Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
SWFA SS 10x42 HD or Leatherwood ART 2.5-10x50 |
Post Reply |
Author | |
Savage11B
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2012 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: May/02/2012 at 09:28 |
Hey shooters, this is my first post, so forgive the ignorance. I am trying to decide between the SWFA SS 10X42 HD or the Leatherwood Hi-Lux ART M1200. I have never really dealt with anything from Leatherwood, but I haven't heard anything bad about them either. My range is from 500-1200 meters. I'm going to be putting it on a Savage 10-fcp-k .308, I now have a Vortex Viper on it, but I'm going to move that over to a Rem 700 6MM. I appreciate any feedback.
|
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Welcome to Optics Talk.
The only guy I know who has much intel on Leatherwood, is a member who's call sign is "Kickboxer". Koshkin may have fooled with one too, but I don't know. Hard to beat the SS 10x though.
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You've placed me in a hard situation. I have the 10xHD and love it. I have the Leatherwood M1000, two Sporters and one of the Weaver/Leatherwood scopes from VietNam era. They are all fine scopes. I have a friend who has the M1200 on a 243WSSM and it is an excellent scope for that rifle. I've had mine on almost every rifle I own.
If you are shooting out to 1200, the magnification advantage on the M1200 is significant. The SS10XHD is one of the toughest scopes on the market, has truly accurate AZ/EL adjustments with plenty of range for anything you need, and the glass is excellent. I set up my friend's rifle with M1200 and it also has very good glass. I believe the quality has improved since that scope was purchased. One of the neat things about the Leatherwood is the ability to rapidly get on target without EL adjustments via the knobs. You should watch the videos on the Leatherwood site about setup and use.
Since I have Leathwood and consistent access to the type of scope you are looking at, and I have the HD, I can truly say that either one is great for your use. The added magnification will provide advantage at longer ranges.
I don't put one scope on one rifle and just leave it... I swap around a lot. Both scopes mentioned are excellent. The 10xHD was designed for tough use in a tough environment and not much can beat it. The Leatherwood is designed for rapid acquisition precision fire. It is rated for 50BMG, but I've never put mine on that rifle. Just haven't had a need to, yet. The 10XHD is currently on my 50.
|
|
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
|
Savage11B
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2012 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
thanks a lot for the input, I just started looking at the Leatherwood's yesterday, the price point almost seemed to good to be true. I have watched the videos and I can see how it would be good to transition from target to target.. but then again I really like the MRAD reticle, I've yet to shoot a moa-moa scope and really want to try it.. my typical shots are around 800 yards, but I'm wanting to stretch it out and start shooting between 1000-1200 yard shots, I believe the savage 10-fcp-k can do it, please correct me if I'm wrong. also, completely off topic but I just ordered a Bushnell 1200 ARC laser rangefinder, I'm needing to range targets for my SDM in the afghan mountains, did I make a good choice, or would yall suggest something else? |
|
Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You can certainly shoot to 1200 with that rifle.
You need to understand the limitations of the Bushnel LRFs... that 1200 range is with a highly reflective target. I believe the 1200 is under 500yds for game. I have the 1600 and it ranges to 1000 for trees and like 850 for game.
The 10xHD is an awesome scope. If you choose that one, I don't think you will ever be unhappy.
|
|
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
|
Savage11B
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2012 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
hmm, alright, I'll take a look at the 1200 and see if it's worth it here. There's not just a whole heck of a lot reflective here, so we'll see what happens. preciate the feedback. yeah I think I'm gonna go the the 10x42HD, I have done a lot more research on it, no offense to Leatherwood, I'm sure I'll pick one of his scopes up later on down the road. |
|
koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have had some hands on time with both scopes, but a lot more with the SS 10xHD. Leatherwood ART is an intersting concept and when properly set up it does work. However, personally I prefer the 10xHD. I am naturally distrustful of external adjustments and the whole things is quite a bit heavier to boot.
