Author Topic: Swift Pistol Scopes (Read 1773 times)

BigDaddy1014 · « **on:** September 23, 2004, 03:45:37 PM »

Hello, New to this site, but have been shooting Contenders/Encores for quite some time. :shock: Looking for input on the SWIFT 2-6x32 pistol scopes. Has anyone tried them?

Do you like them?

Hate them?

? Or what. EABCO says they are comparable to the Bushnell Elite 3200. Is this true. Want the best bang for the buck between the two. Thanks for any and all relys.

BigDaddy1014

As my wife says................Any day above ground is a good day!!!!!!!!!!!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2004, 04:07:05 PM »

First off Welcome to Graybeard.

Well I have had Swift scopes and no longer use them. I did not like the clarity of the Swift scopes. I have been switching most of my scopes to Leupold. I do have a couple of Bushnell pistol scopes and think they are very good scopes. But if I had to choose between the SWIFT 2-6x32 pistol scopes and the Bushnell Elite 3200. I would choose the Bushnell Elite 3200. JMHO

BigDaddy1014 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2004, 04:18:59 PM »

Thank you for your input. I really appreciate your opinion.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2004, 05:37:09 PM »

Not the first claim I've heard of from that source to which I say BS. I'd not even call it equal to the Trophy much less the Elite. Just a crass marketing ploy to move merchandise in stock. Common all over really. Have you watched any TV commercials lately? Seen any truth or reality there?

Duffy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2004, 06:42:32 PM »

I have that one on my bullberry 22 hornet. It is quite clear but unlike on a Leupold that's either clear or black I don't like the fuzz or halo that appears when your eye isn't lined up perfectly. Also I had a 2X Leupold on this bbl and replaced it with the swift to try it out and now my groups have mysteriously grown in size. Hmmmmm.......

Ryan

pastorp · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2004, 05:43:07 PM »

Big Daddy, If memory serves me correctly, the advertizement from EABCO a few years ago stated that the swift premier line of rifle scopes were as good as lepould. Based on that recommendation I orded 2. A 4-12X40 and a 3-9X40 both premier grade. I sent the 3-9 to a friend in Maine to try, he is a dedicated lepould user, he is still using it now about 2 years later and likes it as well as his lepoulds. The 4-12 I mounted on a 223 I own that is a tack driver. Both of these rifle scopes lived up to EABCO's advertizement IMO. With this experience with swift scopes I decided to order one for one of my contenders. The rub comes in that swift did not make the premier line for handguns. AT least I could only find there regular line available for them. In an effort to shorten this dialog, I ordered a 2X and was not satisfied with it. I also tried a regular rifle scope and found it to be inferior to the premier. I have owned lepould,baush & lomb, and bushnell pistol scopes as well as the swift. IMO the bushnell trophy series is hard to beat, especially the 2-6. That is what I would buy in a cheeper scope. Hope this helps, Byron

Duffy · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2004, 07:24:05 PM »

Pastorp,
Check the Eabco site again, the scope I have is a premier.
I noticed that they were still selling the regular ones in the catalog but only showed the premier's on the web site.

Ryan

pastorp · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2004, 08:43:19 PM »

Duffy, Thanks for the heads up on the swift premier handgun scopes. It was at least 2 years ago when I tried them. Eabco nor several on line optic dealers listed premier handgun scopes at that time that I could find. I believe I ended up purchasing the handgun scope through Georgia Optics. At any rate I have gotten over swift scopes and moved on to other brands. I recently purchased 2, 1.5-6 smith&wesson handgun scopes. They are japanese made and look very simular to the elate bushnell line. As soon as I decide on some new barrels to mount them on I will post my opinion of them. I do like to try new things, but it is really hard to beat leupold in the higher price line and bushnell trophy series in the lower price lines. IMO of course. Byron

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #8 on:** September 26, 2004, 07:59:10 AM »

well i dont own a lot of scopes but i have two busnell trophys an i love them for the 150 i spent it was well worth it an i wount lie i wasent a good fan of bushnells at all before i got my first now i got an elite an nikon monark in my eyes ther about the same in brintness an such but i do wear glasses an is blind as a bat lol but the nikon has a little more eye relief to me but for the money you get for the bushnell they cant get any better ide buy more if i could lol
dave

Cabin4 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 29, 2004, 03:12:16 PM »

I have seen the Swift Premier line up of scopes. I rate them very high for the price and in the Bushnell 3200 or better class. I might even go as far as saying there in the VX2 class for optical clarity. They will hold up to heavy recoil of a handgun.

There is a custom gun shop near were I live and they deal in swift scopes. They put alot of them on hunting revolvers for customers with great results.

.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 29, 2004, 04:48:36 PM »

Quote from: cabin4

I have seen the Swift Premier line up of scopes. I rate them very high for the price and in the Bushnell 3200 or better class. I might even go as far as saying there in the VX2 class for optical clarity. They will hold up to heavy recoil of a handgun.

There is a custom gun shop near were I live and they deal in swift scopes. They put alot of them on hunting revolvers for customers with great results.

