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Rifle Scopes SWFA or Weaver

13MOA

13MOA

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 21, 2012
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Greeting folks. New to the hide, been creeping around for a few months but never posted (thanks for all the info you floks post here). First off i have a thing for shortys (the ladies and guns) and have been shooting the crap out of my FV-SR for about a year. Well, i finally got the funds to get a bigger rifle and the balls to try and shoot past 200yds. After a lot of waiting i found a Remington 700 sps 16.5'' in .308 that i had to take home. Narrowed my glass selection down to what i think are about the best 2 for the money. Thats where i was hoping you guys could add some value. Application is gonna be shooting steel/paper inside 500yds. Hope i'm on the right track. Thanks!

The SWFA SS 3-15x42
SWFA SS 3-15x42 Tactical Rifle Scope

Weaver 3-15x50
Weaver 3-15x50 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope
 
Build wise and just total quality it'd be a toss up between the two as the new SWFA is said to be built like the older fixed models. The SWFA is using the same glass as the older fixed models and I'd be suprisied if anyone outside of the koolaid drinkers that they'd say the weaver was second to the SWFA. I had the Weaver EDMR and the SWFA 5-20, the weaver is much closer to the HD glass than the standard. Go Weaver and +1 on ohnormrbillk's advice and look at the Weaver EMDR version.
 
I have a little experience with my buddy's Weaver 3-15 and I just ordered the 2-10x36 version. I also have an SS 3-15x42 on the way. Next week when they get here I'll try to compare them and let you know. I'm not a koolaid drinker but I do have an SS 5-20x50 to compare them to.
 
Without a doubt, the Weaver 3-15x50 EMDR. It is A LOT of scope for the money, especially with Weaver's $100 rebate.
 
One thing I didn't like about Weaver's Tac, and maybe this is just one that I got, but with the illumination on, it appeared as just a duplex reticle. I couldn't discern the mil-dots. With the illumination off, it wasn't an issue.

The other thing was Weaver doesn't have a lot of internal travel. If I recall correctly, it was like 23 mils.

The SS, has 40 mils of travel, and I really like using the mil-quad reticle.
 
weavers customer service sucks goat balls, so you can take that into consideration. and i would bet the SS 3-15 is much more robust on the inside than the weaver.

my money would go to SWFA because of the CS, if the weaver breaks it will take months to get it sorted.
 
If you want something on a budget then go with sightmark or firefield.

But if mechanical reliability is a concern SS is you best option.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
 
If i read correctly both choices should give me plenty of elevation for .308, even with a 0moa base correct??? Planning on getting a 20 just to be safe.

Can't wait to read RFutch's comparison.
 
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13MOA said:
If i read correctly both choices should give me plenty of elevation for .308, even with a 0moa base correct??? Planning on getting a 20 just to be safe.

Can't wait to read RFutch's comparison.
Click to expand...

My Weaver 2-10 came in and its not quite as nice as the Weaver 3-15. The glass and turrets are good but the reticle is too small in this version and its heavy! I'm still waiting for the SS 3-15 to get here so I'll let you know how the glass compares when I get it.
 
It would be nice to see an objective side by side comparison. I have a Weaver (the EMDR) and would buy one again. Even if every other aspect was identical, I'd buy the Weaver just for the locking turrets.

I have my doubts that there's a _huge_ difference between the two, but just based upon my SS 10x and my Weaver Tac, the glass/optical quality isn't even close; the Weaver is dramatically superior. Now, once it was said that the new SWFA 3-15 used the same-quality glass as the fixed SS, and it was pointed out that the Weaver glass is so massively better, then the claim was that there's a significant difference in the glass in the various fixed-power SS scopes. I don't know about that. I only have the one I bouht new 2 years ago.

Anyway, if you really love SWFA, then buy their scope. Otherwise, if it was me, my experiences tell me to buy the Weaver.
 
I haven't used any of the variable SS scopes, but I bought one of the 10x SS scopes years ago after reading all the hype and praise here and other places. I was sorely disappointed by that scope, from the optics to the turrets. I subsequently looked through other SS fixed scopes (all 3 powers) that other shooters owned and saw the same overhyped, mediocre junk that mine was. Heck, my now old Bushnell Elite 3200 10x mildot was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the SS for half the price.

