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When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? #5696108 04/12/15 04:32 PM
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6.5x47Lapua Offline OP
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For the longest time they were not advertised as having hd glass. The example I owned had awful glass. They are now listed with the other hd ss scopes. Just curious when they upgraded.

Last edited by 6.5x47Lapua; 04/12/15 04:34 PM.
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5696117 04/12/15 04:44 PM
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Last year, or two years ago, I think.


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Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5696759 04/13/15 02:11 AM
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6.5x47Lapua Offline OP
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I'm curious if the only thing they changed was the name.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5698447 04/14/15 01:02 AM
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I didn't know the 3-9x42 had HD glass when I bought mine last summer. I had went into the new store planning to walk out with the 3-15. I don't have a lot of experience with high-end optics; but I could tell the glass on the 3-9 was better than the 3-15. I went with the 3-9 and it has served me quite well. It wasn't until a few months later I discovered the reason was the new 3-9s may be using HD glass.

Last edited by okstatefan; 04/14/15 03:14 AM.
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5698465 04/14/15 01:10 AM
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I'm not quite sure the 3-9 has "hd glass". It is now listed as hd in the title, but not in the description.

Which is why I'm curious. I thought swfa had a rep on this site who would be able to explain.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5698621 04/14/15 02:23 AM
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SWFA has designation of HD or not. I have not seen them false advertise.

Skylar is on this site lots, but he can't monitor it all day every day.

nidea Call the store and ask them. If you don't believe us.


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Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5698689 04/14/15 02:46 AM
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Same question was asked on Opticstalk..........silence.

I actually went to the new store and asked. Just got a shoulder shrug.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5698819 04/14/15 04:12 AM
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I purchased one of the SWFA 3-9 scopes in their December sale and asked Skylar if it was "HD" since it had not been listed as such and was assured that it was. Comparing it to the 3-15 (I own 2) I would say it is much better optics. That said, SWFA now lists the 3-9 in their HD section so not sure when/if it was converted to HD.


Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
I was wrong...on anything technical.

Originally Posted by Sailor
Fitz............. is right, ya know............
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: Big Fitz] #5699893 04/14/15 09:00 PM
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Keep in mind that the term "HD" is a marketing term only. It doesn't necessarily mean the optic employs any special optical glass, whether low dispersion, extra low dispersion, or fluorite lens elements. It is simply used to denote that the optic is a "high definition" model; that it in some way has improved image quality vs a manufacturer's base model lines. The manufacturer may achieve this improved optical performance using extra low dispersion, apochromat, or FL lens elsments, or it may simply have an optical design that effectively controls optical aberrations and produces high image quality.

In this particular example, I'm pretty sure the SS 3-9X42 does not contain ED or FL lenses, but I'm not absolutely certain of that. If it does, I've never heard SWFA say it does. Nevertheless, it does have better image quality than some of the legacy fixed power model SS scopes, and is a higher end design, so it's appropriate for it to be classified as such.


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Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5699934 04/14/15 09:25 PM
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The SWFA SS 3-9X42 has always been a HD riflescope, however was not named until recently with the development of the Mil-Quad reticle.

The 3-9X42 was introduced to the market at the same time as the SWFA SS 10X42 HD which had to have the HD designation in the stock number and description online to keep from becoming confused with what we now call the SWFA SS Classic Riflescopes, for example the SS 10X42.

As the HD line expanded SWFA had to make a clear distinction on our website between the Classic and HD series. So we made the decision to divide them into two separate categories.
The 3-9X was listed where it belongs and for uniformity we added HD to the description.
Nest, the stock number will change as well the lettering on the actual scope.

I hope this clears up any confusion that you had. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5700104 04/14/15 11:30 PM
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Thanks Skylar.
Just a couple more questions. The 3-9 that I had previously had a large amount of CA in the optics. It was bad to the point of almost seeing bright targets as double. You guys replaced that scope under warranty for other issues. Is this a normal occurence with the 3-9? And should I except similar quality of glass in the 5-20?

I really was hoping you guys had upgraded the 3-9 glass.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711572 04/22/15 04:52 PM
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Ok. Let me ask the question another way.

Is there anyone out there who has lots of range time with both the ss 3-9 and the ss 5-20? I am wanting to know the glass qaulity differences between these two "HD" scopes.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711627 04/22/15 05:24 PM
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I have quite a bit of range and hunting time with the SS 3-9X42 and a small amount with the 5-20X50.

