SWFA 10x42 HD Final Review (part 3-3)

[@JamesM-l5g]

I drilled and tapped the parallax adjustment with a 10/32 black hex head to easy adjustment while prone and viewing through it . Works much better!

[@rapalaron6348]

Great scopes. I have a 6X on my Air Arms S410 PCP. Like the reticle . Indeed great quality for the money👍Fixed power is always better than variable power.

[@ryankc3631]

I own a 6X, a 10X and a 16X. Not too big, not too heavy and I got each of them at different times on sale for $220-$230. They just work.

[@sloboatazmesa309]

Well that's just dandy. I was all set to get a V DB 6-24x50 for my first foray into rifle, a .223 Axis. Now you, and a few others, equally respected, come up with a FIXED power scope??? Isn't that WW1 tech? Kidding aside, I have developed a taste for mid range shooting and feel that you good folk are spot on. I was at the range today and was able to pick out individual small flowers at 400ish yards with my Twod!! at 16 and 20X. A 16X and a Boyd's stock are in my future. Thanks for taking the time to deliver an informative discussion.

[@henryhester1897]

Ordered up a 10X with side focus today. $399 4/30/19. Thanks for an honest down home series of reviews.

[@ViperMikeGolf1]

Great job and comparison. Have been using these scopes for over 5 years know and the savings in money has allowed more money for other guns and reloading equipment. I own 2 of the 12x42 SS and will have to check out the HD model.Thanks you and look forward to your next videos.

[@ensom]

love my 10x42 mil/milquad version.. great reticle, nice clear glass, very rugged, reliable tracking. best value out there imo. P.S. great channel & vids.

[@WestDesertShooter]

I have a fixed 20x on its way right now, I like to hear all these positive reviews about them

[@vaughnprecision]

West Desert Shooter awesome.! I haven't looked through the 20x yet but I'd like to get my hands on one soon.! Let me know what you think about it once you've had a chance to shoot it..!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Vaughn Precision I'll let you know for sure, also I have a vortex Viper 6.5-20 so I'll let you know how they compare I like my vortex so far so I'm eager to try the SWFA

[@engineer6250]

West Desert Shooter Hi. I was just wondering how your 20x purchase is working out for you?

[@WestDesertShooter]

Engin Hussein I like it it is a touch clearer than my vortex 20x and seems to track correctly I need to really shoot some long range but so far so good. Check out my video I just posted about my scopes

[@wldott]

The SWFA 20x is a great scope, the one I have has been on everything from my 22lr trainer to my .338LM it tracks absolutely perfect and has enough elevation to make 1 mile plus shots, dont expect to have 3k glass clarity but for the money it is great. Only downfall would be light transmission intake on cloudy days as it does get a bit dark.

[@billhanson827]

Me too. SWFA SS Milradian can’t say enough. Rough and tuff, super accurate and reliable.

[@BALJIT147]

I just got mine in the mail today. They started shipping them internationally so if you're in Canada(like me) or in Europe somewhere, simply send them an email and they'll give you the instructions on how to order one internationally. It's a smooth and simple process.

[@JamesM-l5g]

Now being 7 yrs old, how are they holding up? Especially with fogging up.

[@brianpinckard1134]

Agreed! I have one on my Bergie 300 wm. I'm very pleased with it. 1000 yds is attainable.

[@TeensierPython]

I have a standard 10x SWFA on my CZ452 "training" rifle. Love it, and it works great. I have a 10x US Optics on my big rifle. Now i wouldn't trade my USO for an SWFA, but it sure is nice to be able to buy something that will get me that close at such a low price.

[@mmiller73]

Thanks for the detailed review. I’m a big fan of SWFA as well. I have the 10x mil-quad, 12x moa-quad and the 3-15x mil-quad, all standard def versions. Eventually I would like to upgrade to the HD models starting with the 10x model in your review. I would also like to get the 3-9x HD with FFP reticle for my AR-10.

