Rifle Scopes XTR II and SWFA 10x glass comparisons?

[jhr1986]

Hoping a few of y'all have owned both and can make a comparison. I currently have an SWFA fixed 10x (non-HD model) and I'm considering replacing it with an XTR II 3-15x50, mostly because I like the additional features of the XTR II.

Obviously I gain things like 10 mil turrets, zero stop, side parallax, adjustable zoom range - all things I sort of miss with the SWFA when I am using it.

The XTR II isn't lauded for it's glass quality but is it at least on par in terms of resolution/CA control/flatness of field compared to my current 10x?

 

[Deleted member 113831]

The glass on the XTR II is more than good enough for 3-15x. I have 3 of them.

The people that bitch about the glass are the ones that wanted the 4-20, or the 5-25 and expected S&B lense quality in a $1k scope.

But in a 3-15, you likely won't be able to see the difference, and all 3 of mine track better than 99% throughout the entire range of adjustment.

 

[Kevins750]

I had a 4-20 and the glass was more than adequate out to 1200yds.
I only sold it because a friend needed it.

 

[308pirate]

Hoping a few of y'all have owned both and can make a comparison. I currently have an SWFA fixed 10x (non-HD model) and I'm considering replacing it with an XTR II 3-15x50, mostly because I like the additional features of the XTR II.

Obviously I gain things like 10 mil turrets, zero stop, side parallax, adjustable zoom range - all things I sort of miss with the SWFA when I am using it.

The XTR II isn't lauded for it's glass quality but is it at least on par in terms of resolution/CA control/flatness of field compared to my current 10x?

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

 

[supercorndogs]

The glass on the XTR II is more than good enough for 3-15x. I have 3 of them.

The people that bitch about the glass are the ones that wanted the 4-20, or the 5-25 and expected S&B lense quality in a $1k scope.

But in a 3-15, you likely won't be able to see the difference, and all 3 of mine track better than 99% throughout the entire range of adjustment.

There were plenty of 3-15s during the roll out that had the same terrible glass. That is a problem that according the birddog has been fixed. I grabbed 3 of the 5-25 XTRII last year and the glass in them was fine. I had a 3-15 and 4-20 when they rolled them out and they were barley useable. If they have the tungsten ring by the power ring, all I have seen have been GTG.

 

[Mooseknuckles]

I have had very little issues with the 4-20 xtrii glass. It is not the best glass I have had or that I have but it not bad either. This is looking at 770 yards, on 16x, I personally think it’s more then usable.

 

[richthe1]

Hoping a few of y'all have owned both and can make a comparison. I currently have an SWFA fixed 10x (non-HD model) and I'm considering replacing it with an XTR II 3-15x50, mostly because I like the additional features of the XTR II.
I have an SWFA 10x
Obviously I gain things like 10 mil turrets, zero stop, side parallax, adjustable zoom range - all things I sort of miss with the SWFA when I am using it.

The XTR II isn't lauded for it's glass quality but is it at least on par in terms of resolution/CA control/flatness of field compared to my current 10x?

This is the SWFA fixed 10x and the Burris XTR II 4-20 set at 10x. 100yds.

I’m not a glass snob, but I did think the XTR seemed quite a bit brighter, I guess? In the pics you can see the plant behind the target was a darker green in the SWFA and a brighter green in the XTR. I was honestly surprised how much a difference there was looking through it in person - I like the XTR a lot more. But the SWFA still hits targets just as well.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

I took a 3-15 XTRII to Caylen's 2 day wind course. I had it on 12x a lot of the time because the mirage was so bad. I was still able to do target detection/discrimination out to 1400 yards with no issues, and like I said before, it tracks like a train.

That Steiner that that Pirate linked is a good price.

I picked up my XTRII's when everyone was dumping them for the newer models. I have an average of about $650 in each of mine. Although the fire sales on them have cooled off, you can still find them around for under $800.

 

[jhr1986]

I appreciate the input guys. Sounds like the XTR is at least on par with if not better than the SWFA. I know not to expect glass like my Razors but the SWFA (and the XTR that may replace it) is a backup scope for me and gets bounced around to various rifles before they get something permanent. For this purpose I don't need extraordinary glass, just decent and solid tracking. The SWFA has been fine in this role so it sounds like the XTR will be a nice step up.

 

[308pirate]

I appreciate the input guys. Sounds like the XTR is at least on par with if not better than the SWFA. I know not to expect glass like my Razors but the SWFA (and the XTR that may replace it) is a backup scope for me and gets bounced around to various rifles before they get something permanent. For this purpose I don't need extraordinary glass, just decent and solid tracking. The SWFA has been fine in this role so it sounds like the XTR will be a nice step up.

Did you take a look at the link I gave you?