SWFA Gen 2 scopes anyone?
- Thread starter bchannell
- Start date
I used to be a fan boy of SWFA. After looking at the new gen, I have no plans on picking one up. No evidence that they've kept up with Arken or Athlon in their lens optical clarity. Adding a zero stop to the scopes doesn't appeal to my style of shooting.
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Plus it looks like the turrets got even taller. A christmas tree reticle is not enough to justify getting a new model. No illumination, 5 mil turrets still, glass was never a problem. All they would need to do us sell the HD models and the 6x and 10x fixed models.
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They could have done better. I think they relied on the old reputation instead of a new innovation.
I hope at minimum the IQ is better than it was.
I hope at minimum the IQ is better than it was.
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From what I have read the old Tasco Japanese US Govt contract expired several years ago. And as a result build quality has gone down some. Tough to compete in the Arken/Athlon market for a company like SWFA. I dont think I will be spending any money on them right now.
Maybe if they shifted gears and made some tank proof lightweight scopes?
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I've been thinking hard about picking up one of the Gen 2 fixed 10X. In my mind, I think the only thing it has going for it is the light weight, coming in at 20.8 ounces for a 14.1" length scope and 30mm main tube. I look at the SWFA SS Fixed series as one of those scopes that are decent enough to have lying around when you receive a new gun to test out until you decide on a permanent scope to be mounted.
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They could extend their lightweight 2-10 series with their mil reticle, a low profile top turret and capped windage and really step into the MPVO market. Instead they make them for hunters with very limited reticles.
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Yep that'd make it much more versatile but IMHO it needs AO as well.
BTW the Athlon Heras 2-12 is getting kind of like what you described except it's no where near as lightweight as that 2-10
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Yes! If they could figure out how to do AO without adding more than 6 ounces, the total package would be about 15 ounces which would be spectacular.
How is it that Athlon scopes are so heavy? Is it the thickness of the tube set thats adding to the overall weight?
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I've mentioned the weight aspect more than a few times. Probably comes down to making the scopes durable enough within the price point?? I've just learned to live with the extra weight while enjoying really nice scopes. Everything is a compromise of one sort or another.
If Vortex can make the LHT series then other Co's can do it too. Although my 4.5-22 isn't a great scope, it is light, which means a lot when that's what is a high priority.
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Same build quality, I have 5 Gen I’s (both 10x and 12x with Mil Quad) and now this Gen 2 with MOA Quad.
The Good
Same build quality
Holds POI rock solid on springers - main reason I buy them.
Several options of turret styles
Turrets easier to move than later Gen I’s
Zero Stop
Robust cap screw
Nice reticle
Positive clicks
The not so good
Optical quality is acceptable, but there are better. Be careful not to trade optical quality for drifting POI
Center dot on MOA Quad is TINY
Turrets are still a bit stiff. A smear of silicone inside caps takes care of this
After multiple scopes, I’ve settled on these and now have 6 of them. As a tuner I need to be able to trust my optics and not waste time adjusting a tune only to find out it was a scope issue.
Just my opinion , hope this helps!
Steve
The Good
Same build quality
Holds POI rock solid on springers - main reason I buy them.
Several options of turret styles
Turrets easier to move than later Gen I’s
Zero Stop
Robust cap screw
Nice reticle
Positive clicks
The not so good
Optical quality is acceptable, but there are better. Be careful not to trade optical quality for drifting POI
Center dot on MOA Quad is TINY
Turrets are still a bit stiff. A smear of silicone inside caps takes care of this
After multiple scopes, I’ve settled on these and now have 6 of them. As a tuner I need to be able to trust my optics and not waste time adjusting a tune only to find out it was a scope issue.
Just my opinion , hope this helps!
Steve
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I’ve got quite a few also and all have been trouble free. I miss the fixed 10 with side focus and called to see if they were gonna bring it out in gen 2 but got no response. I have a fixed 10 on a smokeless muzzleloader and it has hung in there just fine. Thinking about trying the Athlon fixed 10.
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