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SWFA Super Sniper 5-20X50HD

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Tactical Scopes
Forum Description: Police and military tools of the trade
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28887
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 04:29
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: SWFA Super Sniper 5-20X50HD
Posted By: Jon A
Subject: SWFA Super Sniper 5-20X50HD
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 21:12
OK, I guess it's out:  http://www.opticstalk.com/new-ss-5x20-cat-out-of-the-bag_topic28886_post411665.html#411665 - http://www.opticstalk.com/new-ss-5x20-cat-out-of-the-bag_topic28886_post411665.html#411665

I hear some might want some more pics?   Enjoy:











And to the reticle. 

5X



10X



20X



Closup:



I've only had it a short time but have made it to the range once:







At 100 yds:

5X



10X



20X



At 300 Yds:

5X



10X



20X



After a few shots at 100 I moved to 300 and these were the groups:



A couple 2"ers, 8 of my last 10 shots went into the 2" center of the bull which is pretty good for a gas gun.  The scope gets it done very easily.

Here's the illumination:







Reticle checked for straightness and click value measured right on as accurately as I can measure.  About 33.5 Mils of total elevation adjustment.  In the 20 MOA AADMOUNT I've got 22.5 Mils of up left from my 100 yd zero.

Glass is OUTSTANDING!  I'll have more comments soon.



Replies:
Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 21:24
Thanks Jon! I am really looking forward to your review!Excellent

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 21:27
I'm eating this up...

DID I HEAR YOU CORRECTLY 33MILS???

I'm in...


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No one


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 22:05
It looks fantastic.  I was hoping it would have 30+ mils. 

Jon you take some excellent pics.  Great job. 


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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 22:19
I'm thinking that will be enough for any application I would throw at it.  

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No one


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 22:21
Great pic's Jon.Can't wait for the review,the cost & arrival date.Me thinks it's going to be my Christmas gift Excellent

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: neilbilly
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 22:50
I need a tissue. Embarrased

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If God didn't want me to play with it, he'd of made my arms shorter.


Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 23:06
Very exciting!!!!!!!

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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: jonoMT
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 23:13
Originally posted by neilbilly neilbilly wrote:

I need a tissue. Embarrased
Wiping up tears of joy, I presume.

Man, that scope gets better and better as the details come out.


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Reaction time is a factor...


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 23:41
Man that looks sweet!!!!  Thanks for the great pictures.  Looking forward to the full review.

Chris, put me on the list for one of the final production models.  It will replace the Black Diamond on my 300 WM.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Sapper524
Date Posted: April/30/2011 at 23:48
This looks VERY interesting ...

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http://sapper-dz.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - SAPPER-DZ


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 10:47
That's the one I've been waiting for!  Looks fantastic!  I will have one!
 
Thanks for posting, Jon!
 
BTW, how do you like the American Spirit side charger upper?


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: mike650
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 10:54
Excellent!!!  Excellent

Congrats to Chris and team on the new (and much anticipated) SS scope. Once again great job Jon on testing, documenting, and reviewing these new SS products!! I'd love to read ILya's review once he receives one as well.




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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 11:23
Thanks for the great pics and descriptions Jon!
It is too hard for me to tell from the pictures, but do you think this tactical scope would work for PD's. Does the reticle get too large when the power is cranked up? The only experience I have is with the 3-9SS and when on 9X it is not too much for coyotes.


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Doug


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 15:22
A couple specs people have been asking about:  It's about 14.6" long, 31.5 oz, 30mm tube, very similar to the F1 in size/overall envelope.  This prototype has no zero stop but they are working on one.

The eyebox is as good or better than any of the ~20X scopes I have around, certainly no problems there.  The eye relief is quite long, especially on 20X at around 4".  It's eye relief doesn't stay perfectly constant but doesn't change as much as some brands throughout the power range.   Since it actually gets a little bit longer on high powers it's not something you notice in a negative way.

I don't yet have any info on price/availability.

