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Rifle Scopes SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

Pointman308

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 6, 2011
617
84
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Idaho
Are people still having problems with the turret hash marks not lining up? If so is it effecting performance. I am curious because I am think about purchasing one of these.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

Yes, It will be hit or miss depending on where the turrets are zeroed. I have three SWFA scopes and not one lines up perfectly. For me as long as they don't end up splitting two hash marks down the middle I am fine with it. I am an "attention to detail" kind of guy so yes I would like them to be perfect but a lot of scopes have that problem. No it will not affect performance. I like my 5-20x50 a lot and highly reccomend them.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

I concur, they definitly are not perfect. But they are servicable.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

You would think for $1500 they would figure this shit out. What other scopes do the same thing? And thanks for your replies.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

Depends how new the scope is.

With the first batch they used a 60 spline interface on the turret so depending on where your zero falls it doesn't quite line up on all the marks (60 spline locations to index the turret but 100 0.1 mil increments on the knobs.)

On the new batches they fixed it and the turrets have 100 spline interfaces so the turrets line up at all positions.

Unless you pull the turrets off and count the splines it's hard to tell if you have an early or late production model but it also seems that the first batch with the spline count issue has the parallax knobs marked down to 35Y and the later batches with the fixed turret splines have the parallax knob marked down to 50Y.

I have a couple scopes from the very first batch and a couple from recent production-- they have fixed the issue with the spline count & mark alignment.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kiba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Depends how new the scope is.

With the first batch they used a 60 spline interface on the turret so depending on where your zero falls it doesn't quite line up on all the marks (60 spline locations to index the turret but 100 0.1 mil increments on the knobs.)

On the new batches they fixed it and the turrets have 100 spline interfaces so the turrets line up at all positions.

Unless you pull the turrets off and count the splines it's hard to tell if you have an early or late production model but it also seems that the first batch with the spline count issue has the parallax knobs marked down to 35Y and the later batches with the fixed turret splines have the parallax knob marked down to 50Y.

I have a couple scopes from the very first batch and a couple from recent production-- they have fixed the issue with the spline count & mark alignment. </div></div>

Thanks for the info. I was not aware that they made the change.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

Thanks for the info. guys. Its down to one of these, a Mark 4 ER/T, or the Bushnell HDMR first Gen.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

So if I buy one from the store will I get one of the new ones with the 100 splines per. inner turret?
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

My issues were with two Brand new 5-20 that I received on 1-17-13
I didnt count splines and I know this was a past issue. I already had to send one back for different issues, the second one belongs to my friend. They both shipped to me and his turrets are offset to the right of every hash. The alignment of the one I sent back seemed fairly good, but because of the diameter of the turret and the close proximity of all the hash marks the little bit of slop makes it not always perfect. It is probably mostly a factor of 10mil turrets. This is definitly not the only scope to not be quite as positive as others because of 10mil turrets. Alot of guys debate this even with vortex razors and nightforce scopes.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

I am not trying to start an SS band wagon or anything, but should I just a buy a Leupold ER/T? I can get it for the same price. Does anyone have an opinion on this?
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

I don't like leupold at all. Some swear by them... Its all opinion. All we can do is help you find yours.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

Unless you are trying to save weight my first choice would be the SS. I have a mark 4 so I can compare them both side by side. With that said I had to return two before I found one that I could live with.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

2 SS's. One had a canted reticle and the other's reticle was not centered in the scope. With a front focal scope a reticle that is not centered is very noticeable. SWFA treated me right in the process. I like the one I have enough that I plan to buy another. The glass is very good for a scope in that price range, better than my Mark 4. I am still waiting for a scope just like the 5-20x50 except downsized to a 3-12x42. I never pass up the chance to mention it just in case SWFA is listening
smile.gif
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointman10-32</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does SWFA have troubles with QC? </div></div>

Maybe.....but according to my experience not any more so than Leupold.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

I am guessing that any company is going to have issues here and there, but what matters is how they take care of the customer.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

my second 5-20 (non illuminated) showed up last week and I zeroed it today, the turret lined up perfectly, my first 5-20 (with ill)bought last year doesn't.
still very good scope for the money.
 
Re: SWFA SS 5-20x50mm Turrets?

mine showed up today. The turrets line up fine. First impression is very good. Lowlight's review was pretty much spot on for my scope. The power ring is firm but not stiff enough to need a cat tail. The focus was quite stiff. I gently ran it back and forth about 12 times and it is a noticable amount easier to turn. It is still on the stiff side but not enough to be an issue. The turrets feel great, very positive clicks. The glass looked good. I will get it out this weekend and do a side by side with my schmidt and NF scopes to compare glass.
If the scope tracks accurately and no major issues pop up I can definately see buying a couple more of these scopes for some of my lesser used rifles that I cant justify the money for top of the line glass on for them to just sit in the safe.