Swampfox VS Arken

[12Bravo20]

The Arken SH4 is definitely growing on me the more I use it. I would have to say between the Arken SH4 and the Swampfox Patriot it would be a toss up based on personal choice. With all of the available discounts from Arken and the excellent MIL/Lo discount from Swampfox, the price is pretty close for either scope.

If you want a lighter weight scope the go with the Patriot,. Plus the Patriot is a bit clearer at 16X and above.

Yes the Arken is heavier and has huge turrets, it gets the job done. As far as positive feel/clicks of the turrets, Arken wins there.

Both scopes track well and passed the box test I did.

 

[12Bravo20]

Well the EP5 showed up last night, can't say enough about Arken's customer service, I ordered the high rings at first, a quick email and they assured me the medium rings would work for my precision rimfire and they switched my order.

I can vouch for Arken's customer service too. I made a mistake and ordered the SH4 MOA reticle when I meant to order the SH4 MIL reticle. A quick email and they toke care of it for me. They even answered within 30-60 minutes on the weekend.

Rest assured that Swampfox's customer service is very good too. I had to contact them 2 times and each time I was taken care of in a timely manner. That is 2 times for all of the optics I have bought from Swampfox; 4 scopes, 1 prism sight, and multiples of each red dot that they sell.

 

[mavracer]

Apparently their shipping department is on point too, mount wasn't supposed to get here til Monday.

Guess I need to get to the range.
I'm out of rifles that need optics but I might try the swampfox micro red dot on my P322

 

[LoonWulf]

Arken also released a new scope priced between the sh4 and Ep5, looks to be qbout 1/2 a pound lighter as well.

 

[12Bravo20]

I saw that they just released the EPL4 with a hunting reticle. The reticle is not a Christmas tree yet still has hold overs for elevation. It looks like they are only available in 4-16 power right now.

https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/epl4-4-16x44-ffp-mil-vhr

 

[mavracer]

There's a 6-24X
https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/epl4-6-24x50-ffp-mil-vhr2

 

[12Bravo20]

There's a 6-24X
https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/epl4-6-24x50-ffp-mil-vhr2

I should have scrolled down a little farther. yes they offer the EPL4 in both 4-16 and 6-24. I would say it should be a good scope for those with a tight budget and that wants a simpler reticle.

 

[mavracer]

I should have scrolled down a little farther. yes they offer the EPL4 in both 4-16 and 6-24. I would say it should be a good scope for those with a tight budget and that wants a simpler reticle.

It would be really nice on my Valkyrie as I built it as a lightweightish long range target/varmint gun. But noooo I'm keeping USO on it.

 

[12Bravo20]

I want to get two more scopes but am trying my hardest to hold off to see what Black Friday sales are available. I'll either buy a couple more Arken scopes or a couple Swampfox scopes.

 

[mavracer]

I want to get two more scopes but am trying my hardest to hold off to see what Black Friday sales are available. I'll either buy a couple more Arken scopes or a couple Swampfox scopes.

Don't need a couple Vortex HST second focal planes by chance

 

[12Bravo20]

Don't need a couple Vortex HST second focal planes by chance

I appreciate the offer but will pass. I'm pretty close to having to get the dog to share his dog house as it is. Guns and model trains are both expensive hobbies.

 

[mavracer]

@12Bravo20
Do you have a Swampfox Sentinal? If so how do you like it and do you have the auto on or the one with a switch?

 

[12Bravo20]

@12Bravo20
Do you have a Swampfox Sentinal? If so how do you like it and do you have the auto on or the one with a switch?

Actually I have two Swampfox Sentinels. One is the auto brightness model and the other is the shake to wake/manual model. I definitely prefer the shake to wake model.

The auto brightness model is pretty much useless in a dark room even with a few LED night lights around. And even a weapon mounted light is not bright enough for the auto brightness model to work in a dark room. If there is not enough light hitting the sensor then the dot won't even turn on/be visible.

While both versions are well made, the shake to wake version gets the win since it will work even in total darkness.

 

[Walkalong]

but am trying my hardest to hold off to see what Black Friday sales are available.

Smart. Turn of the year too.

 

[12Bravo20]

I know that Swampfox puts on some big sales now and then. They had a great deal when I bought my 6-24 Patriot scope. They basically gave away the Liberator II red dot and scope mount with that sale.

 

[mavracer]

Man these things really live up to their billing for tracking. Took the bolt out and looked down the barrel to get a rough zero that's the hole to the left. Made the adjustment measuring with reticle and fired 2 ran the turrets thru their full range and put them back and fired a third round then zeroed the turrets and set the zero stop and fired a 4th into the same hole. It's only 25 yards I can't wait to stretch their legs.

The rimfire is ridiculous fun these are 10 shot groups.

 

[12Bravo20]

Outstanding @mavracer glad to see that your results matched mine on how well these scopes track. I was kind of unsure about the Arken at first, but the more I use it, the more I like it.

 

[JGrelle]

I have a Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10 with green illuminated mil reticle, really like it, but I had to send it in to be replaced because the illumination failed when above setting 6. The replacement had to be replaced because the illumination would not turn off above setting 6 except whe. It was in between on/off detents. So far my 3rd one is still going good. Fingers crossed.
Optically they have preformed above their price range & tracking is right on.

 

[12Bravo20]

For the price point, I don't think one will go wrong with the Arken SH4 or Swampfox Patriot. Yes the Swampfox Patriot costs quite a bit more, unless you qualify for the Swampfox MIL/LEO discount (30%).

I am using the Swampfox 30mm mount for the Patriot and the Arken 34mm mount with 20 MOA. Having the built in MOA helps when pushing out at farther distances. Yes the Patriot is a bit clearer at 16X and above. I am having a hard time deciding which one to get for other builds since both work well considering the price point. Neither will compete with a more expensive scope with better glass, but they are hard to beat for the price.

 

[powermad]

The EPL4 line looks tempting.
Better glass and lighter than the SH4 for about the same price I paid for the SH4 about a year ago, which is under $300 for the 4-16 now.

 

[mavracer]

While both versions are well made, the shake to wake version gets the win since it will work even in total darkness.

Caught a green shake n wake version on Fleebay and threw out an offer. I really like it other than it shows how hard it is to hold my p322 still lol.
Just wanted to say thanks

 

[12Bravo20]

I'm glad that you are liking the Swampfox Sentinel.