Glass quality in low light, etc......  I have done some comparing:



Of those the one that compares is the IOR.  It's noticably better than the Weaver 4-20 and PST 6-24. 



For those who have the 3.5-18, you know how good it is.  I found it very close in most measures to my Premier in the past:



Between the IOR and the SS, they're so close I can't really declare a winner.  Resolution wise I can't tell which one is better.  Staring at a chart through one I'll think it's better, then staring at the chart through the other I'll think it's better.  They're that close.  The IOR seems to have more of a contrasty "pop" to the image which might give it more of a "warm fuzzy to the eyeball" view in good light.  But the more neutral colors of the SS make it nicer to look through in low light.

In short, good freaking glass. 

Here are a couple pics I tried to show the low light/illumination in action.  This was a good 30 minutes after official sundown so it's pretty darn dark.  The camera makes it look lighter than it really is.  The pole is around 300 yds away:

IOR on 10X:



SS on 10X:



IOR on 18X:



SS on 20X:



Keep in mind you can't judge the optical quality via the pics as they're both better than my picture taking makes them look.  However, you can't take a good pic through a bad scope and every time I look at that last pic of the SS it's just amazing to me the detail it picks up at 300 yds in the dark!  A lot of higher powered scopes that look OK in the day time really take a crap when you crank the power up in low light, there's no hint of that with this one.

Originally posted by tahqua tahqua wrote:

Thanks for the great pics and descriptions Jon!
It is too hard for me to tell from the pictures, but do you think this tactical scope would work for PD's.

If PD's is all you want to do, of course a SFP scope with a thinner reticle is the natural choice.  However this scopes reticle is pretty thin as FFP goes, covering less than 1" at 500 yds so it should do well.  If that PD is really little and really far away, you can crank the turrets 1 mil in any direction and use the little dot inside one of the diamonds.  At .03 Mil diameter it's tiny.
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

BTW, how do you like the American Spirit side charger upper?

I like it a lot.  It's perfect for a rifle primarily used bench/prone with a big scope on it.


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 15:41
This is truly lookin Bitchin! 

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 15:54
I forgot to mention, the clicks feel as good as I've felt on anything.  Very positive, snappy with a very loud metallic clicking sound on each one.


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 15:56
Thanks for the nice photos.  I look forward to having one in hand which will undoubtedly take several months to get production in gear but it is truely encouraging having the prototype exist. It probably shoud go to Ilya ASAP when your done.
 
Looker    I'll be looking for mine.


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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 16:28
My vote would be for ILya next as well.  Between him and JonA we should have the best reviews out there.  Just as long as they will put my name on one of the first production runs so I can get one as soon as possible. 


I like the reticle design with the illuminated dot.  Nice touch.




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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 16:30
Really looking forward to knowing how much I have to save for this scope... I do better with a goal!

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: FireEMT5
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 18:06
Agreed, the scope (cat) is out of the bag, so may as well let the masses know how much coin it's gonna cost to play.


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 19:54

Thanks for the update Jon.Great pics,keep 'em com'n Excellent



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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: May/01/2011 at 22:25
sweet.

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take em!


Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: May/02/2011 at 07:28
EXCELLENT!!!!!!


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/02/2011 at 07:40
Jon,what is the closest usable distance @ 5X......Thanks

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/02/2011 at 12:48
It's marked down to 35 and that seems to be pretty accurate.    Oh wait, I missed the 5X part.  That's for focusing on 20X.  On 5X I don't know but you could use it much closer than that.


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/02/2011 at 17:03
Thanks again.

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: May/02/2011 at 17:31
Jon, as you well know, I ammo big fan of 20x optics, the eye box usually sucks. You say eye relief at 20x is a good 4 inches, but how precise must position be for good sight picture?

I have. 300WM in the works now, if ever a gun warranted a 5-20, this would be it.
It'd be a nice fit.

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Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: May/02/2011 at 19:49
Just posted at the other place...

Lets show some support...