10xHD is also better optically. ILya
|
|
Savage11B
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2012 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I appreciate the feedback, I do believe I'm gonna go with the 10x42HD, I've always liked swfa scopes, and I really like that it has an MRAD reticle. So, does anyone know more about the price tag on the 10x42HD, meaning, I still have about 5 months before I'm stateside, should I purchase it now at this price or do yall think it will stay about the same? I'm not sure how stable their price points are typically.. thanks
|
|
billyburl2
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/08/2009 Location: Cottonwood, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4015 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hey Savage, I bet if you check out some ballistic calculators you will find that your 6mm smokes that 308 past 600 yards. And its better in the wind. The 308 is great round, but past 800 yards, it really starts to fall on its face. To get the most out of the 6mm, it would require an investment into reloading gear, but that just makes shooting cheaper in the long run. Specifically I would check out the 105gr. AMAX bullet. Which in that cartridge will be pretty easy to get 2950fps(dependant on how long your barrel is, I assume at least 24")
|
|
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
|
|
stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Savage11B Thanks for your service & welcome to the OT!
|
|
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
|
|
jjrgr21
Optics Journeyman Joined: January/10/2011 Status: Offline Points: 368 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
you could always get a normal SS10x, and then upgrade later. you won't be disappointed in any case going with the SS series.
|
|
Savage11B
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2012 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
billy: I actually have never shot this particular 6mm, I traded with my brother for it and have yet to get to shoot it, sad I know.. and yes I have been looking at some ballistic tables, and I love the way they look, the reason I am actually putting the Vortex Viper on it is because you have to be at 14x to read as true mil, and since the 6mm shoots straighter than the .308 I decided to put it on the 6mm so I can hold at 14x for farther shots, than having to dial back my magnification to shoot farther with the .308, I might sound like a babbling fool, but it makes sense in my mind.. and yes, I have really wanted to get into reloading, any suggestions for a good started kit?
stickbow: thanks for the welcome, hopefully I don't ask to many stupid questions.
jjrgr: So, what makes the HD twice the price of the SS10x? is it just the glass? I mean I understand the whole HD part, but is it a $400-500 price difference? just curious, and yes I have thought about that a lot.
|
|
billyburl2
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/08/2009 Location: Cottonwood, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4015 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have an original SS10x42, and It won't disappoint. Especially if you wait until they bring out the new ones with new reticle, and mil-adjustments. The HD version is more than just glass, it also has totally re-designed internals. The HD could also stand for Heavy Duty, as well as High Definition.
As far as reloading goes, the Rock Chucker Supreme kit has just about everything you need for about $400. It is what I use, and is probably the most used press.
|
|
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
|
|
Bitterroot Bulls
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: May/07/2009 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 3416 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
There isn't anything light duty about the original SS line, either. They are really nice scopes.
|
|
-Matt
|
|
billyburl2
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/08/2009 Location: Cottonwood, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4015 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
No it isn't, mine has stood up to just about 900 rounds of 300 wsm without a hiccup. I switched out for the new 5-20 SS simply because I needed one! (that's my story, and I am sticking to it!).
|
|
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
|
|
jjrgr21
Optics Journeyman Joined: January/10/2011 Status: Offline Points: 368 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
as far as i know, it's just the glass. and now the original line will be available in mil/mil-quad. i have an original and used it out to about 900 on my savage 308. you can punish them and they don't care. i would get one of the original/new scopes, and go from there. i was gonna get a 10xhd, but i think i'm just gonna get a 12X newer model.
good luck in the stan. |
|
Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The 10xHD has higher quality glass and internal improvements... not just glass.
Though the old SS10x is great for the money, the 10xHD is much better... for the money...
|
|
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
|
Savage11B
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2012 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
wow, well yall didn't help out at all... just kidding, I shall see what my budget can withstand, I'm pretty sure that's gonna be the deciding factor, but knowing me I have to have the biggest and best, so I'll probably be eating ramen noodles for a while... I'll look at the Rock Chucker, I have heard good things about it in the past, so I'll probably start with that.
|
|
porkchop401
Optics Apprentice Joined: December/17/2008 Location: Louisiana Status: Offline Points: 160 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Sav, take a look at the Lee anniversery kit, It isn't nearly as nice as other brands but is certainly capable of loading accurate ammo. I am currently loading .223 for my sav 12vlp that will sub 1/2" moa and though 600 is where it starts to peter I still take it out to 1k.Not every thing I have is Lee equipment but most is , I just figured I would replace the stuff with better quality as it gives up but I have had verry litttle problems and I am currently loading about 150 rnds a month.
As for the SS scopes go they are what made me a lover of long range shooting. I am shooting my ss10 moa at our range along side NF,Ziess and other pricey optics and what I give up is not due sub par optics. Clarity of glass and rock solid tracking realy make this scope a looker at any price.
|
|
The unprepared are the most likely to suffer; Teddy R.
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |