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Rifle Scopes SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

coldboremiracle

coldboremiracle

Freelance Sharpshooter
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Jul 7, 2009
    5,351
    1,366
    Utah, north
    www.coldboremiracle.com
    #1
    So the SS has been out for a while, I know the past versions have a fantastic reputation for quality and durability, so, I was wondering how all you owners of the 5-20 have treated them and how have scopes stood up to it. I got one in the group buy myself but just barely put it into service so Im curious. I know many of you guys like jasonk have been using them for a while, lets hear it, maybe even a torture test a la USO?
     
    #3
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    mine has seen about 600 rounds of action. mainly shooting at paper but some hunting of antelope and muley's. Definitely not punished by any means but have had ZERO issues.

    Love this scope. Reliable, accurate, and great glass (love the turrets and recticle too).
     
    #4
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    mine was sitting on a TRG 22 for about 800 rds then I put it on a 15lbs .260 rem FN SPR, I am extremely satified with it, perfectly repeatable tracking, great glass etc.
    No complaints here except I should have bought more during the group buy.
     
    #5
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    Shot mine in the Findlay Cup this weekend (WA State PRS Match). Took 8th overall out of 56, scope worked wonderfully.

    2mmidr6.jpg
     
    #6
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I had mine out in the rain the other day... no fogging like I used to get on my other scope. I'm not sure if that is an intended scope feature or I just got lucky.

    I went to a benchrest day a few weeks ago where the other folks had 36X and 42X scopes that I looked through and I'm pretty sure I had the clearest picture of anyone on the line. Everyone that looked though mine said "wow, is that one of those $3000 euro deals?" They had never heard of SWFA.
     
    #7
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I've had mine since the GB and its been on top of a 308 for about 500 rounds of steel shooting. Everything's been flawless so far. The glass is great, knobs are solid, and the reticle is just awesome. The thing is a tank.

    I'm considering picking up another.
     
    #8
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I also shot mine in the Findlay cup this past weekend and 4 or 5 other matches, have almost 1000 rounds under mine no problems yet
     
    #9
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    Let me start by acknowledging that I realize this isn't the "want to buy" section, but if anyone knows someone looking to sell their SS 5-20, please pm me.. i have been checking the optics for sale section every 5 minutes for weeks.. thanks guys
     
    #10
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    Mine has been great to me. It has seen 1500 rounds + between .308 and .260. The only problem I have is the cat tail and sunshade I want are on backorder.

    It has lead a pretty easy life, ie I haven't thrown it off a building or anything like that, but it does get banged around. My turrets are scraped up a bit and its been in the rain. It did not fog up. It holds zero and dials consistently.

    I have only good things to say about my SS.
     
    #11
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 07zx6r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let me start by acknowledging that I realize this isn't the "want to buy" section, but if anyone knows someone looking to sell their SS 5-20, please pm me.. i have been checking the optics for sale section every 5 minutes for weeks.. thanks guys </div></div>

    In my experience skip a day and when you look again one will have sold at a deal the day you skipped!

    My SS 5-20 went on my truck, knock around, ride in the rack on the Mule, varmint AR and has held up well. Banging around the farm, dust, mud and to the river many times on a pig path it has performed flawlessly. It's a great scope, especially for the money spent.
     
    #12
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)



    [/quote] <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 07zx6r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let me start by acknowledging that I realize this isn't the "want to buy" section, but if anyone knows someone looking to sell their SS 5-20, please pm me.. i have been checking the optics for sale section every 5 minutes for weeks.. thanks guys </div></div>

    In my experience skip a day and when you look again on will have sold at a deal the day you skipped!

    My SS 5-20 went on my truck, knock around, ride in the rack on the Mule, varmint AR and has held up well. Banging around the farm, dust, mud and to the river many times on a pig path it has performed flawlessly. It's a great scope, especially for the money spent.</div></div>

    haha.. that would be my luck.. before I really wanted this scope, it seemed like I saw them every other day! now, IF they even are posted for sale, they are gone in a matter of minutes.
     
    #13
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I have had mine on a .308, got in on the "second" shipment (you guys remember that..."which shipment are they on?"); shot over 500 rounds with it atop the rifle(s). Not one issue to speak of; dialing up, down, and all around, bring it back to zero...no problem, completely reliable. The magnification ring was rather stiff when I first received it, but after it has been worked a bit, it is just fine now. I will be picking up the non-illuminated model for my next rifle purchase.
     
    #14
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pete Sake</div><div class="ubbcode-body">sunshade I want are on backorder. </div></div> I must have ordered the wrong one then, I ordered one and it shipped the next day. Its waiting for me when I get home, I hope its the right one
    eek.gif
    SWFA only had one 50mm shade.
     