Marching


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No one


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 13:20
Chris told me some time back that I was just going to have to be patient in waiting for the SS5-20... so my wife bought me a Hensoldt.  

Patience REALLY DOES have its rewards...

I DO have a rifle that is just waiting for the 5-20, though...  I'm patient, but it is not...




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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 13:24
Smiling Mad

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No one


Posted By: BeltFed
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 13:50
Thanks for answering all the questions Jon, and all the great pictures. I'm wanting this scope more and more. I do hope the stops make it to the production version, but if not, it's not a deal breaker.
 
And just to throw in my .02. I think I would rather have the midot section of the reticle illuminated, rather than just a dot. At least that's the way it appears to me.


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Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.


Posted By: Chris Farris
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 16:15
Sorry for all the misinformation in regards to availability of the new SWFA SS-HD 5-20x50 FFP. That is my fault for not keeping all my guys up to speed. I have purposely not told them much because ETA's are never correct and there are too many variables involved. So, many of you were getting vague responses for that reason.

I can tell you that some will be shipping THIS month. I cannot tell you the price yet but can confirm that it will be over $1000. but not over $1500.


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SWFA, Inc.
http://SWFA.com - SWFA.com
http://www.swfa-ss.com - SWFA-SS.com
http://www.mil-dot.com - Mil-Dot.com
http://www.samplelist.com - SampleList.com


Posted By: GetSome
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 17:58
Thanks for the pics and write up Jon.  Good job SWFA...thing looks tuff, like the 50mm and love the reticle.

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http://www.sloganizer.net/en/">


Posted By: shaneinhisroom
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 20:15
I seriously cannot wait until a price is posted! I'm in love with this scope.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: May/03/2011 at 20:38
Now that we have a price range, just let me know when you are ready to charge me and mail me one.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 08:23
YOu too huh Helo!


Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 11:52
I MUST have one! I may even have to build a rifle to put it on. This is the scope I've been waiting for. May have to sell a kidney to build a rifle and buy the scope, but that's probably why God gave me 2.

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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


Posted By: Bigdaddy0381
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 12:00
Originally posted by Chris Farris Chris Farris wrote:

Sorry for all the misinformation in regards to availability of the new SWFA SS-HD 5-20x50 FFP. That is my fault for not keeping all my guys up to speed. I have purposely not told them much because ETA's are never correct and there are too many variables involved. So, many of you were getting vague responses for that reason.

I can tell you that some will be shipping THIS month. I cannot tell you the price yet but can confirm that it will be over $1000. but not over $1500.
There went my last kidney!!! I have been WET over getting one for a year or so. I can't wait.

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P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.

Ecclesiastes 10:2


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 12:02
Unfortunately, the body parts you WANT to sell, no one wants...

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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: stork23raz
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 12:09
Daddy like

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And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28


Posted By: Bigdaddy0381
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 12:42
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Unfortunately, the body parts you WANT to sell, no one wants...
 
yeah I new you shouldn't have looked that nigh in alabama. I told you it would scare you for life, I mean who would have thought stripper midgets could be so fast in a hotel halway running with a pelican 1750 rifle case and my skivies on there heads. I know the SS3-9 took all the "little people" dished out and came thru with flying colors. See I also told you the viagra was not needed and you didn't belive me and took it anyways. Good way to screw up a good cont'a b-fast there buddy... the hot box's will never be the same.
 
 
back on track, I do have a B-day comming up !!!
 
 


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P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.

Ecclesiastes 10:2


Posted By: Bigdaddy0381
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 12:43
Originally posted by stork23raz stork23raz wrote:

Daddy like
Why yes,yes I do!!!


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P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.

Ecclesiastes 10:2


Posted By: BeltFed
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 13:21
OOoooo, somebody's in a mood todaySmile

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Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 15:31
Here are some thoughts on the reticle as it seems to have generated quite a few questions.  Keep in mind the below is simply my opinion, reticle preferences are highly personal.  No reticle in the world will be liked by everybody, nearly everybody has some idea of something they’d like to change on any given reticle.  

For me the primary question is will the reticle get the job done?  That can’t be answered without what job and under what conditions?  Those may be different for different users.  A scope like this should have a reticle that answers “yes” for a large range of jobs and conditions.  It should be fast to pick up on low powers, easy to use for holdoffs medium or high powers and not cover the target too much at long range.

I feel the reticle does well at covering those bases.  It’s really a pleasure to use, simple, clean and uncluttered, easy to see on all powers yet still pretty thin on high power.  The thicknesses seem to be a good compromise for low power visibility, all around usability and long range precision.  If you’ve ever used a mildot you should transition over to this easily with no training required.  Of course that can be said for quite a few reticles which is where personal preference comes in.  

I like hash reticles as much as the next guy and generally prefer them to dot reticles for most of the time.  For bench-type shooting on paper with the scope cranked all the way up they’re hard to beat.  But when I’m not doing that, I have noticed some advantages to dot type reticles over the years, at least to my eye.

Generally they’re easier to see and use on lower powers for a given line thickness.  To make lines as visible on low powers they need to be thick enough they may look excessively thick on higher powers.

My brain sort of processes the difference between a full mil and a half mil a little more automatically with dots instead of having to identify the correct hash.  If I’m doing hold offs on medium power at medium ranges and time is an issue the dots just seem a bit faster to me.

Of course the biggest disadvantage to most of them is that they cover more of the target than you’d like at long range.  Hollowing them out solves that problem.

The dot in the center allows you to still use them as a precise aiming point.  It also gives you a direct reticle measurement of 0.1 mils for ranging.  The diamonds are 0.2 mils wide, the hash marks on the ends are .2 mils apart.  So you can very easily measure anything directly to the 0.1 mil with the in-betweens being 0.05 mil.  It’s a nice, simple way to do it without making a portion of the reticle look like a pincushion.

The diamonds work just like dots, after a couple minutes you won’t even notice their shape anymore.  The biggest difference between them and dots (or circles that are hollow) is that they are easier to see on low power because they can be “taller” without taking up more space on the reticle with a larger diameter (staying 0.2 mils wide).  They also seem to help a little to my eye at least with vertical and horizontal alignment when holding both elevation and windage.

On the bottom post—I don’t miss it.  It’s very natural and fast to use, just like an upside down 4a.  Very familiar for users of the MP-8, P4, P4f, etc.  The problem with a bottom post is with 5 mils of space on three sides and 10 on the bottom, the “duplex” you get at low power has a lopsided opening.  I’d rather do without than have it lopsided.   It got added back to the MP-8 for the IOR 3-18 and I always felt it was unnecessary.  Just my opinion.

Those are my thoughts.  Of course everybody isn’t going to like it (or any other reticle), but as I said the important thing is if it will get the job done.  For pretty much any use I can think of, this one will.



Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 16:58
Well thought out ,precise & simple presentation....Thanks Jon Excellent

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: Brady
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 17:56
 


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 19:13
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

Jon, as you well know, I ammo big fan of 20x optics, the eye box usually sucks. You say eye relief at 20x is a good 4 inches, but how precise must position be for good sight picture?

It’s pretty flexible—as good or better than any other ~20X I have on hand or can remember using.  Though I haven’t tried a Hensoldt.  Certainly not problematic in any way. 


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 22:40
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

YOu too huh Helo!

Oh yes.  I want one as soon as possible.  I have ideas and dreams for it already.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: May/04/2011 at 22:51
Thanks for the thoughts on the reticle JonA.  I too prefer the hashes and that was one thing that instantly made me like that reticle design.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Sapper524
Date Posted: May/05/2011 at 00:05
Okay ... my CR6724 needs one of these ... when do we pre-order.  SWFA hit the nail on the head again.

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http://sapper-dz.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - SAPPER-DZ


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/05/2011 at 13:48
One thing I forgot to mention for those worried about use up close:

There's not a hint of tunneling at all.  The FOV at 5X is 20ft @ 100 yds which is as big or even bigger than some scopes advertised at 4X and 4.5X on the low end.


