SWFA 3-15x42mm Gen 2 Field Eval Q&A

[Stinky Coyote]

what magnification does the reticle become very usable for non-diallers? can you add a couple pics in the 6x-8x-10x type range?

 

[ElPollo]

what magnification does the reticle become very usable for non-diallers? can you add a couple pics in the 6x-8x-10x type range?

The Gen 1 is likely the same and mine becomes useable for me at about 6x. 8x is really good. The 3-15 MQ has the same reticle that the 6x MQ has, but the diamonds marking the hashes are hollow on the 3-15 and solid on the 6x. It makes the diamonds marginally less easily to see, but it’s not a huge difference.

 

[Formidilosus]

Updated.

 

[MBounds69]

I have no experience but you guys have sparked my interest in SWFA scopes. Are they all made in Japan?

 

[Formidilosus]

Updated.

 

[Formidilosus]

Updated.

 

[BLJ]

What size orange dots are you using for your zero checks? Specifically post #4 and #5 in the eval? Thanks.

 

[BLJ]

What size orange dots are you using for your zero checks? Specifically post #4 and #5 in the eval? Thanks.

 

[Formidilosus]

What size orange dots are you using for your zero checks? Specifically post #4 and #5 in the eval? Thanks.

1.5”.

 

[littlebigtine]

I would recommend using the capped turrets for folks looking to get the most durability out of these scopes. I just accidentally dropped my rifle directly on its elevation turret and it bent it, shearing off the screw on top. Went to work the turret back clockwise and the entire turret housing spun. Sending it back to swfa for warranty. Will update the process

 

[sndmn11]

I would recommend using the capped turrets for folks looking to get the most durability out of these scopes. I just accidentally dropped my rifle directly on its elevation turret and it bent it, shearing off the screw on top. Went to work the turret back clockwise and the entire turret housing spun. Sending it back to swfa for warranty. Will update the process

View attachment 869783
View attachment 869784

If you put one of the other turrets on using the screw from the windage, does it function? I'm curious if the damage stayed in the replaceable turret, or if the spindle portion was damaged.

 

[littlebigtine]

I would assume the spindle was affected. My zero was pretty consistently .4 mils 10 shot groups for the last 2 zero checks. I shot 4 after I dropped the rifle and my group was almost touching and had shifted .7 mils left and .4 mils down.

If you look closely at the photos youll notice the indication tree on the turret housing has spun clockwise. Probably not a good sign either?

 

[littlebigtine]

SWFA emailed me today and shipped out a new scope free of charge, no questions asked. Super easy warranty process.

 

[Quandary]

Maybe stupid question but are we talking the Gen2 3-15 x 42? That is what I ordered, arriving today. I don't see a 3-15 x 44 on the SWFA website.

 

[walk2112]

Maybe stupid question but are we talking the Gen2 3-15 x 42? That is what I ordered, arriving today. I don't see a 3-15 x 44 on the SWFA website.

Yeah, insignificant difference, but it is the x42 being discussed.

 

[Formidilosus]

Maybe stupid question but are we talking the Gen2 3-15 x 42? That is what I ordered, arriving today. I don't see a 3-15 x 44 on the SWFA website.

Corrected title.

 

[Schmo]

I just took delivery of one of these last week. My first product from SWFA ever. I was very impressed with the scope for the money. My main gripe would be that the turrets in capped condition are very tall, but that probably doesn’t actually affect anything, just looks kinda dumb. But overall, I don’t think there is a better scope on the market with those features in the same price range. I’m ordering another.

 

[Broken Twigg]

I recently got my first SWFA too, a Gen2 3-15x42. I really like it and while the turrets are long, it hasn't caused me any trouble functionally. My rifle case doesn't like the long windage turret, but that is the only issue. I will definitely buy another!

If anyone has removed the little nub on the mag ring, what did you use to fill the threaded hole?

 

[Quandary]

I received my SWFA 3-15x42. Nice quality, feels sturdy, big big turrets. I also have an unmounted Leica Amplus 6 2.5-15x56 making for an easy comparison in operation and optical quality. From an optical perspective there is no question the Leica is substantial better. The Leica is brighter and much crisper at the edges. This is particularly noticeable at lower power settings. The Leica has better colors and looks more natural. It is much easier to look into the deep woods with the Leica and make out/distinguish different branches, leaves etc. That said I think the SWFAs optical quality will be adequate, all though as mentioned in deep woods hunting and first/last light the difference could've make a difference in the ability to take an animal. I bought the Leica on sale for $950 versus the $750 for the SWFA. From a purely optical perspective the Leica is way more than $200 better.

To me there is not a meaningful functional difference in the operation of the turrets, power ring or parallax adjustment. The Leica is illuminated.

I have not tested tracking etc, etc and that may be a whole different story. The above comments were solely regarding optical qualities only. Obviously based on Forms test the SWFA is great. I was at the event where a drop test was conducted on the Amplus and there were issues on zero hold after the 9 drop segment. It took a couple of shots to get back to zero as I recall. However that test was done with the owner's rifle versus Forms "test bed" as a consequence it is hard to conclude the impact of action stability, rings etc versus the scope. I am certainly not qualified to make those determinations.

 

[Choupique]

After a few years with a standard 3-15 SWFA in Louisiana swamps, I don't think you'll find the glass costing you any game.