Peter988 wrote:Can I ask why fixed power? I had shot with a 6x40 for the last 50 years and only upgraded last year to a 3-12 variable. Initially because of my eyesight but the difference is amazing. Wish I had done it years ago. I might even change the 4x32 on the 22 this year.
bigpete wrote:Out to 500m,I'd go 6x.
At realistic hunting ranges,for medium to large animals,4x
xcb wrote:This is Mil-Mil version of scope in the video, in 10x:
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42-tact ... l?___SID=U
I bought a 16x version (I like Mil-Mil):
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-16x42-tact ... l?___SID=U
I think the 16x is great in daylight. However for hunting the exit pupil is too small, as you can see in the specs its only 2.6mm for the 16x. I tried holding the scope on a dark night viewing an open paddock, I guess as you expect I couldn't really see anything. I could see some some animals through the scope spotting them with a red LED torch. I expect the 10x with its 4.2mm exit pupil would be a lot better in low light. With the 16x although I can see the animals I think I would prefer a more powerful torch to make up for small exit pupil on the 16x scope.
It focuses down to 10m (which I need as I have it on an air rifle).
I notice though they are all out of stock and on backorder.
I see they also have a 6x, I expect it would be very good in low light for a cheap scope.
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-6x42-tacti ... l?___SID=U
I guess it would be about $640 to import it with the lens caps. If you wanted one you'd have to email the order to them, then they give you the shipping quote, and a paypal invoice (I change the paypal currency to USD as my bank adds fees on top of paypal's fees with paypal's default of paying in AUD at a poor exchange rate) if you want to go ahead:
https://www.swfa.com/exportpolicy
I guess there is effectively no warranty as the shipping costs are high. My scope is working fine.
xcb wrote:Just in case it matters, for some rifles you might want to look in the scope specs at the Eyepiece Length, Eyepiece Diameter and Eye Relief, as these might matter when trying to figure out the required height of the rings for the eyepiece to clear a picatinny rail if the rifle has one and whether you can mount the rings far enough forward. Yeah I know I'm kind of backward worrying about the eyepiece clearing when everyone else is looking at the objective clearance.
xcb wrote:This is a great video showing the view through the 10x, 12x, 16x and 20x at distances out to 500m, and near the end it shows the view in low light conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FlLYktM0rk
straightshooter wrote:xcb
I have 3 of this style "rear parallax adjustment" scopes.
A Sightron 20x, a Lynx 20x and a SWFA 16x.
If forced to rate clarity then the Sightron would be my preference.
There are cosmetic differences but all three look like they came out of the same factory.
Why rear parallax?
Although I haven't investigated the internal mechanics, my presumption is that parallax is adjusted by moving the reticle into precise alignment with the rear focal point.
This compares with repositioning either the erector assembly or the objective lens cell in the case of side parallax or front parallax.
Both these assemblies are comparatively heavy and looseness, with a loss of accuracy, will develop after some use. It is not uncommon for cheaper scopes, that may have been excellent when new, to decline in accuracy after as little as 2000 to 3000 rounds. In addition both these methods introduce optical compromises that, due to a build up of tolerances, may mean the image one sees isn't as perfect as it could be.
Now compare that with moving a reticle that weighs next to nothing being moved into perfect position at the rear focal point.
I have to add though that none of these scopes would beat a 6x as a general purpose hunting scope. A possible exception being for 200 to 400 meter 'varminting'.
Am88 wrote:I run mainly fixed power scopes, I have a 4x32 Kahles Helia, 6x42 Doctor Klassik, and 8x56 S&B Klassik, 8x40 12X Leupold, 4x32 Weaver K4. My favourite of the lot would be the 6x42 Docter, it is a beautiful scope, but 500m is a fair stretch ay.
I have 2 variable power scopes in my arsenal, I have a VXII 2-7 Leupold on a .22mag, and s 3.5-10 on my .308, I tried running a fixed power on my .308 and as much as I didn't want to change to a variable power, Im glad I did. i shoot things with that from anywhere from 20m to 200m.
Am88 wrote:Very Welcome, it all comes down to what your going to use it for, don't get me wrong you can use a 6 power for 500m, but whats the size of the game you'll be shooting at.same with the .22 magnum, i might shoot something 10m away from me on 2 power, to 100m away the size of a rabbit in the grass.
SCJ429 wrote:Pity the exchange rate is so poor.
https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-6x42-tacti ... 05767.html
SCJ429 wrote:Which is pretty good value. I have used a 10x SWFA and was very impressed for a budget scope.
Most of my fixed power scopes are Leupold, 12x, 24x and 36x. They provide excellent optical quality and are nice and light.
I also have a Sightron and a Weaver fixed power. Never had an issue with one except for the 24x Leupold which after 30 years stopped focussing. Sent it to the Australian service centre who fixed it for free.