Posted By: GetSome
Date Posted: May/05/2011 at 13:52
I like the sound of that!

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http://www.sloganizer.net/en/">


Posted By: Brady
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 15:58
Specs:
Tube Construction: One piece
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Actual Magnification: 5x – 20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated First Focal Plane Mil-Quad
Eye Piece Focusing System: Adjustable/Locking
Eyepiece Focus Range: ± 1.0 Diopter
Eye Relief: 4”
Parallax Focus Adjustment: Side Focus
Parallax Setting: 35 yards – Infinity
Windage/Elevation Adjustment Value: .1 MRAD
Total Elevation Adjustment Range: 30 MRAD
Field of View: 19.4–4.82 feet @ 100 yards
Length: 14.65”
Weight: 31.39 oz
Battery: CR2032


Posted By: topbrass
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 16:09
you left off a very important spec,  $$$


Posted By: Brady
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 16:17
Price will be released tomorrow


Posted By: topbrass
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 16:32
Cool!


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 17:02
Originally posted by Brady Brady wrote:

Specs:
Tube Construction: One piece
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Actual Magnification: 5x – 20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated First Focal Plane Mil-Quad
Eye Piece Focusing System: Adjustable/Locking
Eyepiece Focus Range: ± 1.0 Diopter
Eye Relief: 4”
Parallax Focus Adjustment: Side Focus
Parallax Setting: 35 yards – Infinity
Windage/Elevation Adjustment Value: .1 MRAD
Total Elevation Adjustment Range: 30 MRAD
Field of View: 19.4–4.82 feet @ 100 yards
Length: 14.65”
Weight: 31.39 oz
Battery: CR2032



Nice looking lady, Nice specs...

not a 36-24-36 but she's got curves in all the right places.

She's clean,  She only has diamonds that are useful, She's tight where she needs to be, She firm where you want her to be, She'll take you into the dark and light it up for you, She'll take you a long way out and won't leave you hanging there, she will deliver 10 times out of 10 and do it again. 

NICE LOOKING TUBE YOU GOT THERE and you'll say SWFA SS 5-20x50HD baby...




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No one


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 19:25
Shipping date Please Yippee

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: May/12/2011 at 20:53
Don't care about shipping date or price really.  I just want my name on the list first thing.  They can charge me for it today and send it whenever it is ready to ship.

Although knowing how many loads of oil I will have to haul to pay for it would be a good thing.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Rothstein1987
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 03:10
I need one!!! I love it would be the perfect selection for the new build Big Grin

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Mausers forever

That was great but can you do it again??


Posted By: lumberjack149
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 06:10

$1,499.95

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50662.aspx - http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50662.aspx


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 12:38
Got mine ordered!!!!

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 14:47
Mine Too Big Smile

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 15:21
I'm in there too!  Talked to CFII earlier about it


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 17:50
In case anybody is wondering, $1500= about 937.5 lbs of pennies!

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: Brady
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 15:37


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 15:43
Want to say Thanks to all at SWFA [Chris & the gang]for the sweetest deal ever on a one great scope ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
 
Also Thanks to the Sniper Hide [Frank]for their big push Excellent


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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 16:16
I spent quite a bit of time last night in the dark comparing the glass and illumination of the SS to the 3.5-18X50 IOR again as well as my new 3-24X42 March.

On low powers/close range the glass looked great on all three and the illumination worked fine for all.  Having the thinnest reticle, the SS was not as easy to see as the other two without illumination but with the illumination they were all pretty equal and what one would prefer would come down to what he liked to aim with the best—a tall cross shaped aiming point or a dot.  The March had the biggest FOV while the SS had the most flexible eye relief with the IOR falling in between on both counts.  Any of the scopes could get the job done and get it done well.

