Restocked SWFA 3-9x42 Gen 1

[Griffmax36]

Well this kinda sucks. I've had an swfa before where the turret didn't line up with the tick marks after I zeroed it. With this one it is pretty much right in between ticks

Does anyone have a clever fix?

View attachment 839615

On mine, the part that says “up” on it is a separate part and spins. Not sure it’s supposed to, but you are able to line it up this way.

 

[HighUintas]

On mine, the part that says “up” on it is a separate part and spins. Not sure it’s supposed to, but you are able to line it up this way.

The collar at the base of the turret that sits on the tube? Yes, someone else awhile back mentioned you can move it, so I gripped it really hard and am able to spin it a bit. I don't think I'll glue it in just in case I need to move it again. It's snug enough I don't think it will move on its own

 

[mahonsr]

Yes, much better grip. Still stiff but much more usable compared to relying on just the scallops for traction.

To put it another way: without the band, I had to be cognoscente of how I had my grip on the zoom ring to move it. With my two scopes, it required a c-grip, and was pretty clumsy to actuate. However with the band, I can use two fingers without giving the action much attention.

I should note, I used the smallest ranger band. Only about an inch across when not stretched. I rolled them over the eye piece with a good deal of effort then straightened them out, but they are not going

Yes, much better grip. Still stiff but much more usable compared to relying on just the scallops for traction.

To put it another way: without the band, I had to be cognoscente of how I had my grip on the zoom ring to move it. With my two scopes, it required a c-grip, and was pretty clumsy to actuate. However with the band, I can use two fingers without giving the action much attention.

I should note, I used the smallest ranger band. Only about an inch across when not stretched. I rolled them over the eye piece with a good deal of effort then straightened them out, but they are not going anywhere now that they’re in place.

I haven’t given a throw lever a second thought since installing them.

Tried it out today and you’re right. That does help a lot. Good tip - appreciate it

 

[roosiebull]

Awesome a few more came into stock, maybe that’s a sign of good things. A gen 2 would be cool, but i would much rather have a gen 1 that’s available vs a gen 2 that takes a year to get

 

[Cantharellus]

If you guys are buying the zero stop shims, save the dude some money and buy them direct.

Instructions from Tim...

"Thank you for your interest in our Zero Stop shim sets for SWFA Super Sniper scopes. We support the following scopes:


Fixed power models – the entire line. $27/set

3-15 X 42 $27/set

5-20HD $27/set (Note: SWFA says these will NOT void the warranty now. They are approved.)

Fixed power HD models $27/set


All the scopes except the 5-20 are available with MOA or milrad turrets. You MUST specify which style turret you have. If in doubt, it’s noted on top of the turret.



There is an installation video here:

Note that the video is for the original fixed power scopes, but the basic procedure is similar for all the different scopes. The actual number of shims and markings will vary from model to model.



Tibosaurus Rex did a video here:

Ordering is easy. We accept PayPal (preferred) and all types of paper money including personal checks and money orders. To order, please use your preferred method and send the appropriate amount to timkulinstudios@aol.com or the physical address below.

Tim Kulin

2790 Wood Valley Court

Woodland Park, CO 80863



When ordering, be sure to include your shipping address. You wouldn't believe how many people forget. Please also note if your scope's turrets are in MOA or milrads. If you don't specify, we will assume mil rad."

I followed this process and got some shims direct from Tim for the SWFA 3-9. Easy to install and works great! I was able to get mine to stop at .3 mil past zero using the shims.

 

[Docholiday82]

I've been waiting for one of these for a rifle build and SWFA said they would be back in Feb. I checked the website this morning and they're in stock. Figured I'd share for anyone else that's looking. Was hoping to see the Gen 2 upgrades on them, but I'll take it!

I missed out, but use "cyclops" for a 10% discount.

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

I have heard great things about these. How do they compare glass quality wise to PST gen I ?

 

[Alpha Echo]

So I emailed Tim about the unadvertised set of shims for the 3-9 SWFA on Feb 28, never heard back. Is this the correct email for him?

timkulinstudios@aol.com

I'm probably just going to go to the hardware store at this point with a turret in hand and get some nylon washers.

 

[Alpha Echo]

I have heard great things about these. How do they compare glass quality wise to PST gen I ?

I don't have experience with the Vortex, but the SWFA glass seems perfectly fine to me so far (I've just received my first about a month ago, haven't even had a chance to mount it due to health issues). The "optical quality" of this scope is covered in detail here, based on a quick Google search (much better than the built in RS search): https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/swfa-ss-optical-quality.319159/

 

[Cantharellus]

So I emailed Tim about the unadvertised set of shims for the 3-9 SWFA on Feb 28, never heard back. Is this the correct email for him?

timkulinstudios@aol.com

I'm probably just going to go to the hardware store at this point with a turret in hand and get some nylon washers.