The newer, variable SWFA stuff might be the cat's meow, but I'll never front some cash to find out until I get to try one out in person first. If the new SWFA 3-15 has ANY shared heritage with the old fixed SS, I'd stay away. The Weaver is a tank. I love the locking turrets, the optical qualities, and the illum dial and side focus being on the same dial.
 
Dave, you sure you didn't have one of the later made ones by Tasco? The first ones they built were good then they dropped off in quality only to fold the line for a while until SWFA took over. The recent ones built are good for the money but the glass still won't hold up to the Weaver EDMR scope. Like I said in my first post the build quality if its anything like the fixed models then I'd wager that the two scopes in question here will probably be very close in quality. But the weaver glass quality will be much closer to and when I had both the 5-20 and the EDMR were very very close to each other to me, the HD scope I'd say edging out the EDMR by what I'd say is a hair's difference.
 
I have the SS 5-20x50 and the new 3-15 as well as the Weaver EDMR. For reference I am a SWAT sniper and also shoot tactical matches so my gear gets used and I have more then the SS line as a point of reference and have bought and sold a very large number of scopes. With that said I am an optics junkie and NOT an optics expert of any sort so my reply is based on my personal opinion and nothing else. First glass quality, hands down the 5-20 but not too far behind the Weaver and trailing a bit the 3-15. I have 48 year old eyes but my 36 year old wife and 18 year old daughter also shoot with me and all three of us agree on that stack. Reticle is a wash as the milquad is decent and the EDMR is good too. Nothing earth shattering with them, just good useable reticals. Even though its not a factor for you the illumination on the 5-20 is very good, but the EDMR is excellent. Robustness, 5-20 followed closely by the 3-15 and until 6 months ago I would never question the Weaver but mine had an issue from field use. one of the turrets was not catching properly and making adjustments. I sent it in and lets say the CS was not so good. The issue was resolved but when I had an issue with one of my NF or SS it was corrected quickly and 100% satisfaction no questions asked. I had the Weaver back a few weeks and it had another issue and is off again. When it returns it I will sell it at a huge loss and replace with a NXS or another SS. That brings is to CS, see the previous. As for tracking, box test etc. all three were very, very good and I had no issues at all. The Weaver may be a good buy if it is not going to be used in hard field use, a range gun is the perfect role. So between the SS 3-15 and the Weaver given the money being close to the same I would go with the SS 3-15, and again, not a cool aid drinker I just call em as I see em.

Sully
 
The weaver is a very nice scope the only bad thing I can say about it is the stupid locking turrets and it is pretty hefty.

sulcop96 said:
one of the turrets was not catching properly and making adjustments.
Click to expand...

Was it because of the way you have to un-lock them to turn them? That was the only thing that really stuck out at me as being a future problem with them.
 
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I assume that feature was the indirect cause but the problem came from rough use on a stalk so it was not normal wear and tear. If your not going to be hunting or running, stalking or using it on a trunk gun I don't think it will hold up as well as the SS, NF, USO or Premier line; however, as stated for a range gun it should be fine. My issue was the run around and 3+ month delay on a repair that took 6 phone calls to get someone to return a call. I scratched the objective on my NXS, called sent it in same day and had it back in 10 days. No questions asked. That is CS.

Sully
 
I like my Weaver. Got it for under $600. I've had it for 2 months and its been great. My only complaint is the turrets feel a bit sloppy compared to other scopes. I am no expert but found the glass clear and I like the reticule. I've never used the illumination except when I first got it just to test it out so I can't speak to that. Also this is pretty much a range scope and won't get hard use. My only worry is the CS from Weaver. I've heard it's not great but I am hoping its not going to break. I haven't used the SS but was considering it. But since I found the Weaver at such a great price went that way. I am thinking about a SS for my .223 build.
 
6 calls is a record for weaver. it took me nearly a dozen emails, and one call a week for 4 months just to get a reply.
 
jjrgr21 I went through a rep who was pushing the scope for LEO sales so that was the reason I had such lightning fast responses. That was why I picked it up, as a TE to see if I wanted to push it for our 8 guns. We decided to stick to our NF scopes.

