Rifle Scopes Is this a good deal from SWFA? Never bought from the Samplelist
- Thread starter ACK
- Start date
Yes. It’s a steal. Best glass at that price. Period. Outstanding value. I see them go for $1000 used still. No BS warranty. Better snag it up!
That price is stupid low. Illuminated used price is $1000-$1100. Non-illuminated used price is $850-$950.
Now that being said, illumination is about the only thing on this scope that isn't really well-done. It's not great. But you're not paying for it at $899.
My only complaint about the 5-20 HD is the reticle is just a bit too thick. The only other common complaint you hear is that the parallax knob is too stiff, and that can be resolved with a parallax gripper from Aadland.
edit to add: It's a great overall scope. I'm just giving you the only negatives. IMHO, there isn't a better combination of build quality and glass quality anywhere near this price range.
Now that being said, illumination is about the only thing on this scope that isn't really well-done. It's not great. But you're not paying for it at $899.
My only complaint about the 5-20 HD is the reticle is just a bit too thick. The only other common complaint you hear is that the parallax knob is too stiff, and that can be resolved with a parallax gripper from Aadland.
edit to add: It's a great overall scope. I'm just giving you the only negatives. IMHO, there isn't a better combination of build quality and glass quality anywhere near this price range.
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That is good to know. I should have clarified, though glass quality matters, I'm more interested in tracking and reliability.
SWFA tracks like a tank on rails. It is reliable as a red brick.
I'm curious why you really want the 10?
Simplicity and durability. I know we now have extremely durable variable powered scopes, but I am still attracted to fixed powered optics. Plus, if I decide to get step up to a variable (NF 4-16 ATACR, S&B 5-20 US, Kahles 3-18 US), I will than have an excellent back-up optic in case anything happens.
It also helps that I can get very good glass, tracking, and build quality for $800 brand new. I am looking forward to seeing how well I can do with a fixed. If I find it limiting, I’ll eat my words and grab a variable.
In my case, I’ll eventually put an RMR on the Sphur for anything where a 10x is too much. It’ll weight nothing and enhance versatility.
The glass quality on the 5-20 is very, very good at 20x. Dialed back to 10x-16x, it’s even better. I wouldn’t sub the 5-20 for the fixed 10. JMHO
Why wouldn't you sub the 5-20 for the 10? I have one SWFA, and I'm genuinely interested in these scopes, as well as why people think so highly of them.
I have no issues with a good old fixed 10X, but for me the price range is so close to what I can get NF 2.5-10's for, that is just doesn't seem to make much sense for my use.
Ok, thanks. I think I misunderstood what you were saying. I would not take a fixed 10 over a 5-20 either.
There is one in the PX for 815. If I had 900 to spend I would grab an XTRII with the SCR reticle.
Greetings
I did look at both SWFA units in the PX. Neither unit is illuminated.
Chris and Skylar at SWFA provide great service. I had an old SS 16X; after several years of use the clicks became imperceptible; it was replaced in a week.
I did look at both SWFA units in the PX. Neither unit is illuminated.
Chris and Skylar at SWFA provide great service. I had an old SS 16X; after several years of use the clicks became imperceptible; it was replaced in a week.
ACK... apparently there were more than one and my credit card just took a hit too. One of my Franken-ARs that shoots way too good for the barrel brand (old DPMS MK12 barrel) will finally have glass that suits it.
Cool, I received a UPS tracker; it will be in my hands on Monday. I will see how it compares to an NXS. Like an idiot I forgot about the free shipping on orders over $49; sent an an email and all is well. Easy folks to work with.
Scope was received, well packaged, in typical SWFA fashion there are no instructions. Scope does not show any signs of installation/abuse. Noticed a small surface flaw by the occular housing. Nothing a sharpie cannot fix. I am a user not an admirer of optics.
Clicks are positive and well defined, parallax adjust is stiff and close to the illumination knob, I could see myself accidentally turning the illumination on.
Image is bright and clear.
Was it suppose to have a battery included for illumination? What type is required?
Regards
ACK
Clicks are positive and well defined, parallax adjust is stiff and close to the illumination knob, I could see myself accidentally turning the illumination on.
Image is bright and clear.
Was it suppose to have a battery included for illumination? What type is required?
Regards
ACK
Thank you, same as the NF!
Ill be receiving mine on Thursday, ill update and let you know how it looks and performs. Pretty excited for this one.
Took mySWFA 5-20 to the range yesterday and I must say I was very impressed with the quality of the optic. Tracked very well out to 660 yards with great clarity. The turrets on the scope are very positive and precise. Resetting the turrets were a breeze since there is only one screw and it felt way more secure than my PST did. Very happy with this optic and I would recommend it to anyone especially for the price I paid.
I've gotten to play around with a couple of the SWFA scopes now, at the low end and the high end. Different internally, but externally they both seem very similar in quality, which is good. My only complaint with the scopes is the primitive reticle offerings. Ditch the diamonds and put some .2 hash marks in there and you'd be set. The reticle subtension as is is very good. Also, a zero stop on the 5-20 would be nice.
Why does the shim kit option not fly with that scope? SWAF says it will void the warranty on that particular scope?
Why does the shim kit option not fly with that scope? SWAF says it will void the warranty on that particular scope?
Just bought one of these myself thanks for the tip no to sell my PST
Good choice, I liked my PST but this scope has its advantages.
Mine look new but no sunshade
That's like a $50 add-on, and so is the throw lever. Add in caps, aadland gripper, etc.
