Fixed power scope recommendations

[Rodeo]

I have always bought variable power scopes but I usually just use them as "set and forget". I think that I would like a fixed power scope to mount on my .25 Wildcat. I mostly shoot to max 75yds so I am thinking a 12x or 16x scope. I would also like a reticle with holdover / windage markings in a "christmas tree" style (Hawke Airmax as an example). Decent glass is a must - BUT - I am married so everything costs twice as much.
So as the title says, what is working well for you and what should I avoid?

 

[douger]

SWFA 16 SS love mine 

 

[allan_wind]

The default answer seems to be SWFA and the 10x comes in a side focus if that is important to you. If you hunt/pest then I would suggest you also look into a first focal plane (FFP) scope if you haven't tried those yet. The sub-tensions scale with zoom so it is "change as needed and forget" it.

 

[socaloldman]

ALLAN_Wind. Right. SWFA my 12X is great.

 

[bowwild]

I have 10X SWFA with the same use criteria. Mine is on a Steyr .22 though.

 

[Rodeo]

I would like a side focus but I also would prefer 12x over 10x. I tried using different magnifications @ 75yds yesterday and my accuracy was not as consistent on 10x. How would you compare the clarity of the SWFA 12 vs 16 vs Hawke Vantage? (what is currently on the Wildcat) 

 

[socaloldman]

I had the hawke vantage 4x16 and like the SWFA 12x much better. Glass on swfa is better and ilil
ke the reticle more one the .swfa. 12 x seems to be the sweet spot. The swfa is a lot lighter and not as bulky. Better balance. 

 

[Rodeo]

Since it will go on the Wildcat, light weight is a definite plus. The only things I wish the SWFA had are side focus (I want at least 12x) and the pyramid style holdover point reticle. I did start looking into first focal plane scopes. The FFP scopes would eliminate the main reason I rarely change the magnification on my second plane scopes. I saw two ffp scopes that have the features I want: the new line of Hawke ffp and the Athlon Argos. I like the reticle on the Hawke a bit better but I do not like the price. The Athlon is more in my price range. Are there other ffp scopes with similar features and reticle as the Athlon / Hawke worth considering? 

 

[allan_wind]

I have been happy with my Athlon. They have a great warranty and always been responsive when I had questions both pre and post-sale. The other mid-priced scopes you may want to look at it Delta Optical, Falcon Optics, Aztec (that one is MOA only), Optisan, Primary Arms, (TAC) Vector. I haven't tried any of those, so others will have to give you feedback. Joe reviewed the Aztec recently and liked it.

 

[Hookster]

I have always had side focus scopes but went out on a limb and gave the SWFA fixed 20 a try with the rear focus. It is easy to get used to and keeps the gun looking cleaner IMO. Also fits a case better with no big side wheel. I have it mounted on FX Compact .25 . 

 

[Rodeo]

I wanted to go with the "keep it simple" idea but I'm not finding all of the features I want in a fixed power scope. I might be ok without a side focus but I really want the "christmas tree" reticle. I like everything else I read about SWFA's. I find that I keep coming back to the Athlon Argos.

 

[Rodeo]

I just saw a post about the MTC Cobra F1 scope. This scope also has the types of features I'm looking for. Has anyone seen a review, price and USA due date for this scope?

 

[-edge-]

How much are you willing to spend?

 

[Rodeo]

I would like to keep it under $350 but that is somewhat flexible depending on "bang for the buck".

 

[Uglyjohn]

Check out Dvor. They have what you want. Uj

 

[Quoddy]

My suggestion on choice between 10x and 12x would be, are you free shooting or bench resting? I find that 12x is just over the top for freehand. The side focus on the 10x would also be enough to sway me. BTW, I don't have a SWFA, but am basing this on my experience with my Vortex Viper PST2 3-15. I seldom go over 10x unless I'm benching, and then only go to a max about 12x unless shooting well over 100 yards.

 

[Parrotculler]

I came across this thread a couple years after the action. 

Anyone looking for a rangefinder ("Xmas tree") reticle should take a look at Amazon or Aliexpress. Two models are widely sold for 35-50 bucks: a 4-16* and a 6-24* magnification. The latter is a bit bigger but both are well made ... and reasonably light ! 2nd focal plane and front parallax adjustment both. They even come with illumination and guess what ... they keep their POI and even look good ...

Get a couple of these units and ya'll never look back.

 

[davit66]

I have the SWFA 12X mounted on my FX Royale 500. This scope does it all for me, close in squirrel work and 100 yd targets. Rear focus is really very convenient. And you get a 30mm tube scope that doesn't add a lot of weight.

 

[Mr.H]

Another vote for the SWFA 12X. I really like their reticle design. I need to pick up a 10X and 6X, too. Sometimes,the 12X is a bit much for close work. The 6X would go on my deer rifle.

 

[cmatera]

Recently got a SWFA 10x rear focus. It does all I need it to do up to the 40 yds I have to shoot in my yard.