Poll: Trying to pick an optic ! Need help

[SIG34]

I'm trying to decide on what Swfa Scope I want and have 3 options

- SWFA SS 12x42 Tactical

- SWFA SS 16x42 Tactical

- SWFA SS 20x42 Tactical

I'm putting this scope on a Remington 700 build for 100-500yards

Read More

 

[slimmer13]

A 12 power is more than enough for 500 if you aren't trying to win a match.

 

[Mister Bisley]

What are your applications with said scope? Strictly long range shooting?

 

[Medic!]

What are your applications with said scope? Strictly long range shooting?

This right here.

If you ever hunt with it and jump an animal up close?
Ya. Even with the 12 power all your gona see is hair!

I walk around the woods with my scope on 6 power or less.
If he's to far out for that, then I have time to zoom up.

 

[Mister Bisley]

This right here.

If you ever hunt with it and jump an animal up close?
Ya. Even with the 12 power all your gona see is hair!

I walk around the woods with my scope on 6 power or less.
If he's to far out for that, then I have time to zoom up.

^This was basically my next comment. A charging bear at 20 feet with 12X is not something I want to experience lol

 

[Medic!]

^This was basically my next comment. A charging bear at 20 feet with 12X is not something I want to experience lol

I shot a Bull Elk at 20 yards or so once.
Had to sight down the left side of the barrel.

Good thing I practice that shot.

 

[SIG34]

^This was basically my next comment. A charging bear at 20 feet with 12X is not something I want to experience lol

Strictly Range 100-500yards prone of bench ! Not hunting with this rifle and trust me Bear would have a crappy day... 460 Magnum would solve charging bear

 

[No_Regerts]

The 12x would do steel and would be about the most magnification I'd use at those ranges.

 

[Stomper]

Here is the rule of wisdom for optics that will seldom do wrong for you.


What ever the amount you spent on your firearm, you need to spend 2 to 3 times as much on the optic, Period

Dilemma solved.

 

[bsa1917hunter]

This right here.

If you ever hunt with it and jump an animal up close?
Ya. Even with the 12 power all your gona see is hair!

I walk around the woods with my scope on 6 power or less.
If he's to far out for that, then I have time to zoom up.

It would be very blurry hair, with all of these scopes listed. The focus/parallax setting is very touchy on these. The true beauty of these SWFA SS rifle scopes is their spot on tracking and robustness. The quality of glass is alright, but you get what you pay for there. It's not a zeiss or Swarovski. I will say, I settled on a 16x for my application and it works great from 50 yards all the way out to 800. However, I would not use it for my normal hunting. Now if I were hunting where I knew my shots were going to be long, I'd use it without hesitation. I put in for some units, where I know the shots are going to be 600+ yards. You typically have all the time in the world to range an animal and adjust your parallax. Hunting in the woods, where ranges could be close and there's no way I'd use any of the scopes listed. For target shooting at the ranges given by the op, any of them would work.

 

[BillM]

Go with the 12. I tried a 16x SS, wasn't impressed. Light transmission so-so, small field of view, and mirage
got really noticeable.

 

[SIG34]

Go with the 12. I tried a 16x SS, wasn't impressed. Light transmission so-so, small field of view, and mirage
got really noticeable.

I appreciate the feedback!!! I honestly think 12x is one I'll be going with after all ! Most good feedback from members

 

[Boboclown]

What ever the amount you spent on your firearm, you need to spend 2 to 3 times as much on the optic, Period

So don't buy a 10 grand rifle?

I can see it now... A guy also sporting an AK with a Schmidt & Bender.

 

[rcnpthfndr]

they don't make the 10x anymore? that would be my vote.

ETA a couple questions as it would help with advice.
1. is it a LR build
2. is it a PRS/benchrest type build?
3. hunting rifle?

also read the reviews the SWFA SS optics in the 16x and 20x variants. They have their issues which is why I bought a 10x almost 20 years ago. they were not as bright, fuzzy on the edges, didn't track as well as the 10x and others. But they are built like a tank. the 10x I have has been on everything from barretts, Precision rifles to air rifles and hasn't come apart yet. I am a fan of them but they do have their limitations.

 

[bsa1917hunter]

The 12x would do steel and would be about the most magnification I'd use at those ranges.

That's the problem with optics questions. What works best for some, doesn't work well enough for another. For 500 yards, I'd like at least a 14.5x and even up to 20x. The reason I bought the 16x. I'm also happy with the 16x, as it's easy to get behind, offers pretty good clear glass, tracks very well and has a good reticle. I plan on keeping it on my new 6.5 creedmoor, as it does everything I need it to do. I've sent many expensive scopes down the road, that just didn't make the cut.

 

[bsa1917hunter]

Here is the rule of wisdom for optics that will seldom do wrong for you.


What ever the amount you spent on your firearm, you need to spend 2 to 3 times as much on the optic, Period

Dilemma solved.

That used to work 20 years ago, but times are changing in the scope manufacturing world.

 

[Boboclown]

That used to work 20 years ago, but times are changing in the scope manufacturing world.

+20...

I have a PA 3x prism. Glass isn't great, but its a durable optic for what it is and what you pay, and the glass is honestly better than the Leupold VX-Hog that I had. If the AK pirate can't break it then it can't be too bad.

 

[daved20319]

I went through a similar process earlier this year, put together a budget "precision" rifle and needed a budget scope to go with it. Ended up with a 4-12x Bushnell Engage. Nice enough scope, but even at 100 yards I feel like I could use more magnification. Part of it is what you're used to, I've been known to use 20x scopes on air rifles at 50 yards. The Bushnell will eventually get replaced with something that goes to at least 16x, and more likely 20-24x. But if I was going fixed, it would probably be the 16x. Later.

Dave

 

[Member 5605]

4-16 max

 

[tkdguy]

I just purchased several 4 x 16's for 22 250 and 308 thinking my max range is 300 yards for varmit and elk, although, I have read the 16 will work nicely at 500 years.

I agree 4 x for inside 100 yards for big game and in the woods.