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SWFA SS HD 3x9x42 vs Vortex 3x9x40

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scorpio ps View Drop Down
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    Posted: December/12/2016 at 00:45
Was at the range today trying my new SS HD 3x9x42 scope and happened to look through a $200.00 Vortex 3x9x40. Didn't see much difference if any at all. Am I missing something here as they is a $399.00 difference. I would like to get another SWFA but don't know after today. I am actually disappointed. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 08:55
There is a significant difference between looking through a scope and using a scope.  Often just a casual look won't do much unless one scope truly sucks.  Using the scope for awhile will start to show differences, and prolonged use will make differences obvious.

Unless the $200 Vortex is the absolute best to ever come off the line - and your SS 3-9 is absolute worst, I would guess there are big, big differences in glass quality.

I run the SS3-9 and have a Vortex 2-7, a few minutes on both and the differences in resolution show quickly, as does the vignetting of the Vortex. 

And did you spin turrets on the Vortex?

For the money, Vortex makes a solid scope; however, the SS3-9 is a blowout bargain, or those I have used have been.

Something has to be really good or really bad to make an impression with a casual look (I have a Hensoldt 3-12 and every person that has ever gotten behind it has said what an amazing view and great eye box it has, but it was $3000+ new.)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 10:09
I am constantly amazed when a riflescope is judged first and foremost by optical quality and not mechanical integrity, or even reticle usability.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 11:54
To echo what's been said, a scope is the sum of all its features and construction. Glass may not be hugely different. But consider that both of these are reputable, honest companies. There's a reason there's a price difference! Well, lots of reasons.
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scorpio ps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 12:07
"I am constantly amazed when a riflescope is judged first and foremost by optical quality and not mechanical integrity, or even reticle usability."

It's most likely because we look through the lens more often than messing with the dials or checking mechanical stability. It's like looking for a mate. I don't ask if her gallbladder and uterus are functioning properly. I check out the goods first. Men tend to be more visual. I'm sure you've heard that before. In my minds eye there should be a very noticeable difference between a $200.00 and a $599.00 scope in the glass. Am I wrong to expect that. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 12:48
As was already stated, you might not see much of a difference just casually looking through one.  Spend 30 minutes straight or more looking through one, and using it low light, looking into shadows, looking through mirage, looking into glares, eye fatigue, etc you will see differences.

I own several SS HD scopes and also several Vortex scopes of different grades.  Not one of them has the glass quality of the SS HD line IMO. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 13:07
Originally posted by scorpio ps scorpio ps wrote:

"I am constantly amazed when a riflescope is judged first and foremost by optical quality and not mechanical integrity, or even reticle usability."

It's most likely because we look through the lens more often than messing with the dials or checking mechanical stability. It's like looking for a mate. I don't ask if her gallbladder and uterus are functioning properly. I check out the goods first. Men tend to be more visual. I'm sure you've heard that before. In my minds eye there should be a very noticeable difference between a $200.00 and a $599.00 scope in the glass. Am I wrong to expect that. 


This is not a personal attack, but yes I believe you are wrong to expect that.  You can find great glass today in any riflescope costing $200 or more, good enough to get you way past legal shooting light.   Same for binoculars.  Today's $500 binoculars are as good or better optically than any alpha made 15-20 yrs ago.  A scope is an aiming device, not a viewing device.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 16:09
Not sure what Vortex you are referring to but I think it is a safe guess that it is a second focal plane scope where as the SS is a first focal plane scope. FFP scopes are more complex therefore more costly and much easier to use for ranging. Also when I was new to scopes I remember thinking the same thing. But now I don't and can see the differences. The differences become much more apparent when you are using the scope under challenging conditions. And under ideal conditions the differences are not as apparent.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scorpio ps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 20:30
So if I wanted to put a scope on a 18" rifle length AR, which one would it be. Six hundred meters max. The one above I'm speaking of ended up on a 7.62x39 AR
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote OL' OutLaw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 21:09
take a look at the side of your scope where it says "Nothing Comes Close"  and BELIEVE....

after 50 years of "everything else, I will not OWN anything but a SWFA , PERIOD.
"Do, or Do Not....There is no Try".....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote OL' OutLaw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 21:14
Originally posted by scorpio ps scorpio ps wrote:

So if I wanted to put a scope on a 18" rifle length AR, which one would it be. Six hundred meters max. The one above I'm speaking of ended up on a 7.62x39 AR


if it was me, and I could afford it, ... :

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50716.aspx

probably the biggest "Value" in an SWFA scope cannot be "Seen"....you could actually take
 it off the rifle, beat some badguy to death with it and stick it back on the rifle and go on shooting,
they ARE that tough.
"Do, or Do Not....There is no Try".....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 21:32
I juat put a SS 3-9x on a 18" AR. I thinks its a fantastic fit.
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."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scorpio ps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 22:49
What about the HD 10X42
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 23:01
Thats a fantastic scope too. I ran one for several years on my .308 precision rifle. When the 5-20x came out i sold it for one of those. If you are just using it for a range type rifle and dont plan on many shots within 100 yards it is a great option.
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."
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