experiences with the SS 5-20x50

[uzi 4 u]

Im still researching tryin to figure out what i wanna put on my 338LM. Unlike a couple other forums I follow this one is the best for getting actual information without a bunch of scope Nazis forcing therer opinions on you. So here goes I would like a NF just not in the card right now. So does anyone have any experiences with the SWFA SS 5-20x50mm? What are your thought on it? Does it have good glass? How are they holding up? How are they to deal with on warranty issues? WOuld the glass in a vortex pst even be close to what the SS would be. My problem with the SS is that for not alot more I could get a NF. Sorry to bombard everyone with my scope questions. Ive always had and really only know Nikons because thats what the gun dealers mostly carry around here. I wanna do my homework because whatever I decide to get is gona have to be on the word of everyone here because nobody carries any of the scopes Im lookin at. If they did I wouldnt have to bother everyone with my questions. Thanks

 

[Jon A]

I've been using one for quite a while. Here's a thread with a thread with a lot of info: http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/swfa-super-sniper-5-20x50hd-72157/ .

In short I like the scope a lot. You get a lot of scope for the money with the SS's because SWFA is both the manufacturer and the retailer, so they can basically sell them at wholesale. I feel this scope compares well with some more expensive scopes. Some quick answers to your questions:

As to the glass, it's excellent. I've compared it with several PST's and it is noticeably better than the 6-24 PST (which I think is really good for the money), and way, way, way better than the 4-16 PST. Numerous people have compared them with various NF's and so far I'd say the majority have thought the SS was better but a few have said they liked the NF's better. The glass in the NF's may vary a bit from scope to scope.

As to how they're holding up, they haven't been around all that long but there are a lot of them out there now and I have yet to hear of any sort of mechanical problem or breakage. The SS HD line has been around for a while now and their reputation for durability, tracking repeatablity/accuracy is stellar. They're built like a much more expensive tactical scope and it shows.

 

[cummins cowboy]

why in the world did they not build those scopes with a zero stop, SWFA really dropped the ball on that. I think a guy can get into a used nightforce for about the same money as a SS

 

[joseph]

why in the world did they not build those scopes with a zero stop, SWFA really dropped the ball on that. I think a guy can get into a used nightforce for about the same money as a SS

Then go with the 6-24x50mm PST FFP with illumination & zero stop scope for $899.95 plus about $100.00 for a Vortex custom turret. You will never regret it. I have had one for about a year and a half and have no issues with it. gun)----------------------

joseph

 

[Jon A]

why in the world did they not build those scopes with a zero stop, SWFA really dropped the ball on that. I think a guy can get into a used nightforce for about the same money as a SS

Sure, I like a zero stop too but it's low on the list when you have 10 Mils per turn. Just a year or two ago NF didn't have zero stops available and they were only 5 Mils (or 10 MOA) per turn so it was much easier to get lost and it was that way for many, many years and nobody complained. Leupold still doesn't offer one for their most popular M1/M5 turrets and nobody seems to complain. So I feel "really dropped the ball," especially when they sell them for less than the above competing scopes is a bit strong.

As for a used NF vs. a new SS 5-20, I doubt many would go for that, I sure wouldn't. Maybe a "like new in the box" F1 for the monetary difference. You really need to actually use one of these scopes to know how they compare.

Then go with the 6-24x50mm PST FFP with illumination & zero stop scope for $899.95 plus about $100.00 for a Vortex custom turret.

As mentioned above, I also have a PST 6-24 and do like it very much and feel it's outstanding for the money. That said, the SS 5-20 is a step up in several areas. In my opinion if one can afford the difference, the extra money on the SS is well spent.

 

[Niles Coyote]

So does anyone have any experiences with the SWFA SS 5-20x50mm?

my review here. http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/swfa-5-20x50mm-ss-super-sniper-evaluation-74748/

What are your thought on it? Does it have good glass? How are they holding up?

My two are holding up fine and the glass is great compared to leupold, NF, Burris signature, Nikon and Vortex that I have on hand to compare it to. I am not saying it is better than all of those but if it isnt it so close I dont feel I am missing much.

How are they to deal with on warranty issues?

Dont know as I have never needed to use it.

WOuld the glass in a vortex pst even be close to what the SS would be.

The PST I have is a 4-16x50 FFP and while it is good it doesnt take long to see the SS is better. Meaning a cleaner image and more visible detail while on the same power setting.