I do think the 5-20 is a little better optically, but then I haven't seen the severe CA and double image issue you describe with the 3-9. The SS 3-9 I borrowed from a buddy for 4 months for hog hunting on my AR had very good optics, in fact.


Ted
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711633 04/22/15 05:27 PM
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My 3-9 was a turd in many ways. Just don't want to make that same mistake with a 5-20.

I may pick up a 6x42 MQ, but will probably stay away from the "HD" line of scopes.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711711 04/22/15 06:21 PM
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Dude... your profile says you're in D/FW. SWFA is in Midlothian. Just drive over there and ask them to break out a 5-20. Walk outside the front door, rest it on something to keep it steady, focus the eyepiece, and look at the resolution chart they have tacked to the power pole on the opposite side of the road at various power settings. Spin the knobs. They're nice folks; they'll let you do this. If you like it, buy it. If you don't, don't. No risk involved. Don't trust someone else's opinion; nobody but you can see through your eyes. I've seen and/or played with ALL of the SS scopes except the newest 1-4X at one time or another. The "HD" line is WAY better than the non-HD SS scopes, and still, they're pretty darn good for the price.

Or, was this thread just a means to bash the SS 3-9? In a previous thread about the SS 5-20 vs. Vortex, you said you thought the SS 5-20X50 glass was very good, but you thought it was lacking in "adjustments and reticle choices." When pressed, you admitted your only experience with the SS scopes was the 3-9, despite opining on the lack of 5-20X50 virtues and telling me that my praise for it must've been "sarcasm." So, we have to conclude that your assessment of the SS glass being equivalent to the Vortex must've been based solely on your time behind the SS 3-9. Now, you're saying your SS 3-9 sucked, so one has to wonder from what basis you were able to make your comparison between the optics of the Vortex Razor vs. an equivalent magnification SS HD.

FiremanJG, Skylar, I, and perhaps several others have already told you several times that we think the SS 5-20X50 is a superb scope well beyond its price point, optically and mechanically. We answered your questions, and yet your "turd / make the same mistake" follow-up response indicates that's not good enough for you. Fine, don't believe anyone who's actually used the scopes you're asking about. Hell, maybe all of us have eyesight problems. Just drive over there to SWFA and look at the actual scope and form your own opinion.

Last edited by RifleDude; 04/22/15 06:31 PM.

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Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: RifleDude] #5711723 04/22/15 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
Originally Posted By: RifleDude

If you were comparing it to the Vortex Razor Gen2, it would be a very close comparison


Sarcasm doesn't translate well over forums. Surely you were joking?


Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua

I'll put it this way. I think on the open market the ss 5-20 illuminated is about a 1000-1100ish bare bones basic scope, and the non illuminated about 950ish. It is right in the range of a bushnell edmr, which is another great scope. Features wise, the ss just doesn't hang with even the gen 1 razor. Zero stop, nope. Turret options, nope. MOA option, nope. Reticle options, nope. Decent controls, nope. Glass, evelation, and travel, sure.


Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua

My experience with SS is limited to the 3-9.


Speaks volumes, huh?


Ted
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711844 04/22/15 07:38 PM
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Honestly, this tread was about hoping they upgraded the glass in the 3-9. Now we find out that the 3-9 had "hd" glass this whole time. Kinda discouraging.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711848 04/22/15 07:42 PM
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I thought about adding some kind of grip tape to the mag ring ridges to help with swfa's oversight. But that seems like a moot point now.

The search continues.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711907 04/22/15 08:07 PM
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You asked questions, you received answers. If you're not willing to apply any weight to the answers given, why ask the questions?

You're really close to SWFA. Why not get in your car and drive over there and see if these "issues" you're speculating about out of thin air are actually issues at all? Obviously, some of us with actual hands-on don't see these huge impediments to changing magnification and parallax adjustment. Granted, I have manly fingers, so changing the magnification on an SS 5-20 isn't an angst-inducing ordeal for me.

"To help with SWFA's oversight?"

WOW.

To the casual observer, it seems your goal in this and several other threads isn't really the pursuit of information and good-faith discussion of gear of mutual interest, but instead to push an agenda. How can you throw out unsubstantiated criticisms based on zero first-hand experience and write off a product option as "a moot point" and "the search continues" when, by your own admission, you have no experience with the product in question and "the search" never even started?