That's the one I used. It took him three days to respond to me and mostly just repeated the info in the post about directly contacting him.

You could try sending the $27 for the shim kit with your information to the same email through PayPal. That's what the email he sent said to do. Include scope info, including Mil/MOA, and address. I got the shims a handful of days later.

 

[Kurts86]

I have heard great things about these. How do they compare glass quality wise to PST gen I ?

Definitely better than a PST gen 1, if nothing else the 9x top magnification limits the demands on the glass quality. The 3-9hd definitely has better glass than a lot of the other SWFA offerings.

 

[morgaj1]

So I emailed Tim about the unadvertised set of shims for the 3-9 SWFA on Feb 28, never heard back. Is this the correct email for him?

timkulinstudios@aol.com

I'm probably just going to go to the hardware store at this point with a turret in hand and get some nylon washers.

I couldn't get a response from him on email, so I contacted him through ebay. He responded promptly and I bought 3 shim kits from him.

Zero Stop for SWFA Super Sniper Scopes | eBay

We manufacture zero stop shim sets for use with SWFA Super Sniper scopes. You MUST select the correct turret type or the shim set will not work with your scope. It will be marked milrad or MOA. The shim sets for all the fixed power scopes and also the 3-15 are all identical and interchangeable.

www.ebay.com

 

[Mike Islander]

There’s about 3 million things I try to keep track of in life and what rev line one of my many scoped rifles is on isn’t one of them.

Unless your kid cranks it like a wristwatch, how far can it accidentally turn? Nowhere near far enough that you can't just turn it the shortest distance to zero. Non-issue.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Unless your kid cranks it like a wristwatch, how far can it accidentally turn? Nowhere near far enough that you can't just turn it the shortest distance to zero. Non-issue.

Who said anything about accidentally?
It only has 5 mils per rev

 

[Alpha Echo]

I gotta say, just got around to putting a dab of food safe lube on my turret o rings, and OMG what a difference.

The addage "everything in life is better with lube" holds true.

 

[Alpha Echo]

Also just read, to my chagrin, that apparently the food safe lube I used (because I had it on hand, vs silicone) is mineral oil based, and mineral oil, in turn, is not recommended for certain types of rubber--causes rubber to swell, turn brittle, and crack/break. Heads up @jfk69

Not sure I'm going to go through the trouble of trying to clean it off with isopropyl and q-tip--but putting it out as a PSA, that @prm is actually correct, seems like silicone based is the way for rubber. Will update if I wind up with o-ring failure.

 

[jfk69]

Also just read, to my chagrin, that apparently the food safe lube I used (because I had it on hand, vs silicone) is mineral oil based, and mineral oil, in turn, is not recommended for certain types of rubber--causes rubber to swell, turn brittle, and crack/break. Heads up @jfk69

Not sure I'm going to go through the trouble of trying to clean it off with isopropyl and q-tip--but putting it out as a PSA, that @prm is actually correct, seems like silicone based is the way for rubber. Will update if I wind up with o-ring failure.

Thank you sir, but the lube I use is the same lube I use on my 5 gallon ball kegs for home brewing. After years of use the o-rings on the kegs are in perfect condition. I’m not worried.

 

[Alpha Echo]

Thank you sir, but the lube I use is the same lube I use on my 5 gallon ball kegs for home brewing. After years of use the o-rings on the kegs are in perfect condition. I’m not worried.

Is it by chance Taylor HP? If so then maybe I'm in the clear too!

 

[thinhorn_AK]

That's the one I used. It took him three days to respond to me and mostly just repeated the info in the post about directly contacting him.

You could try sending the $27 for the shim kit with your information to the same email through PayPal. That's what the email he sent said to do. Include scope info, including Mil/MOA, and address. I got the shims a handful of days later.

Just order them on eBay and in the note say you want the 3-9 version. I just ordered a few and that’s what he told me to do.

 

[jfk69]

Is it by chance Taylor HP? If so then maybe I'm in the clear too!

I’ll try to remember to look when I get home. Busy catching some rays for a week in Florida before heading back to gloomy Michigan lol, but I’m thinking it is Taylor

 

[Alpha Echo]

I’ll try to remember to look when I get home. Busy catching some rays for a week in Florida before heading back to gloomy Michigan lol, but I’m thinking it is Taylor

Safe home and TY!