a tie. the SFP was kinda nice size wise, but the SS at about 15 power was very usable. only advantage here is the FFP. the FFP is a feature that I am really growing to like more every day. for both hunting and comps. yes hunting it is very nice because sometimes you will not have enough time to dial, and you want to be able to hold over at any power. edge - SS

Price - the group buy was where, I think, the SS scope should be priced. I hate how, since FFP is the new thing on the market, it automatically demands a premium. But the SFP NF is not exactly cheap.

Zero Stop - since the SS does not have, the NF wins. a nice feature if you dial lots of elevation.

eye relief - tie, maybe edge to the SS

Any problems - no on either scoe so far.

Yesterday, I competed in a 22 competition with ten steel targets from 35 yards to 150 yards and 4 cycles of those targets under time constraints. I dialed for each distance, even though the most I dialed was to 4.5 mils for the 150 target. I thought so far that the scope, SS, has performed very well. tracking was spot on. I won that competition with the SS scope. Main reason I sold my NF (3-15) for this scope was the higher mag (to spot hits at 200 yards) and the 10 mill knobs. If price was not a concern, I would own a NF F1 with HS knobs. But for me price is a concern, and at 1k, the SS wins for the better scope. I would rather have 2 of these than one NF F1. I know SWFA will stand behind their product if any probs ever arise so that is not a concern.

Regards,
DT

 

[mdesign]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

DT - well thought out response...How would you compare the glass with your USO?

Am also debating between the SS & NF (and maybe IOR) for my first FFP scope so this thread is pretty functional to me.

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

DT,
thanks for the detailed and honest post. I am sure that there are other guys like you out there and we would like to hear from more of them.

Although, as one poster pointed out LL did a video review of the SS, its better, in my mind, to hear what the average guy thinks and sees.....especially taking into account the financial aspects.

 

[JRose]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Having had all of the scopes mentioned (SS, NXS, and F1), I am personally happy with the SS scopes. I would take one over a NXS, but not necessarily an F1.

I didn't much care for my F1 with the MLR reticle, but do think I would like it now with the MLR2. That being said, I still don't think I would pay more for it than the SS 5-20. I just don't think it's worth more, to me. Especially now that SWFA is offering a non illuminated version for a little cheaper. $800 bones is a lot of cash.

 

[toshu]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Having had all of the scopes mentioned (SS, NXS, and F1), I am personally happy with the SS scopes. I would take one over a NXS, but not necessarily an F1.

I didn't much care for my F1 with the MLR reticle, but do think I would like it now with the MLR2. That being said, I still don't think I would pay more for it than the SS 5-20. I just don't think it's worth more, to me. Especially now that SWFA is offering a non illuminated version for a little cheaper. $800 bones is a lot of cash. </div></div>

JRose,
what are your thoughts in terms of the Reliability of the SS?? especially as compared to the NF??? A major concern for me is reliability since I want a scope that will handle abuse in the field and not fail when it is critical

 

[JRose]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Can't speak of that as I haven't really had them long enough. I have had the 10xHD for some time now and put it through the ringer (it actually resides on my BMG now). I can tell you that it hasn't missed a lick, and I've done every conceivable test with it. Passed all with flying colors.

The way I look at it is this. The scopes are pretty much of the same design, just different models. So I trust the 5-20 100%. I actually have one here waiting on my new GAP .243 match rifle. I also don't worry about reliability because SWFA has a stellar reputation when it comes to fixing their product. I know that if something goes wrong, I'll get a no questions asked repair or replacement. That is really unique to only a few optic suppliers. SWFA, and USO for instance. That means a lot to me when buying >$1000 pieces of gear.

That being said, I still would love to have a new F1 with the MLR2, but with what you can buy a SS for right now, I can almost get two SS's for what one F1 would cost, and I can't help but choose the latter.

 

[noname]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

considerable difference in the turret construction, ss looks and is built like an IOR set up, ok but the NF uses a ball and detent sytem, more exensive to make, better feel.

 

[XTR]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This AM in the woods/stand with my SWFA, my first real complaint is that the illumination on mine bleeds all over the reticle. It's supposed to be only on the center dot.

So far that's the only thing I've seen that I don't like. When I consider that I 've never used the illum on any of my other 2 scopes that have it it's not a big concern.

</div></div>

Just got around to calling SWFA, spent a couple of minutes explaining the problem and there is a new scope on the way with a return tag for this one.

 

[JRose]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

^^^^^^ case in point...