[@ddyoder]

Martin Miller I want the 12x MOA-quad version but it's on backorder right now. I too have the 10x mil-quad and 3-15x FFP Mil-Quad and although I prefer mils I like the floating dot in their moa-quad versions and feel like a 12x in moa-quad would be VERY precise

[@wickiuprat]

I got one coming Friday the 3 by 15 variable. Picked it up Fourth of July sale $525 . Going to put it on a CZ 455 22 cal. Have a 17 HMR barrel for it too. Can't wait to try it out getting excited Garry

[@ddyoder]

i also own mostly SWFA scopes at this point -- can't beat the value. Rugged enough, track reliably, and not an overly cluttered reticle. Combine that with FFP, a shim set from Tim on ShipersHide and you're ahead of the game. YMMV

[@snakebite210]

thank you for the review. you've help me decide on my next scope.

[@vaughnprecision]

snakebite210 thanks for watching, I've been very happy with these for the price.! Let me know what you think after you've had some time to shoot it

[@Logancarlson12]

where at are you shooting in this video i have trouble finding places to shoot that are more than a couple hundred yards in western washington

[@vaughnprecision]

Logan Carlson capital forest on a dead end road.

[@Logancarlson12]

thanks that's close to me ill have to check it out

[@vaughnprecision]

We are always looking for long range shooters to hang out with, and there is always friendly competitions happening. If you'd like to join us one of these day's let me know.

[@johnulanowski3612]

Thank you ...you are a very good teacher

[@uMalice]

excellent review. I really liked the series.

[@vaughnprecision]

James Sparks thank you.!

[@jamesmooney5348]

I have several of these scope and am pretty pleased so far. Although I'm having issues with a new Bergara HMR 300 WM that has a 12X moa rear focus swfa. You push these fairly hard. You also wear the hat and shirt. Honestly, it seems a bit over the top. Are they paying you? I mean, they may be, what you are saying they are. You strike me as open and honest. But it'd be good to know if they are providing you with compensation. Hope yo don't take this wrong. I do like your channel.

[@vaughnprecision]

Never paid me a single dime, I never accepted money from anyone. I just like to promote products that work for me.

[@rickulibarri8394]

Thanks for the review. Just bought a standard 10X42. Wondering your thoughts on the rings that come with the sale price. Also do you add a 20 mil rail? Lastly have you tried the aftermarket zero stops? love your vids.

[@vaughnprecision]

rick ulibarri rings are good, 20-MOA YES.! Haven’t tried the zero stops but I’ve heard they work good.

[@talkingrock7011]

I have a SWFA 10 x 42 super sniper its a good value and has a great warranty

[@JamesM-l5g]

PNW is great scope testing grounds

[@Johnyrocket70]

I have the 3x9 hd the 3x15 and the 5x20 HD love them all

[@TheAkwardMonkey]

Jesus that is some beautiful country...

[@Johnyrocket70]

i have 3 different swfa scopes. I love them all. the regular glass is good and the HD glass is awesome.

[@vaughnprecision]

JB I agree, all great products..! When I finish building this new rifle, I'll be adding an SWFA on top.!

[@scottlouis6116]

would it be good for a mauser M18 in .308?

[@CROSSFIRE_TACTICS_SOFIA]

Thanks for the video...

[@Johnyrocket70]

theres a shooter on the snipershide who is selling custom zero stop shim sets for every model on ebay.

[@ericcartman8354]

Ok, so this is the HD model you are reviewing but you personally own the standard model? Does the HD have zero stop?

[@TakeDeadAim]

At high power matches we shoot in the rain until pasters won't stick. Anyhoo...I always say I PREFER to shoot the 600yd match in the rain. That water helps lubricate the bullet cutting through the air!lol! I was stationed in Bremerton for many years...looks like a pretty typical winter day in Western Washington!

[@ddyoder]

Im also a huge SWFA fan and have several of their optics. If you're wanting the 10x42 HD model shown in this review there is one on sale that is used over at SWFA on their sample list - samplelist.com/catalog/product/view/id/118643/ - it's about $600 but a darn good deal if you trust it's in good shape. @Vaughn Precision apologies for the repost but hoping to have more folks join us in our love of SWFA!

[@stillnupey02]

Yo still rockin with the Bushnell budget spotting scope bc of your review! Is this scope worth the extra money over the standard 10x?

