SWFA SS 12x42 or Burris MTAC 4.5-14x42

[Gtscotty]

To get right to it, I have a .223 bolt rifle that I would like to use for targets out to 500 - 600 yds at the local range. Wind will be a big factor where I shoot, so the functionality of my elevation and windage turrets will be a big deal. As of right now I borrowed a SWFA SS 3-9x40 from my .308 to use on my .223, but I want to go ahead and get it it's own scope.

As I was looking for a bit more power, and to stay with mil/mil I had pretty much settled on an SWFA SS 12x42... Until this afternoon. While walking through a local store, I saw the Burris MTAC with mil/mil turrets marked down from $549 to $349. The scope was very clear, and the turrets action was distinct if a bit light and mushy. The only disadvantage I can see is that the MTAC is an SFP scope, and therefore the reticle will only work at 14x. The more I think about it though, the alternative is a fixed power 12x, so only using the reticle at 14x might not be that big of a downfall. Do any of yall have any experience with either of these scopes? Opinions on which would be better for effectively the same price? The SS is more or less a known quantity, but I've had a hard time finding reviews and opinions on the MTAC.

 

[Gtscotty]

Wow, this is the first time in the history of the internet no one has had an opinion on which scope someone else should buy. I wound up just getting the SS 12x and some SWFA low rings to go with it.

 

[dprice3844444]

nikon makes some nice 223 scopes with bdc installed
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...&hsimp=yhs-att_001&type=att_pc_homerun_portal start here

 

[slowr1der]

I've never had the SWFA 12x, but I've had their fixed 10x as well as a SS 3-9x42 and a couple 5-20s. I've also had that exact Burris although I ended up selling it without using it. In additon I've had a Nikon P223 as mentioned as well. The Nikon is no where near the quality of the other two so imo I'd rule that out unless it's all I could afford.

That said, I think you made the right choice. Imo the SWFA is better made and probably more durable than the Burris while also tracking better than the Burris scopes I've had. However, I do think the Burris is a very good scope with very good glass. If I needed a variable power I would go with it, but on a target rifle where a fixed power spite will work just fine I'd rather have the turrets/tracking of the SWFA.

 

[aubie515]

You won't be sorry getting a SWFA SS scope. I've owned over a dozen of them over the years. Best value in optics to get into MRAD.

 

[Gtscotty]

I'm looking forward to getting the SWFA, but unfortunately I got snagged by SWFA's practice of not showing real time inventory on their website. After I checked my status online I called and was told that the scope was back ordered and would be ready to ship August 22nd.