The testing for higher powers/longer ranges is where they separated from each other.  Glass quality and objective size become more important here and the SS simply beat the other two.  While the SS is certainly no better than the other two in daylight, when the sun goes down it has the advantage.  It was notably the brightest and it wasn’t “empty brightness” as it had the resolution and contrast to turn that brightness into the ability to see more details than the other two scopes could see.   It wasn’t a huge difference but it was enough of one that under the right conditions it could make the difference between being able to make out the target or not.  

I realize this isn’t really fair to the March, only having a 42mm objective, but it is what it is.  The March did quite well despite that, hanging with the IOR very well and looking as good as any on the lower powers.  But on the higher powers it just couldn’t keep up with the SS.  I suspect it would put most other 42mm scopes to shame pretty easily, even many 50mm scopes for that matter.  But it wasn’t going up against low-mid level 50mm scopes but two with very high quality glass.  It’s unfortunate I don’t still have a S&B or Premier handy as they were both notably better than the IOR in low light as well and would have been tougher competition for the SS.

Beyond seeing the target, there’s hitting it.  These conditions were dark enough none of the scopes could have provided a sure shot without illumination.  The reticles just couldn’t be seen on the target.  The illumination is the second way the SS distinguished itself.  

Both the IOR and March have very nice digital illumination systems that light up the entire center of the reticle, which most people seem to say they want.  No blooming or bleeding, etc, they really look great.  The problem with conditions like the above is they provide a whole lot of light even on the lowest setting.  When it’s all you can do to make out the target, too much light will wash it out easily.

I’d call the IOR’s illumination borderline usable for those conditions.  On the dimmest setting it is pretty dim and doesn’t wash out the target totally, but it’s brighter than it needs to be.  It does seem to “cover” some of the fine details right around the target.  If you want to really look at the target you can get the best view with it off.  Not bad, it should be usable for most situations, but I’d like it better if it had one or two dimmer settings.  Or if only the center dot lit the brightness would be OK.

The March’s illumination is just too bright for the above type of use.  It has user replaceable modules so hopefully that won’t be permanent.  I have the “dim” module but IMHO it’s not dim enough.  Hopefully I can convince March to make an “extra dim” one I can swap in.  Anyway, the result in the above conditions is when you turn the illumination on the target goes away.  Even on the lowest setting, in conditions that dark it just produces way too much light.  If you want to see the target, you have to shut off the illumination.  Then you can see the target but you can’t hit it.

Once again, the SS impressed.  While it’s illumination may not “look as good” in the daytime as the other two, and many have been dogging it for only having the center dot illuminated, in the above conditions it’s easily the best tool for the job.  It was the only scope that had zero, absolutely zero image degradation with the illumination on.  You could see every last detail of the target with or without it.  With it on, there was just a tiny little red dot you could precisely place where you want the bullet to go.  Money.

So, it was quite an interesting experience.  I figured the SS would do well against the other two but I was really surprised by just how well it did.  Against two much more expensive scopes—the March is nearly three times the SH group buy price for the SS—it easily came out the clear winner.  If you need to make a shot at longish range in the dark, it’s simply a better tool for the job than the other two.  Of course there are other things the other scopes do better, but for this particular job—which is one of the most difficult for a scope—it put on a clinic.


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 16:25
Great info Jon.  Thanks for continuing to share. Excellent

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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:35
[QUOTE=supertool73]Great info Jon.  Thanks for continuing to rub-it-in. ExcellentQUOTE]
Fixed it for you! Just kidding, I too look forward to any and all info on this scope!


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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:45
What happened to the Premier?

I like the center illumination scheme. If someone wants to look at a colored reticle in the full light of day, Countersniper is the scope for them, tacticool! For low light shooting, the center is all I want; any more and you start washing out target.

Can't wait to get mine.

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Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.


Posted By: jonoMT
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:46
Between posts like these and Lowlight's video review, I'm really looking forward to trying it out when it gets here. The more I look at the reticle, the more I like it. Illuminating just the center is really the way to to go. I have much preferred that. Seems to me people that prefer it the other way around are accustomed to thinking of shooting in low light as being like a video game.

