Rifle Scopes Swfa 10x?
- Thread starter 4dds
- Start date
it sux
athlon talos btr is a better buy for under 300 imo
athlon talos btr is a better buy for under 300 imo
The SWFA 10x is built much much better than a Chinese scope. While the Athlon is a newer design, you could take the SWFA and beat the Athlon into pieces with it, bolt it back on the gun and it would hold zero.
I say the SWFA is the best built scope in the price range. It will be limited by the simple yet very useable reticle.
but again, this is my opinion. I’ll always own a fixed power SWFA.
I say the SWFA is the best built scope in the price range. It will be limited by the simple yet very useable reticle.
but again, this is my opinion. I’ll always own a fixed power SWFA.
Are there still any of those FX-1000 Nikons? I saw them for 339.
The Athlon stuff in that price range isn't bad. SWFA fixed power scopes aren't bad. They have a reputation, its from when the market was much thinner though. I remember a time when the SWFA HD was the only option in its price range for FFP mil/mil. Things have changed drastically since then and dollar for dollar you can get a lot more now days. Especially by watching for older generation scopes. The competition in the industry has them coming out with new scopes at a very fast pace, at which time people and vendors start dumping the older gens for cheap. Some of the best deals are coming from retailers. Call some Snipershide vendors.
IMO: Grab a used SWFA fixed, should be around 225. Wait and watch for a deal, then resell the used SWFA or keep it for a back up.
The Athlon stuff in that price range isn't bad. SWFA fixed power scopes aren't bad. They have a reputation, its from when the market was much thinner though. I remember a time when the SWFA HD was the only option in its price range for FFP mil/mil. Things have changed drastically since then and dollar for dollar you can get a lot more now days. Especially by watching for older generation scopes. The competition in the industry has them coming out with new scopes at a very fast pace, at which time people and vendors start dumping the older gens for cheap. Some of the best deals are coming from retailers. Call some Snipershide vendors.
IMO: Grab a used SWFA fixed, should be around 225. Wait and watch for a deal, then resell the used SWFA or keep it for a back up.
+1 for the SWFA fixed. I think I currently own 4. The 10x is my favorite. I think it hits the sweet spot for my fixed power optic uses. I have Vortex Razors and a Bushnell DMR II. When I look through the SWFA it doesn't look like a downgrade.
I have one of the older 10x with MOA turrets and mil dot reticle and it’s served me thus far. I was going to get another in MIL/MIL and move this one to a 22 or 223. I checked optics planet but it showed the FX1000 back at $749. I have a few Nikons and have had great luck with them.
You can't go wrong with the swfa 10x. You'll never get rid of it, and you'll never want to.
Some of the sale prices you can get on the SWFA make it the best bang for the buck, IMHO. Tax day sale at SWFA should be right around the corner.
Yes the SWFA built a reputation back when the options were lean. BUT they are still tough and they track. I doubt you find anything in the price range that can compete with these two qualities for the price. I would go with the 12x though.
Yes the SWFA built a reputation back when the options were lean. BUT they are still tough and they track. I doubt you find anything in the price range that can compete with these two qualities for the price. I would go with the 12x though.
That's a bit steep for a Nikon right now isn't it? Seems like they should be going at clearance prices now.
for the tax day sale prices buy one and see how u like it
If you are poor white trash shooting a second/third hand Savage its a great scope.
I have had a SS 10x for 15 years and it is the toughest scope I have ever owned
I have had a fixed 10 and a fixed 6 for about a year and I am quite pleased with them so far. They are definitely built durable and as far as the internals go every time I've dialed back to zero its ben on with no issue. I'm going to try one of their variable powers next.
Are all the swfa reticles super fine or is there one a bit heavier? My only complaint from one I bought.
I thought so. I thought they were down to $400.
My first SWFA was a 6x and was back when they were still made by Tasco (early 90's). It's probably older than some of the folks in here. That being said, the 10x is a solid, but older design (I still have three of them that I use as back ups and loaners).
In today's optics market though, there are other designs for not much more (relative to the $450 I paid for that first 6x in 90's dollars). I understand not everyone can "afford" a Gen II Razor, but really, there are better options today.
I'd recommend you look for a used Burris XTR II. The glass quality is mediocre, but they track like tanks, and can be had for a very reasonable price in the PX. FFP, variable, 34mm tubed, MIL/MIL with illumination. And a lifetime warranty. It ain't sexy, but it's a very good starter scope if you're tight on cash, but need something bomb proof.
JMTCW...
In today's optics market though, there are other designs for not much more (relative to the $450 I paid for that first 6x in 90's dollars). I understand not everyone can "afford" a Gen II Razor, but really, there are better options today.
I'd recommend you look for a used Burris XTR II. The glass quality is mediocre, but they track like tanks, and can be had for a very reasonable price in the PX. FFP, variable, 34mm tubed, MIL/MIL with illumination. And a lifetime warranty. It ain't sexy, but it's a very good starter scope if you're tight on cash, but need something bomb proof.
JMTCW...
I have a SWFA 10x on my 22lr comp rig (amongst a couple high end optics) and I don’t feel like it holds me back yet. I like the fine reticle for engaging small targets and I think the 10x is a good all around magnification. Best bang for your buck imho.
I have the 16x and it is my back up scope. It’s been there for me every time I have needed it. Field of view is short but for a back up it works great for me. Never had a problem with it and got some plastic washers that fit under the elevation knob to make a zero stop. Tracking is spot on. Think lowlight uses the 5-20 as a backup setup in his schools. I think. The people at SWFA have always been nice and helpful.
Try it and if you don’t like it let me know if you get the mil/mil version..
Try it and if you don’t like it let me know if you get the mil/mil version..
SWFA is getting a little dated, but it has its usefulness! I’m putting together a AR 10 type rifle for a utility truck gun. I want a scope that will withstand a drop off of the hood of a truck with a fully loaded 308 AR and still function. SWFA is perfect for this because of the cost, I can beat it to hell and back and not worry about it looking like shit. If I beat up a mark 5 I would be sick because of the price I paid. Another plus is the 40 mils of elevation travel, I can put it in a Burris Pepr Mount and still have enough travel left to reach the capabilities of the platform. For strait up utility work it’s hard to beat.
There are many scopes with better features and more modern designs, but none will compete with the repeatability and overall quality of a SWFA for the price. Especially the new Chinese budget optics.
Yeah, the swfa10x may be able to smash the athlon into bits and pieces like a hammer (supposedly, feels like a 300 buck optic thats 150 bucks over priced in my hands) but the other side of that is that after the beat down the swfa wouldnt even take a hit in glass quality as it couldnt possibly get any worse.
And I dont even really believe in their superior durability, I seen reports of turrets falling off just like everything else.
Those people who say that the 10x has good glass are talking about the HD model but no one makes the distinction that the HD model costs which has good glass costs twice as much and is 600 bucks on sale. The non hd model is like someone smeared vasoline on the objective lens, its truly wretched, at least mine was. I mean, the tasco I had on my daisy powerline has glass thats at least of equal to the swfa.
For 300 bucks Im trying to get the scope with the best features, not a battering ram durability at the expense of every other feature.
I really dont get the praise for the 10x.
And I dont even really believe in their superior durability, I seen reports of turrets falling off just like everything else.
Those people who say that the 10x has good glass are talking about the HD model but no one makes the distinction that the HD model costs which has good glass costs twice as much and is 600 bucks on sale. The non hd model is like someone smeared vasoline on the objective lens, its truly wretched, at least mine was. I mean, the tasco I had on my daisy powerline has glass thats at least of equal to the swfa.
For 300 bucks Im trying to get the scope with the best features, not a battering ram durability at the expense of every other feature.
I really dont get the praise for the 10x.
The SWFAs I have had were a little better than that. The first one a Tasco unit was pretty bad. Several more 10x, a 12x and a 3-15 all about like the XTRII glass wise. Turrets sucked, tracking on one was off. I also doubt some of the toughness claims. Sitting in the safe as a backup doesn't break scopes. At 300 dollars for regular price, I don't see any real standouts.
Go to eBay for the FX-1000. I still see them for less than 400. It blows the tits off anything in the 3-400 dollar range.
Go to eBay for the FX-1000. I still see them for less than 400. It blows the tits off anything in the 3-400 dollar range.
If you are going to use it mainly for PRS a straight 10 is not your best option. It may not be a durable but the Athlon scope is a good starter PRS scope and don't get caught up in the magnification range. The first year I shot PRS I did better keeping my magnification low so I could find targets faster, you don't need 25x, a max of 14 - 16 is more than enough.
For the money, I'd buy the 3.5-10 or fixed 10 Sightron that are being closed out right now.
I have a 16x and a 10x on my 22's. For me and that purpose, they are hard to beat. If I was looking for a PRS rifle optic, I might look at something with variable power and a little better reticle. If funds are tight and you can score a SS for 225 used off the PX, it for sure wont hold you back.
