Rifle Scopes SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

[horseshoe3]

I'm looking for a less expensive stop-gap until my group buy scope arrives. I like the looks of the SWFA ss 3-9 x 42. It has all the features I need and I know SS is highly regarded here.

The 3-9 is 40% the cost of the 5-20. The only features it seems to be missing are illumination and parallax adjustment. Is that the reason for the huge price difference, or is there going to be a quality difference as well?

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

There is not a quality difference, both are outstanding values. The 5-20 is a beefier scope and does have illumination and parallax (and larger turrets.) The 3-9 (and 5-20) have very good glass, outstanding durability, and outstanding repeatability.

What is your group buy scope?

For the money, you won't beat a SS3-9.

I own both, use both extensively.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

Both are excellent scopes. The 3-9 does have some decent glass however keep in mind the 3-9 does not have HD glass.

That said I walked my 3-9 out the 1200 yards without any problem.

 

[ORD]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

I can't speak to the "quality" differences (if any) in terms of the glass itself as I have not personally had the chance to look through the 5-20x model, but the differences you have noted thus far (illum., parallax adj., etc.) are EXPENSIVE differences, not to mention the LARGER glass in the 5-20x model. Additionally, larger magnification (and magnification range) in and of itself COSTS BIG MONEY when its done properly just because of the elements involved.

The 3-9x42 SS scopes however are EXCELLENT scopes with very good quality glass for the price range. I have one currently (and am considering one for a .308 AR carbine build) and I find the durability, functionality, quality of the glass (in terms of clarity, ability to resolve fine details of a target, ability to use it in lower light conditions) to be of very good quality.

 

[The Gump]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

I was in the same situation. I bought the 3-9 with the mil quad reticle since it matched the 5-20 I had on order. Personally I am ok without the illumination. If I owned a PVS-22 and a place to shoot at night it would be a different story. From what I have read on the hide, parallax is a non issue under 10x. That being said I have very little experience in placing a shot much past 450 yards and that was done with my 4x ACOG. The 3-9 has met all of my expectations. I'm glad I bought it. It's going on my 20'' AR when I get it finished. My only regret is that I bought the flip up covers. I'm going to get a bikini for both sometime in the near future.

 

[Eagle1899]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

I have a 3-9 SS riding on top my OBR. It tracks correctly, "Looks" very clear,and is very user friendly. Shot it out to 1200yrds a few weeks ago. No problems going 100-1200 and back again with multiple stops in between. For the $600 that SWFA gets for them, hard to find anything else that fits the bill. Buy it, shoot it....

 

[Rob01]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

For a stop gap scope just get a 10x Super Sniper. It's half the price and you probably won't come off 9x anyways.

 

[hk dave]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

I put the swfa 3-9 mildot on my 308 as a stopgap... it's a beauty. I was going to go with the 10x but the 3-9 will be going onto an AR after the 5-20 arrives so it worked out better for me. The optics are very sharp, great resolution. I'm actually amazed by what you get for the money.

The only problem now.... is I want a 10x. ;/

 

[al22300]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

For the price point I highly recomend it.

 

[stiletto raggio]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

I own two, one on a Savage .223 and one on an FN .308. Ultimately, the 3-9s will go on a lightweight .308 bolt gun and an AR but in the meantime they are doing great. Very clear and easy to use. After this, it is FFP and mil/mil all the way. If the package deal is still on, the Bobro mount and all the accessories really sweeten the deal.

 

[horseshoe3]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

Thanks for the replies. That's what I was hoping to hear.

@Pete Sake - what don't you like about the flip up covers. I've never used them, but they look pretty handy.

 

[The Gump]

Re: SWFA SS 3-9 x 42 questions

They are mechanical. I can see the pin that they pivot on falling out and getting lost that the wrong time hence making the flip-up feature nonexistent. I have already needed to reset the pin as it has walked out a bit. They are quick but this can also be a problem in my opinion. Like if you're hunting. There is the opportunity for them to be unintentionally activated exposing the glass to the elements, sticks, dirt and so on. I don't really need that kind of speed. It seems that every time I've taken a shot I've taken the time to set it up. (Ensuring a backstop, identifying the target and the like.) Aesthetically I feel they take away from the lines of the scope. When I get the bikini's I'll secure them with a piece of rope.