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Optics Decision Time

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sawacs View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/14/2017 at 19:12
Hello gents..

I need to get scopes for two different rifles.

1. 18" 6.8 SPC AR platform
2. 20" 6mm Predator AR platform(Grendel case necked down with a shorter throat)

Having been a Vortex fan for a very long time, I am considering trying something different for the simple purpose of trying something differentBig Smile

My current favorite Vortex scope is the Gen 1 PST SFP 2.5-10x44 which is what I would consider a little gem with nice clarity and contrast to my eyes: it lets in enough light to take out hogs under the light of the full moon with no additional lighting needed and the illumination really helps.

Initially, I was looking at the Vortex Gen II 3-15x44 FFP which I figured was a solid choice considering the performance of the Gen 1 2.5-10x44.  However, after thinking about what the two builds listed up top would be used for, I began wondering if I should try out a SWFA scope just for giggles.

I have heard great things about the SWFA scopes regarding their durability and tracking.  However, tracking is not a concern as I sight in at 100 and use hold overs.

Here's the big question...  What scope in the SWFA line would match or exceed the optical quality of the Gen 1 2.5-10x44 or the Gen II 3-15x44 FFP?  I am even considering picking up a fixed power scope in the 10X range for use at my local range and some hunting out to 600 yards.

Advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,

Shawn


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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2017 at 03:30
Welcome to The OT. 
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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BeltFed View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2017 at 06:48
https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-3-9x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html

I have the older mil dot version of this scope, and I don't think you could go wrong with it.
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Skylar McMahon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2017 at 09:27
Originally posted by BeltFed BeltFed wrote:

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-3-9x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html

I have the older mil dot version of this scope, and I don't think you could go wrong with it.

Like BeltFed suggested, I second this. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2017 at 11:55
SS 3-9x.....Go far it!
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sawacs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sawacs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/16/2017 at 20:44
Thank you for the replies and information.

I will definitely take a closer look at the SWFA 3-9 HD.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote HKtoTikka Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/16/2017 at 21:42
And wait a week for deal time!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/17/2017 at 12:37
You might also consider the SS 3-15x. It's 5 oz heavier, but I've used it on a 16" 6.8 SPC for a couple years. One nice feature with its adjustable parallax is being able to boresight or dry fire practice indoors at 20 feet. I haven't noticed much difference in the glass. But I am going to outfit a .308 AR with the SS 3-9, mostly to keep weight down.
Reaction time is a factor...
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sawacs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sawacs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/17/2017 at 18:27
Update:

I went ahead and ordered a Vortex Gen II 3-15 SFP for the 6mm Predator.  The 15x would be a better match for the range of the 6mm.  Yesterday, I had a chanced to look through the 3-15 and compare it side by side to a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42: I ran home and ordered the 3-15Big Grin

However, I will be placing an order for the SWFA 3-9 HD next week to go on the 6.8.  

Cheers!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/18/2017 at 10:31
Good choice with both scopes.

ILya
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sawacs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sawacs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/18/2017 at 12:39
Thanks again gents for the feedback. 

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Shawn
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/18/2017 at 21:26

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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sawacs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sawacs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/18/2017 at 23:11
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

http://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-20x50-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html


That scope looks like a great optic.  However, the one thing that rules the scope out is the lack of illumination.  Over the years, I have become hooked on illuminated reticles because they help a great deal in low light or night time conditions.

The only reason I decided to get the SWFA 3-9 is the rifle it is going on will be a range queenBig Grin

Cheers!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/19/2017 at 15:29
Originally posted by sawacs sawacs wrote:

Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

http://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-20x50-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html


That scope looks like a great optic.  However, the one thing that rules the scope out is the lack of illumination.  Over the years, I have become hooked on illuminated reticles because they help a great deal in low light or night time conditions.

The only reason I decided to get the SWFA 3-9 is the rifle it is going on will be a range queenBig Grin

Cheers!
So how about the illuminated version?

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-20x50-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html
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sawacs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sawacs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/20/2017 at 11:48
Originally posted by Sparky Sparky wrote:

Originally posted by sawacs sawacs wrote:

Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

http://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-20x50-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html


That scope looks like a great optic.  However, the one thing that rules the scope out is the lack of illumination.  Over the years, I have become hooked on illuminated reticles because they help a great deal in low light or night time conditions.

The only reason I decided to get the SWFA 3-9 is the rifle it is going on will be a range queenBig Grin

Cheers!
So how about the illuminated version?

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-20x50-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html


Now there is another great idea!   I don't think I looked close enough and missed the illuminated version of the scope! 

On another note, I just received the Vortex 3-15 and took a peak or two through it and holy cow!!!!  I thought the 2.5-10x44 was a great optic until I looked through this thing.

The one issue that crops up when getting into the higher priced scopes like the SWFA 5-20 illuminated variant is I can purchase two of the Vortex 3-15's for the price of one of the SWFA 5-20 illuminated scopes and don't have to pay tax.  That alone makes it a tough pill to swallow.  However, I will still be ordering the SWFA 3-9 HD scope.  At the lower end  of the scale such as the 3-9, the pricing isn't that much different which makes it easier to justify.

Thanks again!

Shawn

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