Rifle Scopes variable SS vs fixed SS optical quality???

[ker2222]

I am really a wanting one of the new SS variables from SWFA.

But, and I know this is sort-of sacrilege to some, but I hated the fixed 16x I had. Frankly, the glass was not very good. I am not really a glass snob but I do have some finicky eyes.....I run leupold Mk 4's and Zeiss Conquests on most of my rigs now but I have also liked the Bushnell 3200 and Sightron S1 and I really liked my fixed weavers.

But, for whatever reason, I really could not get a clear image out of the fixed 16x SS. Ergos and functions were great, only the image was the issue. I bought it straight from SWFA about a year ago.

So......are the variables the same glass or are they different???

 

[BobinNC]

Re: variable SS vs fixed SS optical quality???

They are different. The variable SS glass is much better. I have a currently am running a 3-9x42MM SS and a Leupold 3.5-10x40MM MK 4, and the SWFA SS 3x9 is clearly better than the Leupy. Some folks think the Leupy's MK4's are no great shakes, but if you consider that an FFP MIL/MIL Leupold is double the $ of a SS 3-9, it's a pretty good deal, overall IMHO.

I don't think the SS has glass a good as the 2.5-10x42MM FFP IOR or similarly equipped Nightforce scopes, but in it's price range the SS Variable are pretty damn good.

Bob

YMMV

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: variable SS vs fixed SS optical quality???

The variable is better glass. Much better!

Also, keep in mind a 16X power with a 42mm objective gives you an exit pupil of about 2.6, that ain't ideal.

I have the 3-9SS and I'd say the glass is comparable to Nightforce and Conquest.

The knobs are better than the 10X and the reticle is FFP mil dot (and mil knobs.)

It is a great scope, I'd highly recommend it. And it is worlds apart from the 10X fixed, much less the 16X.

 

[athhud]

Re: variable SS vs fixed SS optical quality???

My variable blows my 16x out of the water in glass clarity!