I hadn't thought about eBay. 375 for non ill. 450 for ill. That is very tempting. My only question is are they still going to cover their warranty like they did? I've only had to send 1 in but it was no hassle and fixed and sent back pretty quick.
so you're saying it's Leupold quality glass? eh. I guess. for 250 bucks it's about the same grade of Japanese econoglass as what's in my mk4's that cost much more.
my 10x ss is a bit darker than my 6x ss but it still works reliably
I’ve owned and sold multiple 10x and 12x and they all tracked accurately
I use them as “spacer” optics when I have more guns than glass
I’d go 12x personally for PRS stuff, but if you can get a 3-15x pst2 for under $700 I’d go that direction
glass is better and mine track well though I can’t speak for more than the two I’ve owned(sold one)
used razor gen2 4.5x still gold standard if you can buy once
I use them as “spacer” optics when I have more guns than glass
I’d go 12x personally for PRS stuff, but if you can get a 3-15x pst2 for under $700 I’d go that direction
glass is better and mine track well though I can’t speak for more than the two I’ve owned(sold one)
used razor gen2 4.5x still gold standard if you can buy once
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When I first got a bolt gun built in an AI chassis...I ran a SWFA 10X fixed with parallax adjustment and mil quad reticle...it was a great little scope and extremely clean...I had no issues identifying targets passed 50 yards with it....but it really shined passed 100...fact that you can go down to 10m on parallax is nice...
www.swfa.com
SWFA 10x42 SS 30mm Riflescope
SWFA 10x42 SS 30mm Riflescope Details SKU: SS10X42MMQ Finish: Matte Reticle: MIL-Quad Tube Diameter (mm): 30 Elevation Knob: Exposed Target (.1 MIL) Windage Knob: Exposed Target (.1 MIL) Parallax Setting: Side Focus Focal Plane: Second
www.swfa.com 
SWFA Scope will always have there place but times have changed and alot more options are out there now than ever before..The Nikon FX1000s are still on Ebay. The 4-16 are all under $400...
-Reagan
-Reagan
Come young one and join the swfa fixed community, for it is the only way to enlightenment
Good luck with Nikon warranty work. Now that the are full anti gun and not making riflescopes anymore they just issue you a coupon to their overpriced half OOS Nikon optics website when they can’t replace your scope. I’ll never own another Nikon product
I think SWFA needs to update a reticle, and 10 mil turrets. I don’t see the cost increasing a whole lot with these changes.
Nikon and Weaver are out for me. Weaver made some great scopes, but now that they are out of business, they turned over warranty to Bushnell, for now...
The whole Nikon leaving the scope game is why I wasnt invested into any of the FX line honestly too
-Reagan
-Reagan
I have trouble buying a scope from a company that decided they were going out of the scope making business.
check samplelist.com
I think the SWFA are all great buys used. The 5-20hd used for 850-900 is hard to ACTUALLY beat for shorter range PRS match shooting. On a budget??? Get a used 10x or 12x and skip the whole 5-800$ second scope phase and just buy a damn used higher end optic down the road. Caveat . . The swfa 3-15 is completely capable, and quite lightweight and in the exact price range I said to avoid
. The price and durability and optical mediocrity are, simply put, UNMATCHED if we are talking LOW scopes from Japan.
If you need great glass minus a bit of that durability, look at the Sightron siii. The glass sits at that exact unicorn spot, in that I don’t think better glass has any actual advantage, it’s the “ass end” of tier 1 glass, and ive never seen a complaint about it (for the price).
I think the SWFA are all great buys used. The 5-20hd used for 850-900 is hard to ACTUALLY beat for shorter range PRS match shooting. On a budget??? Get a used 10x or 12x and skip the whole 5-800$ second scope phase and just buy a damn used higher end optic down the road. Caveat . . The swfa 3-15 is completely capable, and quite lightweight and in the exact price range I said to avoid
. The price and durability and optical mediocrity are, simply put, UNMATCHED if we are talking LOW scopes from Japan.If you need great glass minus a bit of that durability, look at the Sightron siii. The glass sits at that exact unicorn spot, in that I don’t think better glass has any actual advantage, it’s the “ass end” of tier 1 glass, and ive never seen a complaint about it (for the price).
Great advice!
check samplelist.com
I think the SWFA are all great buys used. The 5-20hd used for 850-900 is hard to ACTUALLY beat for shorter range PRS match shooting. On a budget??? Get a used 10x or 12x and skip the whole 5-800$ second scope phase and just buy a damn used higher end optic down the road. Caveat . . The swfa 3-15 is completely capable, and quite lightweight and in the exact price range I said to avoid
If you need great glass minus a bit of that durability, look at the Sightron siii. The glass sits at that exact unicorn spot, in that I don’t think better glass has any actual advantage, it’s the “ass end” of tier 1 glass, and ive never seen a complaint about it (for the price).
Hey, how do you know me?
You laugh, but my first bolt gun was a owned-by-two-people-before-me Savage 10 FP 26" inside a Bell and Carlson Medalist Tactical with a SWFA 10x on top.LOL
Shot 175 SMKs unbelievably well with IMR4064.
I had a 10x for a while, I know everyone touts the tracking on them.
For that price point and just a bit more the arken 4-14x44(china) and the weaver 3-10x40(japan) performed much better and both where clearer
Than the 10x plus the luxury of variable power and fov.
For that price point and just a bit more the arken 4-14x44(china) and the weaver 3-10x40(japan) performed much better and both where clearer
Than the 10x plus the luxury of variable power and fov.
