Rifle Scopes SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical or...???

[Wintermute]

Well, I'm looking to buy a scope for my Tikka in .308. So far I like the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 with the illum reticle, but figured I'd ask what you folks would recommend in the same price range instead (if anything).

I definitely want mil/mil, not moa/moa or some mil/moa combination. I also want the variable magnification and an illuminated reticle. Price at $1500 or below.

Is there any reason not to get the SWFA? or something else I should be looking at instead?

thanks in advance

--Wintermute

 

[jtrax]

Very good choice. Tough, repeatable turrets. Overall glass quality is excellent and to my eyes as good as it gets for your stated price range. I do not believe a better scope exists in your price range.

 

[Blanman]

^ What he said. I loved mine, and to this day haven't looked behind a scope with an eyebox that's as "forgiving" as the SWFA 5-20's

 

[steveptr]

Unless you need the illumination don't get it or ill make a trade with you I don't like the illum. Other then that I love the scope.

 

[6brshooter]

Great choice, got 2 that are non-illuminated. The thing that stands out the most to me about the scope is it's ability to cut through mirage. In that regard it is better then my razor,hdmr, and Bushnell6-24 g2dmr. The NF I had was also good about cutting through mirage, the SS just seem less soupy on side by side comparisons to those scopes. If SS could acquire a g2dmr reticle or make the center crosshairs thin like the g2dmr, they would be on all my rifles. Their reticle is kinda busy but the diamonds are usefull for measuring small objects. It is easy to measure stuff towards the more optically better center of the glass at high power vs. having to dial down for the g2dmr .1 mrad at the edges or be at the edge of the glass trying to measure in the less then best part of the lenses.

 

[bhart89]

I'm a big fan

 

[acts238]

I don't know about the SS -all reports are very positive -looking to get one soon- the cheaper 3-15
I do have a NF I like a lot -2nd FP is the only negative
anyway midway has 3-15 NF on clearance right now under 1500.00
the SS would be my choice at this point

 

[Wintermute]

Unless you need the illumination don't get it or ill make a trade with you I don't like the illum. Other then that I love the scope.

What don't you like about the illum? Just wondering, I've had other scopes before with illum reticles and I've like most of them (except for one where I didn't like the control for the reticle).

--Wintermute

 

[steveptr]

What don't you like about the illum? Just wondering, I've had other scopes before with illum reticles and I've like most of them (except for one where I didn't like the control for the reticle).

--Wintermute

The illum is in the way of the parallax focus which is tight and hard to manipulate for starters. The illumination isn't that great for second and is sorta spotty (at least for me) Ill openly trade for a non illum straight across as long as its in good shape like mine.

 

[Wintermute]

Ahh, good to know...thanks for the info

--Wintermute

 

[FALex]

I would get the SSHD and be happy with one great scope.