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Rifle Scopes Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

delfuego

delfuego

Belieber
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 21, 2011
855
408
In Limbo
I sent in a "trade in" quote for my current scope to SWFA and they are willing to give me $600 for it, so a SS 5-20 will cost me $709 out the door. I am still on the fence about this optic though. I had read a lot about it and many people have great thing to say too. But... I have never actually looked through this piece of glass, and dont want to be bummed out after shelling out $700 + my VariXIII. This is pretty much my maximum price range right now.

A little bit of last minute advice would be great. Are the really better than the PST? Is the glass really as nice or better than NF? What do you think about the reticle? Is this the best scope in this price range? I have heard the Sightrons are nice but I dont really see any with mil/mil and hashed reticles. I apologize if this has been discussed ad nauseum, I would just love to hear from the experts.
smirk.gif


I plan on shooting target and steel from 100-1000y(this is what I have been doing currently), I may also do some competitive shooting at CRC (Byers,CO) and p-dog matches in (Pueblo,CO), and Steel Safari type shooting.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I have one that I got in the group buy, and other than the lack of a zero stop I think it's fully the equal of my 3.5-15x NF NXS, at least so far. The glass is probably as clear or clearer, and I've had no trouble with the adjustments to this point.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

Oh, and to answer your question, I'd probably do it if I were in your position.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

i've had mine for a week now, its awesome. Bright at all mags, clear, good turrets.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I had no problem spotting a 8" target at 1200 yards with mine a couple weeks ago.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WACADOO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had no problem spotting a 8" target at 1200 yards with mine a couple weeks ago. </div></div>That encouraging!
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

Thanks for the photos! Those are good shots.

I sure hope that was your trailer
eek.gif


I will have to try do the math now... I did go to public schools, so no guarantees.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I am curious how far away the truck and trailer where. I am coming up with 1587yds using the truck and 1579 using the building
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I may be way off..... but maybe around 2k? I figured a person would be around a mil(using the truck & the door to the camper as reference got between 1944y - 2055y.

I used my Storm range book for the formula in objects for inches.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?


Last month I did the same thing, traded a scope in for a SS 5-20. Very happy with the purchase.

Once you do FFP, and matching turrests/recticle you won't go back. Glass will not let you down, I'd go for it.


Steel @ 645 and 900
IMG_0032.jpg
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I have the non-illuminated version and love it. Glass clarity is amazing and tracks perfectly. You will not be dissapointed.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

A shooting buddy (shoots competition) just recommended I check with a local company to see if they may have a Nightforce demo scope. I assumed NF was out of my price range... any thought son that? If the price was comparable?
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I've never been that impressed with the NF glass for the money. Not saying its bad by any means but for the price there's better, SS being one of them. Also take a look at the IOR 4-16x50 scope as well. I have one and a buddy of mine has the SS 5-20. Both have advantages over the other and only $100 difference. My side by side comparison between the two the IOR had better glass but not by much. It showed slightly better detail, color and contrast but again its not much. Its biggest advantage over the SS is it has a zero stop while the SS doesn't. The SS has more elevation and higher top end mag. Just another option to think about.

Flyingbullseye
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delfuego</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may be way off..... but maybe around 2k? I figured a person would be around a mil(using the truck & the door to the camper as reference got between 1944y - 2055y.

I used my Storm range book for the formula in objects for inches. </div></div>

Well, I figure the peak of the roof is 9ft, and a suburban is about 18ft long but the way it is parked at an angle i figured 20ft from left (drivers side) headlight to rear bumper. came up with 1.9mil on the roof and 4.2 on the suburban. Either way it is out there a ways. I figure since my calculations are both very close then I am "on it", but would like to know for sure.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

Thanks for the advice guys. My buddy said they are having a match at CRC next Saturday and I could likely find to let someone check theirs out. I will have to see how long SWFA will keep their deal for me. I must say I spent less worrying about the last car I bought
wink.gif


This could become a fun type of thread, Mil/range my photo thread! Has anybody done one of those? Good for contests.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delfuego</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I sure hope that was your trailer
eek.gif

</div></div>

It wasn't, neither was it my truck, but being as the scope was not mounted to a rifle I didn't see it as a problem.
wink.gif