    #15
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pete Sake</div><div class="ubbcode-body">sunshade I want are on backorder. </div></div> I must have ordered the wrong one then, I ordered one and it shipped the next day. Its waiting for me when I get home, I hope its the right one
    eek.gif
    SWFA only had one 50mm shade. </div></div>

    When did you order?
     
    #18
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    i have swapped mine on and off of my 308 and 338l a few times, now its perm on my 308 which most of the time rides around in the truck, bounces around, gets dirty, dusty, wet. and i am still 100% happily with the durability and holding zero.
     
    #19
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I haven't been to hard on mine, but the damn thing feels like you could hammer nails with it. It really does have a stout feel to it.

    Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
     
    #20
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    Well mine had a great fall
    laugh.gif


    I was shooting at Sac Valley a local range near me. That day winds were blowing at around 20MPH sucked but still managed to push a .491 group @ 100 yards with my .308 Remmy SPS Tac. Then I got the card to be able to shoot longer range. I went to the 300 yard lane and well wind was still going crazy. This whole day the wind was knocking targets down like crazy. So I get to the 300 yard lane I go setup my target and back at the bench.

    I shoot my first string of 5 shots and without knowing my ammo velocity being the FGMM 168 .308 says 2650 but out of a standard 24-6 inch barrel. I guess it at 2600 for my 20 inch barrel. I was about 3 inches to the left on the first string being the wind was blowing to the left. So I readjust my scope and bam right on with the second string. So I go to check the target with my buddy and while going back my rifle was not on the table. I seriously thought that someone snagged it my heart started going up in BPM hahaha

    So I get close to where I could see and notice that it was on the ground!!!! Yup the wind blew the rifle off the table and fell on the scope off and the table sites about 3 feet high and concrete down below!!! Now I was pissed that my 1K scope might be jacked up. So I grab it off the ground and shoot another 5 shots still right on. I go home and later order a Vortex bubble level so I had to take it off to install the level. I got back to the range and was about .3 mils low but still center and almost spot on. So I can vouch that this scope can take some beating.



    Aron-
     
    #23
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I do like what I hear about the SS 5-20x scope so far, not one complaint yet (unlike Vortex). I am very happy with my fixed 10x SS on M1A-EBR, it does everything I want it to do. I think it is every bit good as my NightForces if you factor out it has less mag, and a Mil Reticle.

    Only thing I don't like about the new SS is they are Mil/Mil. I wish they were MOA/MOA or Mil(reticle)/MOA knobs) like my current SS.

    Torture tests are pretty lame, all a Mfgr does is give you his best QC'd scope. Then you promise to write good stuff about it or be PC about it so you can be one of the "Industry Good Guys". I hear this term "Industry Experts" all the time and I LMAO each time I hear it.

    A true torture test is you buy it with your own money, without the mfgr's backing or support, and you perform the test yourself.
     
    #24
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    I believe lonewolf was going to put it in water for a day the stick it in the freezer. It will be interesting to see if he can do a drop test with it.
     
    #25
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    Nothing wrong with that scope. I'll never part with mine. It's been though 7 or 8 comps, and hangs with the scopes that go for tall dollars. If I had to gripe about any thing, it would be the turrets not lining up. I know, I know.....It's just a tenth, so set it and remember. However I had it on a DTA with three different calibers and it could get confusing. So that's the bad (and it isn't that big a deal). The good is the clarity and the reticle.

    My homie Buddy32 has two of em. One was shifting the groups around. We swapped the scope and fixed the shifting. He called SWFA, and they fell all over themselves trying to right the problem, and had another scope on the way ASAP. Customer service to the max! That is the only problem that I have ever heard from one.
     
    #26
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricCartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

    Only thing I don't like about the new SS is they are Mil/Mil. I wish they were MOA/MOA or Mil(reticle)/MOA knobs) like my SS </div></div> Seriously??? The moa/moa thing I can understand, but mil/moa?? Thats the worst thing they ever did to riflescope was non-matching turret/reticle.

    Jasonk, I would like to see one put through the rigors of semi normal use but accelerated; such as lots of bouncing and bumping around, severe weather and temp changes, multiple mounting and dismounting, heavy recoil, dirty and clean,ect. With plenty of shooting in between to verify zero and tracking. Such a test should be done with multiple scopes to be usefull.
     
    #27
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
    Seriously??? The moa/moa thing I can understand, but mil/moa?? Thats the worst thing they ever did to riflescope was non-matching turret/reticle.

    </div></div>

    Well I have no issues with it, and I can easily make adjustments without even much thinking. I have also learned how to range in Mils (but my adjustments have to be in MOA).
     
    #28
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricCartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Torture tests are pretty lame, all a Mfgr does is give you his best QC'd scope. Then you promise to write good stuff about it or be PC about it so you can be one of the "Industry Good Guys". I hear this term "Industry Experts" all the time and I LMAO each time I hear it.

