Rifle Scopes SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
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Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
SM, I own both of them. So what is your budget and what are you going to use it for? How much humping around are you going to be doing? The IOR is heavier than the SS. Clarity of the glass goes to the IOR. Best bang for the buck goes to the SS.
If I didn't own my IOR 3.5-18 and had bought 3 of the SS instead of just the two I have....I would be fine.
The IOR glass with my corrective lenses though is crystal clear and thats hard to find trust me I have owned a lot of glass finding that out.
SM, I own both of them. So what is your budget and what are you going to use it for? How much humping around are you going to be doing? The IOR is heavier than the SS. Clarity of the glass goes to the IOR. Best bang for the buck goes to the SS.
If I didn't own my IOR 3.5-18 and had bought 3 of the SS instead of just the two I have....I would be fine.
The IOR glass with my corrective lenses though is crystal clear and thats hard to find trust me I have owned a lot of glass finding that out.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
IOR. The glass quality alone is enough of a reason. But The MP8 reticle is outstanding. Tracking is great. Very durable. With that being said I have only handled one of the SWFA SS optics. And I am an IOR owner and fan. Maybe I am biased. I know my IOR 2.5-10x42 seems just as clear as my cousins USO at 10 power. And depending on what you are putting it on you might not want to go to high with your magnification. 10 power is good for me to about 1200 yards. Higher magnification (even with top notch glass) gives mirage. I can do without the mirage.
IOR. The glass quality alone is enough of a reason. But The MP8 reticle is outstanding. Tracking is great. Very durable. With that being said I have only handled one of the SWFA SS optics. And I am an IOR owner and fan. Maybe I am biased. I know my IOR 2.5-10x42 seems just as clear as my cousins USO at 10 power. And depending on what you are putting it on you might not want to go to high with your magnification. 10 power is good for me to about 1200 yards. Higher magnification (even with top notch glass) gives mirage. I can do without the mirage.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
Right now I would pick the SS 5-20 non-illuminated and put 700$ in your pocket. Check the SWFA facebook page and get the coupon while it lasts.
I like the IOR better though. I had a 3-18 and sold it because it was a bit too heavy and am kicking myself for it. Beautiful glass, held zero, tracked fine.
If there is one thing I've learned about firearms collecting it's that good shooting rifles and good scopes should never be sold...
Right now I would pick the SS 5-20 non-illuminated and put 700$ in your pocket. Check the SWFA facebook page and get the coupon while it lasts.
I like the IOR better though. I had a 3-18 and sold it because it was a bit too heavy and am kicking myself for it. Beautiful glass, held zero, tracked fine.
If there is one thing I've learned about firearms collecting it's that good shooting rifles and good scopes should never be sold...
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
Having owned both, the 3.5-18x50 IOR trumps the SS in every aspect except weight (IOR is heavy) and price.
Having owned both, the 3.5-18x50 IOR trumps the SS in every aspect except weight (IOR is heavy) and price.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
I have both. I purchase the 5-20SS on the group buy and do not regret it a all. I have the IOR 3.5-18x50 with the FFP MP-8 A-5 Reticle and like it a lot too. I do wish I had the NEW MP8-X1 reticle. I will say i do accidentally turn the illumination on the IOR.
If they were the same price I would go IOR. However, they are not and the SS is less expensive. I purchase 2 SS on the group buy and with the most recent group buy it make the SS more attractive then the IOR. Once again money not being an problem I would go with S&B because the 4 I have are all great, oh wait they weren't an option. Right now with the group buy the SS wins hands down, you will not be disappointed. If the IOR 3.5-18x50 had the NEW MP8-X1 I would get that one.
Let's face it you picked two good scopes that normally are only separated buy a couple hundred dollars. For me the IOR would win, but once again the group buy give the edge to the SS. JMO good luck.
I have both. I purchase the 5-20SS on the group buy and do not regret it a all. I have the IOR 3.5-18x50 with the FFP MP-8 A-5 Reticle and like it a lot too. I do wish I had the NEW MP8-X1 reticle. I will say i do accidentally turn the illumination on the IOR.
If they were the same price I would go IOR. However, they are not and the SS is less expensive. I purchase 2 SS on the group buy and with the most recent group buy it make the SS more attractive then the IOR. Once again money not being an problem I would go with S&B because the 4 I have are all great, oh wait they weren't an option. Right now with the group buy the SS wins hands down, you will not be disappointed. If the IOR 3.5-18x50 had the NEW MP8-X1 I would get that one.
