seapro19, welcome aboard.

I had a peek at the Cabelas Alaskan guide scope a couple of month ago when I went to Cabelas. I had asked to see the 3-12x52 but they had sold out. (So that must say something about the scopes) I ended up looking at the 4.5-14x52 instead. I would have to say that I was impressed with the scope. The scope was very clear and the objects had sharp edges. I also liked with the 52mm obj. lens. I had compared them side by side with the Leupold VX-II 3-9x50 and the Alaskan was definitely clearer. The Alaskan scope looked well made. Cabelas stand behind their products.

I also have the Simmons Aetec and would have to agree with JamesB comments. It’s a good scope and I haven’t had any problems with it so far. I have no experience with the Swift scopes but this there site. www.swift-optics.com if you’re interested.

There is always big debates on 2 subjects when it comes to scope. The 30mm main tube and 50mm obj. lens. Are they required and are they beneficial. I have 2 scopes with 30mm main tubes and I like the looks of them. My Nikon Gold has 42mm obj. lens and my Leupold Euro has the 50mm. Some say they look to bulky and are to heavy but that’s their opinion. It all depends on what type of hunting the equipment will be used for. Good luck in your purchase....