[Konez]

Ive looked through quite a few SWFA fixed 10 scopes over the years and to be honest, my eyes cant tell a difference compared to my old Mark 4 scopes. They look pretty much the same to me. Keep in mind I wear glasses and dont really have the greatest vision by any means. I will say having the side focus is very useful for guys who might have vision issues. Comparing the price of the SWFA to Mark 4 scopes is obvious. Yes I realize Leupold is no longer selling Mark 4 scopes on the civilian market. At least that is what I've been told. Once in a while Midway USA does sell overstock contract Mark 4 here and there. Again, from what I've been told. You can buy 2-3 SWFA scopes for the price of most Mark 4 models. If I was in the market for a scope right now I think Id buy an SWFA. They seem to be excellent quality scopes for what you pay for them.

I'd love to get my hands on a 10x mark 4 but like you said they're pretty pricey. I'm not necessarily opposed to paying up for higher end glass but if something like the SFWA can get pretty close in quality for a small fraction of the cost, I'm happy with that

 

[littltree]

I have purchased many high-end optics from them over the years. I went to their web site and the only thing listed were their SS scopes and a few budget brands. All of the higher-end stuff listed was for a few parts like scope caps. Did they get sold?

I bought an SWFA 10x fixed about 20 years ago for a savage .308 on the advise of a good friend.
That scope has always remained solid, holding zero, despite huge changes in temperature and humidity.
If I ever decide to scope my "loaded model", that is the scope I will probably try first.
Back then , I think I paid around 200.00.

 

[m24shooter]

I seem to remember they were sold several years ago. Shame, I bought a whole bunch of optics from them over the years.

They weren’t sold. It is still owned and operated by the same family. They still retain production of the SS line, but they are getting out of everything else.
I live within about 5 miles of their store location, which is actually their third. It’s a really nice facility and they designed it and then had it built. Before that they were in a generic commercial building a few years ago and before that it was operated out of a brick building behind their house. This was back around 2000 and I used to go over there to get stuff; you had to ring a doorbell at the gate and they would come up and meet you.
Their actual reduction of operations happened pretty quickly once it started. Early last year I was in there one week buying stuff and the next week I was supposed to pick up a transfer. Nobody would answer the phone and when I went to the store there was a hand-written sign that said they would no longer have retail hours and to email them for any pending transfers including NFA items. They never re-opened the store after that. When I picked up my transfer one of the family members told me they would focus only on internet sales and that they hoped this would mean better things in the future.
Within a week they stated they were getting out of every product line/brand except for the SS line.

 

[jwb47]

They weren’t sold. It is still owned and operated by the same family. They still retain production of the SS line, but they are getting out of everything else.
I live within about 5 miles of their store location, which is actually their third. It’s a really nice facility and they designed it and then had it built. Before that they were in a generic commercial building a few years ago and before that it was operated out of a brick building behind their house. This was back around 2000 and I used to go over there to get stuff; you had to ring a doorbell at the gate and they would come up and meet you.
Their actual reduction of operations happened pretty quickly once it started. Early last year I was in there one week buying stuff and the next week I was supposed to pick up a transfer. Nobody would answer the phone and when I went to the store there was a hand-written sign that said they would no longer have retail hours and to email them for any pending transfers including NFA items. They never re-opened the store after that. When I picked up my transfer one of the family members told me they would focus only on internet sales and that they hoped this would mean better things in the future.
Within a week they stated they were getting out of every product line/brand except for the SS line.

I pretty well read the same thing over on the hide . They plan on focusing on the super sniper only .

 

[m24shooter]

I pretty well read the same thing over on the hide . They plan on focusing on the super sniper only .

I really hate seeing this happen. They were a solid local family-owned business, and their store was/is very impressive. Texas DPS has landed helos next to it. They were always really helpful and friendly in there, and I never had a bad experience until I showed up to pick up my transfer that I had told them was coming and got a bit of a shock with that sign. Lots of people were irritated around here by the way it happened. I don’t think their original plan worked out. They still have at least some operations going on out at the store, I see their vehicles parked there when I drive by. It was nice to have a pretty comprehensive storefront you could go to, and I really miss being able to stop in and look through the scope I’m thinking about buying before I actually buy it.
First time I went to the shop they had behind their house was kind of funny. The guy that answered the door at the house said something like, “Yeah, go around back and push the buzzer and they’ll help you out. I don’t really have anything to do with that, that’s their thing.” I think he was the husband/father of the first owners, and now I believe his grandkids are running it but I’m not completely sure about that. Lots of gun owners in the area were sad to see this happen.

 

[m24shooter]

I'd love to get my hands on a 10x mark 4 but like you said they're pretty pricey. I'm not necessarily opposed to paying up for higher end glass but if something like the SFWA can get pretty close in quality for a small fraction of the cost, I'm happy with that

There was a guy a couple of years ago that shot and won the 1 mile challenge at SHOT using a fixed 10x SS if I remember right. There’s a mention of it on the Everyday Sniper podcast (Frank Galli’s/LowLight/Sniper’s Hide) in the first couple of casts. I can’t remember what rifle it was he used, but I think it was also not a top-tier item and the dude was able to make the shots.