Let's face it you picked two good scopes that normally are only separated buy a couple hundred dollars. For me the IOR would win, but once again the group buy give the edge to the SS. JMO good luck.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
Thanks for all the feedbacks, keep it coming.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right now I would pick the SS 5-20 non-illuminated and put 700$ in your pocket. Check the SWFA facebook page and get the coupon while it lasts.
I like the IOR better though. I had a 3-18 and sold it because it was a bit too heavy and am kicking myself for it. Beautiful glass, held zero, tracked fine.
If there is one thing I've learned about firearms collecting it's that good shooting rifles and good scopes should never be sold... </div></div>
Thanks! I'm well aware of the special deal available right now, but there is a used IOR 3.5-18 for going for $1400. Its definitely a hard decision, but it seems that the general consensus is the IOR is the better purchase.
Thanks for all the feedbacks, keep it coming.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right now I would pick the SS 5-20 non-illuminated and put 700$ in your pocket. Check the SWFA facebook page and get the coupon while it lasts.
I like the IOR better though. I had a 3-18 and sold it because it was a bit too heavy and am kicking myself for it. Beautiful glass, held zero, tracked fine.
If there is one thing I've learned about firearms collecting it's that good shooting rifles and good scopes should never be sold... </div></div>
Thanks! I'm well aware of the special deal available right now, but there is a used IOR 3.5-18 for going for $1400. Its definitely a hard decision, but it seems that the general consensus is the IOR is the better purchase.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
I have the illuminated SS on my AW, an IOR 2.5–10 FFP on my precision AR-15, and got to check out the IOR 3.5–18 last weekend. At the everyday price, I'd pay the extra for the IOR 3.5–18 over the illuminated SS. You're getting a far superior reticle, slightly superior glass, and crisper detents on the knobs. It couldn't be easier to range targets with the MP-8 reticle, while the diamonds in the SS reticle end up being rather confusing and imprecise in everyday use.
The non-illuminated SS widens the gap in price considerably, but I'd still lean toward the IOR from a buy once, cry once perspective. My SS will get swapped out when funds permit.
—Andreas
I have the illuminated SS on my AW, an IOR 2.5–10 FFP on my precision AR-15, and got to check out the IOR 3.5–18 last weekend. At the everyday price, I'd pay the extra for the IOR 3.5–18 over the illuminated SS. You're getting a far superior reticle, slightly superior glass, and crisper detents on the knobs. It couldn't be easier to range targets with the MP-8 reticle, while the diamonds in the SS reticle end up being rather confusing and imprecise in everyday use.
The non-illuminated SS widens the gap in price considerably, but I'd still lean toward the IOR from a buy once, cry once perspective. My SS will get swapped out when funds permit.
—Andreas
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
The F1 is worth it but I would take a vortex razor over it as I like the vortex reticules more (haven't seen the new NF reticule so can't comment on that) and it has a little more top end magnification.
For 2k you can find a used premier reticules scope as well.
Like I said earlier though the super sniper for 1k bucks for a 'first bolt rifle' build would be more than good enough.
There are guys who do very well with 300$ super snipers you know...
The F1 is worth it but I would take a vortex razor over it as I like the vortex reticules more (haven't seen the new NF reticule so can't comment on that) and it has a little more top end magnification.
For 2k you can find a used premier reticules scope as well.
Like I said earlier though the super sniper for 1k bucks for a 'first bolt rifle' build would be more than good enough.
There are guys who do very well with 300$ super snipers you know...
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SM1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your takes on the NF F1? Is it worth the additional cost? </div></div>
I got to look through a number of Nightforce scopes at a long-range shoot two weeks ago and didn't see what all the fuss was about. I wouldn't trade my SS 5-20 for one. YMMV. But the US Optics scopes? Just damn…
—Andreas
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SM1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your takes on the NF F1? Is it worth the additional cost? </div></div>
I got to look through a number of Nightforce scopes at a long-range shoot two weeks ago and didn't see what all the fuss was about. I wouldn't trade my SS 5-20 for one. YMMV. But the US Optics scopes? Just damn…
—Andreas
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guns4570</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SM, I own both of them. So what is your budget and what are you going to use it for? How much humping around are you going to be doing? The IOR is heavier than the SS. Clarity of the glass goes to the IOR. Best bang for the buck goes to the SS.
