Rifle Scopes Swfa 10x42HD, worth the extra cost?

[JaysonF]

has anyone used the SS 10x42m AND the 10x42HD? I am wondering if the HD justifies the added cost or if I would be better off saving the money and one day putting it towards a $1k scope (and slowly building up to more quality scopes). I'm really only interested in a rugged fixed 10 mil/mil for right now.

 

[JaysonF]

Anyone? Only 2 votes?

 

[Defusion]

Well, I can't comment on the HD, but for only 10x, I wouldn't bother. I feel the higher quality of glass starts making sense with higher power optics. Now if it was the 20x or 16x, I'd consider it. Though even then, I'd probably save up more for a variable power scope.

 

[JaysonF]

Ahh, thank you very much for your input

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Here are two reviews that might help (both cover the HD model, first one also covers the $300 standard model):

10x42 riflescopes: Sightron S3 and SWFA Super Sniper

High End Tactical Scopes: East vs West

The short, short version: the HD model is reviewed as having optics and mechanics more in line with the premium $2k and up scopes rather than almost anything else under $1k. However, the $300 standard model still gets a solid review.

My take: I have not seen the HD model 10x in person (I have seen the 5-20x HD in person and it was mostly terrific). If you are really going to be happy with a fixed 10x and are willing to pay $800, it will probably be excellent. Extra resolution would probably help at distances where most people today are using more magnification. If you expect to later step-up to a premium zoom scope, I would probably get the $300 standard model as your interim.

 

[kyshootnman]

Very pleased with my two SS 12x and 10x. The glass is great for the price IMHO.

 

[kmose73]

I have the 10x ss. The glass is sweet! Bit the knobs leave a little to be desired. They aren't audible, rather mushy. And they don't line up exactly w/ the hash marks. All in all I'm happy, but that's my only gripe.

 

[kmose73]

Sorry for not clarifying, my swfa is the hd model.

 

[BCP]

The super sniper 3-9 is a good no frills optic. I recently bought a sightron S3 3-10x mil mil from a member on here as well and like it very much. Both of those I'd recommed if you want a no frills optic with decent glass quality. Also both around 600 so less money than the HD 10x.

 

[sosicmcise]

I've had the 10x, 10x HD, and the 3-9x42 for quite some time and the 10x HD is an outstanding optic that is easily worth the $800.00 price tag. The glass is considerably brighter on the HD in my opinion, but you can see just fine through all of them. The turrets on the 3-9 and the 10x HD were a huge improvement over the older turrets.

 

[leadbullet]

the difference in glass clarity between the regular 10X and the 10X HD is huge, I just wished the price dif wasn't. I had the chance to paly with a friends 260 with the 10XHD and it was easy to make hits all day long without any eye strain and I could see small impact in at long range that other couldn't with their regular 10X and 20 X SS scope.

 

[JaysonF]

Hmmm, thank you everyone for your input. I've definitely got some saving to do then

 

[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.

The overall length is different as well.

I have included several picture to give you an idea of the differences.

 

[Texar2]

I have had the 10HD and non HD. Yes the hd is worth is. It is ffp mil/mil and tracks dead on. Also would be great to go ahead and collect your dope in mil, instead of switching to mil later. Also swfa has a trade in program so the extra $ on the HD model will carry over to your next upgrade and not be wasted. This is what I did and now have the 5-20HD illum. I sold my s&b 4-16 and do not miss it.

 

[Wayfaerer320]

I don't have experience with the glass quality of the fixed 10X models, but I do with the variable models. I owned a 5-20 HD and more recently picked up a 3-15x42 SS (non-HD).

I can tell you, that the glass quality is definitely better in the HD model, but honestly, the 3-15x42 non-HD has VERY good glass - in other words, you can tell the 3-15x42 is not HD, but really not by much.

 

[Win308]

You have to shoot one to see the difference. I had a regular 10x42M and loved it, but when I upgraded to the 10x42 HD, I saw a big difference in clarity and low light ability, as well as much better feel in the turrets.