Update: SWFA SS10x42 MMQ

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mcdonama

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Apr 30, 2015
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Thanks to members here I decided on this scope and so far it's been a really great choice.

I seriously considered the MTC Connect but decided against it when the manufacturer replied to my email and recommended against mounting on a springer.

The SWFA has seen over 500 shots on my Weihrauch HW35 (.177) so far with no issues. I've also used it on my Air Arms S200, using it to shoot aspirin tablets (glued on toothpicks) at 30 yards.

Things I especially like:
  • very clear optics all the way to the edge
  • MIL/MIL design (reticle sub tensions and turrets)
  • mid located parallax adjustment knob
  • reticle design is very useful for hold over at distance as well as range estimation
I would definitely buy this scope again. In fact, I am considering purchasing a second one to mount on my PCP rifle so I don't have to switch it back and forth and re-zero each time.

Things I don't like/would change:
  • ​haven't found anything yet
 
I bought the 16x with the MQ reticle. It's said not to be as clear around the edges as the 10X, but I really like the clarity of the glass. The turrets can be set to zero by loosening the three grub screws on the turret. They bite into the brass retainer, and I've read of them coming loose, but I have not experienced that, even as I've changed my zero range. For the price I think it's quite the bargain at $299.00 every day, and prefer it to the Hawkes I've seen (and looked through). Yeah, the reticle is great, and one of my favorite features. Some may not like that the scope does not come with an IR. I don't mind that, and I believe SWFA offers some models that do. Definitely check out the offerings at SWFA.com as it carries many great scope brands, most of which are beyond the capacity of my wallet.
DT
 
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Totally agree with your point about value. Mine was $399 due to the mid parallax adjustment knob rather than adjustment of parallax at the objective, but even at that price IMO it's a bargain that compares well with scopes that cost much more.

I was concerned about mounting on springers since I am a springer guy, but they list the scope as "shockproof" in the specs and I read on PB forums that their customer service is basically a no-questions-asked kind of deal. So I went ahead and put it on my HW35-- no issues so far.

Really a great scope and no buyers remorse here at all.
 
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I honestly do't think these scopes are springer-rated. It's one thing to sit on a 50-cal pb, but quite another to sit on a double-action (two-way shock) springer. If your HW35 is a low-power, non-FAC model you may be OK with it's mild power. I'm not familiar with this model. But if it's slinging pellets at 800~900 fps, it may not last long. Better to get a scope more appropriate, if that's the case, imo.
 
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Yes, from what I've read you're right. Even though a scope can stand a .50 BMG it doesn't necessarily mean it can stand a spring piston air rifle.

My HW35 fires a .177 calibre, 8.12 grain pellet at about 725 fps, or about 9.5 ft/lbs or energy. So far, I've fired about 700 rounds or so with this scope mounted on the rifle with no signs of any problem with scope. It still focuses as well as new, I don't see any change in clarity, and it still holds zero just fine. The reading on the parallax knob is still dead on (ie: the knob when focused reads just about exactly the actual distance to the target.

It doesn't seem like the scope is broken. It still performs just like it did on my PCP gun before I ever mounted it on the springer and fired it 700 times.

Question: specifically what am I looking for in a scope when it "breaks"? Maybe I'm missing something?
 
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Truthfully I could only speculate about how a failure might manifest itself. I have seen scopes fail to hold a setting, where at first glance one might suspect a loose scope mount, or even a dirty barrel. in my last encounter with a scope gone bad, I suspected the two items I mentioned, and it was not until I tried another scope on that rifle (a Parker-Hale Phoenix non-FAC PCP) that I was able to confirm a bad scope. It's reticle had come loose somehow, and moved a bit with each shot, shifting the actual POA. I imagine a high-powered springer would really rattle the insides, and you'd see similar POI irregularities that might make you think the rifle was "spraying" pellets when in actuality the reticle was moving the POA around bit by bit. I can't say the <10 fpe of the 35 won't be an issue for the scope as I don't know how low the threshold for failure from the back-and-forth shock of a springer on a (the) scope might be. Given that it's a fine scope in all other aspects, and that you've already put more than 700 shots through the gun\scope combo without incident (so far), you may be OK. If any problems arise, and you suspect the scope, switch it out for one you know works as a process of elimination. Chasing a POI with a bad reticle will quickly devolve in to an exercise in futility (until the light goes off in an "aha!" moment). :)
shoot straight!
 
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"Chasing a POI with a bad reticle will quickly devolve in to an exercise in futility (until the light goes off in an “aha!” moment). "

Yes, that would be an undesirable outcome for sure! $399 down the drain.

So far I haven't seen any issues like that but perhaps <10 ft lbs is not enough to cause problems.

Thanks for your advice and I'll be watching carefully for signs that the scope is developing a problem.

Matt
 
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