If I didn't own my IOR 3.5-18 and had bought 3 of the SS instead of just the two I have....I would be fine.
The IOR glass with my corrective lenses though is crystal clear and thats hard to find trust me I have owned a lot of glass finding that out. </div></div>
I own a 5-20 SS, and a 6-24 IOR, and my impressions match Guns4570 quote above pretty much exactly. A couple things to add: I have owned NF (two), I personally did not like the feel of them as much as other scopes, with my corrective lenses I had issues with the reticles, and while the IOR and SS are beefy compared to regular hunting scopes, the NF seemed like it would take substantially more abuse, if necessary. Field reports seem to bear this out.
Casey
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guns4570</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SM, I own both of them. So what is your budget and what are you going to use it for? How much humping around are you going to be doing? The IOR is heavier than the SS. Clarity of the glass goes to the IOR. Best bang for the buck goes to the SS.
If I didn't own my IOR 3.5-18 and had bought 3 of the SS instead of just the two I have....I would be fine.
The IOR glass with my corrective lenses though is crystal clear and thats hard to find trust me I have owned a lot of glass finding that out. </div></div>
I own a 5-20 SS, and a 6-24 IOR, and my impressions match Guns4570 quote above pretty much exactly. A couple things to add: I have owned NF (two), I personally did not like the feel of them as much as other scopes, with my corrective lenses I had issues with the reticles, and while the IOR and SS are beefy compared to regular hunting scopes, the NF seemed like it would take substantially more abuse, if necessary. Field reports seem to bear this out.
Casey
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
Right now the Bushnell HDMR G2 is the best scope in this $ range. Bought one, liked it so much I sold the S&B bough two more. One of our club members had a swivel pull loose and the whole rifle landed on the elevation knob, he had a match the next day so no time to zero, scope was right on the money. They may be the first scopes to really give NF a run for the durability prize.
Right now the Bushnell HDMR G2 is the best scope in this $ range. Bought one, liked it so much I sold the S&B bough two more. One of our club members had a swivel pull loose and the whole rifle landed on the elevation knob, he had a match the next day so no time to zero, scope was right on the money. They may be the first scopes to really give NF a run for the durability prize.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SM1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just ordered the SWFA setup! Thanks for the help. Now if I can only find a FS2000 in CA compliant configuration.</div></div>
I saw one at rifle gear a couple months ago.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SM1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just ordered the SWFA setup! Thanks for the help. Now if I can only find a FS2000 in CA compliant configuration.</div></div>
I saw one at rifle gear a couple months ago.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emilio</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SM1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just ordered the SWFA setup! Thanks for the help. Now if I can only find a FS2000 in CA compliant configuration.</div></div>
I saw one at rifle gear a couple months ago. </div></div>
They have been out of stock for a bit, i tried looking and calling everywhere.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emilio</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SM1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just ordered the SWFA setup! Thanks for the help. Now if I can only find a FS2000 in CA compliant configuration.</div></div>
I saw one at rifle gear a couple months ago. </div></div>
They have been out of stock for a bit, i tried looking and calling everywhere.
Re: SWFA SS 5-20 or IOR 3.5-18
In my opinion, the 5-20 is money well spent.
I've owned both, and agree the glass in the IOR is a little better, but shipping a scope back to Eastern Europe for service sucks. Hard.
SWFA stands behind their scopes, the glass is very near IOR, turrets track true and are tactile and audible, reticle is personal preference (I am a fan of the MP-8 more so than the diamond mil), illumination controls are better in the SS (compared to IOR's I've owned), and the SS is lighter.
If they cost exactly the same, it'd be a tough choice; they don't, it ain't.
You will like the SS 5-20.
In my opinion, the 5-20 is money well spent.
I've owned both, and agree the glass in the IOR is a little better, but shipping a scope back to Eastern Europe for service sucks. Hard.
SWFA stands behind their scopes, the glass is very near IOR, turrets track true and are tactile and audible, reticle is personal preference (I am a fan of the MP-8 more so than the diamond mil), illumination controls are better in the SS (compared to IOR's I've owned), and the SS is lighter.
If they cost exactly the same, it'd be a tough choice; they don't, it ain't.
You will like the SS 5-20.
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