Rifle Scopes SWFA 3-15x42 vs. Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44?

[Hiwayman92]

I got a Seekins Havak in PRC and an SWFA 3-15x44 off of this forum and so far I really like both. I’m just starting the load development stage. I also own a VX5HD 3-15x44 that is currently mounted on another, less accurate factory rifle. I’ve never done a tracking test, but it seems okay so far. The Leupy is 5 ounces lighter I believe.

Here’s my dilemma. I want the PRC set up for light weight but long range hunting. I love the locking turret and capped windage of the Leupold, but the wind plex reticle is 2nd Focal Plane. The SWFA has been touted as great with tracking, I can buy an aftermarket zero stop, and it’s FFP, but I run the risk of turrets turning in my scabbard or during the hunt and the glass isn’t quite as good.

I’m trying to decide which scope I want to keep on the Havak. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[wade2big]

It sounds like you like the Leuopold better. Do a tracking test and if it passes then use it.

2nd focal plane scopes have advantages when used for hunting.

 

[Hiwayman92]

As obvious as that sounds, maybe I just needed to hear it. I’ll give it a try.

 

[wade2big]

Yep. Play with a bit and you can always switch it.

 

[lancetkenyon]

If it tracks, and STAYS tracking, the VX5 would be OK. I just have fears of Leupold scopes myself after one went bad on me.

FFP has benefits for hunting.....like constant holds no matter what magnification you are on, not just max, which I rarely use for hunting. 15X is plenty for shots on medium sized game as far as you can consistently shoot. And the reticle is fine from 3x to 15x on game. It doesn't cover any more on 15x than it does on 3x. And the outer stadia draw your eyes in just fine on 3x, which is where you will be most of the time anyway until you spot something a long way out and zoom in. Which might not be all the way to 15x.

 

[beetroot]

I'd go the VX5hd, the glass is excellent and the turrets are great. I find that SFP has some advantages, the ability to quickly pick up the reticle at all magnifications is extremely important when hunting.

I find 99% of hunting situations fall into two categories, either;
-Close enough to game that you don't need to dial or hold wind/elevation, so the ability to see the reticle quickly is more important than FFP subtensions.
-Game is far enough away that you set the magnification to it's highest setting where the reticle is calibrated. SFP also has the advantage of a thinner reticle than equivalent FFP reticle on maximum magnification.

If you were looking at a higher magnification scope 5-25 etc, then I'd seriously consider FFP but 3-15 will be fine with a SFP reticle.

 

[wade2big]

I'd go the VX5hd, the glass is excellent and the turrets are great. I find that SFP has some advantages, the ability to quickly pick up the reticle at all magnifications is extremely important when hunting.

I find 99% of hunting situations fall into two categories, either;
-Close enough to game that you don't need to dial or hold wind/elevation, so the ability to see the reticle quickly is more important than FFP subtensions.
-Game is far enough away that you set the magnification to it's highest setting where the reticle is calibrated. SFP also has the advantage of a thinner reticle than equivalent FFP reticle on maximum magnification.

If you were looking at a higher magnification scope 5-25 etc, then I'd seriously consider FFP but 3-15 will be fine with a SFP reticle.

I agree with most everything you said. The only thing I disagree with is that a thinner reticle is an advantage. Its not in most any circumstances with a few exceptions. Other than that SPOT ON.

 

[beetroot]

I agree with most everything you said. The only thing I disagree with is that a thinner reticle is an advantage. Its not in most any circumstances with a few exceptions. Other than that SPOT ON.

At maximum magnification it's thinner, which most of the time is a good thing.
But at low magnification it's thicker, which is what you want.

 

[wade2big]

At maximum magnification it's thinner, which most of the time is a good thing.
But at low magnification it's thicker, which is what you want.

I get your point and agree. SFP scopes are better in low light shooting when a scope must be dialed down to see your target. I agree with that as i have experienced the negatives of hunting with a FFP scope at last light. We are on the same page.

I just don’t believe that a thicker reticle at max power makes a bit of difference negatively. I like thick reticles or at least what most people seem to consider thick.

 

[mrfishin86]

Hands down, rear focal for hunting. The amount of times you’ll need to back the mag down for a low light shot makes that big bold reticle you get through the entire range invaluable. With the locking turret you’ll never second guess your dial. Need to pull the rifle out of the scabbard and get a shot off quickly you will know it’s zeroed. VX-5 all the way!