[@Johnyrocket70]

I would throw my swfa 5x20 HD on that rifle. got mine on a RPR 6.5 creedmoor, best time to buy is on any holiday sale. i put the 3x15 on my ar10 & my 3x9 on my FN15 tactical.

[@BigIslandMNMinnetonka]

I am still on the fence. I can't decide if I should go with the swfa or buy a vortex or leupold. can't decide. My buddy swears by the swfa.

[@vaughnprecision]

Big Island MN well I use to own Vortex and Leupold, I willingly sold them all due to tracking issues. No, I’m not sponsored by SWFA, but I’ve bought several with my own money.!

[@openmythirdeye]

These complete with many Leopold's, vortex. The Schmidt and Bender is on a different level though and can't really compare.. They use German glass and built to the highest specs... Hence the big price. I would buy the swfa over any vortex personally

[@MinhVu-in9iz]

Do you have any discount code for these swfa scopes?? They do go on sale, when would be a great time to buy one? I like to buy the fix 6x and 10x ss scopes, I have their 3-15x already!

[@snakebite210]

keep making videos. I see potential.

[@Johnyrocket70]

theres a guy on ebay that sells a zero stop shim kit for this and the 3x15 turret model for under $15

[@Murderface666]

If the HD has a zero-stop, I'll buy it. If not, I'll buy another standard for my new AR-10 build and build another zero-stop.

[@RealSillyLily]

Is the HD version worth the money over the standard version?

[@vaughnprecision]

Carlo Faulkner tough call. It’s got slightly clearer glass and the turrets are better. I own all the standard versions if that means anything to you.!

[@johnulanowski3612]

TWO STANDARDS 10X42 VERY GOOD

[@rickrydalch2904]

Can you tell me how the warranty is with swfa? Also how much scope do you need for long range hunting, shooting? You see so many scopes reaching 30x. Your review bis very good on swfa but the price is so low it's messing with me thinking something has to be wrong with it. My last scope a sign tango 4 I paid 1000 for it. Have you tested the 20x42? I wish it was a 50…

[@vaughnprecision]

Rick Rydalch lifetime warranty, you’ll don’t need anything more than about 10x out to 1000 yards for target practice. Hunting I usually don’t go above 16x or maybe 20x at the most.!

[@joeflin9678]

Have one on my 50bmg great scope for the cash

[@ak4d781]

2 questions 1- Is the HD worth the cost over the standard in your opinion? 2- what are your thoughts on the 6x vs 10x?

[@ak4d781]

Great vids by the way!

[@vaughnprecision]

AK4D7 so the HD is very very nice. It depends on if your a glass snob or not. I personally run all the standard versions. The standard scopes have very good glass. The way I look at it, I can buy 2 scopes for the price of one. But if you really want the HD glass, you won't find a better deal. To answer the second question, I've never looked through 6x so I can't compare it to the 10x. However I've taken the 10x out past 1000 yards. If I had to guess, the 6x should get you out to 800. I'll be ordering a 6x to mount on my new AR next month, I'll be doing a review on it at that point. Thanks for watching..!

[@ak4d781]

Vaughn Precision Thanks for the response. I'm ready to pull the trigger but I'm so torn on the 6x vs 10x thing. My local range is 600 max so I felt the 6x would be enough but being the same price I don't want to under buy. I've been sold on this scope for a few days and your vids confirm my choice. Thanks again

[@scottgodwin3288]

AK4D7 f

[@GearheadExplorer85]

Hello AK4D7, I just saw your comment about how you were torn between the 6x and 10x fixed scopes. I am having the same issue. Have you bought a scope yet? If so, did you end up going 6x or 10x? How do you feel about your choice now? Thanks!James

[@johnforrest8042]

small world, I just screwed on my new 16x from SWFA. Love it so far but no manual or info of any kind packaged with the scope. Is that normal for a scope outfit? Also if you have any pull, get em to throw in a sticker, everyone else does.

[@vaughnprecision]

John Forrest that’s normal for them. I think because they don’t send out stickers, booklets etc it keeps the cost down.

