Rifle Scopes Hankering for Better Glass - Ditch a SWFA 5-20x to go with a US Optics 10x?

[Ranger413]

I'm no glass snob by any stretch of the imagination. But, I'd like to be one. My most expensive scope to date is a SWFA 5-20x. For years I'd been happy with Bushnell Elites (first the 3200s then the 4200s) and bought one Zeiss Conquest. The wife gave me the green light to spend a bit more about a year ago and that's when I got into a couple of the SWFA HD models.

Now, I'm beginning to think about moving up again. I've got a Savage .308 that I shoot matches out to 600 yards with. All of our stuff is static and we don't engage any closer than 100 yards. After doing some research I'm convinced that I've over-scoped the .308 and I would be just fine with a fixed 10x and might even be happier if I picked up one of higher quality. Another bonus would be the ability to mount the scope lower to the bore. I've seen several US Optics 10x scopes listed in the classifides and my wheels started turning . . . . sell off the SWFA and put that money toward a used US Optics to scope up the Savage.

Any logic at all in what I'm thinking?

 

[ArmyJerry]

nope, you will get older (hopefully) and want more power someday. the 20 is a good mag level. Just my view as a old bastage.

 

[flylo]

A friend of mine picked up a discontinued Steiner model 5356 3x12x56 mil/mil for $1300 even at Sportmam guide of all places after a double buyers club deal. I love SWFA but the Steiner is sweet.

 

[The_FNG]

I see no logic in your thinking

 

[Crosshair]

I don't see the USO 10x as being amazingly better than the SS HD. If you want to go to the trouble of switching glass for a 10x, get the best out there: Schmidt & Bender 10x42 Police Marksman II 30mm Riflescope , IMO.

 

[MMAJunkie]

Dial yours back to 10X and shoot for a while. If you are happy with the magnification (I would not be at 300 yards much less 600) then MAYBE you are looking at the right move. Otherwise get a better 5-20X but be prepared to spend double to get glass a little bit better than the SWFA.

 

[bm11]

Having shot and owned both, I wouldn't make that switch.

 

[BCP]

I'm no glass snob by any stretch of the imagination. But, I'd like to be one. My most expensive scope to date is a SWFA 5-20x. For years I'd been happy with Bushnell Elites (first the 3200s then the 4200s) and bought one Zeiss Conquest. The wife gave me the green light to spend a bit more about a year ago and that's when I got into a couple of the SWFA HD models.

Now, I'm beginning to think about moving up again. I've got a Savage .308 that I shoot matches out to 600 yards with. All of our stuff is static and we don't engage any closer than 100 yards. After doing some research I'm convinced that I've over-scoped the .308 and I would be just fine with a fixed 10x and might even be happier if I picked up one of higher quality. Another bonus would be the ability to mount the scope lower to the bore. I've seen several US Optics 10x scopes listed in the classifides and my wheels started turning . . . . sell off the SWFA and put that money toward a used US Optics to scope up the Savage.

Any logic at all in what I'm thinking?

If you want an improvement in optical quality then a move up to a premier, S&B, zeiss, kahles or perhaps a steiner.

The 10X USO is nice but not any better optically than what you have now and the weight is also about the same. So not an upgrade if anything you are losing a lot of versatility going with it over a 5-20.

 

[Ranger413]

Great replies! I'll stick with the SWFA. From most posts it sounds like I've already got the right glass mounted.

 

[Painless300]

Good decision! The SWFA HD glass is just a tick under scopes that are $1500 more. The Mrad reticle is a little different but once I got used to mine I really love it.

I have the 5-20 SWFA and a Z6 Swarovski and have compared side by side, the Swarovski is a little better but not by much.

 

[Andy27AL]

10 power is plenty for 600 and in. I have more power on my scope but during competition it rarely gets above 10-12 power. If you will be happy there then a solid 10 power would be very nice.

 

[kmose73]

I've got an st-10 and it is really good. But I'm actually thinking of trading it for a variable for more versatility. You would probably be better served by keeping what you have, especially if you ever hunt with it.