OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Tactical Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - SWFA Super Sniper 5-20X50HD
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

SWFA Super Sniper 5-20X50HD

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 23456 8>
Author
Message
Rothstein1987 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: March/18/2011
Location: Minnesota
Status: Offline
Points: 340
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rothstein1987 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 03:10
I need one!!! I love it would be the perfect selection for the new build Big Grin
Mausers forever

That was great but can you do it again??
Back to Top
lumberjack149 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: December/04/2009
Location: Virginia
Status: Offline
Points: 110
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lumberjack149 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 06:10
Back to Top
helo18 View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2006
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 5620
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 12:38
Got mine ordered!!!!
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
Back to Top
stickbow46 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/07/2009
Location: Benton, Pa
Status: Offline
Points: 4678
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 14:47
Mine Too Big Smile
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 15:21
I'm in there too!  Talked to CFII earlier about it

Edited by SVT_Tactical - May/13/2011 at 15:22
Back to Top
billyburl2 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/08/2009
Location: Cottonwood, AZ
Status: Offline
Points: 4015
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 17:50
In case anybody is wondering, $1500= about 937.5 lbs of pennies!
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
Back to Top
Brady View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
Casino Cruiser

Joined: May/20/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 15:37
Back to Top
stickbow46 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/07/2009
Location: Benton, Pa
Status: Offline
Points: 4678
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 15:43
Want to say Thanks to all at SWFA [Chris & the gang]for the sweetest deal ever on a one great scope ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
 
Also Thanks to the Sniper Hide [Frank]for their big push Excellent


Edited by stickbow46 - May/19/2011 at 15:44
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
Back to Top
Jon A View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: March/14/2008
Location: Everett, WA
Status: Offline
Points: 670
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jon A Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 16:16
I spent quite a bit of time last night in the dark comparing the glass and illumination of the SS to the 3.5-18X50 IOR again as well as my new 3-24X42 March.

On low powers/close range the glass looked great on all three and the illumination worked fine for all.  Having the thinnest reticle, the SS was not as easy to see as the other two without illumination but with the illumination they were all pretty equal and what one would prefer would come down to what he liked to aim with the best—a tall cross shaped aiming point or a dot.  The March had the biggest FOV while the SS had the most flexible eye relief with the IOR falling in between on both counts.  Any of the scopes could get the job done and get it done well.

The testing for higher powers/longer ranges is where they separated from each other.  Glass quality and objective size become more important here and the SS simply beat the other two.  While the SS is certainly no better than the other two in daylight, when the sun goes down it has the advantage.  It was notably the brightest and it wasn’t “empty brightness” as it had the resolution and contrast to turn that brightness into the ability to see more details than the other two scopes could see.   It wasn’t a huge difference but it was enough of one that under the right conditions it could make the difference between being able to make out the target or not.  

I realize this isn’t really fair to the March, only having a 42mm objective, but it is what it is.  The March did quite well despite that, hanging with the IOR very well and looking as good as any on the lower powers.  But on the higher powers it just couldn’t keep up with the SS.  I suspect it would put most other 42mm scopes to shame pretty easily, even many 50mm scopes for that matter.  But it wasn’t going up against low-mid level 50mm scopes but two with very high quality glass.  It’s unfortunate I don’t still have a S&B or Premier handy as they were both notably better than the IOR in low light as well and would have been tougher competition for the SS.

Beyond seeing the target, there’s hitting it.  These conditions were dark enough none of the scopes could have provided a sure shot without illumination.  The reticles just couldn’t be seen on the target.  The illumination is the second way the SS distinguished itself.  

Both the IOR and March have very nice digital illumination systems that light up the entire center of the reticle, which most people seem to say they want.  No blooming or bleeding, etc, they really look great.  The problem with conditions like the above is they provide a whole lot of light even on the lowest setting.  When it’s all you can do to make out the target, too much light will wash it out easily.

I’d call the IOR’s illumination borderline usable for those conditions.  On the dimmest setting it is pretty dim and doesn’t wash out the target totally, but it’s brighter than it needs to be.  It does seem to “cover” some of the fine details right around the target.  If you want to really look at the target you can get the best view with it off.  Not bad, it should be usable for most situations, but I’d like it better if it had one or two dimmer settings.  Or if only the center dot lit the brightness would be OK.