[@johnforrest8042]

if they were caggy they would incorporate a brand sticker into the packing sticker.You should start a mil quad reticle forum. talk about all the ranging tricks, different ways to adjust. All the stuff new to tactical guys need to see.

[@kevinfsu]

ordered this morning

[@vaughnprecision]

I think you'll really like it!

[@TeensierPython]

Have you or will you review the SWFA variable power scopes? Love to see your take on it before i go out and buy one.

[@vaughnprecision]

TeensierPython - I would love to test out some variable power scopes. I have emailed them and asked the question but I've not got a confirmation yet. I'm also asking to test the IOR Valdada scopes. If they let me, I'll be making a video.!

[@SuperMatt1235]

My son has the standard SWFA SS 3x15 FFP on his 7MM-08 AR10 rifle. My review and experience with it shooting in the crappy Western Washington weather this winter is the same. We shoot his variable on 10 power to 1000 yards in Easter Washington at 12" plates. Having the zoom to range with and identify targets at 1000 + yards is convenient. Being able to zoom out to a lower power to have a large field of view allows you to find your target area easier. His scope regular price is 799.00 plus he added an American Defense Recon QD 40 MOA base for another 179.00. This combo helps with optic clarity when shooting long range as you will be looking through the center area of the lenses and there will be lest magnification of any optical distortion. Not that we have noticed any in his scope. At 880.00 his package is WELL worth the money spent.

[@Eggomania86]

I bought one in 3-15x42 ffp. Waiting for deer season to try her out so far so good. I do all my hunting on farms in VA I wanted something that has decent glass and turrets that actually track. I don't have enough for a night force or Schmidt&Bender or higher end Leupold. I know the Vortex PST and the older Leupold mk.4's had issues with tracking. I actually had a mk.4 I couldn't tell the difference in lense quality. I sold the mk.4 after I had to send it back the 2nd time. I mounted the SWFA on my FN Mauser .270 I did a box test and tracking test. Not disappointed. I am anxious to see how she does under field conditions.

[@lutherprice637]

Great videos and reviews on the SWFA. I shoot only 223/556 in both bolt action and AR for my higher power rounds. I owned several fixed power scopes over the years and was doing some research on using a10X for prairie dog shoots. I’m hoping to have a setup for 200-250 yards. I’ve also seen several people using this same scope on a 17HMR which is another favorite of mine. It’s been a year since your video, do you still think it’s the best bang for the buck and is 10X enough prairie dogs? You do good thorough reviews and I thank you for the info. darrell4wd

[@vaughnprecision]

Luther Price well, I’ll be honest. I’ve got some reports that the quality control has slipped over the past couple months. It’s sad because I really like these scopes and own 6 personally. I’ve upgraded to a Tract scope now, that’s been my go to scope for the money. Due to the quality issues of SWFA, I’m currently not recommending them. I’m recommending Tract Optics, Delta Optics and of course Nightforce and US Optics, S&B if you can afford one.

[@larryviator4749]

how well does it work on shots that are a hundred yards or less?

[@vaughnprecision]

Larry Viator it works well in my opinion. I do a fair amount of shooting at 100 yards and a little at 50

[@larryviator4749]

good to know as a hunter in east texas most of my shots are from a hundred to two hundred . and sometimes they come in under a hundred. i most likely will try this scope as the reviews seem pretty good.

[@vaughnprecision]

I've been very impresses with not only the glass but the turret tracking when dialing for long range. I don't think you'll be unhappy if you give this a try. Don't overlook the standard versions either, very nice as well. I run both models.

[@magnustrygg5632]

Vaughn Precision Hi. I think about buying one of these (fixed 10x) for my 22 PCP Airgun. I shot alot of pigeons and doves at 20-100 yards. Is it possible for me to get good focus down to 20 yards with these? Thanks for a great review! BR Magnus

[@vaughnprecision]

Magnus Trygg I would check out the 6x scope for those close shots. You would be at the edge of focus at 20 yards. The 6x I think would be a better option for you.

[@toku58]

I purchased this scope after watching your video review. But I'm having a haze or light glare issue when looking through the scope. My head position needs to be in a very specific spot or I will experience a glare issue. Is this normal? None of my other brand scopes does this. Please let me know if this is a common issue with this scope.