 

[m24shooter]

Does anyone have any experience with the quality on their newer production SS scopes? I was thinking about maybe getting a fixed 10x but hearing a company being sold always worries me a bit.

I haven’t heard that there has been any change in their quality. I’ve had a couple of their scopes in the past, and they were very good for what they were. The retained their production/import line, and reportedly are just focusing on that. So maybe as a result they will put more into their scope line with more features.

So, where to get better quality optic since they are out of it??

They still produce and sell the SS line, they just don’t sell other brands.

 

[trbon8r]

What seems bizarre to me is SWFA betting all their chips on an old lineup of SS scopes that haven’t been updated in forever. The SS scopes are ok for their price, and the fixed 10X offers a good value for what it is. But SS doesn’t really offer anything unique or better than what the competition is offering.

The competition has more reticle choices, more variable power options, better illumination, zero stops, etc. Maybe SWFA has big plans to update their scopes and introduce new models? But their current offerings while serviceable are pretty lukewarm compared to the competition. I don’t really understand what their plan is here.

 

[twobyfour]

I bought one of their 10x HD models on sale for ~$480 earlier this year. The glass clarity is on par with my Razor.

 

[m24shooter]

What seems bizarre to me is SWFA betting all their chips on an old lineup of SS scopes that haven’t been updated in forever. The SS scopes are ok for their price, and the fixed 10X offers a good value for what it is. But SS doesn’t really don’t offer anything unique or better than what the competition is offering.

The competition has more reticle choices, more variable power options, better illumination, zero stops, etc. Maybe SWFA has big plans to update their scopes and introduce new models? But their current offerings while serviceable are pretty lukewarm compared to the competition. I don’t really understand what their plan is here.

That’s kind of what I’m thinking I was being told in the store when I asked what their plans were. Given the way they went from saying they were going to do online sales only of their then-current product line to only selling SS scopes and him saying they were hoping it would lead to better things makes me think they might have at least planned to do some innovation/improvement.
The SS scopes are nice for what they are. They are not a bad deal. They are fairly good glass for the price point. They tend to be a little big for their features and capabilities.

 

[bandit]

Has anyone used a "Springfied Armory" scope that was made years ago by Hakko in Japan? Are they any good? Found one for sale. Kinda big for m1a, but would work on a bolt gun. Scope has a level in it and a battery lighted etched reticle. Seems in great condition. Really only ever used Leopolds.

 

[XM25Dweeb]

Has anyone used a "Springfied Armory" scope that was made years ago by Hakko in Japan? Are they any good? Found one for sale. Kinda big for m1a, but would work on a bolt gun. Scope has a level in it and a battery lighted etched reticle. Seems in great condition. Really only ever used Leopolds.

I used to own an SA 56mm scope but ended up selling it years ago. I liked the mildot reticle but the optic was way too big/heavy for me. Also I had an issue with the illumination dial coming loose but that was my fault. SA repaired the scope for free and sent me some free flip up covers when they returned it.

 

[jkv45]

I've got a 10x on the .22 (front) and a 12x on the .308.

Shot out to 1000 yards with the 12x, and it did really well. Tracking was right on from my 100 yd zero -

 

[Mike in Wis.]

For budget priced optics, I just received an Arken 4-16x50 for testing the other day and have wrung it out pretty well the last two days. They are running a 25% off sale. The SH4 Model I have was about $258 with extra scope caps at that price. Surprisingly nice glass and excellent plus turrets for that price... I happily decided to keep it. Arken was started and is still owned by a retired Navy Seal in Texas.

I started years ago with an SS 10X and a Bushnell 10X with turrets and mildots....

 

[tonyben]

They still have demo scopes listed.

Riflescopes - Used & Demo - SWFA Outdoors

www.swfa.com

 

[7 for 1]

So, where to get better quality optic since they are out of it??

In my opinion. Arken. They don’t have the huge range of options (yet) but are adding to their line a LPVO. I love them. Had a Fix 10 swfa on my EBR. Loved it.

 

[boltaction]

Has anyone used a "Springfied Armory" scope that was made years ago by Hakko in Japan? Are they any good? Found one for sale. Kinda big for m1a, but would work on a bolt gun. Scope has a level in it and a battery lighted etched reticle. Seems in great condition. Really only ever used Leopolds.

Hello,
They are good FFP scopes and the glass is very good.
But, you are on your own if something goes wrong with them. The only guy that worked/repaired them passed away a couple of years ago. And, I don't know if anyone has picked up the repair work on them. If, the price is right buy it.
I have three of them and they do the job just fine, two variables and one fixed. One of our Moderators here uses one on his rifle and has put quite a few down range with it doing his surplus ammo rating.
Again, if the price is right, I'd say buy it. You can't really go wrong with them. Sounds like an Gen 3 with the lighted reticle. That's the one riding on my loaded right now. You just have to come up with your own dope cards for the different ammo that you use. The 7.62s variables are zeroed at 200yds.