The March’s illumination is just too bright for the above type of use.  It has user replaceable modules so hopefully that won’t be permanent.  I have the “dim” module but IMHO it’s not dim enough.  Hopefully I can convince March to make an “extra dim” one I can swap in.  Anyway, the result in the above conditions is when you turn the illumination on the target goes away.  Even on the lowest setting, in conditions that dark it just produces way too much light.  If you want to see the target, you have to shut off the illumination.  Then you can see the target but you can’t hit it.

Once again, the SS impressed.  While it’s illumination may not “look as good” in the daytime as the other two, and many have been dogging it for only having the center dot illuminated, in the above conditions it’s easily the best tool for the job.  It was the only scope that had zero, absolutely zero image degradation with the illumination on.  You could see every last detail of the target with or without it.  With it on, there was just a tiny little red dot you could precisely place where you want the bullet to go.  Money.

So, it was quite an interesting experience.  I figured the SS would do well against the other two but I was really surprised by just how well it did.  Against two much more expensive scopes—the March is nearly three times the SH group buy price for the SS—it easily came out the clear winner.  If you need to make a shot at longish range in the dark, it’s simply a better tool for the job than the other two.  Of course there are other things the other scopes do better, but for this particular job—which is one of the most difficult for a scope—it put on a clinic.
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 16:25
Great info Jon.  Thanks for continuing to share. Excellent
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
billyburl2 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/08/2009
Location: Cottonwood, AZ
Status: Offline
Points: 4015
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:35
[QUOTE=supertool73]Great info Jon.  Thanks for continuing to rub-it-in. ExcellentQUOTE]
Fixed it for you! Just kidding, I too look forward to any and all info on this scope!
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:45
What happened to the Premier?

I like the center illumination scheme. If someone wants to look at a colored reticle in the full light of day, Countersniper is the scope for them, tacticool! For low light shooting, the center is all I want; any more and you start washing out target.

Can't wait to get mine.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
jonoMT View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: November/13/2008
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 4853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:46
Between posts like these and Lowlight's video review, I'm really looking forward to trying it out when it gets here. The more I look at the reticle, the more I like it. Illuminating just the center is really the way to to go. I have much preferred that. Seems to me people that prefer it the other way around are accustomed to thinking of shooting in low light as being like a video game.
Reaction time is a factor...
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:51
Personally I don't think they have ever actually used them in low light.  I have never had a reticle that lit completely up that was usable in low light, just way to bright.  Except for my SS 1-4x that is.  Big Grin
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
stickbow46 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/07/2009
Location: Benton, Pa
Status: Offline
Points: 4678
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 18:15
Thanks for the update JonA,keep up the good work Excellent
 
As far as the Illum. can't wait to get my 5-20 so I can compare it to my SwaroZ6I 1-6x24 circle dot reticle,which to me has about the best illumination in the business.


Edited by stickbow46 - May/20/2011 at 08:18
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 19:19
The reticle on the 14CMR is great in low light, the reticle on my Springfield Armory Gen III 6-20X56 Is outstanding and the reticle on my Hensoldt is almost beyond description.   There are quite a few with good lowlight/dark performance but there are a lot more that are extremely poor.  
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
Jon A View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: March/14/2008
Location: Everett, WA
Status: Offline
Points: 670
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jon A Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 20:51
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

What happened to the Premier?

Sold it a while back.  My conscience will only let me keep so many high end scopes at a time until I win the lotto.  I've recently sold three scopes already to fund my new March and will sell a fourth soon.

I liked it, but wanted to go lighter for hunting and for long range plinking wanted higher power.  It was worth too much money to keep for applications I felt it wasn't perfect for.

You're right though, it would have done very well in this test.  Soon after I first got it I nailed a gong on my first shot from 1000 yds in the dark with it, which is exactly the type of thing last night's comparison was all about.


Edited by Jon A - May/19/2011 at 20:52
Back to Top
338LAPUASLAP View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master

Scope Swapper

Joined: October/17/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 2596
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 338LAPUASLAP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 20:59
This is pretty exciting.

So what are we to compare it to???


A NEWER breed???
No one
Back to Top
Sparky View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire


Joined: July/15/2007
Location: SD
Status: Offline
Points: 4569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 22:34
Just wondering. But I noticed that it does not have the "okay for .50 cal" comment in the description like all the other SS scopes. Or was this just omitted by accident? I think this would be just the ticket for my AR50.
Back to Top
338LAPUASLAP View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master

Scope Swapper

Joined: October/17/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 2596
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 338LAPUASLAP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2011 at 22:38
They could be rated for 20mm or 105mm or 120mm...



Edited by 338LAPUASLAP - May/19/2011 at 22:42
No one
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 23456 8>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.129 seconds.