Did I buy the wrong scope

[Zking]

This scope will be going on my first bolt action, a tikka t3x .243 20” 1/8”.

I live in TN and mostly hunt whitetail. I will be going to Idaho next spring to hunt black bear. Would like to do a pronghorn hunt in the next 3 years.

I don’t have a good range super close and will not be shooting 1000s of rounds per year.

I ordered a Trijicon ascent 3-12x40 will have it in hand tomorrow. Swfa 3-9 was out of stock at the time of order.

Should I return it and buy the swfa? Should I return it, buy a burris fullfield ii for $160 and save my nickels for a s2h zero tech? Should I keep it, shoot it for deer season and my bear hunt and then decide what I actually need in a scope?

My priorities are, durability/holding zero, and not costing me effective range because of the scope’s capabilities. If a fixed 6 duplex reticle gets me further than I can shoot effectively that’s great.

Any advice would be great!

 

[Nine Banger]

If you can get your hands in a 3-9 you'll be at the finish line or grab a fixed 10x until the restock or the S2H scope is affordable.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

I have that 3-12 and I think it's honestly a really underrated scope. I think it's over looked because of the eye relief and the SFP / MOA but I've never found that to be an issue. For a set and forget scope where you're likely to only use it on low power for 90% of hunting applications, and high power for shooting at the range / long distance shots it's kind of perfect, especially at 17oz. Plus, the turrets are about a third of the size of the SWFA.

I also have no issue using the reticle as a measuring tape when sighting in on 12x.

 

[Ajsomp]

Check eBay. Swfa puts a bunch of their blem of overstock scopes on there.

 

[onlybrowning]

Those two scopes are tough to compare. The Trijicon is second focal plane, and I am guessing it has their TDC or whatever it is called reticle with subtensions. I agree with the above that the Ascent (and very similar Huron) is an often underrated scope, and is likely a good fit for most hunters in your situation.

If you are planning to dial at all for shots on game, get the SWFA or something similar. If you are not, that Trijicon will serve you very well.

To further the point, you said you do not have easy access to a range and will not be shooting a ton, which tells me you won't be in a position to be confident with dialing and reading wind for longer range shooting where a FFP scope with exposed turrets is beneficial anyway.

 

[Jbehredt]

Check eBay. Swfa puts a bunch of their blem of overstock scopes on there.

They are good at the auction game though. Dropping only 1 or 2 at a time to keep the bids rolling. I’ve managed to save a couple bucks before though.

 

[Macintosh]

If you arent practicing, you shouldnt be shooting at any range that requires dialing. In that case I think a trijicon sfp scope is among the best choices. I have heard people say the 3-12’s in particular have difficult eye relief compared to other trijicons, but havent used that model. The 3-9’s are fine (and would also be an excellent choice for your use).

The swfa 3-9 could be a great choice if you want to practice more so you can shoot effectively at longer range. But there is zero benefit and some potential down-side (since it’s more possible for an exposed turret to spin, etc) if you arent going to practice much.

 

[43.6N]

Trijicon retails $735. SWFA retails $600. I personally like the constellation of features on the Swfa more. FFP, mil based, strong reticle design.

I also see the 3-9 is currently listed as in stock on their website.

SWFA 3-9x42 SS HD - MIL-Quad Reticle, 30mm Tube, .1 MIL Clicks, FFP

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

If you’re asking what I personally would do, I would return the trij, save $135, and buy the Swfa. Starting off on a mil based ffp system will simplify your learning curve.

But I also wouldn’t think it’s the end of the world if you decided to just keep the trij and move on with your life. Practice with your system is the important part of the equation. And you can still get a lot of practice without having a 1000 yd range.

 

[Zking]

Trijicon retails $735. SWFA retails $600. I personally like the constellation of features on the Swfa more. FFP, mil based, strong reticle design.

I also see the 3-9 is currently listed as in stock on their website.

SWFA 3-9x42 SS HD - MIL-Quad Reticle, 30mm Tube, .1 MIL Clicks, FFP

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

If you’re asking what I personally would do, I would return the trij, save $135, and buy the Swfa. Starting off on a mil based ffp system will simplify your learning curve.

I payed $510 for the Trijicon shipped from EuroOptic. Will lose $30 for restock and return shipping. But they are very close in price and the swfa is now in stock hence my predicament.

 

[43.6N]

Well, ask yourself this: are you in a financial position where the difference in cost isn’t going to break you?

If yes, and if both had been in stock originally, which would you have bought?

 

[scaast]

Not judging at all, my question is coming purely from a position of curiosity…why did you choose a .243? That’s on the lighter end of hunting cartridges, certainly for bear. Was your decision influenced by recoil?

 

[fatlander]

Unless you’re shooting a ton, you’re never going to find whether one would be better than the other. For your intended application, either of them will work just fine. Put that Trijicon in some good rings and start killing some stuff with it.


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