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MO, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 10:37:16 AM EST
I'm looking to do some target shooting with a savage model 10 tactical in 308. I don't ever foresee using it in 'real world' applications, just poking holes in paper in tight little groups at long ranges.
I don't have the cash for high quality variable optics, so the SWFA fixed power mil/mil scopes seemed like a good bet. I can't decide between 10x and 12x magnification though- is 10x plenty, or would 12x be better? I would mostly be shooting paper out to 400m. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 11:01:36 AM EST
[#1]
If you are going for just target shooting I would recommend more magnification. I have a Falcon Menace 4-14x44 FFP mil/mil on my "precision" ar. My range only goes to 300 and at 300 punching paper I wish I had the 5-25. Does swfa still have the 16x? 14x at 100 is nice for targets. If you aren't hunting or worried about shtf stuff, having a narrower field of view isn't an issue. I was in the same budget range as you, but 10x for a groundhog at 50yd was my deciding factor for the variable magnification. I'd bet the straight 10,12,16 swfa might have better glass, but I wanted a variable FFP mil/mil that tracked well. I'd go with the 12 if not higher for targets.
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Posted: 5/25/2017 11:40:56 AM EST
[#2]
When it comes to long range or precision shooting have you ever heard anyone say "I wish I had less magnification"?
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 12:22:46 PM EST
[Last Edit: Reorx]
[#3]
Either power is perfectly adequate for your stated goal. If most of your shooting is going to be at the longer ranges (400 m) then I would go with the 12x. If you also plan to shoot a fair amount at shorter distances, you might want the 10x... but I'm splitting hairs here... either is fine.
If you plan to compete and/or shoot for score or points or just bragging rights - go with the 12x. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 12:54:52 PM EST
[#4]
If it is only or even primarily for precision target shooting why not go all the way to their 20x? Mirage at 400 yds has to extreme for me to regret the higher magnification.
Not that 10x or 12x isn't adequate for such shooting. My first hits at 1000 were with much cheaper chinese 10x glass. Would prefer to use better. The only reason I sold my 20 was the sale of the "target only" rifle I had it on. Used the $$ toward a SWFA 3-15x for a more general use rig. |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 1:16:29 PM EST
[#5]
If I had the cash, I'd go with the SWFA 3-15 hands down. But I don't, and I think fixed power will get me better glass for the $. I think I'll pull the trigger on the 12x.
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MO, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 1:18:28 PM EST
[#6]
Also, would Burris 'zee' rings do the job well enough? What's with all the fancy scope mounts? are they more affective than standard old school scope rings like the Burris ones?
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USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 1:25:21 PM EST
[Last Edit: R3L04D]
[#7]
 I always prefer more magnification
I've used Zee rings before and they are ok. Should be fine for what you need if installed properly. Also look at DNZ Game reaper mounts. One piece mount that installs directly to the receiver. I have one on my model 10T and it's really nice. A little more than rings but no doubt more stout Wearing a SWFA 3-15x |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 1:25:32 PM EST
[#8]
I like the 10X because the SWFA one with side parallax adjustment won a Navy Contract, fixed 10X was good enough for the USMC for over 30 years and I can do the math in my head much quicker for adjustments. I think it's a good starter scope for out to 1000 yards, but if you are shooting at that distance or greater on a regular basis, look into something better.
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OK, USA
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Posted: 5/25/2017 10:21:50 PM EST
[#9]
I have both and honestly can't tell a huge difference. I would get the side adjust parallax though, one of mine has it and the other doesn't, that makes a much bigger difference. Get matching turrets and reticle and you'll be good to go with either, their mil-quad is really nice.
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Posted: 5/27/2017 5:38:15 PM EST
[#10]
Have owned the 10x, 16x and the 20x. All good scopes. Suggest you get the 16x and buy mil-dot ballistic app for your phone. Not that expensive and works great.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 5/28/2017 10:01:20 AM EST
[Last Edit: Pacodutaco]
[#11]
The SWFA 10x or 12x both will take you out to as far as 1000 yards. Myself, I use a SWFA 10x MRAD/MRAD with the mil-quad reticle on my Rem 700 SPS tactical .223 and it works beautifully. I am ordering another just like it this afternoon when I get home for another identical rifle in .308. SWFA has a 10% discount Memorial Day weekend. I use EGW 0 MOA mounts and Burris XTR LOW rings. The max distance I shoot is 600 yards. I've used this setup for 2.5 years now with no issues.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 5/28/2017 1:43:36 PM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By rhs77430:
If I had the cash, I'd go with the SWFA 3-15 hands down. But I don't, and I think fixed power will get me better glass for the $. I think I'll pull the trigger on the 12x. John |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 7/30/2017 7:19:30 PM EST
[#13]
Originally Posted By rhs77430:
I'm looking to do some target shooting with a savage model 10 tactical in 308. I don't ever foresee using it in 'real world' applications, just poking holes in paper in tight little groups at long ranges. I don't have the cash for high quality variable optics, so the SWFA fixed power mil/mil scopes seemed like a good bet. I can't decide between 10x and 12x magnification though- is 10x plenty, or would 12x be better? I would mostly be shooting paper out to 400m. I have a Savage Model 10 P in .308 with a SWFA SS 10x 42. I've had good performance out to 1,000 yards. My everyday shooting is 100 yards at 2" targets. I've never felt I needed more magnification. |
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Posted: 7/30/2017 8:21:54 PM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MikeSearson:
I like the 10X because the SWFA one with side parallax adjustment won a Navy Contract, fixed 10X was good enough for the USMC for over 30 years and I can do the math in my head much quicker for adjustments. I think it's a good starter scope for out to 1000 yards, but if you are shooting at that distance or greater on a regular basis, look into something better. Also I think the glass is better in the 10x scopes. I have no proof of that, just what I saw with my eyes through the 2 scopes mounted on my rifle. |
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Posted: 7/30/2017 8:25:56 PM EST
[#15]
Is the glass good enuff to shoot at longer ranges?