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Reaction time is a factor...


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 17:51
Personally I don't think they have ever actually used them in low light.  I have never had a reticle that lit completely up that was usable in low light, just way to bright.  Except for my SS 1-4x that is.  Big Grin

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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 18:15
Thanks for the update JonA,keep up the good work Excellent
 
As far as the Illum. can't wait to get my 5-20 so I can compare it to my SwaroZ6I 1-6x24 circle dot reticle,which to me has about the best illumination in the business.


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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 19:19
The reticle on the 14CMR is great in low light, the reticle on my Springfield Armory Gen III 6-20X56 Is outstanding and the reticle on my Hensoldt is almost beyond description.   There are quite a few with good lowlight/dark performance but there are a lot more that are extremely poor.  

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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Jon A
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 20:51
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

What happened to the Premier?

Sold it a while back.  My conscience will only let me keep so many high end scopes at a time until I win the lotto.  I've recently sold three scopes already to fund my new March and will sell a fourth soon.

I liked it, but wanted to go lighter for hunting and for long range plinking wanted higher power.  It was worth too much money to keep for applications I felt it wasn't perfect for.

You're right though, it would have done very well in this test.  Soon after I first got it I nailed a gong on my first shot from 1000 yds in the dark with it, which is exactly the type of thing last night's comparison was all about.


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 20:59
This is pretty exciting.

So what are we to compare it to???


A NEWER breed???


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No one


Posted By: Sparky
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 22:34
Just wondering. But I noticed that it does not have the "okay for .50 cal" comment in the description like all the other SS scopes. Or was this just omitted by accident? I think this would be just the ticket for my AR50.


Posted By: 338LAPUASLAP
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 22:38
They could be rated for 20mm or 105mm or 120mm...



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No one


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 22:43
I also think it was a simple omission...but you could call SWFA tomorrow and ask.

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/19/2011 at 22:45
Originally posted by 338LAPUASLAP 338LAPUASLAP wrote:

They could be rated for 20mm or 105mm or 120mm...

Welding that back together is going to be HARD!


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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/20/2011 at 08:22
No welding, that would add to the weight & throw zero off.Got to use super glueWink

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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: cronscript
Date Posted: May/20/2011 at 20:21
Anyone know if the Weaver Grand Slam sunshades will fit on these?  There is a report on sniper's hide that the Nightforce 50mm sunshades work.



Posted By: cronscript
Date Posted: May/20/2011 at 20:33
Originally posted by cronscript cronscript wrote:

Anyone know if the Weaver Grand Super Slam sunshades will fit on these?  There is a report on sniper's hide that the Nightforce 50mm sunshades work.




Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: May/22/2011 at 15:26
given a bit of time SWFA will have them along shortly, if not already in the works I would imagine within a month they will be on market


Posted By: Chris Farris
Date Posted: May/23/2011 at 17:12
SVT is correct we will have a sun shade available soon.

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SWFA, Inc.
http://SWFA.com - SWFA.com
http://www.swfa-ss.com - SWFA-SS.com
http://www.mil-dot.com - Mil-Dot.com
http://www.samplelist.com - SampleList.com


Posted By: scap99
Date Posted: May/24/2011 at 19:46
Originally posted by stickbow46 stickbow46 wrote:

Want to say Thanks to all at SWFA [Chris & the gang]for the sweetest deal ever on a one great scope ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
 
Also Thanks to the Sniper Hide [Frank]for their big push Excellent


I'd like to tag onto this one and say thank you, as well.

I ordered mine last night along with a set of Badger rings...I just couldn't wait for 10k likes. 

You guys rock!  Yippee




Posted By: KrazeLegs
Date Posted: May/30/2011 at 08:27
50 Cal Proof?

This is probably a dumb question, but is the new scope spec'd out for 50 cal?


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: May/30/2011 at 11:26
I am pretty sure that it is spec'd up to .50's, but the only way to make sure is to call SWFA. I believe they are closed because of the holiday today, but will be open tomorrow.

