Scope for Savage 10 PC (SWFA 3-15 vs 5-20 HD)

[CalRon]

Hey,

I have a Savage 10 Precision Carbine w/ 20" barrel in .308. I am brand new to precision rifle shooting. I will probably do most of my shooting between 300-600 yards. I would like to work my way up to 1000 yards. There are a couple ranges out here in Nevada which have 1000 yard matches.

I am trying to decide which scope is best suited for me: SWFA SS 3-15x42 or SS 5-20x50 HD

I have read great reviews on each. Seems like the glass on the 5-20 HD is much better than the 3-15. I like the price of the 3-15 better, but I dont want to be handicapped when I eventually work my way to 1000 yards. I also don't want anything that will be considered overkill either.

Which one do you guys think will suit my needs the best as a beginner and allow me to grow into?

Thanks

[6.5 Guy]

5-20 if you wanna go long.

[CAPTBEACH]

I am a dyed in the wool SWFA scope fan...I own 3 a 10, 16 and 20 fixed power scopes...exceptionally clear glass, and rugged...great scopes...I am looking hard at the 3x15 for a Savage Shorty Hunter I am putting together, at about $500-600 used and $699 new its a lot of variable power scope in a very rugged package...as far as the 5x20 goes $1300 -$1500 new for the 5x20x50 is a quantum leap in SWFA scopes...I know you get 50mm, First Focal Plane, Mil Quad reticle...yada yada...there are a lot of nice(r) scopes in that price point...Used NF, new Luppies, Vortex...

Power as in MORE is what you want when going long... so if your budget was in the 3 x 15 range...Go for it and BTW report back...I have yet to get my hands on one...want to...I want a lower 3 power for low light deep woods hunting and the 15x for a bean field shot when necessary...

[CalRon]

Thanks for your help. I'd like to have the better glass on the 5-20 HD, but I think the 3-15 will suit my needs just fine. Plus making long distance shots will probably be more rewarding if I can do it with less magnification.

With the money saved, I am thinking about getting a targetcam. This will make spotting my shots much easier since I will be shooting by myself in the desert most of the time.

[S. Blair]

I was in the same spot as you and almost bought the SWFA 5-20 for the my wife's rifle but then went with the 3.5-21x50 Bushnell Elite Tactical with the TRMR2 reticle instead. In my opinion it is the best scope in that price range.

[justdave]

The 3-15 should serve you well. Should you decide to upgrade, SWFA does have a trade in program.

[darkker]

Well, I'll offer a different view.
Per your question, the 3-15 or 5-20.

Honestly the 3-15 is a higher mag, over-priced, 10x scope. Just like their 10x, the turrets honestly kinda suck. The picture looks beautiful, until the heat waves come out. Then at distance (MZ5 brought his up, we did work out to a mile with them) the mirage is so bad, that distinguishing the target gets down right impossible. Larger targets wave and move so bad, if it's an UKD you won't be able to mil it.

I have never used the 5-20, but honestly for it's price, it **** well better be better glass. The Weaver #800363 has as much adjustment as the SS, and much better glass, for that same 6-800 range. I recently reviewed the Primary Arms 4-14. That scope is a better scope than the 3-15 SWFA.

So of the two you are asking, I don't vote for the 5-20, but against the 3-15. Unless your eyes are trashed, I did some video work with MZ5 last year in AZ. Was clanging away at 1050 yards with a POS 3-9.

[CalRon]

Alright guys, I ended up purchasing an SS 3-15x42. With the money saved I will buy a decent spotting scope or a target cam. I can't wait to go shooting!


Thank you and Happy Labor Day!

[CharlieNC]

You will have enough power for shooting 1000yd steel, but not enough for even mid-range paper like F-class. So depends on what you plan to do.

[CalRon]

I think this will be a good scope for me to start with. I mainly shoot in the desert at paper and steel. It should hold me over until I learn exactly what I want/need from a scope and what kind of long range shooting I plan on doing.