Rifle Scopes SWFA SS Riflescopes

[cptpizzo]

All,

I have been taking everyone's advice here on scopes for various platforms, but in my research I keep coming across SWFA SS scopes. Although cheaper in price, they appear to have some good specs w/FFP, lightweight, good magnification ranges, mil/mil, etc. However, I have zero experience with these in person, so I was hoping to get more experienced opinions from you all about the quality, glass and price point for these.

Should I consider these scopes? If so, in what quality range of scopes would you put them in? NF? Leupolds? Bushnells? Trijicons?
Any feedback is appreciated

As always, thanks for your time,

 

[BCP]

They are "like" the other scopes in their similar price ranges the big thing with them is that they let you get a mil reticule and mil knobs for not a lot of money. My favorites are the 6x42 and 3-9x42 models if either of those will work for your needs I think you will be happy with them.

If you can afford Nightforce then by all means get one they are worth it.

 

[dariof]

I am a newbie on this board, but have read posts for a few hours/day since I joined. I have also watched tons of videos and spoken to many long distance shooters about caliber, scope, etc.

I too am looking at which scope to buy. Of course, Nightforce always comes up. What is keeping me from pulling the trigger (pun intended) on an F1 or ACARS is SFP. I want a FFP.

Does Nightforce make FFP in any variable powered scope (4-15 or 20 would be fine) other than The BEAST?

 

[Quickdraw40]

F1 is FFP. (You should start your own thread.)

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[dariof]

F1 is FFP. (You should start your own thread.)

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I just found out F1 is FFP. Thanks for the quick reply. I was also looking closely at the SWFA SS scopes. They get great reviews.

 

[cptpizzo]

I heard they get good reviews, but didn't want to pull the trigger on one the have to turn around and sell it bc wasn't satisfied.


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[jasonk]

The SWFA SS scopes are very hard to beat in their price range. I've never played with an F1, the top end magnification isn't enough to keep me happy. In my other NF to SWFA comparisons the SWFA SS was much brighter towards the end of shooting hours/daylight. Mine have traveled all over the country with me and always held zero and tracked true.

 

[krummarine]

I just picked up a used but like new SS 3x9 from a member here; FFP, MILRAD ret, Mil knobs. Built like a tank and the glass can easily hang with my NXS 3-15; haven't compared them in low light yet. For the pricepoint, proven past performance and warranty, I don't see how you could do better.

 

[djskit]

I break scopes down to several completely arbitrary groups:

Less than $1,000 - Vortex PST and SS are the best options
Over $1,000 to $1,900 - now we are taking about Leupolds, Bushnells and some Nightforce
$2,000 to $3000 - the nicher Vortex, USO's and higher end Nightforce, Kahles
Over $3,000 - Schmidt, Steiner Etc.

I'm sure I've missed a few, but the point is, I only compare scopes that fall within the same price range. Asking about 2 scopes in two different price ranges is pointless - the one from the more expensive group will ALWAYS be better.

Comparing within a price group is where the real discussion begins - not all $1,800 scopes are created equal, etc.

 

[cptpizzo]

I break scopes down to several completely arbitrary groups:

Less than $1,000 - Vortex PST and SS are the best options
Over $1,000 to $1,900 - now we are taking about Leupolds, Bushnells and some Nightforce
$2,000 to $3000 - the nicher Vortex, USO's and higher end Nightforce, Kahles
Over $3,000 - Schmidt, Steiner Etc.

I'm sure I've missed a few, but the point is, I only compare scopes that fall within the same price range. Asking about 2 scopes in two different price ranges is pointless - the one from the more expensive group will ALWAYS be better.

Comparing within a price group is where the real discussion begins - not all $1,800 scopes are created equal, etc.

Definitely agree here. Just like trying to compare a Honda to a Acura to a BMW, etc.

However, sometimes, there is a price to quality ratio which equals maximum return on investment, so to speak. In posing the question, I wanted to get your opinions on if I bought an SWFA scope, I wouldnt be buying a low quality sub $1000 scope. Did that make sense?

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with you 100%...

 

[djskit]

The only scopes woth buying under $1,000 are SS and PST's. Not as nice as the next group of scopes, but solid performers with good enough glass.

 

[fireEMT5]

If you are up for some more reading, you might like to read some reviews from Ilya - he's a respected optics guru around here and on SWFA's Optics talk forum.

Rifle Scopes » OpticsThoughts

He thinks mighty highly of SWFA as far as toughness and value for your money.

 

[lash]

The only scopes woth buying under $1,000 are SS and PST's. Not as nice as the next group of scopes, but solid performers with good enough glass.

It's obvious that you've never used one of the newer Sightron SIII FFP scopes or you wouldn't be so definitive about that statement. I don't see any threads about them failing and having to go back to the factory like I see numerous times about all the PSTs here. Sure, Vortex has great CS, but it seems they need to with the current PST line. Do a search and see how many times there have been threads started regarding the need for CS for the PSTs. Now do the same for the Sightron SIII series. It's a telling exercise.

Not trying to pick a fight here, just pointing out that you may have limited exposure and have formed an opinion, that while not incorrect (as it's an opinion), is not inclusive of all good options in the price range in question.

 

[flylo]

IMHO SWFA scopes are worth about double what they cost. I own 6 Vortex scopes & I think while both are good I like the SWFAs better. Try one & if you don't like it you can sell & recoup most of your money as they sell well.

 

[djskit]

It's obvious that you've never used one of the newer Sightron SIII FFP scopes or you wouldn't be so definitive about that statement. I don't see any threads about them failing and having to go back to the factory like I see numerous times about all the PSTs here. Sure, Vortex has great CS, but it seems they need to with the current PST line. Do a search and see how many times there have been threads started regarding the need for CS for the PSTs. Now do the same for Not trying to pick a fight here, just pointing out that you may have limited exposure and have formed an opinion, that while not incorrect (as it's an opinion), is not inclusive of all good options in the price range in question.

Definitive statements with limited information is what the internet is all about!

 

[lash]

Lol! Can't argue with that.

 

[ccajigas07]

How would this rate vs a nikon m-308

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[whiskey00buck]

The answer largely depends on what your are trying to accomplish. Lots of fantastic scopes out there that do really well for a certain purpose. All around, as a starter scope for long range bench rest group shooting, the swfa ss scopes are incredibly hard to beat for the money. I have their 10x and I absolutely love it for punching paper. For hunting, I'd load up a different optic all together.

 

[mackdrvr]

I have been using a SS10x42M model since 2002. No problems. If I didn't have a hard on for a variable power scope I would leave it on there.

 

[D.ID]

I do not know of anything comparable to the SWFA for the price. Repeatable adjustments, built like a tank with matching turrets and a modern reticle are rare in the $300 range. My list of optics considerations in the sub $1K range would include SWFA, Vortex, Sightron and the Bushnell elite. I do not currently have a sightron but I do have a couple of each other flavor and prefer the Bushnell.

 

[Atanasius]

SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 ill. Is very hard to beat especially for glass quality.