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USA
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Posted: 7/31/2017 10:18:57 AM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Click2Boom:
Is the glass good enuff to shoot at longer ranges? |
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Posted: 8/1/2017 7:53:06 PM EST
[#17]
Either would be perfect. I tend towards their 10X each time I've purchased one. At 10X I can still see very well out past 700 yards.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 8/2/2017 7:45:34 AM EST
[Last Edit: kittyhawk]
[#18]
I just picked up a 16x and after mounting it I'm thinking o should of went with the 12x. Just seems to much magnification for 100 to 500 yards.
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OK, USA
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Posted: 8/2/2017 1:37:56 PM EST
[#19]
I have both, a 10X on an M1A National Match, and a 12X on a homebuild SPR. Honestly I can't tell much difference. From memory the 12X is actually supposed to have about the same FOV as the 10X, so I didn't see any real downside to going with the 12X. Either way, I'd buy them interchangeably if I were to buy another honestly. I think if I did a blind test I couldn't really tell them apart. Also, they're *excellent* scopes for the money. I'd say they're the best overal value scope out there, and hit well above their weight at their price point. I'm usually a scope snob but I won't hesitate to pick up an SWFA SS.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 8/21/2017 10:03:02 PM EST
[Last Edit: kittyhawk]
[#20]
I just picked up a 16x and after mounting it I'm thinking o should of went with the 12x. Just seems to much magnification for 100 to 500 yards.
Edit. I spent about five hours at the range today on my day off and have come to the conclusion I really like the 16x a lot. I was shooting my Tikka T3x CTR 308 and worked 100 to 350 yards. I was easily seeing and hitting 8" gongs at the 350 yard line. I think there's going to be another in my future soon. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 10/18/2017 10:41:59 PM EST
[#21]
12x over 10x. I've seen a couple 16x's and didn't think they were as clear. Glad I went with a 12x. YMMV
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Posted: 10/28/2017 7:47:14 AM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 50-140:
When it comes to long range or precision shooting have you ever heard anyone say "I wish I had less magnification"? Because mirage.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/28/2017 8:07:30 AM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 50-140:
When it comes to long range or precision shooting have you ever heard anyone say "I wish I had less magnification"?
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Posted: 10/29/2017 12:22:08 PM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By rhs77430:
If I had the cash, I'd go with the SWFA 3-15 hands down. But I don't, and I think fixed power will get me better glass for the $. I think I'll pull the trigger on the 12x. He wishes he would have gotten the 16x. There is only the slightest appreciable difference in brightness at dusk. The extra magnification helps when spotting hits |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/29/2017 4:25:36 PM EST
[#25]
Try a sightron s-tac 4-20x. I have a few at this point and they are huge bang for the buck. They also make a 3-16 but I greatly prefer the 20x even for spotting at 100/200 yards
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MO, USA
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Posted: 10/29/2017 4:31:31 PM EST
[Last Edit: m6z]
[#26]
The 16x was very hard to get behind. I'd go with the 10x or 12x.
They're typically on sale for black Friday. |
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Posted: 10/29/2017 4:41:34 PM EST
[#27]
I have two 10x. One is a side focus model and the other is rear focus. Both work fine and can easily work out to 500 or more yards. I use mine on a .223 and a .308.
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MO, USA
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Posted: 11/7/2017 7:44:16 PM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bigkahuna48026:
I have a Savage Model 10 P in .308 with a SWFA SS 10x 42. I've had good performance out to 1,000 yards. My everyday shooting is 100 yards at 2" targets. I've never felt I needed more magnification. |
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Posted: 11/8/2017 8:19:20 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bigkahuna48026:
I have a Savage Model 10 P in .308 with a SWFA SS 10x 42. I've had good performance out to 1,000 yards. My everyday shooting is 100 yards at 2" targets. I've never felt I needed more magnification. I'm looking at the 10x for my Savage 10-FCP in .308. Is a 20moa base/mount needed for 1000yds? |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 11/14/2017 6:45:13 PM EST
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By robpiat:
Try a sightron s-tac 4-20x. I have a few at this point and they are huge bang for the buck. They also make a 3-16 but I greatly prefer the 20x even for spotting at 100/200 yards I also have the SWFA 10x42. It tracks amazing for it's price point. At 1000yds I could use a little more magnification. I think the sweet spot would be the 12x. Check the EE. I think there's a few SWFA's up right now. I managed to pick one up, on a different board for $320 with Seekins rings. Occasionally you'll see a S-tac come through. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 11/14/2017 7:23:38 PM EST
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RLunyATL:
@bigkahuna48026 I'm looking at the 10x for my Savage 10-FCP in .308. Is a 20moa base/mount needed for 1000yds? You can get by without it. I usually dial 35.5moa at 1000. I did go ahead and put a 20moa base on it. |
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Posted: 11/14/2017 7:28:18 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jmills224:
@RLunyATL You can get by without it. I usually dial 35.5moa at 1000. I did go ahead and put a 20moa base on it. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jmills224:
Originally Posted By RLunyATL:
@bigkahuna48026 I'm looking at the 10x for my Savage 10-FCP in .308. Is a 20moa base/mount needed for 1000yds? You can get by without it. I usually dial 35.5moa at 1000. I did go ahead and put a 20moa base on it. |
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