[@ballisticapp]

B T I’ve never experienced this with any SWFA scope. All the ones I own and have tested have always been very clear. I’d recommend contacting them, lifetime warranty

[@toku58]

I contacted Skylar and he said that it was normal?? So he recommended that I order a sunshade ($20) And on their website I found the Honey Comb flash hider which was ($40) so I'll give those a try. I'm surprised that more people don't have this type of issue with this scope. (Since he told me this was a common problem?) My Hawke, Zeiss, and Leupold don't have any such issues. Even my cheap Simmons scope doesn't need additional shades to work properly. Any ways thank you for the reply! I'll post up the results of the shades.

[@allenchason2473]

B T, did the sunshade help any? I'm about to order one of the 20x42 soon.

[@stevekastronis9800]

Just received my 16x SWFA and I must say it was the worst optic clarity in any scope I have ever bought. It was like looking through a fog storm. I'm not saying that it doesn't function well or that it will not hold up, I'm saying the clairity in glass was terrible! Sorry guys. This scope was purchased from SWFA at $299.00

[@vaughnprecision]

Steve Kastronis that’s crazy, I own 6 SWFA scope and I don’t have any glass haze issues at all.? However, I can say I’ve heard over the past couple months that the quality control is taking a dive. That’s to bad, sorry to hear that. I’d send it back ASAP.!

[@stevekastronis9800]

@@vaughnprecision I did, I was bummed out, looking forward to using this scope after all of the good reviews... Maybe I received a bad one. Thanks for the reply. Take care!

[@abcertweld]

LOL he must have a low budget Leupold scope. LOL I'm just saying because I own both a Leupold VX3 and a SWFA. That being said the model Leupold I have they don't make anymore fir some crazy reason. It's not the typical VX3. Now don't get me wrong I love my SWFA's.

[@snakebite210]

@Chad Texas

[@orozcocris93]

I feel like it's sponsored content. They have swfa shirts and hats through the video. I am not saying they had scopes. I have one on my rifle just saying I think this video night be sponsored

[@vaughnprecision]

Chris Orozco well, I wish it was..! However, it's not.. they were kind enough to send me a couple shirts and hats, but the scopes I had to return. I was in no way compensated with money, scopes or anything. The scopes I own were purchased my me. Believe me, I wish I could get sponsored with free scopes or a pocket full of cash..! Maybe someday..!

[@ChrisWhite.fishing]

*SWFA leaves more to be desired in 2019* . Standard SWFA glass is not great at all. 10x definitely shows significant chromatic aberration on a hot day at 300m. In my everyday experience SWFA HD glass is “a little brighter”, and definitely sharper. But while it looks impressive momentarily, it fatigues my eyes much faster compared to Valdada scopes. Bright is not necessarily better. What stands out on fixed SWFA is how much parallax and deformation happens around the edges of sight picture. That’s a gripe everyone also tend to overlook. While you can zero onto your target with their ultra fine target reticle, by adjusting parallax, which btw is also marked off, you won’t be a happy observer. Have you headed about “edge to edge clarity “? Yea, on $300 fixed SWFA it’s not there. Let’s look at the tall, exposed target turrets. To be honest on both fixed swfa scopes I own, clicks are a bit unconvincing, turrets have a bit of play, there is no zero stop. Even tracking leaves to be desired, being this hyped up “great tracking scope”. 5mrad per revolution, kind of ruins it for becoming a a DIY BDC turret. My point is swfa may be decent tracking and mediocre glass scope, and may serve as entry level target practice optic. This is not rugged hard core sniper combat scope. It’s a target scope, reticle is very thin and slow, exposed turrets are not kosher for patrolling/hunting. If you do spend hours prone shooting and observing, get a 1000$ fixed PM2 or Valdada. A lot of people are saying “great value”. Well none cares about value in field any more. What matters is longterm optical performance and reticle design, followed by technical functionality.

[@buzzyfuzzsaw]

Do not get the word out...otherwise, the price will go up...let's all agree to keep this to ourselves.