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SWFA 6x42 for 338 Win Mag?

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=36925
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 15:16
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Topic: SWFA 6x42 for 338 Win Mag?
Posted By: M77
Subject: SWFA 6x42 for 338 Win Mag?
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 12:23
Good day.

My first post and would like to introduce myself.

I live in South-Africa and run my parents' game farm on a part time basis. We use rifles quite a bit for both taking clients hunting and for personal use, hunting, paper punching ect.

I would like to replace the scope on my 338 Win Mag. Currently on it is a Sightron Sii 3-9x42. The scope started to get blurry in sharp light with little contrast. Just to confirm whether I was crazy or not I put my friends' cheaper Si 3-9x40 next to my Sii for comparison. His scope has a smaller field of view but is sharper than mine contrast wise. I  am not sure what happened but maybe the recoil damaged the scope somehow. I am no optics expert and this is just a wild guess, as the scope is still quite new.

I need something solid as I use the rifle for guiding clients and would not like the scope fail on me in the middle of a hunt.

I was looking at the Leupold FX3 6x42 (looking at fixed power as it might just be more reliable with less moving parts) as it looks pretty decent and solid. I would just like to weigh up other options as saving a bit of money never hurts. I do not want to compromise too much quality though. Would the SWFA 6x42 mil-dot work for hunting? I have not tried a mil-dot on a hunting rifle. Would it be tough enough?

Thanks and I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Pieter



Replies:
Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 14:35
Where in South Africa?

The 338WM is a thumper, so a scope with a reputation for durability would be a good thing (and, though I haven't owned a Leupold in quite some time, their durability has never been their strength), and the SS6x42 should fit the bill nicely.
Get good mounts.


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


Posted By: Sparky
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 15:05
Just an FYI SWFA does not export scopes the last I had heard.

What is your budget? And there are variables that are every bit as durable as fixed power scopes.


Posted By: M77
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 15:11
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

Where in South Africa?

The 338WM is a thumper, so a scope with a reputation for durability would be a good thing (and, though I haven't owned a Leupold in quite some time, their durability has never been their strength), and the SS6x42 should fit the bill nicely.
Get good mounts.

North West province. 60km from Rustenburg. Petty much bushveld in the area we are in.

Pieter


Posted By: M77
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 15:19
Originally posted by Sparky Sparky wrote:

Just an FYI SWFA does not export scopes the last I had heard.

What is your budget? And there are variables that are every bit as durable as fixed power scopes.


I am thinking of spending up to about $400. I will have a friend of mine send the scope from the US, bridging the export problem. I was thinking Minox as well but am strongly considering a 6x fixed power scope as it seems like it will do the job. Would a 3-9/10 hold much advantage over the 6x power scope? I saw a demo 6x42 ss here and thought it might be a good buy/choice for my rifle?

Pieter


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 17:11
Probably not a good idea to post on an open forum that you intend on breaking the import/export laws.  That is a pretty big deal to announce publicly.   

-------------
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: koshkin
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 18:28
A lot depends on how you use the scope.

SS 6x is a nice and durable design with a good track record of holding up to recoil and repeatable adjustments.

That having been said, if you need to use the scope in low light a lot, Mil-Dot reticle calibrated for 6x is a little on a thin side (rifle same line thicknesses as the regular duplex in Leupold FX-3).

For that I would lean toward the Leupold FX-3 6x42 with the heavy duplex reticle.

However, if you mostly shoot in decent lighting, SS 6x42 with the MilDot or Leupold FX-3 6x42 with LR Duplex are good options.

At $400, your 6x options are a bit limited.  If you open up the price range a bit, IOR makes a good 6x42 scope available with a nice and thick #4 reticle.

ILya


-------------
http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: idahotrophyhunter
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 22:49
Meopta has a 6x in the meostar line that can be had for around $400.00, pretty decent scope.


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: May/13/2013 at 23:16
I thought that the 6x Meopta was in the MeoPro line and ran around $500 or so, which is beyond the OP's price range.

ILya


-------------
http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: M77
Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 00:12
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

Probably not a good idea to post on an open forum that you intend on breaking the import/export laws.  That is a pretty big deal to announce publicly.   


Even worste the fact that you make it look that way as never did I say I was going to break any law. It is customs' choice whether they will charge me import tax or not. The fact that SWFA do not export scopes I will simply bridge that gap by importing it myself.

Pieter


Posted By: M77
Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 00:37
Thank you guys.

I would like to stay below $400 as the shipping/post is going to cost me another $100 I guess. As Koshkin said about the reticle thickness that might become tricky in low light, I will take that into cosideration. Otherwise I might give the ss a try and sell it to a friend of mine if it does not suit my needs. I was a little concerned about the dots that might become confusing with quick shots, but it is only a guess as I have never tried it. It is good to know that they stand up against recoil.

Thanks again.

Pieter


Posted By: Glock
Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 05:38
Pieter have you looked a the Lynx 6 x 38 or their LX2 8 x 56 IR ? They make some tough scopes, I'm sure they can handle the 338 Win Mag's recoil. And you would bypass any import problems.

-------------
Regards Chris


Posted By: M77
Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 06:59
Originally posted by Glock Glock wrote:

Pieter have you looked a the Lynx 6 x 38 or their LX2 8 x 56 IR ? They make some tough scopes, I'm sure they can handle the 338 Win Mag's recoil. And you would bypass any import problems.


I was not impressed by my lynx VX series. My 3-9x40 on my 30-06 lost zero and the adjustments to left and right were way off, 6 clicks to one side and then 13 to the opposite to get it back to the same spot. The eye relief on mine was also very little. I found that the 6x38 is not as bright and sharp as scopes costing less than it, as we did a comparison with two or three other scopes in the same price range and lower. I might have a look at the LX2. Do you know how the LX 2 compares to say the Leupold FX3/VX3/VX2?

Pieter


Posted By: Glock
Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 07:23
Originally posted by M77 M77 wrote:


Originally posted by Glock Glock wrote:

Pieter have you looked a the Lynx 6 x 38 or their LX2 8 x 56 IR ? They make some tough scopes, I'm sure they can handle the 338 Win Mag's recoil. And you would bypass any import problems.


I was not impressed by my lynx VX series. My 3-9x40 on my 30-06 lost zero and the adjustments to left and right were way off, 6 clicks to one side and then 13 to the opposite to get it back to the same spot. The eye relief on mine was also very little. I found that the 6x38 is not as bright and sharp as scopes costing less than it, as we did a comparison with two or three other scopes in the same price range and lower. I might have a look at the LX2. Do you know how the LX 2 compares to say the Leupold FX3/VX3/VX2?

Pieter


To my my eyes they are brighter, and I know a quite a few people who say the same. The LX2 scopes are made by the same factory in Japan that makes the Nightforce scopes, I'm not saying to the same specs but you are getting the same quality control. They are in a differnt league from the old Professional series, Gary at Lynx also has technicians that are trained to repair scopes. With the lifetime garantee I would send your 3-9 x 40 to them and ask them to check for faults. I don't own a lynx but most of my freinds do, and I've never seen one loose zero.   

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Regards Chris


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 07:37
http://swfa.com/IOR-6x42-Hunting-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P2149.aspx">IOR 6x42 Hunting 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/images/ior_4a_popup.jpg">4A http://swfa.com/IOR-6x42-Hunting-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P2149.aspx -
http://swfa.com/Leupold-6x42-FX-3-Riflescope-P12756.aspx">Leupold 6x42 FX-3 Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/leupold_heavyduplex_popup.jpg">Heavy Duplex http://swfa.com/Leupold-6x42-FX-3-Riflescope-P12756.aspx -
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
  • $399.95
    http://swfa.com/Leupold-6x42-FX-3-Riflescope-P12758.aspx">Leupold 6x42 FX-3 Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/leupold_lrd412_popup.jpg">Long Range Duplex http://swfa.com/Leupold-6x42-FX-3-Riflescope-P12758.aspx -
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
  • $429.95 


    -------------

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


    Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
    Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 07:44
    There is quite a difference in price with IOR if you drop back to 4X these have great glass.
    http://swfa.com/IOR-4x32-Hunting-Rifle-Scope-P6742.aspx">IOR 4x32 Hunting Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/images/ior_4a_popup.jpg">4A http://swfa.com/IOR-4x32-Hunting-Rifle-Scope-P6742.aspx -
    $359.95 


    -------------

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


    Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
    Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 07:47
    Also look at the Bushnell Elite line http://swfa.com/Bushnell-Elite-Rifle-Scopes-C3479.aspx - http://swfa.com/Bushnell-Elite-Rifle-Scopes-C3479.aspx  and if you can spend a bit more the Zeiss Conquest.

    -------------

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


    Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
    Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 09:18
    Do you want target turrets?  I would think, given how the gun will be handled and used, capped turrets would work better for you.

    The SS has tall target turrets, which can be spun accidentally if the rifle is bouncing around in the back of a truck or is cross-slung for stalking.

    I like the SS6X, it is a good scope, but be mindful of the turret design and your intended use and circumstances.

    In terms of durability, the 6X will handle what your 338 can give.


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


    Posted By: koshkin
    Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 10:56
    Originally posted by Glock Glock wrote:

    Originally posted by M77 M77 wrote:


    Originally posted by Glock Glock wrote:

    Pieter have you looked a the Lynx 6 x 38 or their LX2 8 x 56 IR ? They make some tough scopes, I'm sure they can handle the 338 Win Mag's recoil. And you would bypass any import problems.


    I was not impressed by my lynx VX series. My 3-9x40 on my 30-06 lost zero and the adjustments to left and right were way off, 6 clicks to one side and then 13 to the opposite to get it back to the same spot. The eye relief on mine was also very little. I found that the 6x38 is not as bright and sharp as scopes costing less than it, as we did a comparison with two or three other scopes in the same price range and lower. I might have a look at the LX2. Do you know how the LX 2 compares to say the Leupold FX3/VX3/VX2?

    Pieter


    To my my eyes they are brighter, and I know a quite a few people who say the same. The LX2 scopes are made by the same factory in Japan that makes the Nightforce scopes, I'm not saying to the same specs but you are getting the same quality control. They are in a differnt league from the old Professional series, Gary at Lynx also has technicians that are trained to repair scopes. With the lifetime garantee I would send your 3-9 x 40 to them and ask them to check for faults. I don't own a lynx but most of my freinds do, and I've never seen one loose zero.   

    I have no personal experience with Lynx scopes other than seeing them at SHOT earlier this year, so I do not know anything about these scopes.

    One thing I will say though is that having something made in the same factory, absolutely does not guarantee the same quality control.

    When you deal with an OEM manufacturer in the optics world, quality control is one of the things you pay for and by paying ore you get better in process QC.

    ILya


    -------------
    http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
    https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


    Posted By: Glock
    Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 12:43
    Very true Koshkin makes sense what you are saying. But in saying that the new Lynx LX 2 scopes are well made and have good glass in them. They also come with a lifetime guarantee, and Lynx do honor it. Quite a few off my freinds use them and are really happy with them. Not trying to say they have the best optics, but for what you are paying for their scopes you are getting good value for the money. At least in South Africa, imported scopes cost us a fortune.

    -------------
    Regards Chris


    Posted By: Stevey Ducks
    Date Posted: May/14/2013 at 21:00
    I would go with the Leupold, either the 6X36 or 6X42.
     
    Both Leupolds would be lighter and more compact than the 6X42 SS. The SS 6X42 is a large 30 mm scope having exposed adjustments that are subject to being inadvertantly moved in certain situations such as working through thick brush and would need to be constantly checked to assure the settings had not been changed. In addition to elevation and windage adjustments the SS 6X42 has a rear parallax adjustment that in some circumstances would need adjustment. The SS 6X42 having a 30 mm tube could not be mounted as low as the 1 inch tube Leupold.
     
    As this is going on a .338 W it needs to be recoil resistant and considering the lighter weight of the Leupold it would be subject to lower recoil forces. I have used fixed power Leupold scopes for years on a variety of rifles up to .375 and have had no problems.
     
    Leupold customer service is first rate. If a mil dot reticle could not be installed on your scope a long range reticle having multiple aiming points could be ordered with the scope or installed at a later date. 6 power seems to be a good compromise for a scope, I have shot deer well over 300 yds using a 6X.
     
    The optics of the SS 6X42 are very good considering its low price but in my view this is a somewhat specialized scope. I have never hunted in S. Africa but if it is like N. America time is of the essence and weight counts.
     


    Posted By: ICanSeeYou
    Date Posted: May/22/2015 at 03:18
    My .338 wears a vintage Kahles Helia Super S6  6x42 was taken off an older, well taken care of rifle I bought at Cabelas. I sold the rifle for what I paid for the combo and got a free Kahles 6X. It may be old but it picks up light and the glass is remarkable.

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    When you're playing with me, you're playing for keeps.



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