    A true torture test is you buy it with your own money, without the mfgr's backing or support, and you perform the test yourself. </div></div>

    Don't know about that. I wan watching "Long Range Pursuit" yesterday when a commercial about Nightforce comes on. It was agreat commercial, probably 3 minutes long, about the making of Nightforce. They literally take the scope off the line, beat the shit out of it against a small slab of steel, then put it back on the line to ensure the reticle did not move. This must be the point where the QC Inspection sticker comes in. Best commercial I have seen in years. I don't know if it was a "true torture test," but it sure as shit speaks volumes about the quality that goes into producing those bad boys.
     
    #29
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    FALex i wouldnt try to repeat that with a nf scope
    i have seen several loose zero after small impacts
    mine lost zero after falling over...i rezero and it held for another year but that dayit was off 6moa after falling 6inches

    the best feature of the nf is the turrets

    the ss i had...10x was awesome, held zero was frozen to -20
    dropped, etc the only thing i didnt like about it were the turrets... mushy
    that may have been just mine
     
    #30
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricCartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
    Seriously??? The moa/moa thing I can understand, but mil/moa?? Thats the worst thing they ever did to riflescope was non-matching turret/reticle.

    </div></div>

    Well I have no issues with it, and I can easily make adjustments without even much thinking. I have also learned how to range in Mils (but my adjustments have to be in MOA). </div></div>That makes about as much sense as a tape measure thats goes metric every other foot. Sure it works, people have been doing it for years. But there is a big reason all the scope manufacturers are going to matching turret/reticles, to avoid having to make calculations as you describe.
    I'll stop there, no need to further hijack the thread, after all this thread is about the durability of the 5-20 specifically, not the mismatched turrets of the <span style="font-weight: bold"> Super Sniper fixed 10</span>
     
    #31
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
    That makes about as much sense as a tape measure thats goes metric every other foot. Sure it works, people have been doing it for years. But there is a big reason all the scope manufacturers are going to matching turret/reticles, to avoid having to make calculations as you describe.
    I'll stop there, no need to further hijack the thread, after all this thread is about the 5-20 specifically, not all SS's. </div></div>

    we are not hijacking. we are talking about the SS 5-20x!

    I always tell people if you are starting out, you should go Mil/Mil. As for me, I have a system that I know and works for me. The way I see it, there is no need for me to change unless I have to, and right now I do not have to because there are MOA/MOA scopes out there.

    I had no problems with Mil/MOA.. however I do much prefer MOA/MOA. It would be awesome if the SS 5-25x had a MOA/MOA version. NF, Premier, USO, and even Vortex does. That is why I would consider any of these over the SS. I do love my SS fixed 10x Mil/MOA scope though.
     
    #32
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricCartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

    we are not hijacking. we are talking about the SS 5-20x!</div></div>



    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ericcartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I do love my SS fixed 10x Mil/MOA scope though. </div></div>

    Yes, as I mentioned at the top of this thread the whole line of SS scopes have a great reputation, thats fine. But as you can see by the title, this thread is about the 5-20, being a little different animal. It is also new to the market, so somewhat unproven, and thus my question. I'm glad you love your 10x mil/moa, but its not involved in the purpose of this thread, thats what I meant about the hijacking. Thanks for your input, but it seems you dont have or intend on getting the 5-20.
     
    #34
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricCartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
    Torture tests are pretty lame, all a Mfgr does is give you his best QC'd scope. Then you promise to write good stuff about it or be PC about it so you can be one of the "Industry Good Guys". </div></div>

    That's not how we used to do it when I was a Resident Engineer for Dewalt B&D. We would randomly select tools and then proceed to drop test from 8 ft on concrete or stick them in an eddy current loading rig until the tool either passed our spec or gave up the ghost trying to. When we saw a pattern of failure we would proactively change the design or materials to stay ahead of customer problems. It wasn't a perfect process but I would say in the 90's DeWalt was known for high quality tools. If I had to guess, I would say SWFA along with other solid scope manufacturers probably already have an accelerated life test program in place. They know what their bath-tub curve is for each scope and have a life expectancy/probability of failure calculated. I don't think it would be smart for them to publish those numbers.

    When the magazine guys would call, I would just walk out to the line and pick up a tool and send it off... no shenanigans.

    We as consumers should expect 100% reliability, period. This is what will drive the industry to get better and better over time. So far my GB 5x20 was so good I bought another one at the $1500 price. It is still a bargain at that price. I was comparing it to the NF F1 when I made my original decision to buy.
     
    #35
    Re: SS 5-20 durability (opinions wanted)

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nothing wrong with that scope....... If I had to gripe about any thing, it would be the turrets not lining up. I know, I know.....It's just a tenth, so set it and remember. However I had it on a DTA with three different calibers and it could get confusing.....</div></div>

    Not sure I understand what you're describing as far as the turrets not lining up. Do you have a pic or can someone expand on this.
     
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