About two weeks ago I finally received the new SWFA SS 1-6x24 FFP scope. I have had plenty of time to work with the scope, so I thought that I would write a review. I ordered the scope in May of 2012, and received it in this month. SWFA made a lot of people upset over the past few months because they kept posting a release date that never came true. Personally, I don't sweat the small stuff and my story is a little different. Had it not been for their updates, I would not have built the rifle that the scope sits on. In November of 2012, parts were still easily had and so I started to assemble a rifle for this scope. Had I have waited longer, I would probably have a scope with no rifle. Now that I have my hands on it, I can tell you it was worth the wait.
The SS 1-6x24 is a first focal plane optic with illumination. Removing the scope from the box, you can feel that this is not a cheap optic. It feels very well built and has heft to it for its size. The quality of glass is incredible. In the daytime, the optic has great brightness and clarity. In low light conditions, the optic is still plenty bright enough to be useable given its small 24mm objective. It is impressive to say the least. The reticle is a Mil based crosshair reticle. SWFA refers to it as a "Donut: Circle/Mil-Scale". It features a center dot with milling cross hairs. It is simple and useful. Any more than this, in my opinion, would clutter the reticle and be useless on a 6 power scope. I have read some complaints about illumination bleed through on the outside of the scope at 6 power. It certainly has some bleed through, but only if you are not properly positioned behind the scope. It is no different than the black you will see around a non-illuminated scope if you are not in the proper position. The only other thing worth pointing out is that in bright daylight conditions, the reticle is not as bright as an Eotech. You can still see the illumination, but for rapid shooting, the reticle is clear enough without illumination that rapid engagements are very easy. Through initial testing yesterday, the optic flawlessly passed the 'Box Test' at 100m. All adjustments tracked straight and true. Like other scopes in the SS line, the turrets have solid brass internals and feature positive click adjustments. The only thing the scope really needs, is a throw lever. I have heard that the throw lever for the SWFA SS 1-4 will work, but have not personally tried it. Below you will find some pictures of the reticle in dark conditions. This scope is tough to beat at its $999.99 price point.
At 1x power:
At 6x power:
100m 5 shot Group:
The SS 1-6x24 is a first focal plane optic with illumination. Removing the scope from the box, you can feel that this is not a cheap optic. It feels very well built and has heft to it for its size. The quality of glass is incredible. In the daytime, the optic has great brightness and clarity. In low light conditions, the optic is still plenty bright enough to be useable given its small 24mm objective. It is impressive to say the least. The reticle is a Mil based crosshair reticle. SWFA refers to it as a "Donut: Circle/Mil-Scale". It features a center dot with milling cross hairs. It is simple and useful. Any more than this, in my opinion, would clutter the reticle and be useless on a 6 power scope. I have read some complaints about illumination bleed through on the outside of the scope at 6 power. It certainly has some bleed through, but only if you are not properly positioned behind the scope. It is no different than the black you will see around a non-illuminated scope if you are not in the proper position. The only other thing worth pointing out is that in bright daylight conditions, the reticle is not as bright as an Eotech. You can still see the illumination, but for rapid shooting, the reticle is clear enough without illumination that rapid engagements are very easy. Through initial testing yesterday, the optic flawlessly passed the 'Box Test' at 100m. All adjustments tracked straight and true. Like other scopes in the SS line, the turrets have solid brass internals and feature positive click adjustments. The only thing the scope really needs, is a throw lever. I have heard that the throw lever for the SWFA SS 1-4 will work, but have not personally tried it. Below you will find some pictures of the reticle in dark conditions. This scope is tough to beat at its $999.99 price point.
At 1x power:
At 6x power:
100m 5 shot Group:
