Rifle Scopes Primary Arms 3-18x50 vs Swampfox 3-18x50

[AustinD]

Hey everybody...
Before I get started I want to state that yes, I know these are lower end scopes and I am aware they are Chinese made but not all of us can afford $1000+ optics. I know I can save up for a better optic but lets keep it under budget.
I just purchased an Ashbury Precision Saber m700 in 308 as a dual purpose long range and hunting rifle. I need a lower magnification for hunting (as in the 3x) and would like a higher magnification for longer range (~1000yds). My budget is $500.
I am looking at the Swampfox Kentucky Long 3-18x50 or the Primary Arms 3-18x50 w/ the Athena reticle. Does anyone have experience with both these options and can give me a more hands on comparison vs the specs that I can just read online?
TIA

 

[Bluedog82]

I'm in the same boat as you....I can't say that I have experience with either, but just for your consideration for that price you could get a used Athlon Midas TAC or Ares BTR in the PX. Both have a lifetime warranty and have been out for a while to excellent reviews.

 

[Frankr]

Just my 0.02

I was heavily looking at the PA 3-18 (R2B grid reticle) but came up with a 20% off coupon for the SF kentucky long range 3-18 and ended up with that one. I will eventually probably get the PA just to have it but I think it really boils down to which features are more import to you. I would bet the glass is a little better on the SF but for what I do the reticle on the PA would be better.

The SF is 1.5" longer and about 3.5 oz heavier (My SF feels like a tank)

I don't know what the parallax on the PA is but my SF is down to 10 yards

FOV is a little better on the 3x of PA but the 18x is the same on both.

Honestly I don't think you could go wrong with either

 

[Ryridesmotox]

The athlon stuff isnt bad, maybe look into them. I have one of the Athlon Argos 6-24 scopes. You definitely know it's cheap. That said, I had no issue hitting steel at 1k. I think you can get them for around 300-ish new. Save some coin and get some good ammo with it.

Is the glass super excellent? No
Are the turrets super crisp with no lash and a sweet zero stop? No but you get shims.
Is the eyebox forgiving? No

But is it cheap and can it get the job done? For shizzle.

I swapped mine for a Bushnell XRS2 and no way in hell would I go back now. But the argos was fine for a bit. I still use jt for surveillance stuff at work.

 

[Bradv86]

I have the PA scope and reticle you are asking about, however I haven't gotten any trigger time behind it. The PA is made to make use of the reticle rather than the turrets in my opinion. Not to say that you can't, but if it is not on a 20moa base you may not have enough elevation. It only has 14.5 mrad total adjustment and the turrets themselves do not have the most distinct feeling clicks but they are audible and lock in place.

Just looking around the back yard and at trees a couple hundred yards away the scope it seems to have decent glass for it's price point.

Is there anything in particular about it I might be able to answer? 3x and 18x phone pictures for a general view of the reticle.

 

[Long Range 338]

The Arken fits your budget and has good reviews

 

[AustinD]

I'll have to look into the Arken. I was also looking at the Bushnell Forge 3-18 FFP since I can find them for $500. It gets good reviews but doesn't have an illuminated reticle which I find very useful for hunting in the dense PNW forest here in Oregon. I do have a 20MOA base on the rifle so it shouldn't be too much of an issue having enough elevation adjustment as long as I dont go with a super cheap scope. Thanks for posting those pics Bradv86. I'm leaning more towards the PA since it is lighter which will be better for hunting and if I dont like it, I could probably sell it for more $ than the SF.

 

[Bradv86]

PA has their 12% coupon going right now making it $422. Not too bad if you decide to take that route.

 

[everready073]

For what it is worth Mike who is the marketing/product guy at Swampfox used to work at Primary arms. He posted some pics on TOS in s these running over there and said the glass is a good bit better in the Swampfox. The pictures so this as well, but take that for what it is worth as focus etc when taking from s phone can make a big difference.

I find that he is trustworthy from past dealings though and the glass in the Kentucky Long is probably better.

Ilya is going to be testing some of the SF stuff and posting feedback. Waiting on that to see what he thinks

 

[sab35263]

Hello,

do you have that 12% coupon? Where can i get it?

 

[lead.rain]

Some guys on here had mentioned they were having decent luck with some of the Riton scopes for the money. They definitely seem to have some good bang for your buck optics.

 

[cnwrobb]

FWIW, I went with the Nikon FX1000 4-16 on sale at Europtics for $329 plus shipping. Forgiving eyebox, clear optics and very repeatable elevation and windage adjustments. Well under your $500 limit and use excess money for quality rings. People will warn you Nikon is no longer making rifle scopes and stay clear of their product. I own multiple Nikon riflescopes and have yet to have a bad one. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Bradv86]

Hello,

do you have that 12% coupon? Where can i get it?

I believe it ended by now. It's normally a short sale but they pop up every now and then. I follow them on Facebook and they post their deals often.