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Rifle Scopes SWFA 3-9x42 vs Trijicon TR20-2 vs Viper 2.5-10 PST

C-Par

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Minuteman
Mar 25, 2012
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I originally budgeted for under scope and mount for sub-$500 but for a bit more I can get the SWFA that has great reviews.

For budget the suggestion was the Weaver Grand slam 3-9 x 40 for $299

I originally was thinking the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9 with illuminated Bal Plex.

I like the idea of illuminated reticle for low light conditions.

They say you get what you pay for, so if I jump a couple hundred I can get the SWFA. If I look hard also I can find Trijicon deals for about the same price.

Are the trijicon optics as good as the SWFA or is the SWFA really perform at a scope worth 2x its value.

Now I just had the add the Vortex Viper PST. It seems like it has everything I'm looking for. Good optics, illuminated Reticle.

 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 or Trijicon TR20-2

The SS is really good, but it lacks any illumination. The trijicon's glass is probably a fuzz better(I haven't seen one), but I bet it comes down to who is looking through them.

The SS is also FFP, and has mil adjustments to match the reticle. Where the Trij is going to have M.O.A. adjustments. The SS also has target knobs. The Trij I believe has finger adjustable turrets, that are capped and don't reset to zero(not sure though). The SS is also probably going to have much more adjustment, 30 mils compared to I believe 50 M.O.A.
 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 or Trijicon TR20-2

Yes it is for an AR 18" SPR project.

Man a lot of fingers pointing in the SWFA direction.
 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 or Trijicon TR20-2

How about adding the Luepold Tactical VX-R to the mix.

Man to much to pick from in this price range.
 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 vs Trijicon TR20-2 vs Viper 2.5-10 PST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C-Par</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For budget the suggestion was the Weaver Grand slam 3-9 x 40 for $299 </div></div>

I don't think you can beat the 3-9 Weaver GS mil/mil for $299. If you're on a budget, that would definitely be a great choice IME.

If you want to step up to an illuminated reticle, you'll be hard-pressed to top the Weaver Tactical 3.5-15 FFP mil/mil for $799.

I currently have both of the above Weaver scopes above and couldn't be happier with their performance.

That being said, if you want the best optic possible for an AR, do yourself a favor and jump on the upcoming SS 1-6 group buy. SWFA hit a home run with the SS 1-4 FFP donut reticle mil/mil and their new 1-6 will just be more of a good thing. I owned the 1-4 and sold it in anticipation of the 1-6 offering.

Sure is a great time to be in the market for an AR optic.....
wink.gif
 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 vs Trijicon TR20-2 vs Viper 2.5-10 PST

Id love to go with the SS1-6 but that is over by budget. That reticle looks great.


So far I'm 50/50 between

Budget = Weaver Grand Slam

Mid cost = SS 3-9x

Thanks guys for the inputs.
 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 vs Trijicon TR20-2 vs Viper 2.5-10 PST

Weaver is very very hard to beat and the cost of 300 would mean that you could get a good mount as well as a set of back up sights and be around 550ish total.
 
Re: SWFA 3-9x42 vs Trijicon TR20-2 vs Viper 2.5-10 PST

I had both the SWFA and PST. Both have lifetime transferable warranties and great reputation for customer support.

Personally I kept the PST. Zero stop and illumination are nice features the others do not have. The SWFA is also very good, and FFP.

I wouldn't get the Weaver at any price. I'm not sure, but it looks like it does not have finger-adjustable turrets. The 1-inch tube limits elevation travel. Also the Weaver brand has changed ownership multiple times in the last few years, and I do not take that as a good sign for future support.