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Rifle Scopes SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

R

Rhyno37

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Minuteman
Mar 20, 2012
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I'm getting a Steven's 200 in .223 to start a rifle build, and obviously need to put some glass on it. I shoot anywhere from 100yds to 300yds, sometimes even 500yds if able. After reading reviews, and with a limit of $600, I've narrowed it down to these 2 variable power scopes and a fixed power. Looking for an input on these 3 scopes, I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to optics.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x44-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44567.aspx

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50716.aspx

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-6x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P53711.aspx

The SS 6x42 would obviously be my cheapest option, but I figure a variable scope would be better for different ranges. Any and all help is appreciated!
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Most reports I've read, state that the Viper 2.5-10 has less than stellar glass. I've never compared my SWFA 3-9 to it, so take what i say with a grain of salt.

However, My SWFA 3-9 has beautiful glass, I'd say it's pretty close to my Nightforce 2.5-10x in terms of clarity.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Love my Vortex PST 2.5x10 Just as clear as my Mark 4s for half the price.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: goodmanfj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love my Vortex PST 2.5x10 Just as clear as my Mark 4s for half the price. </div></div>

this
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

If it's as clear as the Leuppies, i say go for it.
smile.gif
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

I've read tons of positive stuff about the SWFA, but can't find too much on the Viper PST. Keep the suggestions coming!

I did read that the SWFA SS was FFP and the Vortex PST was SFP. Is this a big deal?
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

First vs. 2nd Focal is only an issue in ranging targets with the reticle. The PST has both first and second focal plane models, I believe even in the power you are looking at. I think it runs like $50 more for the FFP. I am considering a PST purchase currently and there is also a thread comparing the higher magnification PST to a similar SWFA on here.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

I like the lighted Reticle on the Vortex PST It comes in handy in low light hunting on my 6.8 but your on a great trac with any of those three scopes to chose from.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rhyno37</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I did read that the SWFA SS was FFP and the Vortex PST was SFP. Is this a big deal? </div></div>

Depends on whether or not you enjoy doing arithmetic and if you want to use your reticle for hold-overs at any magnification.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

+1 for 3-9 ss front focal mil/mil that tracks for 500 great package I have had mine for almost 2 years no complaints
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrnMtnRidgeRunnr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First vs. 2nd Focal is only an issue in ranging targets with the reticle. The PST has both first and second focal plane models, I believe even in the power you are looking at. I think it runs like $50 more for the FFP. I am considering a PST purchase currently and there is also a thread comparing the higher magnification PST to a similar SWFA on here. </div></div>

i dont think there is a 2.5-10ffp pst. to me on 4-16ish scopes i love ffp. on less than 10x scopes i dont need it. if im shooting far enough that i need to range it i will be on 10x and thats where the measuerements are correct. if im shooting far enough that i need to holdover i will be on 10x aswell
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

SWFA 3-9X42 is one of the best scopes out there for the quality and price. My brother competes in precision rifle matches with his 3-9 and smokes cats running USO and other high end optics at ranges out to 700 yards.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Both scopes would be plenty out to 500yds correct?
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Having owned both the 2.5-10 PST (Among other PST's) and the 3-9 SS (Among other SS's), I personally would buy the SS 3-9. I really like the feel and reticle of the PST, but I found the glass in the SS superior, and the FFP very handy. Some folks really like the glass in the PST's though - so the one I had could have been a fluke.

Casey
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

I had both SWFA 3-9x and Vortex PST 2.5-10x. I could not tell much of a difference in the glass at all. <span style="color: #3366FF">Ilya's review</span> mentions very specific quality problems in the PST (for example chromatic aberration and low contrast) that I do not see in mine. I can only guess that Vortex is either inconsistent or has fixed the problems, and either way I got a good one.

I will agree with that review when it comes to parallax effects; it is very noticeable in the PST. I did not notice it in the SWFA. The SWFA also felt slightly more durable, but this is subjective and I suspect it might just be an impression due to it being a simpler scope with less features.

Of the two I prefer the PST for its features, especially zero stop and illumination. Also the PST came with by far the best manuals I've ever had for a scope.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

I can't speak to the SWFA line all though I here nothing but positive about them? I have a PST and a Viper and they are great! The thing for me is after the sale? Vortex will back the problem no questions asked? The will fix or replace for the lifetime of the product! You just can't go wrong with a warranty like that!
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rhyno37</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Both scopes would be plenty out to 500yds correct? </div></div>
Can't offer a comparison but I can say the 3-9x SS is a really, REALLY good scope. It's tough, reliable and has great glass. I've used mine out to 960 yds with no noticeable parallax error until around 750-800 yds. Yes, 9/10x will be plenty to take your rifle out to 500.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Those of you with a SS 3-9 and 5-20 I have a question. How does the reticle look on the 3-9 on low power? Just wondering if it as small as my 5-20. Do the thicker outer lines allow you to bracket a target at closer ranges in low light?

A reticle pic would on 3 would be awesome!
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

It's much thicker than the reticle in the 5-20. It's very easy to see and use on 3X in low light. Here's a pic on 3X:

PICT0353.JPG
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Thank you very much!

I love my 5-20 and I think the 3-9 may be my next optic.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Forgive my ignorance here, but the Vortex looks like it has a couple more knobs than the SWFA. Does this mean it has more adjustments?
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

SWFA SS 3-9
Weight (oz): 19
First Focal Plane Mil-Quad
Length (in): 13.1
Eye Relief (mm): 105 - 77
Field of View @ 100yds (ft): 33.2 - 14.51
Exit Pupil (mm): 14 - 4.67
MRAD: .1

Vortex PST 2.5-10
Specifications
Weight (oz): 18.4
EBR-1 Reticle
Length (in): 12
Eye Relief (in): 4
Field of View @ 100yds (ft): 47 - 10.9
Exit Pupil (mm): 17.6 - 4.4
MRAD: .1
Parallax Setting (yds): 100
Zero Stop
Illuminated Reticle

The SS 3-9 is a FFP scope. Nice reticle design, but lacks zero stop or illumination.

The PST 2.5-10 has a nice reticle design, illumination, and zero stop. However this is a SFP scope. Your reticle subtensions will only be correct at max magnification, but with all SFP scopes the reticle is thinner leading to a more precise aiming point.

Can you use a SFP scope? Or do you need FFP? Do you want to be locked into 10x while using your reticle to it's potential? Or would you rather have a scope that substens correctly at what ever magnification your on? Are you willing to give up the illumination and Zero stop to gain FFP? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.

I've owned both.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

I'm a first time "tactical" rifle shooter. All I've ever used are iron sights and cheap nikon's and bushnell's on my muzzleloader for hunting. Which did you prefer?
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

Go with a FFP scope. You'll be better of in the long run. Personally I'd wait till you can pony up a couple more hundred for the 4-16 FFP PST.

But you can make the SS 3-9 work.
 
Re: SWFA SS 3-9x42 vs Vortex 2.5-10x44

I have the swfa 3x9 On my rock river ar and absolutely love it. Glass is clear, turrets have decent clicks, and the mil dot reticle is easy to use. The only thing I don't like is the way the ocular adjustment locks.
 
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