Sully
 
Study the warranty offered by each, they know their scopes, and the quality of their scopes better than anyone including anyone on this board, it may help you decide.
 
Flyingbullseye said:
Dave, you sure you didn't have one of the later made ones by Tasco? The first ones they built were good then they dropped off in quality only to fold the line for a while until SWFA took over. The recent ones built are good for the money but the glass still won't hold up to the Weaver EDMR scope. Like I said in my first post the build quality if its anything like the fixed models then I'd wager that the two scopes in question here will probably be very close in quality. But the weaver glass quality will be much closer to and when I had both the 5-20 and the EDMR were very very close to each other to me, the HD scope I'd say edging out the EDMR by what I'd say is a hair's difference.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty certain mine was an SWFA, but it doesn't matter because I'll never own another SS scope unless I try it first. And I'll certainly never own a fixed power scope again.
 
sulcop96 said:
until 6 months ago I would never question the Weaver but mine had an issue from field use. one of the turrets was not catching properly and making adjustments. I sent it in and lets say the CS was not so good. The issue was resolved but when I had an issue with one of my NF or SS it was corrected quickly and 100% satisfaction no questions asked. I had the Weaver back a few weeks and it had another issue and is off again. When it returns it I will sell it at a huge loss and replace with a NXS or another SS. That brings is to CS, see the previous. As for tracking, box test etc. all three were very, very good and I had no issues at all. The Weaver may be a good buy if it is not going to be used in hard field use, a range gun is the perfect role. So between the SS 3-15 and the Weaver given the money being close to the same I would go with the SS 3-15, and again, not a cool aid drinker I just call em as I see em.

Sully
Click to expand...

Boy, I hope mine doesn't have issues like yours. And I certainly hope I won't have to use their customer service! A company is only as good as their customer service, and I have no tolerance for bad CS.
 
I think ATK may have 're-structured' something. Up until some time last year, I could ALWAYS get a live person on the phone right away at the Onalaska facility (that includes Weaver branded stuff). Then, suddenly they were almost completely gone some time last year. They still respond to me every time I write, though phone messages are less reliably returned. It does take them quite a while now, though. They've even mailed me instruction sheets for long-discontinued products in the last several months, so whoever is left there still wants to help customers. ATK just doesn't seem to have left enough of them there(?). If I was considering switching my work unit over, long-wait support would be a major negative factor. ....as would support that answers the phone and appears friendly, but then can't tell me when or whether I'd get repair or a replacement....
 
The Onalaska facility has been closed since around the middle of last year. All of the customer service has been shifted to an ATK Sporting Group structure at another facility. They are fielding all CS requests for all of the brands (except for RCBS and Blackhawk).

Not an excuse, just the reason for the changes that you all are encountering.

Sorry, guys.
 
Ok so my SS 3-15x42 came in yesterday and I've had a chance to play with it a little so here are my initial impressions. I compared it to my Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40, Bushnell Elite 3-12x44 FFP, and the Weaver Tac 2-10x36. Glass in the SS is pretty good IMO. It's just as good as the Weaver GST and very close to the Bushnell and Weaver Tac 2-10x36. The Weaver Tac 2-10x36 may be a little brighter but it's not as much as you might think.

The turrets and all the controls feel great on the SS. I am not a fan of the pop up turrets on the Weaver Tac. I think they feel cheap and the fact that you have to wiggle them to push them back down into the locked position is asinine.

The reticle on the SS is nice and thin. On 3x the outer posts are very bold so you can bracket the target at close range if you plan on hunting with it. Hold overs/unders are easily view-able down to about 6x. Lower than that and they become difficult to differentiate. The cat tail is also a nice touch.

Overall I like the SS better than the Weaver. I am going to try to get to the range this weekend some time, so let me know if you have any specific questions, and I will try to answer them the best I can. I'm not an expert at this stuff but I don't think I'm an idiot either. :)
 
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Having had both the SS scope and now the Weaver one recommended by ohnomrbillk I'd recommend the Weaver hands-down. As far as my copy goes, the glass is very clear, and shows no CA, that I can discern. The knows are VERY crisp in how they click off the mil adjustments, and so far, it has proven to be quite rugged; 3 things I did not find in my copy of the SS scope. YMMV, but that is how things went for me. Hope this helps. :D
 
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