SWFA 3-9 vs SWFA 3-15 vs Vortex Viper HST 4-16

[BCD]

I’ve narrowed it down to these three scopes to put on my new Hells Canyon Speed In 300 WSM. I would love to get proficient at 5-600 yards but we shall see as I would be very pleased if I could be consistent at 400. Any thoughts on these three scopes?

Thank you!

 

[Wrench]

I have experience with the two swfa scopes. I like the size, reticle and optics of the 3-9hd most. I have a few of them and they ride on some of my favorite rigs.

 

[tdhanses]

I have a vortex vioer hst 4-16x44 in mils I’ll sell you for $275 to your door. I don’t have the sunshade piece but never have used them anyway. It’s in great condition and covered by their no fault warranty.

Only pic I currently have, it’s on my 22.

 

[Charon]

I've used the Vortex PST, which inst the HS-T, and I've also used the SWFA 3-15. I never had a chance to use the Vortex past 200 yards, but I did use the SWFA out to 500. I like the SWFA. The reticle was nice, it tracked well and was a solid scope. Not too heavy too. I also liked my vortex. The glass was great, the reticle was very useful, just a tad thick, and it also tracked well. I would say go with the SWFA if you dont need illumination.

 

[rickjames80]

I have the SWFA 3-9 HD and when I was looking everyone recommended the HD vs the classic because better glass and turrets. 9x is more than enough for 4-500 yds, but I can understand if you like more magnification. If you think you are going to dial for shots, then I would absolutly go with SWFA. If you are going to use the reticle and hold over, td has a pretty good price on the hst and it made your list.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Had a pair of HS-T.....not impressed. Shoot them side by side with 3 SWFA 3-15 I own. Huge difference. The SWFA a better optic all the way around in my opinion.

My HS-Ts were like looking through a glass of skim milk. I will say that the one I have remaining is mounted on a target .22LR and dialed it 36 MOA and back several times in the last few weeks to engage some steel out at 250yds. Seemed to RTZ and track well enough

 

[JimGa]

The 3-9 SWFA is smaller than the 3-15 and a little easier to get behind. Both have good enough glass, the reticle in the 3-9 is a little more bold and they are both tough and repeatable. Wouldn't touch the vortex.

 

[Big Sky]

I have sold two HS-Ts to buy SWFAs. For the price there is no comparison.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[BCD]

The 3-9 SWFA is smaller than the 3-15 and a little easier to get behind. Both have good enough glass, the reticle in the 3-9 is a little more bold and they are both tough and repeatable. Wouldn't touch the vortex.

Can you tell me what you mean by the 3-9 is a little bit easier to get behind?? I like that I can get the 3-15 in MOA. Thank you!!!

 

[JimGa]

Eye releif is a little better on the 3-9. When you get up to around 12-15 power, head placement/eye relief is more critical, not a deal breaker but you just need to know it. I hear people say the "glass" isn't great on SWFA's but the 3-15 my buddy has was better at dark than my 3-12 LRHS and the SWFA reticle is more visible at last light.

 

[balls47]

I have a few SWFA scopes in different powers. I have never had an issue with any of them. On the other hand I've had issues with Vortex optics and know many guy's that also have had problems. I would go SWFA way before Vortex.

 

[BAKPAKR]

The Tax Day Sale started at SWFA so the 3-9 and the 3-15 are 20% off through 4/15.