Rifle Scopes Viper PST 2.5-10 FFP or SWFA SS 3-15

[CMH]

Looking for some opinions here. I have a Tac Sol X-Ring 22 LR, which is a very lightweight take on 10/22. I currently have a Leupold VX Patrol 3-9x40 with TMR Firedot, and exposed mil adjustments. This is an excellent scope that I love. The only problem is that it is fixed parallax at distance well beyond the 50 yards that I normally shoot. So, I am considering a change. I have really been eyeballing a Vortex a Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP MRAD or a SWFA 3-15. Here is what I am looking for:

Something in the 2-15 x range
Mil reticle/mil adjustments
relatively light
Less than 44mm objective
Adjustable parallax down to at least 40 yards
Less than $900
Somewhere I the neighborhood of 25 mils of elevation adjustment - we occasionally shoot out to 300

Things that are not important on this gun:

Illumination
Zero Stop

PST - light, compact, have heard these are nicest of PST line.


SWFA - heavier, more adjustment, less money.

Anything anyone has to add about either of these or other scopes that meet what I am looking for?

 

[Johnnny13]

I bought the vortex from camera land ny as a demo for $670 mil/mil. I use mine on a MK12 out to about 600. I can't really add much but I am very satisfied with it. It's light weight and compact.

 

[ORD]

Looking for some opinions here. I have a Tac Sol X-Ring 22 LR, which is a very lightweight take on 10/22. I currently have a Leupold VX Patrol 3-9x40 with TMR Firedot, and exposed mil adjustments. This is an excellent scope that I love. The only problem is that it is fixed parallax at distance well beyond the 50 yards that I normally shoot. So, I am considering a change. I have really been eyeballing a Vortex a Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP MRAD or a SWFA 3-15. Here is what I am looking for:

Something in the 2-15 x range
Mil reticle/mil adjustments
relatively light
Less than 44mm objective
Adjustable parallax down to at least 40 yards
Less than $900
Somewhere I the neighborhood of 25 mils of elevation adjustment - we occasionally shoot out to 300

Things that are not important on this gun:

Illumination
Zero Stop

PST - light, compact, have heard these are nicest of PST line.


SWFA - heavier, more adjustment, less money.

Anything anyone has to add about either of these or other scopes that meet what I am looking for?

Couple things up front:

1) the price, at least from the usual Hide suspects for all things Vortex who need not be repeated here for obvious reasons, are the same between the 2.5-10x32 FFP PST and the SWFA 3-15x.

2) for a .22LR that's going to be used at extended ranges, you may very well want (or even NEED) the addt'l ~12mils that the SWFA offers in terms of internal adjustment whether you are running a canted based on the rifle in question or not (and the additional magnification isn't going to be something you'll complain about either)

3) the weight difference isn't exactly a ton, but if you want light, then the PST has the SWFA beat by nearly 1/3lb (just over 5oz).

4) the SWFA has the ability adjust for parallax as close as 6m (~20ft) whereas the PST is 35yds (~5x more than the SWFA) which may make a difference to you depending on how close you'll be needing/wanting be (I know you said at least down to 40yds).

Now, I have not personally fondled one of SWFA's yet but hope to get one for an upcoming project. Everything from the folks here on the Hide whom I'd trust to make an honest and unbiased review says that it is an excellent optic for its price range, offering good glass, precise and repeatable adjustments, a good reticle and overall a real value. The PST is an excellent optic in my experience. The glass is the best I've seen in an optic of that size/range without stepping up considerably in price, it is VERY compact and light, and perhaps more importantly, mine tracks true and sure without question...truly a great bang for the buck at ~$700.

I personally don't see how you can go wrong with either for the purposes you have stated and for the budget you have set aside.

 

[BCP]

I bought the vortex from camera land ny as a demo for $670 mil/mil. I use mine on a MK12 out to about 600. I can't really add much but I am very satisfied with it. It's light weight and compact.

Same here, mines on an 18" 223 as well. Other than it not being a 2.5-10 nightforce I can't find anything bad to say about it. Tracks fine, holds zero, glass is good enough, compact, parallax adjustable, doesn't weigh a ton. I would get it over the SWFA 3-15 every day of the week.

FWIW mine seems to have 21.5 mils of total adjustment

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I've had a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP for just over a year (I got one of the first ones) and it makes me happy. The SWFA would have to be exceptional to exceed the Vortex, and if equals, the Vortex warranty and customer service experience would tip the scales.

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac26/spumwuzzle/3_zps03b4fb27.jpg

I have a SPARC, a Solo R/T monocular and the Viper PST - no problems with any of them.

Mark H.

 

[rchman]

If you want a scope where you will not have to experience first hand how good the manufacturer's customer service/warranty is, I'd suggest the SWFA over the Vortex.

 

[CMH]

I've had to send scopes back to both. Customer service is good on both fronts, but got my product back faster from Vortex.

 

[BadBowtie03]

I've NEVER had a problem with a vortex. I love them. I have the new gen2 razor 1-6, razor 5-20, PST 2.5-10x32 and even a crossfire 2 on a 22 lr. I also like SWFA too never a problem there. But the last post above mine seemed to try to say that vortex's are fragile...which is not the case.

PS. I freaking love this 2.5-10x32. I shoot it in my SPR 18" AR and dial it up and down a lot and had it out to 700 yards. Tracks perfect and is verrry clear.

 

[Bender]

Viper PST 2.5-10 FFP or SWFA SS 3-15

Either scope are great, both have lifetime no BS warranty and offer great value. I would pick either and be 100% happy with them. I would SLIGHTLY choose the SWFA for more adjustment range.