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1/31/2017 10:08:32 AM EDT
I am going to be getting a scope to top a Remington 700 in .308 soon. After asking questions in another part of the forum, I am leaning heavily towards an SWFA SS 10X. There are several different models available. Some have a price of $399 for a 30mm tube, and there is an "HD" modle that is $799. I am assuming the "HD" stands for heavy duty or something along those lines, but SWFA doesn't really explain it, as far as I can see. All of them say "Okay for 50" in the description. Can someone knowledgable explain the difference, and is the HD worth the extra $$ in price?
1/31/2017 10:15:29 AM EDT
[#1]
I believe that the HD model has much better glass which would explain the higher cost. It looks a little different too. I have a 12x42 Mil Quad model and I've been pleased with the glass for 300.00. They are built like tanks.
1/31/2017 10:15:54 AM EDT
[#2]
HD refers to the glass quality/lens.

The lower priced scope is excellent and this is the model that built the SWFA reputation for excellent optics.  Never heard any negative comments on either of these.


I have owned several of the 10x lower priced units.  They are excellent. 
1/31/2017 10:20:15 AM EDT
[#3]
I guess it stands for High Definition or something with the improved glass. I think my first purchase will be one of the $399 models based on what you all said. I appreciate the info.
1/31/2017 10:59:57 AM EDT
[#4]
HD versions are, as said, higher quality glass. In fact based on reviews I've seen its much higher quality. But not to worry, the "regular" non HD SS scopes also have really good glass. And as someone stated it is THE scope that built SS reputation.

The difference in the $399 vs $299 versions is simply the side focus adjustment. The $299 has the focus (parallax) adjustment near the eyepiece. In fact it is precisely where the zoom adjustment would be on most variable power optics. In my mind the $299 version is THE one to get. I don't feel like side focus is worth 100 bux and I don't feel like better glass is worth nearly triple the cost. The $299 SS scope has been proven time and time again. It's a very robust design and they just simply work. It's IMO the absolute best value in rifle optics anywhere.
1/31/2017 11:03:55 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
HD versions are, as said, higher quality glass. In fact based on reviews I've seen its much higher quality. But not to worry, the "regular" non HD SS scopes also have really good glass. And as someone stated it is THE scope that built SS reputation.

The difference in the $399 vs $299 versions is simply the side focus adjustment. The $299 has the focus (parallax) adjustment near the eyepiece. In fact it is precisely where the zoom adjustment would be on most variable power optics. In my mind the $299 version is THE one to get. I don't feel like side focus is worth 100 bux and I don't feel like better glass is worth nearly triple the cost. The $299 SS scope has been proven time and time again. It's a very robust design and they just simply work. It's IMO the absolute best value in rifle optics anywhere.
View Quote
agree.  some amazing quality.  Jap glass.
1/31/2017 11:17:56 AM EDT
[#6]
I have the 10X with side focus and love it. Only thing I would do different is get the mil-quad with matching 1/10 mil turrets instead of the mil/moa.
1/31/2017 11:20:07 AM EDT
[#7]
Mine is regular and it is plenty good.


How "clear" a person perceives a scope to be often is more about exit pupil, parallax/ focus adjustment, reticle focus, etc. than the actual glass itself. 
1/31/2017 2:19:45 PM EDT
[#8]
I have two standard fixed power SWFAs. I'm not sure how much better the HDs are, but I'm very impressed with mine, especially for the cost. They're about the best bang for the buck scope out there. I've had plenty of good and very expensive glass, but I love my SS scopes and wouldn't hesitate to buy/recommend them. You get a lot more than a $300 scope.
1/31/2017 9:33:05 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks, folks!
1/31/2017 10:01:33 PM EDT
[#10]
I have the 10x one the cheapest one. This is an awesome scope for the money.
I have shot this scope out to 600 yards and even with 10x I was not wanting more mag. Any thing more might have been worse due to mirage.

The clicks are always solid and track

Used ones can picked up for $250 or so
2/2/2017 10:05:33 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a super sniper 10x with rear focus  I bought it during the blackfriday sales got the scope rings and level for 250.00 . the bad part was while sighting it in something came loose in the reticle  but I called swfa and to their credit they turned it around in 10 days and that included me sending back the old one . The new one is great the glass is clear  the focus works great and the adjustments are positive . I think it is alot of scope for the money . After sighting in I posted a life size gopher target at 200 yds and was consistantly putting 168 grain amax in the head with my m1a .
 Just do like others have said make sure you get matching turrets and reticle . I like the moa/moa but mil/mil would be ok also.

2/3/2017 10:04:37 PM EDT
[#12]
That is a fine looking rig there. I had an M1A that I sold a few years back that I miss very much!
2/15/2017 11:11:46 AM EDT
[#13]

SWFA SS 10X fixed scope $300
Savage FCP SR. $600
BangSteel Precision Shooting Class $320

3 hits at 900 yards on first day - Priceless!
2/15/2017 7:52:22 PM EDT
[#14]
OK for fifty - means > .50 caliber BMG.

Take a look at Sightron's 10x modified mildot reticle scope, it's very good for the money.
2/15/2017 10:03:31 PM EDT
[#15]
hey nice shooting I have an fcp-sr and think its alot of gun for the money . I have a trijicon 2.5x10x56 on it .   did you dial in your distance or use the reticle for hold overs at 900 yds ?
3/2/2017 6:30:55 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
hey nice shooting I have an fcp-sr and think its alot of gun for the money . I have a trijicon 2.5x10x56 on it .   did you dial in your distance or use the reticle for hold overs at 900 yds ?
View Quote


Dialed in.    Don't remember the elevation for 900 but 1,000 elevation was 11.5 mils - way more than hold over would allow.
3/4/2017 7:18:08 AM EDT
[#17]
Original 10x on my 700. Great scope.
3/4/2017 11:31:21 AM EDT
[#18]
I have the $299 10x, rear focus.
Mil-Quad Reticle
Mil Turrets
Absolutely love it for the $$ spent.
Got it a couple black Fridays ago.
Mounted to my savage .308 with some TPS rings for a sweet, low $ precision rig.
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