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Rifle Scopes SWFA SS Parallax knob fell off

Flynn

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 25, 2010
389
2
Idaho
New SWFA SS 3-15x42. Brand new, was sighting the scope in today and the knob fell off during my second shot. This is my first SWFA scope and my confidence level with this product is very low. Now I get to find out how good their customer service is..
 
I thought only Vortex scopes had knobs fall off, and thats why they have such a good warranty...that's what I read on SnipersHide anyway.
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I'm sure SWFA will take good care of you, but please keep us updated.
 
I have a 10x SS and the windage knob set screw seems to get loose after firing. Anyone know if this is common? I don't want to send it back if they're all like that.
 
Update: contacted SWFA and they're going to ship out a new scope and a shipping label for the defective unit (so far so good). I was doing some reading and heard about SCARs "eating optics".
 
Update: contacted SWFA and they're going to ship out a new scope and a shipping label for the defective unit (so far so good). I was doing some reading and heard about SCARs "eating optics".

So they are sending the scope out before you send yours? I'd say that's pretty damn good CS to make sure you're not without a scope. I always wondered about their warranty work, but this seems to answer that. Thanks.
 
It would have been better if they shipped it with another method other than UPS ground. Overall, I can't complain..

So they are sending the scope out before you send yours? I'd say that's pretty damn good CS to make sure you're not without a scope. I always wondered about their warranty work, but this seems to answer that. Thanks.
 
Update: received replacement scope today. I got it mounted and went to the range. I'm really impressed with this scope for its price point..Also, SWFA really came through for me..
 
Day 2 (Saturday) the replacement scope failed as well. Something came loose inside and it's blocking half of the reticle.. So, I won't be buying anymore SS scopes. I'm sending the second scope back for refund. I don't know if they just had a bad run, or if there's something to the rumor of SCARS eating optics.. Hopefully the ACOG I have on the way holds up :)

I should add that SWFA's customer service has been great..
 
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I wonder if a fixed power SWFA scope will hold up to a SCAR ?

Also post a report on the Acog I wonder how it will hold up.
 
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I'm interested to hear what happens here.

I have the 3-15x42 SS mounted on my M1A - it was fine the first time I took it out, but now I'm concerned - wonder how she'll hold up after repeated range trips.
 
I have shot with a friends M1A that has a 10x SWFA on it and its been fine a quite a few years.
 
If parallax cap, it doesn't matter if it's a fixed scope or variable, but I don't know about that other internal part on the second scope. IIRC, I read that the original SS scopes that were Navy approved were fixed 10X with side parallax adjustment. I'm no engineer, understand that the side parallax requires less movement from the shooter's perspective, but also wonder if the rear, or forward, parallax adjustment isn't a simpler mechanism and therefore sturdier.

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles and wish you luck on finding a suitable scope.
 
Thanks all, but I'm really wondering about the rumor about SCARs eating optics. I read something about the recoil impulse being different somehow. It's a dream to shoot and has minimal felt recoil, they come with the PWS brake. The first scope, the entire knob and it's internals came off. The second, something came loose inside. This sucks as I really liked the scope. I ordered the ACOG, because I know they are very durable and are good about fixing problem scopes (should the SCAR decide to eat another one). I really wanted something better for long range shooting, but with the problems I'm having, I'm hesitant. If the ACOG holds up fine, I'll probably move it to my PTR 91 and get an IOR for the SCAR..
 
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I have a SWFA 1-6x mounted atop my SCAR17. It failed after 100 rounds or so. The illumination knob became loose and the illumination would flicker. I contacted SWFA and got a replacement scope after mine was returned. So far the replacement is good to go.
 
I'm thinking a SCAR optic needs to be very rugged. So I'm wondering what the more experienced shooters think the most rugged scopes are. ACOG for sure, but what other scopes qualify as being very rugged?

I have a SWFA 1-6x mounted atop my SCAR17. It failed after 100 rounds or so. The illumination knob became loose and the illumination would flicker. I contacted SWFA and got a replacement scope after mine was returned. So far the replacement is good to go.
 
Ok, I'll bite on the bait. What is so unique about the SCAR that it's so hard on optics?
 
I don't know exactly, but there was mention of its recoil impulse. I didn't believe it at all, but after reading it and having two scopes fail within a few rounds, I had to wonder..

Ok, I'll bite on the bait. What is so unique about the SCAR that it's so hard on optics?
 
Mmmmm....I'd maybe try a different brand of scope. USO or NF are both known for being rugged (and there are others out there that I don't have experience with). I'm struggling to believe that the recoil impulse is so different that it grinds good optics into rubble in short order. Just my opinion, I'm wrong a lot.
 
Mmmmm....I'd maybe try a different brand of scope. USO or NF are both known for being rugged (and there are others out there that I don't have experience with). I'm struggling to believe that the recoil impulse is so different that it grinds good optics into rubble in short order. Just my opinion, I'm wrong a lot.

If it really turns out that your gun has a knack for destroying expensive optics, I would sell it immediately.

I think you just got a couple duds. It happens. At least SWFA was nice enough to treat you right. Some of us just have horrible luck. I know what that is like.
 
I would try different scopes, there is nothing special about about as far as Scar being hard on scopes. Don't blame the rifle its definitely the scopes you used.
 
I'm with you, but it made me wonder. Also, I'm OC with a wild imagination :)

Mmmmm....I'd maybe try a different brand of scope. USO or NF are both known for being rugged (and there are others out there that I don't have experience with). I'm struggling to believe that the recoil impulse is so different that it grinds good optics into rubble in short order. Just my opinion, I'm wrong a lot.
 
+1. Got an SS scope that had an off-center reticle out of the box. Called them, got a RA#, had a replacement scope in about a week.

HUH, Mine is not perfectly centered and thought about sending it back but I tested it by shooting 600 yd groups by holding for 2 groups and dialing for 2 groups. Both were very good. I hate the parralax knob on mine. I probaly wont buy another HD 5-20 SS again as I think they are a little over priced. It does seem repeatable though. I wonder if I should call them to get another. I never deal with CS, if a product is crap I take my loss and dont deal with em again. If its not right and they still send it out I dont want to do any buisness with em. Never used CS in my life.

OP, I hope they get it fixed for you.
 
Must be the Scar, sent it to me & I'll dispose of it properly so it will quit destroying quality optics. No thanks needed.