Your guy's guess is as good as mine, I cant remember how far it was.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I traded in my USO SN3 for two of the SS 5-20's and do not regret it one bit. I have two rifles now with top notch optics. My only regret was being stupid and only ordering two of them on the GB. I should have gotten 3-4 of them at that price.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

i also have the 5-20 and love this optic, money well spent. sorry to change the subject a bit but from my 100yrd zero im getting .3mil drop to 200yrds, .9mil to 300yrds, 1.9mil to 400yrds and 2.8mils to 500yrds using factory 175smk 308 ammo using a 22" barrel. anyone getting about the same drop?
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I am in the process of selling my 5-20 but for the money it is difficult to beat and the quality is outstanding. SWFA customer service is great as well.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bastard dsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> from my 100yrd zero im getting .3mil drop to 200yrds, .9mil to 300yrds, 1.9mil to 400yrds and 2.8mils to 500yrds using factory 175smk 308 ammo using a 22" barrel. anyone getting about the same drop? </div></div>

I'm sure someone is, and you can read about it in any thread, besides this one.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bastard dsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> from my 100yrd zero im getting .3mil drop to 200yrds, .9mil to 300yrds, 1.9mil to 400yrds and 2.8mils to 500yrds using factory 175smk 308 ammo using a 22" barrel. anyone getting about the same drop? </div></div>

I'm sure someone is, and you can read about it in any thread, besides this one. </div></div>

LOL!!
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I purchased a non-illuminated version this morning. Hope to have it the end of the week. I will be able to run it through the rigors in the next couple of months with 5 matches between April 1 and May 30th.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guns4570</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I traded in my USO SN3 for two of the SS 5-20's and do not regret it one bit. I have two rifles now with top notch optics. My only regret was being stupid and only ordering two of them on the GB. I should have gotten 3-4 of them at that price. </div></div>

Same here - I wish I had done 4 of them instead of 2 I with the black friday sale
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I did pull the trigger on the SS 5-20. David at SWFA made it a pleasure to do business with them, cant wait for the new scope! Thanks for the advise fellas
smile.gif
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

You won't be disappointed. I love mine and have used it several times now, and at two comps. I almost sold it to fund a Vortex Razor, but now am glad I kept it! I was at that CRC match last month that you mentioned. Had I seen this prior to then, I would have let you look through mine.

Anyway, the glass is superb, 10 mil/turn, FFP, 0.1mil/click, 20x mag backed with SWFA's warranty and incredible customer service make it an outstanding buy. I sold a Luepy to get mine.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

Thanks COfox. I was able to check one out in person, it should be here Tuesday! Is this Whiskeyjack from co-ar?
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

With 10 mils per revolution, I wouldn't have had much use for a zero stop even if the scope had one.

OP - don't even sweat it, buy the scope, you will not regret it.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

New member as of this am...I have been looking at the SWFA scopes for some time now. The features they offer for the price..it looks to be a good value. One question. How much better is the glass / clarity on the HD scopes versus the standard scopes? Is the 2 or 3x price increase worth it? I probably should have posted this in a different thread...what the heck, it's my 1st post.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I haven't had the chance to look through the non HD SS scopes, but the glass on these is very nice.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delfuego</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is this Whiskeyjack from co-ar? </div></div>

If this was directed to me, then no...I'm not Whiskeyjack.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I have been very pleased with the SS 5-20 HD, it is the scope i can't wait to go shoot with more than any other scope I own.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not Whiskeyjack. </div></div>No worries! I just thought it was too much of a coincidence for there to be 2 shooters in Blackhawk
wink.gif
. I'll try to put up pics when it arrives.
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

Spoke with SWFA today regarding the new 12x scope and the new 16x scope. Both scopes are on backorder until "late Spring or early Summer". In a word... DAMN!
So it seems that I may be back to the drawing board. I was seriously looking at both scopes. The eyes aren't what they used to be 30+ years ago. I'm focusing on shooting out to 300 yards ( + / - ), and if I do well at that range to work out to 600 yards. I don't think 10x will be enough. Not sure. Any thought folks? My fall back position on scopes was the Nikon m-223 3-9x42 or the 4-16...but from what I've been reading here...not so sure I want to do that..may be a waste of money..Help!
 
Re: Pull the trigger on a SS HD 5-20x?

I just grabbed a SS 5-20 from the samples list for about that much after trade in. Glad I did- love at first sight.
 
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