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.