Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics SWFA 3-9 x 42 HD

Looking at NF 2.5-10 x 42 and wondering if this for $600 bucks would do about the same thing reliability/mechanical stability wise as the $1800NF. I am sure the glass is not as good. They are about the same weight, and the reticle in this one interests me.

Work great. Have quite a few of them, one with somewhere around 60k rounds on it. The least used is probably worth 10-12k rounds.


They stay zeroed, adjust correctly, the reticle is probably the best mil based reticle for hunting available and the clarity, contrast, and resolution is very good.

Nice bucks.

What about the 3-15 non hd models. The power range and price is attractive but would value your opinion

I've got a couple of SWFA SS 3-9x42 scopes and they never skipped a beat on me. One is from the very first production batch (SN006).
They are not quite as good as the 2.5-10x42 Nightforce, but not as far off as you would think. Definitely not as full featured, but the FFP reticle is a nice advantage if you like to have quick holdover capability at any mag.

Between the 3-9x42 and 3-15x42, the 3-9x42 has wider FOV and better contrast. The turrets, IMO, have a little better feel, but both seem to track well.

The 3-15x42 has side-focus, so it is easier to tune focus, hence the resolution is a touch better. For precision shooting, I would go for the 3-15x42. For the "do everything" rifle that might see some precision shooting and some hunting, I think the 3-9x42 is a better choice.

ILya

Kaleb,

ILya laid it out pretty well. I do not have nearly the amount of use on the 3-15x as I do the others, however what I have seen is that they work. That is to say properly. I think this year I'll see a bunch of use with the 3-15x as several have got them/getting them.


How's the NF working?

Formidilio,

Are the SHV line of NF scopes worth the coin? Particularly the 3-10X42.




Travis

Ilya,

Do you know if the side-focus seal design on the SS 3-15x is the same as other tactical scopes? I pulled the SF knob off a 3-15x accidentally and was surprised to see the guts of the scope under the SF knob. The design didn't inspire confidence in terms of longterm sealing, but this might be standard design practice as I've never pulled the SF knob off of any other scopes.

Jason

I am shooting one, have been for 9 months. Rock solid so far.Consistant and reliable return to zero. I hunt with mine, and the mil reticle is very nice.Once used to it, you will love the precision for wind holds. The glass is quite good as well.

Travis,

The few that I have seen looked good. I conversed with EHG last year before I had really seen any and he said they were working correctly and that he was pleased. I know a couple of the guys at NF and it seems like they made sure that the SHV's are able to maintain their reputation. The QC and design is there, they just lack the complete overbuilt aspect of the NXS and ATACR lines.

Most side-focus designs are done in roughly similar manner. There are minor variations here and there, but the basic construction is similar.

Now, if you were able to ust pull the turret off, there had to be a QC glitch. I presume the replaced the scope for you, right?

ILya

The 3-15 is the classic series, they go to 5-15 in HD. If they had a 3-15HD that would be a consideration but I need more low power than high in Georgia. I have one of their 1-4 scopes and frankly was surprised when I got it regards what you get for the money.

On the NF 2.5-10x42 the factory says the parallax adjustment makes it difficult to work with a PVS14, so recommended the 2.5-10x32 if you were going to use for that, they also said the newer 2.5-10 x 42's will not have NV settings for anyone interested in that sort of stuff.

What are everyone's thoughts on the eye relief on the 3-9 HD? 3" seems pretty short at 9x. I'm looking for a scope for a lightweight 300 WSM that will be shot at funny angles at times. I'm a little worried about eating the thing with 3" eye relief.

Guys thanks for the helpful info. Always appreciate opinions based on actually using the gear being discussed.

Form the NF worked too well. I'm having a rifle built for a friend and took him to shoot one day when he stopped by to drop off the donor action. He was ringing steel out to 670 with the retical alone. He wanted to buy it. I told him over and over I wasn't interested in selling the rig. Either way he kept on and bought rifle scope and all the ammo I had loaded.

Same feedback I got from him. I know he gunned 750 or so rounds each on a .223 and .308 to distance over a couple days. Zero retention, Tracking, RTZ were tits even with the "soft" handling he put it through. Sounds like a winner, just waiting for a used one to pop up so I can screw somebody outta one.

Thanks broseph.



Travis

If you decide you want to get fugged after giving your fugging, let me know. I'll be there.



Dave

Whittakers is a good place to buy the 3-10 SHV from my experience. Son just mounted one on his 7mm using Talley lows. Fit like a glove.

No problem. I'm staying on them to produce a mil/mil version with a better reticle. I could like that.

I was disappointed to see they're MOA. Might buy one anyway.



Travis

I'm curious about this too. I have an ss 6x42 but haven't used it yet, I believe it's also 3".