SWFA SS 10×42 Gen 2 Review - Rugged Fixed-Power Precision
SWFA SS 10×42 Gen 2 Review - Rugged Fixed-Power Precision
The SWFA SS 10×42 Gen 2 has earned a reputation as a rugged, dependable fixed-power scope designed for shooters who value simplicity, precision, and durability. While it occupies a modest price bracket, it is often compared with optics far above its cost. This review looks at its specifications, features, real-world usability, and where the scope excels or falls short.
Specifications & Build Quality
• Magnification: Fixed 10×
• Objective Lens: 42 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle: MOA-Quad (Second Focal Plane)
• Turrets: Modular Turret System (MTS) with built-in zero-stop
• Field of View: ~11.8 ft @ 100 yds
• Weight: ~590 g
• Construction: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, nitrogen-purged
• Recoil Rating: Up to .50 BMG
The overall construction is robust, with an emphasis on reliability. The scope feels solid, and the mechanical components - particularly the turrets - are engineered for repeatable tracking and tactile adjustments.
Features & Performance
Optical Quality
The fully multi-coated glass provides a bright, high-contrast image suitable for long-range precision shooting. While not in the league of premium European optics, its clarity is widely regarded as exceptional for the price.
Fixed 10× Magnification
A fixed-power scope simplifies the design and reduces mechanical failure points.
• Advantages: Consistent optical performance, fewer internal moving parts, predictable reticle usage.
• Limitations: Less versatile for close-range or rapidly changing environments.
10× is well-suited for mid- to long-range shooting, target work, and training platforms.
MOA-Quad Reticle (SFP)
The reticle design offers clean vertical and horizontal reference marks without clutter. Being in the second focal plane means subtensions remain accurate at one magnification - easy, because the scope is fixed-power.
Turrets & Adjustments
The MTS turrets provide audible, tactile clicks with dependable repeatability. The built-in zero-stop is a welcome feature, especially for a scope in this price range, making it easy to return to your baseline elevation.
Durability & Environmental Resistance
With a recoil rating up to .50 BMG, the scope is engineered to withstand substantial punishment. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it suitable for harsh weather and rugged field use.
Use-Cases
The SWFA SS 10×42 Gen 2 is best for:
• Long-range target shooting
• Precision rifle training
• Hunters who primarily shoot at a distance
• Budget-conscious shooters wanting a durable, no-nonsense optic
• Rifles where simplicity and reliability matter more than versatility
Less ideal for:
• Close-range hunting
• Dynamic shooting where variable magnification is beneficial
• Low-light conditions requiring illumination
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Excellent optical clarity for its price
• Extremely durable construction
• Reliable, repeatable turret system with zero-stop
• Simple, uncluttered MOA reticle
• Fixed magnification prevents mechanical failures and maintains consistent performance.
• Rated for heavy recoil
Cons
• Fixed 10× magnification limits flexibility
• Slightly heavier than alternatives in the same category
• Rear-focus parallax adjustment may be less intuitive for some shooters.
• Lacks advanced features such as illumination or first focal plane reticles
Conclusion
The SWFA SS 10×42 SFP MOA Gen 2 is a practical, rugged, and highly dependable scope that offers outstanding value. Its optical quality, turret precision, and brute-strength construction make it a favourite among precision shooters - particularly those who appreciate the reliability and simplicity of a fixed-power optic. While it lacks the adaptability of a variable-magnification scope and some modern tactical features, it excels at what it’s designed to do: provide consistent, repeatable performance for mid- to long-range shooting.
If you want a scope that “just works,” holds zero under abuse, and punches above its price class, the SWFA SS 10×42 remains one of the strongest options available. READ ARTICLE
Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44 Review - The Ultimate Do-Everything Scope
Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44 Review - The Ultimate Do-Everything Scope
When looking at a scope, there are lots of features to consider and even more opinions, but what do you need and what do you listen to? A Delta Stryker & Me, listen to me. The Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44 represents the best magnification range and value for one scope to do everything; hunting, target, and even flexing on your mates that your scope is better. These scopes are hard to beat and easy to see why.
Quick Look
The 3.5-21x44 Stryker offers the perfect amount of magnification for all shooting types, Field Target, Precision Rimfire, Long Range Target, Long range hunting & even Short Range Hunting. If you are shooting close in, 3.5x magnification is perfect for hunting and quick shooting while 21x magnification is perfect for long-range target and other precision shooting styles. It features a very easy-to-use, Christmas tree-style reticle with numbered elevation and windage marks & illumination for those low-light shooting conditions. 45 MRAD of elevation adjustment, 24 MRAD of windage adjustment & 10 MRAD of adjustment with each revolution, this unit blows it's competitors out of the water, they just cannot compare With only a 44mm objective, critics would assume that the field of view is not good enough to be on par with other units around the 20x mark but they would be wrong, this unit offers more field of view than comparable units in price and in magnification, 11.1m to 1.9m at 100m is far more than most other units. With more Adjustment, Field of view & more uses...you just get more from this unit that you can even use. The scope even comes with white lines on the side of the scope so that when mounting, it removes a lot of the guesswork and makes it simple with just aligning the white line with the ring mount and voila, scope level.
Reticle
The Christmas-Tree style reticle makes it easy to quick on the fly adjustments for elevation and windage as they are numbered and the first focal plane (FFP) location of the reticle means the subtensions of the reticle will be correct at any magnification as the reticle will magnify and zoom out with the scopes magnification, this means 1 mrad at 3.5x power will be the same distance on the reticle as on 21x power. It removes any doubt for the correct adjustment and makes you a more accurate shooter. Elevation and wind calls simultaneously are a breeze with this, as it displays a wind hold on the respective elevation hold. For example, imagine a 6 MRAD holdover with a 1 MRAD call for wind; it is simple to make this as you would move down to the 6 mark and across to the larger 1 MRAD mark for wind.
Magnification & Field of View
Having the correct amount of magnification for your shooting type is critical. Whether it is dictated by rules or usability, having the correct zoom will determine how your shooting experience is. For hunting, having a variable lower power scope around the sub 15x power range is great because it has a low enough power that you can use it for scanning and searching while having enough (but not too much) power to take those shots. While for the target, having up to 21x power is ideal for most shooting past 1000m. Most of the time, for less than 1000m, you won't be using the max magnification anyway; you'll be on around 10x to 18x power. Having all the magnification in the world doesn't matter if you can't see around your target. Field of view comes in handy for shooting, when scanning (obviously) and less thought of...when you miss! If you can't see around your target and you miss, you will have no reference for what adjustment you need to make, and you won't be able to make an accurate follow-up shot. That is where this scope beats its competitors. This scope's field of view is amazing at 11.1m to 1.9m (depending on magnification) at 100m. This easily beats Vortex Strike eagles, Razors, Vipers and even the 56mm version of the Delta Stryker.
Specifications
• Magnification Range: 3.5x - 21x• Objective Diameter: 44mm• Field of View @ 100m: 11.1m - 1.9m• Eye Relief: 71-99mm• Diopter Range: -3D/+3D• Water Proof (N2): 0.3kg/cm²• Reticle Position: 1st focal plane• Illumination: Cross• Counter Clockwise: YES• Per Click: 0.1 MRAD• Per Revolution: 10 MRAD• Elev Adj Range: 45 MRAD• Wind Adj Range: 23 MRAD• Parallax Adjustment: 9m - ∞• Zero-Stop: YES• Tube Diameter: 34mm• Length: 325mm (12.8")• Weight: 890g (31.39oz)• Warranty: 10 years
What's in the box?
• Bikini cover• Throw lever
COST: £1,699.99
Honest Opinion
I love this scope.... It has the perfect magnification, field of view, reticle, adjustment, size and weight to do anything and do it all well. That can't be said for 99% of scopes. You could use this scope for anything, and it would be the best scope at doing it. Amazingly clear glass, crisp reticle with easy to read marks and illumination, a reference mark for ease of mounting and tactile turrets which adjust to the sun and back, what is not to love? Yes, it is a healthy amount of money, but buy once, cry once. I promise you this will be the best scope you have used, and you will not regret buying this scope. Truly one scope to rule them all. READ ARTICLE
Vortex Fury 5000 HD Review: The Ultimate Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
Vortex Fury 5000 HD Review: The Ultimate Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
When you need the best, don't settle for the rest. The Vortex Fury 5000 HD 10x42 binoculars are the pinnacle of perfection when it comes to laser range-finding binoculars, offering impressive magnification and outstanding laser range finding distance, leaving its competitors in its dust. With an industry-leading warranty, world-class optics and one of the longest range finding offerings in the current market, why would you need anything else?
Quick Look
The Vortex Fury HD 5000 binoculars have earned their reputation because they simply do everything you need a rangefinding binocular to do, and they do it well. The HD optical system delivers a clean, bright image, and the multi-layer prism coatings help pull out detail and colour even in tough lighting. They’re nitrogen purged, fully fogproof, waterproof, and built shockproof, so you don’t have to baby them in the field. Thanks to phase-corrected prisms, the resolution and contrast stay sharp enough to pick out animals or targets at long distances. They’re also tripod adaptable, which is a nice bonus when you want rock-solid steadiness. On the ranging side, the different ranging modes and target modes like scan mode, line of sight mode and horizon component distance (HCD) mode make it easy to get accurate distances, whether you’re glassing across a canyon using best mode or trying to pick up a target through brush using last mode. Altogether, the Fury HD 5000s feel like binoculars built by people who actually spend time outdoors, and that’s why they stand out.
Rangefinder
If you feel like breaking world records with shooting, this is the binocular set for you. At 5000 yards, this rangefinder is one of the longest range-finding units on the market (unless you have a Challenger 3 or a Naval Destroyer hidden in your backyard). On a reflective target which could be a large rock, bright field of grass, large metal target or body of water, this unit will read out to 5000 yards or 4572 Metres, which is the best in any commercially available unit that I can find. A maximum range on trees of 2400 yards (2194 Metres) and 1600 yards (1463 Metres) on a deer is achievable on this unit, which begs the better question: how good does Vortex think we are if we are gonna spot a deer at almost 1.5km.
Ranging and Target Modes
The HCD (Horizontal Component Distance) mode gives you the slope-compensated distance across the ground to the target - the distance gravity actually affects - making it ideal for level terrain at any range, shots out to about 800 yards with mild slopes under 15°, and out to 400 yards on steeper 15–30° slopes. LOS (Line of Sight) mode, on the other hand, shows the true straight-line distance and the angle you’re shooting, which is especially useful for anyone using ballistic charts or calculators when shooting past 500 yards or on slopes steeper than 15°, since wind affects the projectile along that direct path. A Scan feature is available on both of these settings, which will give a constant update on distances, which is helpful when ranging over undulating or rocky terrain or tracking targets which are moving. This unit also offers a Best and Last mode. Best Mode is the default setting on the Fury HD 5000, giving you the strongest and most reliable return from your target in most everyday situations. Last Mode focuses on the farthest return in your view, which makes it especially helpful when you’re trying to range something tucked behind brush, trees, or other clutter.
Specifications
Magnification =10 x Objective Lens Diameter = 42 mmEye Relief = 16 mmExit Pupil = 4.2 mmLinear Field of View = 321-6 feet/1000 yardsAngular Field of View = 6.1 degreesClose Focus = 18.5 feetInterpupillary Distance = 54-72 mmHeight = 5.75 inchesWidth = 5 inchesWeight = 32.3 ounces
What's in the box?
• Glasspak binocular harness
• Comfort Neck Strap
• Tethered Objective Lens Cover
• Rainguard Eyepiece Cover
Cost = £1239
Honest Opinion
This set of binoculars is the pinnacle of performance from Vortex Optics with its outstanding glass quality, insane distance from its rangefinder, and durable build quality, delivering the best performance available in the commercial market. If you need to spot a deer on a hill 1000m away, easy. If you need to see how far a conspicuously placed rock is, done and if you need to range a big tree to prove a point, as easy as hitting a button. This unit is near impossible to beat on performance, then you go to carry the unit, and it weighs no more than its competitors and comes with the harness and straps to do it with ease. So if we ask ourselves, if the optics weigh the same and have a similar cost, do we want to carry a good optic or the BEST optic?
READ ARTICLE
PARD Night Stalker 4K eX vs HIKMICRO Alpex 4K: 2025 Buyer’s Guide
PARD Night Stalker 4K eX vs HIKMICRO Alpex 4K: 2025 Buyer’s Guide
Two Flagship 4K Digital Riflescopes Go Head-to-Head
The digital night-vision market has come a long way, and 2025 brings two serious contenders for hunters and precision shooters: the PARD Night Stalker 4K eX (70 mm) and the HIKMICRO Alpex 4K A50EL LRF. Both promise cutting-edge 4K performance, advanced ballistics tools, and integrated rangefinding - but they take very different approaches. Whether you’re shooting foxes at night, stalking deer at varying ranges, or building a long-range setup, this guide breaks down everything you need to know before choosing between these two flagship optics.
IMAGE QUALITY: Two Paths to 4K Excellence
Both riflescopes use a 3840 × 2160 4K CMOS sensor, putting them among the highest-resolution digital optics available today. But their strengths diverge.
The PARD Night Stalker 4K is built for darkness. Its sensor boasts exceptional low-lightsensitivity (down to 0.001 lux) and a smooth 60 Hz frame rate in colour mode. The result? A clean, detailed image where other scopes begin to falter - perfect for shooters who rely heavily on twilight and night performance.
The HIKMICRO Alpex 4K is a more balanced day-and-night performer. With a 50 Hz refresh rate and image processing tuned for bright daylight through to full darkness, it handles changing conditions extremely well.
Verdict:
Best low-light imaging: PARD Night Stalker 4K
Best all-round day/night flexibility: HIKMICRO Alpex 4K
OPTICS & ZOOM: Two Very Different Designs
This is where the scopes truly diverge.
PARD Night Stalker 4K eX:
• Large 70 mm objective lens
• 5.5× base magnification
• Digital zoom only
• Optimised for maximum light-gathering
• The 70 mm objective is superb for night work, but the fixed optical magnification limits versatility.
HIKMICRO Alpex 4K A50EL LRF
• 50 mm lens with adjustable aperture (F1.2–2.5)
• Massive 3.5×–28× digital zoom
• Crisp control across short, medium, and long ranges
• Adjustable aperture allows fine control of light and depth of field
• This is one of the most flexible optical systems in the digital NV market.
Verdict:
For optimum night clarity: PARD
For multi-range versatility and long-range precision: HIKMICRO
DISPLAYS & USER EXPERIENCE
The PARD boasts a superb 2560 × 2560 circular OLED that feels immersive and premium. It’s one of the highest-resolution displays currently fitted to a consumer night-vision riflescope.
HIKMICRO takes a more traditional approach with a 1920 × 1080 OLED, but compensates with:
• 10 reticle styles
• 8 colours
• 5 zeroing profiles
• Picture-in-Picture aiming
Verdict:
Best display: PARD Night Stalker
Best reticle & profile options: HIKMICRO Alpex
RANGEFINDERS & BALLISTICS
Both scopes pack ballistic calculators and 1,000m laser rangefinders, but their designs differ:
PARD uses a detachable LRF module- great if you want to save weight when it’s not needed.
HIKMICRO integrates the LRF into the scope body, offering cleaner handling.
Both support recoil-activated recording and modern zeroing features.
Verdict:
Best modularity: PARD
Most streamlined system: HIKMICRO
BATTERY LIFE & POWER MANAGEMENT
The PARD uses a hybrid system (internal 21700 + removable 18650), giving around 8 hours of use.The HIKMICRO, with its triple-battery arrangement, often pushes closer to 11 hours in real-world conditions.Both support USB-C external power.
Verdict:
Best runtime: HIKMICRO Alpex
DURABILITY, WEIGHT & HANDLING
Build quality is high on both models, with:
• Aluminium alloy construction
• IP67 weatherproofing
• –30°C to +55°C operating range
However, the PARD is notably more compact at 896 g, compared to the HIKMICRO’s 1176 g. The long zoom lens and integrated LRF add extra bulk to the Hikmicro. Recoil handling may favour the PARD, which lists tolerance up to 6000 J - useful for magnum shooters.
Verdict:
Best lightweight setup: PARD
Best for hunters who don’t mind weight: HIKMICRO
FEATURES & CONNECTIVITY
PARD standout features:
• WiFi streaming
• HDMI video output
• Gyroscope stabilisation
• Magnetic lens cap
• Flexible recording options
HIKMICRO standout features:
• Very fast boot-up (≈3 seconds)
• Hotspot marking
• Multiple rifle/ammo profiles
• Full audio/video capture
Both scopes fulfil the needs of modern hunters, and it really comes down to personal preference on this one.
Verdict: Draw
BUYER PROFILES: WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?
Choose the PARD Night Stalker 4K eX if you want:
• The best low-light performance
• A bright, immersive high-resolution display
• A lighter, more compact optic
• The option to remove the LRF module
• Strong recoil resistance
Ideal for: foxing, static shooting, or hunters who prioritise night performance over long-range zoom.
Choose the HIKMICRO Alpex 4K A50EL LRF if you want:
• Huge 3.5–28× zoom flexibility
• Adjustable aperture for precision imaging
• Integrated LRF and seamless ballistics
• Long battery life
• Best-in-class day/night versatility
Ideal for: stalking, foxing, mixed day-night use, long-range shooting, and anyone who wants maximum optical control.
THE FINAL WORD
Both the PARD Night Stalker 4K eX and the HIKMICRO Alpex 4K A50EL LRF are outstanding riflescopes in their own right. Your choice ultimately comes down to your priorities:If night performance, compactness, and display quality are the top priorities, the PARD is the winner.If versatility, zoom range, and integrated precision tools are key, the HIKMICRO Alpex stands out.In truth, you’re not choosing between a “better” and “worse” scope - just two highly capable optics tailored to different styles of shooting. READ ARTICLE
Paper & Steel Targets: A Quick Guide
Paper & Steel Targets: A Quick Guide
So you've bought all the latest scopes and accessories from Optics Warehouse, and now you are ready to go shooting, but you get there, and you've forgotten something...TARGETS!!!. We can help with that as well. We have a selection of paper targets and steel targets available for every use, from backyard plinking, hunting practice or target practice.
Paper Targets
Whether you are plinking for fun or practising your aim, there is a paper target for you, from zombie to splatter targets to Bisley range targets.
Birchwood Casey sells a wide range of targets from the above zombie splatter targets for the zombie enthusiast, plinking or backyard target practice, with a bit of fun side as opposed to shooting standard round targets.
Birchwood Casey also makes standard round targets with a key difference. The Shoot N C system offers an immediate marker on the target when a projectile strikes the target. A bright coloured, easy-to-see halo will appear around the shot location, displaying where the bullet hit without having to go and check the target by walking up to it. This mark is visible from a distance and is easily visible through scopes and binoculars.
Bisley Competition grade targets offer a cheap and cost-effective traditional paper target which is ideal for close-range air rifle practice and competition use.
Steel Targets
Tom's Targets & GR8FUN offers a variety of mild steel targets ranging from practice targets for common quarry animals such as crows and bunnies. They also offer common targets such as HFT practice targets, teardrop targets, know your limits targets, and other common resetting targets.
These targets are brilliant fun, cheap and easy to place, while offering a rewarding and audible "ding" when the target is hit. Whether it is HFT practice, teaching your kids to shoot or even just backyard plinking, these targets will not disappoint, offering a rewarding but testing experience. Place them at different ranges and watch the difficulty increase, and your shooting ability get better.
It is commonly the most forgotten part of shooting, but by no means the least fun. A good target can make your shooting experience all the more fun. Contact the team at Optics Warehouse today or see our website for our latest offerings on targets. READ ARTICLE
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