How hard is it to drive 25 whole miles and get all the answers to your question you seek, in person? While you're at it, you can compare other scopes too, and ensure that you're making the right decision...since you obviously don't trust the opinions given? Therefore, that grueling 50 mile round trip wouldn't be for naught, as these nagging issues would then be forever resolved, and you wouldn't then need to continue speculating about stuff you have no first-hand knowledge of.


Ted
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711938 04/22/15 08:24 PM
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Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711951 04/22/15 08:33 PM
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It was a simple question that got answered. No big deal.

And I have plenty of experience with the 3-9. My scope had real issues. And I have given an honest account of the designs shortcomings.

Btw, I like my grip tape idea better than the switch view I had bought for my previous 3-9. I stopped by swfa last weeK to have a peak, but admittedly didn't take any scopes out into the parking lot. Maybe next time.

The reason for my visit was to compare the non illuminated ss 5-20 to an lrhs. They had neither. Too bad.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711974 04/22/15 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
It was a simple question that got answered. No big deal.

And I have plenty of experience with the 3-9. My scope had real issues. And I have given an honest account of the designs shortcomings.


Moving the goal post, I see.

No, to the contrary, it wasn't a "simple question" at all. You already established that you have experience with the 3-9 and that you thought it sucked. I'm speaking of your follow-up questions on how the 5-20 compares to the 3-9 that you hate so much and your subsequent speculation on "issues" that you have no first-hand experience with.

Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua

Just a couple more questions. The 3-9 that I had previously had a large amount of CA in the optics. It was bad to the point of almost seeing bright targets as double. You guys replaced that scope under warranty for other issues. Is this a normal occurence with the 3-9? And should I except similar quality of glass in the 5-20?

I really was hoping you guys had upgraded the 3-9 glass.


Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
My 3-9 was a turd in many ways. Just don't want to make that same mistake with a 5-20.

I may pick up a 6x42 MQ, but will probably stay away from the "HD" line of scopes.


Followed by the sarcastic, unprovoked shots you took at SWFA for not monitoring your every word 24/7, in lieu of simply PM'ing Skylar@SWFA, a fellow THF member...

Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
I thought swfa had a rep on this site who would be able to explain.


Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
Same question was asked on Opticstalk..........silence.

I actually went to the new store and asked. Just got a shoulder shrug.


The evidence points toward you having some kind of agenda against SWFA and you're not really looking for answers on the SS scopes at all.

Last edited by RifleDude; 04/22/15 08:54 PM.

Ted
Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5711981 04/22/15 08:58 PM
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If it makes you feel better, I am critical of all my scopes. Just haven't found the perfect scope for my needs yet.

Would it please you if I started a tread reviewing all my scopes? That way it won't seem critical of only swfa.

Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5712022 04/22/15 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: 6.5x47Lapua
If it makes you feel better, I am critical of all my scopes. Just haven't found the perfect scope for my needs yet.

Would it please you if I started a tread reviewing all my scopes? That way it won't seem critical of only swfa.


Nice "crawfish" there. That's the entire point; you're not just "critical" of scopes you own; you're "critical" of those you don't own and have never laid hands on too, which is dishonest. And, you're evidently unfairly critical of people for not constantly monitoring your every question/concern 24/7 as well.

No, it would not only please me, but likely others too, if you'd participate in discussions in good faith, take note of people taking the time to answer your questions with a modicum of graciousness, and reserve criticism only to items you have actual hands-on experience with. I realize this is perhaps a passe standard to expect on the internet today, but those of us with old-fashioned integrity kinda expect that of others we interact with. And, before you try to spin this discussion again to cover for the fact you're talking out your azz, no, I'm not talking about the 3-9; I'm talking about the 5-20, which you criticized at length and ridiculed my high regard for same, despite having zero experience with it.

Last edited by RifleDude; 04/22/15 09:24 PM.

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Re: When did the ss 3-9 get hd glass? [Re: 6.5x47Lapua] #5712029 04/22/15 09:29 PM
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Point well taken. But it doesn't take much of a jump to assume the 3-9 amd 5-20 mag rings are similar. A simple picture is enough to know they are of the same breed. And a quick hands on in store confirmed my feelings.

I still think my grip tape on the ridges of the mag ring is brilliant. Cheap and easy fix.

Give me some time and I will work up some first hand reviews of the scopes I have used.

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