 

[James Loe]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

NIGHTFORCE, NIGHTFORCE

 

[winxp_man]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Money to Value ration = SWFA 5-20 SS

Money to Track Record = NightForce (In the sense that SWFA has only had theirs out since this summer only.)

I love my SWFA 5-20 Though. Also to me personally and only my honest opinion the NF seems to be a tad bit darker in glass versus the SWFA 5-20.



Aron-

 

[michael_aos]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I have (in no particular order):
3x SWFA 5-20x50mm illuminated
3x Premier 5-25x56mm Gen 2 XR
IOR 3-18x42mm "SH"
Nightforce 3.5-15x50mm NP-R2
SWFA 3-9x HD mil-dot
SWFA 10x HD mil-dot
Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x50mm mil-dot
Bushnell Elite 4200 3-12x44mm mil-dot

Sold my Nightforce 5-22x56mm NP-1RR because I really didn't like the reticle.

My primary complaint about the SWFA SS 5-20x50mm illuminated is that the lighting intensity is on the outside ring and the parallax is on the inside. This seems completely backwards to me. It should absolutely be the other way around.

I'm also extremely annoyed that SWFA initially listed the 3-9x as focusing down to 10m on their website, when it does not. They also (previously) listed the 3-9x HD as "rear focus" when it does not. They have subsequently fixed their website since I brought this to their attention.

My first SWFA SS 5-20x50mm illuminated has parallax marked down to 35yds, as indicated on their website. Subsequent examples are only marked down to 50yds.

With all that said, for the games that <span style="font-weight: bold">I</span> play, it's all about wind. The ability to use your reticle at any magnification to hold wind is invaluable.

For me, that puts FFP offerings ahead of Nightforce SFP.

I also prefer the SWFA "mil-quad" reticle to a regular mil-dot.
--

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

i'd go nightforce, for fclass, second focal is preferable and the same thing goes for hunting. you can also always count on rock solid reliability and consistency with the nightforce. i shot a deer last year at 6:30 with my 5.5-22x56 and i was thinking about shooting a little deer just saturday evening around 6 but i thought it was a button buck

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

You folks that are saying the SSHD glass is "brighter" than the NF, I am dumbfounded at these statements. I'm not saying anyone is "wrong" because glass is so subjective to review from one person to the next, but I just don't see how you people are saying the SSHD glass is brighter or more clear than the NF.

This morning, I knew I was going to hunt a clear cut right-a-way that I could see/shoot out to 800yds. I took 2 rifles with me, a 6.5x47 with the SSHD and my 7WSM with a NF 5.5-22. It was a gray & cloudy morning with cool air, but high humidity. It stayed "dark" for a long time, well into the morning. I had both rifles side by side setup on my mat. I played with both scopes for over a hour watching the clear cut for crossing deer. There was absolutely NO comparison between the "brightness" of the SSHD vs the NF. The NF was by far more bright in the current conditions.

Again, this is all subjective from one person to the next, but I don't see how anyone, with both scopes side by side, could say the SSHD is brighter. I'm not in love with the SSHD, but it's not a bad scope either. I've found a few minor faults (personal dislikes), but nothing major that hasnt already been stated.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

3 nxs 3.5-15's and 2 SS 5-20's here. After getting the SS's I spent about 6 weeks only using those two scopes on my rifles for varmint hunting and long range steel plate engagement. When I went back and used the rifles with the NF's on them I did notice that the image to my eye favored the SS view. Not that there was a Wow moment there but I do feel the image quality goes SS slightly until the sun goes down. Then the NF seemed to handle the lower light levels better giving me more target detail on like power levels. I am a fan of both and if I were in the market for another it would be a very difficult decision to make.

Either way you will have a great scope. But, if you are planning to have one scope for two rifles I can see where the SS would be quicker to swap, no zero stop to readjust or get in the way, one screw spined turret zeroing. Buy a good base/rings system and keep a log of your adjustments between rifles and you should be almost all ways zero'ed after swapping.

 

[gun nut in maine]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Where are NF scopes made? I believe a place in Idaho has something to do with NF but maybe its only a customer service and/or distribution center, or perhaps they are also assembled there. I think at one time they were assembled in Australia.

Where are SWFA scopes make and by what company are they manufactured?

 

[winxp_man]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

SWFA = Japan

NF= Japan (Some still might be assembled in the US but not 100% sure)




Aron-

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

It is may understanding that the 2.5-10 (and maybe the other compacts) and F1 model are USA products, the rest come from Japan along with all the glass for every model. Any rebuilds or service happen in the US.

 

[dieselgeek]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Yeah, F1 one made in USA right on top of it.

 

[LawnMM]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Just to point out an observation I will add this...

The SS 5-20 is their flagship these days in my understanding, HD glass, newest model, illuminated, feature list, etc.

Is it fair to compare it to NF's from years prior, when these days, the F1 is their stallion?

I will say this, the glass on the 3-9x SS I had was quite good. I believe detail, with mirage present, was better with my F1. That shouldn't be taken as a knock against SWFA. I don't expect them to produce a scope that performs on level with scopes that cost three times as much. My point is, depending on which scopes you are comparing, it may not be a fair comparison.

I have not had my eye behind a 5-20 SS, but would not mind meeting up with somebody at CRC to give it a whirl. Shoot some steel and compare glass.

Rich

 

[snipedogg]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LawnMM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just to point out an observation I will add this...

The SS 5-20 is their flagship these days in my understanding, HD glass, newest model, illuminated, feature list, etc.

Is it fair to compare it to NF's from years prior, when these days, the F1 is their stallion?

I will say this, the glass on the 3-9x SS I had was quite good. I believe detail, with mirage present, was better with my F1. That shouldn't be taken as a knock against SWFA. I don't expect them to produce a scope that performs on level with scopes that cost three times as much. My point is, depending on which scopes you are comparing, it may not be a fair comparison.

I have not had my eye behind a 5-20 SS, but would not mind meeting up with somebody at CRC to give it a whirl. Shoot some steel and compare glass.

Rich </div></div>

Not sure, but I don't believe there is any difference in quality between the glass on any Nighforce scopes. The differences are in the options and magnifications

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This AM in the woods/stand with my SWFA, my first real complaint is that the illumination on mine bleeds all over the reticle. It's supposed to be only on the center dot.

So far that's the only thing I've seen that I don't like. When I consider that I 've never used the illum on any of my other 2 scopes that have it it's not a big concern.

</div></div>


Just got around to calling SWFA, spent a couple of minutes explaining the problem and there is a new scope on the way with a return tag for this one. </div></div>
because of the reticle bleed? I have four of them that need that addressed, looks like I may have to call em.

 

[z71rat]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

I personally liked the bleed over that mine had. I wanted to see more of the reticle, so it worked out great!! I love the scope personally...

DK

 

[LawnMM]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LawnMM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just to point out an observation I will add this...

The SS 5-20 is their flagship these days in my understanding, HD glass, newest model, illuminated, feature list, etc.

Is it fair to compare it to NF's from years prior, when these days, the F1 is their stallion?

I will say this, the glass on the 3-9x SS I had was quite good. I believe detail, with mirage present, was better with my F1. That shouldn't be taken as a knock against SWFA. I don't expect them to produce a scope that performs on level with scopes that cost three times as much. My point is, depending on which scopes you are comparing, it may not be a fair comparison.

I have not had my eye behind a 5-20 SS, but would not mind meeting up with somebody at CRC to give it a whirl. Shoot some steel and compare glass.

Rich </div></div>

Not sure, but I don't believe there is any difference in quality between the glass on any Nighforce scopes. The differences are in the options and magnifications </div></div>

I've read on this site that older NF glass hasn't been up to snuff with more recent stuff, particularly the F1, couldn't say myself...I can only afford the one so far!

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally liked the bleed over that mine had. I wanted to see more of the reticle, so it worked out great!! I love the scope personally...

DK </div></div>

I agree, I want to see more of the reticle, but not if its piss poor.

 

[Singlestack_Wonder]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

Another vote for Nightforce!

 

[D_TROS]

Re: NF or SWFA scope??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DT - well thought out response...How would you compare the glass with your USO?

Am also debating between the SS & NF (and maybe IOR) for my first FFP scope so this thread is pretty functional to me.

</div></div>

Glass is not comparable to my USO. (but that may be due to the fact my USO had 35mm tube and 56mm objective

)

Forgot to add (and I think its ben touched on here) another thing that I really dislike about this scope, the SS, is the location of the paralax knob. It is hard to get to behind the illumination knob. That is a huge nuisance.

Also, when I ordered the scope, I was looking forward to the paralax knob being adjustable down to 35 yards (mainly because this is for my 22 LR). Mine is only adjustable down to 50 yards. Dont know why the change, but it irritating they changed it.

Regards,
DT