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Rifle Scopes SWFA'S SS 12x42

win.308stealth

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 19, 2012
235
6
45
fosston mn
Has anyone used the new offering from SWFA, the SS 12x42? I own a 20x42 that I bought 9 years ago, and I really like it. It tracks well and feels robust. The only drawback is that it's glass is not the clearest. I have also used a 16x42 (my brothers), and it is also not the clearest glass. Does anyone have any experience with the old scopes and how they compare to the new ones, especially the 12x42 scope. I am thinking of buying this scope as a gift for my brother, and am hoping that the glass is somewhat better than the old ones.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I received a 16x last week and I was pleased with it's quality for price. I haven't held another scope with these features and quality in that price range. Clicks aren't bad, the new mil quad reticle is badass, the clarity of the glass is not the greatest but I've seen much worse and this will work for me. My only gripe is the eye relief but being a 42mm I guess it compensates for the weight. I'll definitely pick up another one!
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I got a 10x42 about 5 years ago, and a 16x maybe 2-3 years ago.

Clarity was about the same between them. I wouldn't expect a 12x model to be any more clear.

That said, for the price I am still impressed. Very usable piece of gear.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I have used my new 12x42 twice now at the range. I have not looked through any others to compare. I have not looked through any high quality glass other than my USO 1.8-6 to know any better, so I'm not spoiled & that's probably a good thing for my wallet. I can look through it out my garage at a hill top 1500 + yards away and see a tree and fence line details just fine. It suits me fine and I can't come up with any complaints especially for the money. I imagine you don't intend to spend 1500+ on your bro's bday, for the money this is a great scope to me. And like evilcoon said the Mil-Quad reticle IS badass!!! It being mil/mil is a big plus. I had it at my front door 3 days after ordering. A week later I noticed the price went up about $15 or so.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I've bought a bunch of them, and I keep buying them. They are still the bset value in a durable scope. Period.

My experience is that the higher powers are too dark, but that the 10x is consistently good. The glass on one I got last week is the best I've seen yet. But all the 10x examples I have are very good. And the adjustments on the new scope are slightly less mushy than on my scopes from five years ago.

I have not yet tried the 12x.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I just stuffed 4 scopes into a box and shipped them out, trading them in for SS 12x42, binoc suspenders, Win. Mod. 70 rail, Burris PEPR mount, Leupold one piece mount for a Mauser K98 (built into a .260 Rem w/heavy barrel and a target stock), and also a EOTech M3 tactical light. Can't wait for my box of goodies to arrive. It will feel like my birthday and Christmas all in August.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I just got a 12x today and the glass is great. Not really thrilled with the adjustments but for $300 can't complain that much
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tkellogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got a 12x today and the glass is great. Not really thrilled with the adjustments but for $300 can't complain that much </div></div>

What do you not like about the adjustments? Is it not tracking or do the turrets just feel "mushy"? I am trying to recommend a budget scope for a buddy and told him to go with the SS mil/mil.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

"mushy" is probably the right word. I haven't taken it to the range to test tracking. I really like the reticle that it has. It was the main reason I went with it over the midway vortex.

Since I've started all over with gear(only buying what I can afford) it's the best I can afford right now and I'm overall happy with it.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I dunno the turrets feel good to me but then I haven't felt any on a top tier scope, again except for the USO I have. Seems to feel as good as on the USO anyway.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I remember reading about my older 20x42 that the turrets will feel mushy at first, because there is grease or something in the internal parts. The recommendation I read is that you are supposed to crank those turrets back and forth a few times to get the grease all work in to the right places and make softer. Worked on my first SS pretty good. After the break in the clicks are very crisp.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

The turrets can feel mushy from lack of grease or if they haven't been spun much to break the O rings in if that makes any sense.

Another thing you can do is go to the plumbing ilse in home depot where they sell parts to rebuild faucets and stuff. They'll have a bin there with pull out trays with individual O rings and you can match up the next size smaller. I believe #62 is the one that is a hair thinner than the factory SWFA ring but I will have to check. It should fit just barely touching the inside of the knob, put a little electrical connector grease on in and you're good to go.

I used to do this a lot with the real early SS's and it made their clicks feel great but then they started coming from the factory feeling the same. Who knows maybe the manufacturer got a batch of bigger O rings or something. It's not a big deal to swap them out though.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

Scratch that it's a danco #67 you want. Should look like this:

E95B1F8B-45E5-436A-B657-7AD11C1EDE7F-737-000002B09EB8B885.jpg
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

Received my SS 12x42 yesterday. Scope does not need the O-ring changed or the turrets broken in. Adjustments are very nice and crisp. The glass is an improvement over the older scopes (I had a 8 year old scope). The reticile looks real nice, but have not shot the rifle yet. Might be some time before I shoot.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

I'm really looking forward to picking one of these up soon. And the Mil-Quad reticle looks like it'll be a nice improvement to the Mil Dot I'm used to.
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2ac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm really looking forward to picking one of these up soon. And the Mil-Quad reticle looks like it'll be a nice improvement to the Mil Dot I'm used to. </div></div>

It's reticool
 
Re: SWFA'S SS 12x42

just ordered the SS 12x42 MQ today along with the burris signature zee rings . should be a very nice combo for my.243 in a rock solid chassis