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Which SWFA SS should i buy?

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wolverine3759 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wolverine3759 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Which SWFA SS should i buy?
    Posted: March/19/2017 at 13:32
Hello, next month I will buy a new scope.  Looking for a SWFA SS because of their reputation of value, reliability, and toughness.    I have a bolt action .243.   Main use will be casual target shooting/pinking out to 800 yrds.     Also, some varmint / coyote hunting with shots mostly under 300 yrds.

I need help deciding between the classic fixed 10x, the HD 3-9, or the 3-15, or the HD 5-20.  Only looking at the FFP models with MIL turrets. 

I'm worried that the fixed 10x will limit my FOV at closer ranges for hunting, and the HD 5-20 is probably too big for my needs, so I'm leaning towards either the HD 3-9, or the 3-15.  
Which one do you recommend?          

 
   
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wolverine3759 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wolverine3759 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/19/2017 at 13:39
The biggest difference between the HD 3-9 and all the others is that the HD 3-9 does not have an adjustable parallax focus.   Will that be a hindrance for shooting steel at 600-800 yards?     
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/19/2017 at 13:48
For shooting steel at 600-800 yards, the 3-9x works beautifully.

Between the 3-9x42 and 3-15x42, it really comes down to what is more important to you: long range precision or general purpose utility.

The 3-9x42 has a little wider FOV, better color and more solid feeling turrets.

The 3-15x42 has a bit more magnification and side focus for dialing out parallax.

Between the two, the 3-15x42 is unquestionably a better target scope and I have used it extensively for both longer range shooting and for close range shooting with an airgun.  It works exceedingly well for both.

However, for field use where you may need to get quick shots off at varying distances, I prefer the 3-9x42.  

If 90% of the time, this rifle is for target shooting and plinking, get the 3-15x42.

However, if the primary use if coyote hunting and things like that, get the 3-9x42.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/19/2017 at 15:31
The reticle is bolder on the 3-9x42 as well, and I prefer that to the 3-15's reticle.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/19/2017 at 17:20
+1 what the dark lord of optics said, and I have both scopes too.
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.
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wolverine3759 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wolverine3759 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/23/2017 at 19:20
Thanks for your input, all of you.  I appreciate it. 
Based on what you said, I will get the 3-9. 

Hopefully they come back in stock online soon!
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JMO View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2017 at 15:58
I have a 452 and would like to optimize the scope on it for target shooting only (I recently picked up a threaded 452 for a suppressed 'walking around' rifle that the 3-9 on my first 452 will go on).

Would a 3-15 SFP scope work as well as a FFP for 50-100yd target shooting?

Thinking about picking up the mil-quad version while it is on sale:
https://swfa.com/catalog/product/view/id/114921/

Thank you for your help.
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Sparky View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2017 at 20:30
I think that would be a good choice JMO. I am considering the same scope for my 455 PVT. IMO the FFP offers no benefit for 50-100yd target shooting.
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JMO View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 00:54
Thank you Sparky, I appreciate it.

One last question if I may: Mil quad, or Mil quad DM? 
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 12:49
If all you are doing is target shooting, Mil-Quad in a SFP scope is probably your best option.

Mil-Quad DM is faster on target and has better low light visibility.  However, the Mil-Quad in a SFP scope gives you the smallest aiming point of the three which helps with shooting groups.

That is the scope I use on my airguns and it works exceedingly well for shooting tiny groups.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 14:26
Yep, tiny groups is what I am after.  Thanks ILya!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 16:28
I have the SS 3-15 FFP on my CZ 455 PT.  Excellent scope for a .22  Makes shooting almost feel like cheating.  Can easily ring steel at 200 and 300 yds with boring regularity.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 22:03
That is excellent FireEMT, glad you are liking it.  I have the SFP on the way, just couldn't pass up the deal.  Looking forward to getting it on the rifle and trying it out.

