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Fixed power scope shootout thoughts please

Pigdog

hi guys need some help from the forums brains trust I'm looking to get a fixed power probably a 10x or maybe 12x. Anyway I don't want to enter an argument on fixed vs variable etc. I'm looking at these for a reason. I'm looking to see what value you would go with out of the list here and the prices I've got. SWFA have just started to allow exporting the ss scopes to Australia so any aussies out there reading this might be news to you!!!!!!

all prices in US dollars

Bushnell elite 10x42 $329
sightron siii 10x42 $581
swfa ss 10x42 $300
swfa ss 12x42 $300
swfa HD 10x42 $800

I think between the bushnell and the swfa ss I can eliminate the bushnell for similar price. So the next thought is the swfa ss vs the sightron siii from my understanding the sightron has better glass than the standard ss model however it is a mil reticle with moa adjustments which is a bit annoying and is $281 dearer thoughts on these 2??

And lastly I'm not to keen on spending $800 on a swfa ss HD unless someone can provide a VERY convincing argument as to if the better glass is worth the extra $500 over the standard model?? These scopes are basically non existent in Australia until now so looking for some US support as to those who have tried these 2 ss models and if they think the HD is worth the extra $500.

thanks in advance
 
hi paul thanks for your reply, I haven't even bothered looking at leupold as I find their website horrible, so many different models, hard to find it they are mil-mil etc, hard to find out about reticles. We do have leupold here any chance you can give some more specific info on that fixed 12 model?? I would like mil-mil as down here we work in metric.

thanks
 
Dog,

I have several and really like this particular model. But, I shoot a dot reticle with moa clicks. I don't believe they have a mil/mil version of this scope. Drats. :(

Paul
 
Ok guys I've narrowed it down to the swfa 10x42 either standard or HD. Is the HD worth the extra $500 in your opinion preferably from people who have used both?
 
I too prefer fixed power scopes and just about all of mine are 10x. I have never owned a SWFA SS, but have always heard nothing but good things about them. One of my shooting buddies has one, I have shot it and it is fantastic. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one if I needed another scope.
There has long been a rumor that Leupold is supposed to one day {maybe it's already here??? Haven't checked lately} offer some sort of a MIL turret "conversion" for M1 style turrets. It was made out as if you just got these different marked turrets and put them on the scope....I don't know whether this requires the scope to go back to Leupold {probably}, or not. I actually called them when I first heard about this a year or two ago and the lady I talked to said that they did in fact have plans to do this but that at that time they were behind getting the newest model scopes out and I was told to "check back in a few months." She also said that it's not just a different marked turret, the adjuster screws had to be changed as well. I never did check back, so I don't know if they have a conversion or not. Usually, if it sounds too good to be true....
One scope that is definitely worth every penny if you can find one used is the Schmidt and Bender Classic 10x...I have three of them I bought back 10 years ago when they were like $550.00 each. I think they still make the Classic but it cost more like $1000 now. Might try Europtic, that's where I got my three.
 
JRS said:
Marketing isn't worth $500.00:eek:
Click to expand...

JRS mate I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these would really appreciate your opinion on this even if by PM if you have some more info about this?? It seems really hard to find anyone who has compared both or who can confirm if the HD is worth the extra $500. The only guy I have seen make some comment on it is the tibarasaurus rex sniper 101 series guy, he does quite a few reviews on the swfa scopes he highly recommends the fixed over the variable however he doesn't really go into the standard fixed vs the HD model fixed. The consensus I got from him is that he thinks the HD models would be superior in the 15x and up magnifications but maybe not such an improvement in the 10x. The HD is only offered in 10x for fixed scopes.
 
hi mate thanks for that, that fx3 looks like it has hunting turrets? as usual the website is very hard to follow I couldn't see anything about target turrets on that also want a mil reticle.
 
The Leupold FX-3 12x40 adj. objective is available to order through their custom shop. You could order it with a mil dot reticle, it has target turrets but they are moa. Link: https://customshop.leupold.com/configure/fx-3-12x40mm-adj-obj-target/?s=114&r=14&aw=11&ae=11

As you are international you can't order it online, contact them direct or through Australia dealer:
"Ordering product on this website is available to U.S. customers only. Assistance is available for customers outside the U.S. by clicking on the international link to locate a local distributor or by contacting Leupold Custom Shop directly by phone at 1-888-629-4811 or via email productspecialist@leupold.com"

Going to their link for Australia:

https://www.nioa.com.au/

https://www.leupold.com.au/custom_shop/service_details
 
I have a 10x SWFA. It is a good little scope, had it for years. For the price I think it can't be beat. I have a friend that also makes a zero-stop kit for them.
 
If you're going out to 1000yd type distance, then I would pick the SWAFA 12X instead of the 10X. I also have the Bushy 10X and if the reticle matched the turret graduations then I would suggest it because I find the glass is better. Overall I like the extra power of the 12X. For sure the Sightron glass is superior and I like my variable FFP, but again graduations must match.
 
I have two 3-15 SS a four 5-20 HD SS's. The 3-15 is the same glass as the 10x fixed. I can tell you it is quite a bit better glass than the Vortex PST Viper line in 4-16, quite noticeably nicer. I have also heard you may gain a bit more clarity from the fixed over the variable given it has less lenses. Given that, it is a dam nice piece of glass for the 799.00 and the 3-15 is a very useful power range, so the 10x or 12x at 300.00 is a fantastic buy and will leave you wanting for nothing, except maybe zerostops. Now that being said the 5-20 HD's glass is very very nice, noticeably nicer than anything in its price range, and built like a tank. I would say it all depends on your intended use and if this is a budget build or not, the HD glass is defiantly nicer but the regular glass is nice enough that I never felt wanting when using it.
 
Since you already bought, you don't need my encouragement, but I have a standard SS in16X and my brother has the 12X, both on SR-25's in 308. Even with the the higher magnification, I don't think I lack at all for clarity. You should be very happy with your new scope.
 
The only mistake you made was only buying ONE...........use this one in good health and wait for the next big sale around November and really stock up. You will not believe the quality, clarity and most of all repeatability of the turrets in these fine scopes. I have 6 of 'em and as I sell off other glass, there will be more. Took 2 out of the box and put 'em in a dark room but I just can't get 'em to breed...thought I could save a bit of money but no luck yet.:confused:
 
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