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: Chris Farris
Date Posted: May/30/2011 at 14:14

Most definitely .50 BMG proof.



-------------
SWFA, Inc.
http://SWFA.com - SWFA.com
http://www.swfa-ss.com - SWFA-SS.com
http://www.mil-dot.com - Mil-Dot.com
http://www.samplelist.com - SampleList.com


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: June/13/2011 at 18:21
Looks like you have a winner there Chris -  CONGRATULATIONS BUDDY !!!

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: Cody.e.Smith
Date Posted: June/13/2011 at 20:12
With as helpful and informative as everyone here is, I am very glad that I found this site.  

Thank you Jon for the great pics and description of this scope.  I am currently waiting for my SS3X9 for my MK12 and after reading everything posted here, I think I have to trade in the glass on my LR-308 for this now.


Posted By: FireEMT5
Date Posted: July/03/2012 at 07:39
Confimed a couple things with my new SS 5-20 yesterday.
 
1.  The damn thing is heavy!  Not a complaint, just a honest observation.
 
2.  The glass rocks.  It it the clearest that I've ever used.  I likes.
 
3.  It tracks the way it should.  Mounted on my Savage 10PC  - 20 inch barrel, I took it out to a buddies corn field whrere there are some long field trails to shoot on.  Using some recently cooked up handloads, derived from the OCW method - 150 Gr. Hornady SST's, Hornady Match brass, CCI primers, 46.5 Grains Varget, 2.735" COAL, I was able to dial up 3.7 mils (from 100 yd zero) and DING on some steel at 550 yards (varified by a Zeiss PRF).  This load shot MOA or better with boring regularity - I think I found my deer hunting pill!
 
By the end of a hot day, I can confirm that I have absolutely no buyers remorse!!!!
 
My hat is off to you SWFA for a great affordable scope.  Much more scope than I ever thought I'd be able to afford.


Posted By: Mactrev
Date Posted: November/26/2012 at 16:34
My SS 5-20X HD non illuminated arrived today. This is the 1st scope that I have ever ordered  - the next one on the way is my SS 1-6X HD. I just wanted to say that after looking at many scopes at nearby stores & shops - this scope is one hell of a bargain !!
 
Scanning my farm with this scope at 5X , I spotted a cat nearly 200 plus yards away & the clarity of glass on this scope was fantastic. At 10x the picture was even better edge to edge .  I also like the reticle too .
 
This is going to go on my   Browning 30-06  
 
Congrats SWFA on a great product ExcellentExcellent 
 


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Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: November/26/2012 at 19:04
Originally posted by Mactrev Mactrev wrote:


Scanning my farm with this scope at 5X , I spotted a cat nearly 200 plus yards away & the clarity of glass on this scope was fantastic. 


A fellow cat shooter??  Wink  Sharp Shooter


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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.


Posted By: raclarkson
Date Posted: November/26/2012 at 19:31
Nice.  I'm glad you got it.  What kind of outfit takes your order online and then takes your money knowing they are out of stock?  Naturally, they don't issue the credit even as it only took about 3 minutes to put the hold on the funds.  Last time with these guys for this customer.


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: November/26/2012 at 19:33
Sir, I seriously doubt your card was charged for a product that wasn't shipped...

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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: November/26/2012 at 21:13
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

Originally posted by Mactrev Mactrev wrote:


Scanning my farm with this scope at 5X , I spotted a cat nearly 200 plus yards away & the clarity of glass on this scope was fantastic. 


A fellow cat shooter??  Wink  Sharp Shooter

You called?




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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: November/26/2012 at 21:16
Originally posted by raclarkson raclarkson wrote:

Nice.  I'm glad you got it.  What kind of outfit takes your order online and then takes your money knowing they are out of stock?  Naturally, they don't issue the credit even as it only took about 3 minutes to put the hold on the funds.  Last time with these guys for this customer.
Yeah i don't think they miss those that complain and whine


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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln



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