I use the SS's on a 308 and the second one gets around. Its been on another 308, a 223, 243 and now resides on a 260 and like JonA stated above I have never felt I needed a zero stop with the 10 mil turret when dialing my adjustments on any of those rifles out to 1000 yards, I guess if I where shooting out to a mile I might want one but for what I do it is a non issue.

 

[cummins cowboy]

Sure, I like a zero stop too but it's low on the list when you have 10 Mils per turn. Just a year or two ago NF didn't have zero stops available and they were only 5 Mils (or 10 MOA) per turn so it was much easier to get lost and it was that way for many, many years and nobody complained. Leupold still doesn't offer one for their most popular M1/M5 turrets and nobody seems to complain. So I feel "really dropped the ball," especially when they sell them for less than the above competing scopes is a bit strong.

As for a used NF vs. a new SS 5-20, I doubt many would go for that, I sure wouldn't. Maybe a "like new in the box" F1 for the monetary difference. You really need to actually use one of these scopes to know how they compare.

As mentioned above, I also have a PST 6-24 and do like it very much and feel it's outstanding for the money. That said, the SS 5-20 is a step up in several areas. In my opinion if one can afford the difference, the extra money on the SS is well spent.

I get what you are saying, but I don't think alot of people think about the features they could have and don't once they buy a product. I don't think your average guy is an optics junkie that scours the specs and features of each model like some of us around here. I used to have a zeiss conquest and almost had a hunt ruined because the turret had an extra whole turn in it. there was no way to visually see it by looking at the turret.

the SS series look like good scopes I am sure they are, and during the group buy a great value. but now they are approaching $1500, and $1300 for a SFP model. thats quite a bit of cash and options open up at that price. I was at cabelas the other day and the bargin cave had a nightforce for $1568, zero stop, high speed turret and MLR reticle. 5 years from now and you go to trade up in optics, your going to get back more than that extra $200 bucks you spent on the NF at resale time.

 

[Jon A]

I used to have a zeiss conquest and almost had a hunt ruined because the turret had an extra whole turn in it. there was no way to visually see it by looking at the turret.

That's apples and oranges. Have you ever used a scope with 10 Mils per turn? You have to actually use these things to know what you're talking about.

First, hunting at the ranges you're talking about, you would never turn it more than a full turn. Second, if some prankster did spin it a turn, it's easy to tell by looking at it--when zeroed on a 20 MOA rail it's at the line with a "1" by it. If that line isn't visible, you're down a turn. If the line with a "2" by it is visible, you're up a turn.

but now they are approaching $1500, and $1300 for a SFP model. thats quite a bit of cash and options open up at that price. I was at cabelas the other day and the bargin cave had a nightforce for $1568, zero stop, high speed turret and MLR reticle.

It is quite a bit of cash, and for some reason you seem to think the scopes are simply not worth that much. Upon what do you base that belief? What makes you think they cost less to make than the NF SFP scopes? If SWFA sold them at wholesale to other dealers who sold them at a MAP of several hundred more, would you think they're a better scope?

5 years from now and you go to trade up in optics, your going to get back more than that extra $200 bucks you spent on the NF at resale time.

How do you know? The people selling 5-20's now are making money. When those initial Facebook deal scopes dry up used prices will only increase.

You should have grabbed that bargain cave scope as it's a hell of a deal, but not really fair for comparison. NF has a pretty strict MAP policy so people shouldn't expect to find super good deals any time they want one. Retail for the 3-15 and 5.5-22 are around $1800 and $1950 with those options. People selling them used seem to be taking a $500-$600 haircut.

And that's only if you are OK with SFP. If you want FFP, the NF is even more expensive and you're limited to 15X. BTW, the $1300 SS is still FFP, it's just not illuminated.

 

[Rockfish Dave]

1) So does anyone have any experiences with the SWFA SS 5-20x50mm?

2) What are your thought on it?

3) Does it have good glass?

4) How are they holding up?

5) How are they to deal with on warranty issues?

6) WOuld the glass in a vortex pst even be close to what the SS would be.

1) Yes, I have had it since recieving it on the Sniper Hide group buy.
2) I like it and it is very clear. I have used it for range shooting and deer season.
3) Yes the glass is on par with the Vortex Razor HD and Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm ER/T M5 Locking Adjustment. Each has it's own qualities that it does slightly better than the other, but they all are in the same neighborhood (very good).
4) No issues
5) I have heard good things but no reason to find out first hand.
6) See number 3.