Rifle Scopes Vortex Viper PST vs SWFA SS 3-15x

[KeeblerArmy]

Is this a bad idea? I'm seriously considering selling my Vortex Viper PST 6-24x FFP for a SWFA SS 3-15x. The Vortex has been decent, I did have to send it in for repair once. I have an older SS 3-9 on another rifle and it honestly feels like it has more solid construction than the Vortex.

I know I would be giving up some magnification and the illumination.

Can anyone else come up with some cons to this trade?

 

[valkyries]

Nope the swfa is built like a tank. I have never owned a vortex scope and as long as swfa's optics are around the price (or slightly cheaper), I never will. I have been 100% happy with swfa's service and the 3x15.

 

[lennyo3034]

The SWFA 3-15 is not built in the same factory or with the same components as the 3-9.

 

[KeeblerArmy]

Is that a good or a bad thing? I got to check out a 5-20 this weekend and it felt incredibly well built, but I understand that isn't a necessarily an apples to apples comparison

 

[lennyo3034]

I don't have experience with the 3-15, but I have owned the 10X42 that is built to similar specs. I have owned the 5-20HD which is the same builder as the 3-9, and still own a 1-6HD. The HD line (5-20, 1-6, etc.) feel much more solidly built than the 10X42. Not that the 10X42 felt cheap or poorly built at all, just not as solid as the HD version. Again, I don't have experience with the 3-15.

 

[Bender]

Do it. I have the 3-15 SWFA. I have also had a Vortex HST and I thought the build on the SWFA was way better. I even tried a Bushy 3-12 G2dmr and while it was a great scope, Again the build, clicks, turrets and over all quality of the SWFA felt better. I dont think you can beat them for the money. Same type no BS warranty as Vortex but probably will never have to use it.

 

[LoanHarvey]

+1 on the SWFA