I’m here to share my hands-on experience with the Swampfox Kingslayer, a red dot sight that’s been gaining a lot of attention lately.
Having field-tested it myself, I’ve come across a few Swampfox Kingslayer issues that you might find interesting, especially if you’re considering this gear for your firearm.
In this article, I’ll dive deep into these common problems. More importantly, I’ll share some practical solutions I’ve discovered along the way.
| Swampfox Kingslayer Problems | Solution |
| Battery Draining Issue | Carry spare batteries; use high-quality batteries; adjust brightness settings as per need. |
| Durability Concerns | Handle with care; contact Swampfox for replacements if needed. |
| Hard Button Controls | Allow time for buttons to ease up; practice adjustment drills. |
| Tiny Screws for Windage and Elevation | Use a specialized small screwdriver or adjustment tool. |
Top 4 Swampfox Kingslayer Problems & Solutions
1. Battery Draining Issue
When I first got hands-on with the Swampfox Kingslayer, the battery life immediately stood out as a concern. This sight, designed to be always on for quick readiness, tends to drain its battery quicker than I had hoped.
Particularly, I noticed the battery, a CR1632, which is smaller than the typical CR2032, running low much sooner than expected, especially during extended use sessions.
The battery life, as stated, is around 200 hours on the highest setting and up to 3000 hours on the lowest. However, in practical use, especially on the higher brightness levels, the drain is quite noticeable.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience but a significant issue for reliability. In scenarios where you rely on your red dot for important tasks, encountering a dead battery can be more than just a hassle. It’s something you want to avoid, especially in situations where every second counts.
Solution
The key to managing this issue lies in proactive measures. Firstly, always keeping a spare CR1632 battery handy is crucial.
This simple step can save a lot of trouble. Moreover, turning off the sight when not in use helped in conserving the battery for longer periods, which was essential for extended outdoor trips.
Opting for high-quality batteries also made a significant difference. The better the battery quality, the longer it lasted in the Kingslayer, especially under demanding conditions. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s an effective strategy for maximizing battery life.
Lastly, adjusting the brightness settings to suit the environmental conditions played a big role. By using the sight on lower settings whenever possible, I was able to extend the battery life substantially.
2. Durability Concerns
During my time with the Swampfox Kingslayer, I noticed some concerns regarding its durability. The main issue I encountered was its susceptibility to damage.
Despite being a rugged piece of equipment designed for field use, it seemed more fragile than expected. Specifically, I experienced that the housing could crack under stress, particularly in demanding range environments.
This vulnerability to cracking was surprising and a bit disappointing, considering the rugged use cases for such a device.
It’s not just about the inconvenience of a damaged sight; it’s about reliability and trust in your equipment. When you’re out in the field, you need gear that can withstand the rigors of use. A cracked sight can drastically affect performance and accuracy, which is the last thing you want during a crucial moment.
Solution
Addressing these durability concerns involved a couple of key strategies. First and foremost, handling the Kingslayer with extra care became essential. Being mindful of impacts and stresses during use and transport significantly reduced the risk of damage.
In cases where damage did occur, contacting Swampfox for a replacement was a straightforward process. They were responsive and understanding of the issue, which eased the situation considerably.
3. Hard Button Controls
In my experience with the Swampfox Kingslayer, one aspect that stood out was the stiffness of the button controls. Initially, the buttons used to adjust brightness and power on/off were quite hard to press.
This was particularly noticeable in situations where quick adjustments were necessary. The resistance of the buttons made it challenging to operate the sight efficiently, which was a bit frustrating during high-pressure moments or when wearing gloves.
This issue is not just about comfort; it impacts the usability of the red dot sight. When you’re in the field or on the range, you need to be able to make quick and precise adjustments to your equipment.
Hard-to-press buttons can slow you down and affect your performance.
Solution
The good news is that this problem has improved with time and usage. As I continued to use the Kingslayer, the buttons gradually became easier to press. It seems like they just needed a bit of breaking in.
Consistent use was key to making the buttons more responsive.
In addition to simply using the sight more, I found that practicing quick adjustment drills helped me get accustomed to the initial stiffness of the buttons. This practice not only made the buttons feel more responsive over time but also improved my overall efficiency in using the sight.
4. Tiny Screws for Windage and Elevation
A notable challenge I faced with the Swampfox Kingslayer involved the tiny screws used for windage and elevation adjustments. These screws are quite small, making them difficult to handle, especially in field conditions or when wearing gloves.
The size of the screws not only made adjustments cumbersome but also raised concerns about losing them during field adjustments or maintenance.
The precision required for zeroing the sight demands ease of adjustment, and the tiny screws somewhat hinder this process. In scenarios where quick, on-the-fly adjustments are needed, the small size of these screws can be more than just a minor inconvenience; it can affect the efficiency and accuracy of the sight.
Solution
To overcome this issue, I found a few practical solutions. First, using a specialized small screwdriver or adjustment tool made handling these screws much easier.
Having the right tool for the job is crucial, and it greatly improved the process of making precise adjustments.
Additionally, practicing adjustments in a controlled environment before heading into the field helped. Getting familiar with the feel and operation of the tiny screws in a low-pressure setting made it easier to handle them under more demanding conditions.
Alternative of Swampfox Kingslayer
1. Swampfox Justice
The Swampfox Justice is a rugged and reliable choice, boasting a larger window for an improved field of view. Its shake-awake feature ensures it’s ready when you are, making it ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios.
2. Swampfox Liberty
Compact and versatile, the Swampfox Liberty offers a sleek design with flush-fitting brightness buttons and a top-loading battery. It’s perfect for shooters seeking a balance between size and functionality in their red dot sight.
Swampfox Liberty & Justice Review
3. Swampfox Sentinel
Designed specifically for concealed carry weapons, the Swampfox Sentinel is ultra-compact and robust. Its manual and automatic brightness settings adapt to any environment, ensuring clear targeting in various lighting conditions.
4. Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom stands out with its high-quality, multi-coated lenses that provide a crisp, clear sight picture. Its easy-to-use power and dot intensity controls allow for rapid adjustments, making it suitable for both novice and experienced shooters.
Final Verdict
After extensive use of the Swampfox Kingslayer, I’ve realized that while it does have its share of
problems, they are not insurmountable. The issues with battery life, durability, stiff button controls, and tiny adjustment screws are certainly there, but they can be effectively managed with a few smart strategies and practices.
With these solutions, the Kingslayer proves to be a reliable red dot sight, suitable for a variety of shooting conditions. Its solid performance, once these hurdles are addressed, makes it a worthwhile investment for shooters looking for a dependable sight without breaking the bank.
FAQ’s
What is the warranty on Swampfox Kingslayer?
The Swampfox Kingslayer comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and material flaws, covering structural housing and glass, excluding the illumination/electronic system.
What is the difference between Swampfox Liberty and Kingslayer?
The Liberty is narrower near the base compared to the Kingslayer, features flush fitting brightness buttons, a top-loading CR1632 battery, and a lower profile emitter section, allowing for co-witnessing with iron sights of .365” or higher.
Is Swampfox a good red dot?
Yes, Swampfox red dot sights, including the Liberty & Justice models, offer compact, well-built options with clear reticles and customizable brightness settings, enhancing the shooting experience.
Is Swampfox Kingslayer Shake Awake?
No, the Kingslayer does not feature the shake awake function, and while the adjustment screws are a bit hard to reach, it remains a solid option for budget-conscious builds.