I spoke to soon when I said "one last question" above.  That was really my second to last question (maybe):

My new last question:  Which rings are recommended for the 3/8th dovetails on the 452 American with the 30mm tube on the 3-15 SS?

Cost isn't a factor.  SWFA has medium and high Talleys- Would the mediums be high enough?  Any other options?

Thank you,

JMO
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 22:56
Medium rings should be fine.

Talley makes good stuff.

I mostly use Warne 22 rings that seem to work really well with just about every grooved receiver airgun and rimfire rifle I have tried them on.


I suspect Talley makes a better ring and they are less likely to snag on anything.  However, I honestly can't see how they would better than Warne in practice, since Warne has been absolutely trouble free for me.

ILya

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2017 at 23:18
Thank you ILya.

Now for the final question:  The link in you posted is for 1" rings.  Just to make sure I am doing it right though: the SS 3-15 needs 30mm rings correct?
https://swfa.com/warne-22-fixed-30mm-rings.html?___SID=U
https://swfa.com/warne-22-fixed-30mm-rings-1.html?___SID=U

Thanks again,

JMO
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FireEMT5 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/18/2017 at 09:22
JMO,
On my 455 PT, I installed a Murphy's Precision 25 MOA base over my dovetails.  I then went with Seekins 30mm Low rings (.82") high.  Even with Aadland scope caps on the SS 3-15, there is plenty of clearance.  I wanted to go with Aadland 30mm low rings (.83"), but they were out of stock everywhere when I was looking.  Yes, they would have been total overkill used on a .22, but I have them on all my other rifles, and the Aadland rings........ once you see and use a set, nothing else will really compare in my humble opinion.

If you are not going to add a base to convert from 11 mm dovetail or add MOA slope, then you'll probably want to go around 1" high.

Yes, the SS 3-13 takes 30 mm rings.  The height of the rings is up to you.  To take all the guess work out of it, check out these links -

http://www.mil-rad.com/scope_ring_calculator

http://www.mil-rad.com/scope_cant_calculator



Edited by FireEMT5 - April/18/2017 at 10:05
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/18/2017 at 09:56
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Medium rings should be fine.

Talley makes good stuff.

I mostly use Warne 22 rings that seem to work really well with just about every grooved receiver airgun and rimfire rifle I have tried them on.


I suspect Talley makes a better ring and they are less likely to snag on anything.  However, I honestly can't see how they would better than Warne in practice, since Warne has been absolutely trouble free for me.

ILya

I too use the Warne rings and have had no issues with them.

And just a FYI there is a dimple on the removable part of the clamp. With the dimple up and left is for 3/8 grooves. And if the dimple is down and right it is for 11mm grooves.

in the photo from the link the dimple is up and left.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/18/2017 at 15:06
Sparky, Fire, ILya,

Thanks for the info and links.  Very helpful!  I was wondering about the 11mm vs 3/8, as my American has 3/8.  Nice that it handles both.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/18/2017 at 15:43
JMO,
The 455 PT has 11 mm groves on the receiver.  The base I went with slides over the 11mm dovetail and is Picatinny rail on top.  This gives me both the sloped base I was after, as well as working with the brand of rings I wanted to use.

You may need this - http://www.murphyprecision.com/Products/Item/1033, or something similar.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/18/2017 at 17:23
Originally posted by FireEMT5 FireEMT5 wrote:

JMO,
The 455 PT has 11 mm groves on the receiver.  The base I went with slides over the 11mm dovetail and is Picatinny rail on top.  This gives me both the sloped base I was after, as well as working with the brand of rings I wanted to use.

You may need this - http://www.murphyprecision.com/Products/Item/1033, or something similar.

Sorry I wasn't clear Fire - I was referring to the Warne rings.  I just figure out the whole quote thing, so I'll do better in the future.

I think I'm either going to the the Warnes or the Talley's by themselves and call it good.

Nice looking rifle by the way!
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