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SWFA SS 6x42 vs. IDF 6x42

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Molasses View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Molasses Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: SWFA SS 6x42 vs. IDF 6x42
    Posted: August/19/2013 at 16:06
I have a nearly 40 year old Israeli Defense Force contract 6x42 made by Photonic that has a non-adjustable eyepiece. I have not shot with it extensively. But I do notice it is not nearly as sharp or contrasty as my new Burris 1.5-6 MTAC, or Accupoint 3-9. Of course this is what I would expect from what is basically a nearly 40 year old war relic.

I do wear glasses, but they are more useful for computer work than outside, so I have my scopes adjusted for use without glasses, and the IDF scope does best for me that way.

I am possibly considering a SWFA 6x42 with the mil quad as a replacement. My main concern is I recently traded in a SS 3-9 because the FFP mil dots would disappear in a darker mottled background at lower powers. The thing I do like about the IDF is the reticle crosshairs easily standout in those situations.

I do know the new SWFA 6x42 has the new mil quad reticle. But some of the actual pictures I have seen on the web make it appear that the ranging part is nearly as fine as the old mil reticle.

Have any of you had experience with both the old IDF contract scopes and the SS 6x42? I would love the newly reborn IOR 6x42 MP8 tactical, but it's rather out of budget at this time.
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dan982 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dan982 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/19/2013 at 21:21
The SWFA scope is very bright, clear with precise adjustments. A great deal.
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Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/19/2013 at 22:29
On a FFP scope like the 3-9 at 3x the reticle is quite fine and in low light not as easy to see as it might be if it were illuminated but at that price you dont get that.  The 5-20x50 is available with illumination. With my 3-9 I find that by the time I am up around  5 or 6 power the reticle is pretty easy to see.  With the fixed power 6x  like all fixed power scopes the reticle will remain constant but you can judge size by what a 3-9 ffp would be if set at 6x because the mil marks always represent a mil in both scopes.  Not sure how you are using the scopes but I have owned most of the SS line and the fixed 16x42 is very high on my list of favorites for a target scope and useable when hunting so long as one has a solid rest.  Of course you probably realize that it is pretty tough to get onto targets under 100 yds or moving targets or hand hold and shoot with scopes over about 6x.  One other possible well worth a look for you is the Leupold VX3  6x42 Heavy Duplex.  I have had one of these and liked it very much but traded up to a Zeiss still I consider this a wonderful scope choice for hunting.  
Leupold 6x42 FX-3 Riflescope Heavy Duplex Leupold 6x42 FX-3 Riflescope
Stock # - LEU66810
  • Matte
  • Heavy Duplex
  • 1"
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
$399.95 

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
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Molasses View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Molasses Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/20/2013 at 14:35
Thanks URF. Your thoughts are similar to mine. Yes, 6x is about my max for hand held also.

Currently the IDF is on a Saiga 308, but I haven't shot it yet. Probably for now I may be able to live with the non adjustable eye piece.

The unknown factor is the Saiga 308 seems to have a reputation as a scope killer. It's already done in a Brand X, and a POSP 6x36 - that one rather surprised me. I hope the military grade construction on the IDF will mean durability. If it doesn't I will give the new reticle on the SS 6x42 a try. My old SS 3-9 mil dot was marginal for my old eyes at 6x. I do like the new pointy heavier lines. And the adjustable ocular should help over the IDF.

The IDF Photonic didn't cost much 20 years back, and cosmetics are to rough to be a true collectable. I just have to get out to try it on the Saiga
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.308WIN View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote .308WIN Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2013 at 11:37
Recently purchased the SWFA 6X42 myself and the recticval is very fine. It helps to make the corrections on the diopter so its as crisp and contrasting as much as possible.
 
As far as having a bigger rectical you will loose the function of ranging tha the Mil Quad is intended for. You can't measure to the .2 mil target size if the rectical 1.0 mil wide.
 
The higher the zoom the larger the rectical the easire to see against a dark back ground.
 
I purchased the 6X by mistake but I'm going to keep it for hunting and will soon purchase a 12X or 16 for long range work.
 
Shoot more and more often.
.308WIN
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.308WIN View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote .308WIN Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2013 at 11:39
Need to watch my spelling one im in a hurry.Whacko
Shoot more and more often.
.308WIN
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