What does the glass quality compere to? Is it equal to or better then Vortex diamondback or viper model or Leupold rifleman or vx1 model. Those are the models I have around the SS 16x42 price range. Thanks for any info

I haven't looked through a 16x, but I had a 12x and the glass is superior to the Vortex Diamondback. SWFA uses high-quality Japanese glass in all their scopes.

What are you planning on using the scope for? 16x will really only be good for target shooting. If you want dual purpose you may be better off going 10x fixed.

Also, I really like SWFA products!

SS 5-20 HD, is right in line with Gen I Vortex Razor.

Yeah I have a SS 5-20 HD is a great scope. It has a clear glass than my NF SHV 5-20 model. I just trying to get a ideal on what kind of glass is on SS that's not HD model and since I do most my shooting on max power. That why am looking into a fix power scope.

I haven't looked through the 16x but I have looked at the 10X and it has better glass than Vortex Diamondback. I'd expect better glass in the 16x.

https://forum.snipershide.com/forum/sniper%C2%92s-hide%C2%AE-post-exchange/optics-for-sale/6448378-fs-swfa-fixed-16x-mil-mil-225-shipped-conus

Here's one for sale.

It's fine - it's the only scope I own on the only bolt action gun I own, and it's perfect for what I wanted - low cost, low complexity, high reliability and tracking accuracy, acceptable optics for range shooting only. It won't compare to your 5-20 HD, but it's acceptable for target-shooting-only during daytime hours. I wouldn't want that type of glass quality on a hunting gun being used in low light at far away targets. Build quality and tracking are both excellent. Optical quality is just average for the price range though IMHO. Not bad, but not necessarily great either.

Of the few scopes in this price range that have noticeably better glass, they can't track very well. So if you need the tracking reliability, then it's a great scope. If you don't need it, there might be options with better optical quality.