.

I have owned them and would never put them in the same sentence as a Leupold. And also not close to the Bushnell 3200. I would put the Swift scopes in the same class as Tasco though.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 30, 2004, 10:01:19 AM »

Are you sure you have seen the new Swift Premier line up ? There a big dif from the premier to the standard swift scopes. Premier come with a lifetime warranty.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2004, 05:14:33 PM »

Quote from: cabin4

Are you sure you have seen the new Swift Premier line up ? There a big dif from the premier to the standard swift scopes. Premier come with a lifetime warranty.

I have seen both and still would no longer consider a Swift. I currently own 21 scoped rifle or pistols and 90% wear Leuplod. Like I said I have tried many different brands and Swift included and Leupold is my brand of preference. But Swift is not in the same class as the Leupold or the Bushnell 3200 & 4200 series. IMHO

pastorp · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2004, 06:34:39 PM »

bigdaddy1014, Looks like you will need to purchase one and form your own opinion. I hope we did not muddy the water too much. Opinions, everyone has one. And they are worth just what you paid for them. Regards, Byron

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2004, 11:12:40 PM »

ive owned a pile of handgun scopes never a swift and personaly wouldnt waste my money on one. Ive come to the conclusion that its best to save your money and buy a leupold and when its paid for buy a handgun to put it on. Ive torchered them on everything up to a heavy loaded 4570 and there THE only brand i havent seen fail. I take that back my buddy has a pentex that has held up to a contendor in .458 mag. So Id have to include them. You just flat get what you pay for especially in the optics dept.

Graybeard · « **Reply #15 on:** September 30, 2004, 11:25:55 PM »

Quote

take that back my buddy has a pentex that has held up to a contendor in .458 mag.

Are you real sure about that? A CONTENDER in .458 Mag? As in .458 Win. Mag? No way. :eek: Tell us you meant Encore.

Raging480 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2004, 04:15:59 AM »

I have three Freedom Arms big bore handguns, and a S&W 500, and they all wear BSA 2x scopes.

GOTCHA! :-D

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2004, 07:42:36 AM »

Quote from: Raging480

I have three Freedom Arms big bore handguns, and a S&W 500, and they all wear BSA 2x scopes.

GOTCHA! :-D

Hope that was a joke.

PowerPro · « **Reply #18 on:** October 10, 2004, 02:58:51 PM »

Say what you want about SWIFT!! I've got the $110 4x32 on my Ruger Super Redhawk 454 Casull and it works fine!! And the best thing is that if it does tear up!!! I can take it back and get an over the counter trade!
Thats a warranty that Leupold won't even touch!!!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #19 on:** October 10, 2004, 10:41:48 PM »

its a encore and acutaully a .458 lott im not a tc nut like a lot on here and just use the term genericaly Its quite a handfull especially with lotts!!

Quote from: Graybeard

Quote
take that back my buddy has a pentex that has held up to a contendor in .458 mag.

Are you real sure about that? A CONTENDER in .458 Mag? As in .458 Win. Mag? No way. :eek: Tell us you meant Encore.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 11, 2004, 08:24:54 AM »

Quote from: PwerPro

Say what you want about SWIFT!! I've got the $110 4x32 on my Ruger Super Redhawk 454 Casull and it works fine!! And the best thing is that if it does tear up!!! I can take it back and get an over the counter trade!
Thats a warranty that Leupold won't even touch!!!

Makes me want to run out and buy them. NOT! :eek: :eek: :eek: I would pick a Leupold over a Swift any day. JMHO

pastorp · « **Reply #21 on:** October 18, 2004, 05:48:04 PM »

PwerPro, The main thing is that you are happy with what you are using. If a swift scope works for you, and you feel you received good value for your dollar then don't let the brand freaks put you down. Everyones eyes are not the same. And some optics look good to one but not another. While it is true you get what you pay for, everyones requirements are different as is the depth of their pockets. IMO of course, Byron

Duffy · « **Reply #22 on:** October 18, 2004, 08:46:07 PM »

Just a little update on a Swift scope. My brother had a standard 2X and mounted it on his new Bullberry 45 colt bbl.
This last week he had a chance to try it out and the results weren't too good. It adjusted well and held zero but after about 25 rounds of fairly stiff loads it failed. The reticle broke and was sort of hanging in there and upon closer inspection there was powdered glass up against the rear lens. To it's credit it still was sighted in even with the broken reticle. It probably had a total of 125 rounds through it most being standard 45 colt and cowboy loads but those last 25 are what seemed to kill it.

Ryan

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 19, 2004, 02:29:21 AM »

Quote from: pastorp

PwerPro, The main thing is that you are happy with what you are using. If a swift scope works for you, and you feel you received good value for your dollar then don't let the brand freaks put you down. Everyones eyes are not the same. And some optics look good to one but not another. While it is true you get what you pay for, everyones requirements are different as is the depth of their pockets. IMO of course, Byron

I don't care what the brand name is. Performance is where it counts and sorry to say the Leupold just out performs a Swift. I go to Alaska on hunts and the last thing I want is a chance a less expensive and lower performance optics will fail. I know any brand can fail but I am sure it happens less in a quality optics. Kind of defeats the purpose of spending $6000 on a hunt and have a $150 scope fail. No where to replace it in the bush. Spend the extra money and rest assured. JMHO

pastorp · « **Reply #24 on:** October 19, 2004, 10:14:26 AM »

Redhawk1, Glad you can afford to travel to my great state to hunt, and afford good scopes as well as other top of the line equiptment. I agree that the Alaskan bush is not a good place for equiptment failures. My point was that every poster has a valid opinion based on his or her experience. Most will never be in the Alaska bush. I just would like for them to feel free to state their opinions without someone restating and opposing opinion everytime. That could be taken as a put down I believe. Buy the way where have you hunted in Alaska? Regards, Byron

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #25 on:** October 20, 2004, 07:26:14 AM »

My scopes better than your scope....Um, guys...I think you have made your point several posts ago. Let it go...

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 20, 2004, 07:53:34 AM »

Quote from: pastorp

Redhawk1, Glad you can afford to travel to my great state to hunt, and afford good scopes as well as other top of the line equiptment. I agree that the Alaskan bush is not a good place for equiptment failures. My point was that every poster has a valid opinion based on his or her experience. Most will never be in the Alaska bush. I just would like for them to feel free to state their opinions without someone restating and opposing opinion everytime. That could be taken as a put down I believe. Buy the way where have you hunted in Alaska? Regards, Byron

In the Arctic Circle. Fly out of Bettles field to the Nigu river basin. I might go again next year to see if I can get a bigger Caribou.

My intent is not to put down anyone. Sorry if you misunderstood my posts. But if you plan to do any hunting that is not just in Alaska, it could be an Elk hunt in Arizona or Colorado or any hunt that you spend your hard earned money for, just to have a scope fail.JMHO

My suggestion is to buy the best you can afford no matter the brand.

WNY_Whitetailer, I don't see why we should Let it go... This is an open forum and there are no flames or anyone out of line. But thanks for your input. :?

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #27 on:** October 20, 2004, 07:57:37 AM »

You're welcome Mr Redhawk1 :roll:

pastorp · « **Reply #28 on:** October 20, 2004, 08:52:44 PM »

Redhawk1, Looks like good country your hunting in. I saw in another post you made that you were going in aug. this year. Were you suscessful? I was on the China river north of Fairbanks toward the end of august, lots of smoke. Buying the best scope you can afford is good advise, but doesn't always produce the desired results. My current hunting pardner had a 3x9 leopold on his rifle when we started hunting together. A couple of years later we noticed it was bent. We travel in boats and on 4 wheelers and must have been damaged somehow. He replaced it with a redfield 3x9. About 2 years later on a brown bear hunt ,he noticed the crosshairs were no longer vertical and horizonal but rotated with the power ring. When we arrived back home I gave him a bushnell trophy 3x9 that I kept as a spare scope. So far it is still holding up. He sure is hard on optics. By the way what do you caribou hunt with? Regards, Byron

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #29 on:** October 21, 2004, 02:03:14 AM »

Quote from: pastorp

Redhawk1, Looks like good country your hunting in. I saw in another post you made that you were going in aug. this year. Were you suscessful? I was on the China river north of Fairbanks toward the end of august, lots of smoke. Buying the best scope you can afford is good advise, but doesn't always produce the desired results. My current hunting pardner had a 3x9 leopold on his rifle when we started hunting together. A couple of years later we noticed it was bent. We travel in boats and on 4 wheelers and must have been damaged somehow. He replaced it with a redfield 3x9. About 2 years later on a brown bear hunt ,he noticed the crosshairs were no longer vertical and horizonal but rotated with the power ring. When we arrived back home I gave him a bushnell trophy 3x9 that I kept as a spare scope. So far it is still holding up. He sure is hard on optics. By the way what do you caribou hunt with? Regards, Byron

We all were successful. Where we were at, it is a natural funnel. It is in between two Mountains and the caribou have to come through. Now it is a large funnel and you still have to work to get your caribou. We had the same problem with the smoke in Fairbanks and Bettles. We could not fly out for 3 days from Bettles and got stuck there. The fire was just outside of Bettles and the wind was blowing to smoke right into town. But when we were able to fly out and get to our hunting destination, there was no smoke or fires. We had a lot of snow hit us and it was cold, but what a beautiful place. I used a Tikka 300Win Mag with a Leupold 3.5X10X50mm. I shot across a river at a distance of 300 yards and got my Caribou. I also had a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull, for back up and a tent gun. If I got close enough to take a Caribou I would of used the 454. The closest shot of any of us was 208 yards. Where we were at there is no trees at all, and you can't hide behind anything. There were some alders by the river, but you need to be in the right place to have them cross. I thought about a bow, but I don't think we would of got no wheres close for a shot. I wanted to take one with my 454 Casull but like I said, the distance to the Caribou was way out of range. Alaska is truly a beautiful place.