Iron Sharpens Iron: Tomahawk vs. Tomahawk II

Launched in 2018 as a no-compromise low power variable optic (LPVO), the Swampfox Tomahawk embodies the rugged utility of the native hatchet it’s named after. A budget-friendly second focal plane optic with superior glass clarity, Tomahawk featured a 24mm objective lens on a 30mm tube offered in three versatile magnification ranges and two illuminated reticles. But after five years, it was time for an upgrade.

After the original Tomahawk entered our Legacy Series in December 2023, the second-generation Tomahawk II joined our lineup sporting brand new reticle technology and a familiar look.

Construction

While physical differences between our original Tomahawk and the second-generation Tomahawk II might not be glaringly apparent with a quick glance, our latest LPVO has been reengineered inside and out.

Still built on a standard 30mm tube, Tomahawk II is now constructed from higher-strength 6061 aluminum – over 6063 alloy – for greater durability on the range and in the field. A 24mm objective lens was retained, but the ocular lens was enlarged by 3mm to 38mm to maximize light transmission and complement a generous eye box with little to no fisheye. Swampfox branding has also been blacked out on the rear assembly to reduce reflective signature.

Dimensionally, Tomahawk II measures roughly the same length as its predecessor and 2.5mm narrower at its turrets despite large diameter knobs. This, and the included throw lever, allows shooters to get a better grasp on the optic for quick magnification changes and adjustment. However, due to the optic’s more robust design, Gen 2 variants weigh a negligible 1.5-3.0 oz. heavier than the first.

Inside, coaxially aligned lenses are fully multi-coated for enhanced glass clarity throughout magnification and protection against fog and water. Whether scanning on the hunt or transitioning in competition, an extra wide field of view aids both-eyes-open shooting for improved situational awareness and confidence behind the trigger.

Features

Like Tomahawk, the new Tomahawk II is also offered in 1-4x and 1-6x magnification ranges. However, we opted not to add a 1-8x model, leaving Arrowhead as our only 1-8x second focal plane (SFP) Swampfox LPVO. This decision was made largely based on consumer demand and optical performance – but we also never say never.

As an SFP optic, Tomahawk II features a reticle that maintains its size while observed targets grow and shrink with magnification. Both 1-4x and 1-6x models are available with the choice of two reticles: our familiar, but modified Guerrilla Dot Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC), and the brand-new Bright Fiber Optic (BFO).

Nearly identical in design to that in Gen 1, the Guerrilla Dot BDC reticle in Tomahawk II is composed of an illuminated 23 MOA horseshoe with crosshairs at the 12, 3, and 9 o’clock positions and bottom glass-etched MOA subtensions for ranging out to 500 yards. While Tomahawk’s Guerrilla Dot BDC and Guerrilla MOA reticles were only available with red illumination, the Tomahawk II BDC can be had in either red or green.

Utilizing optical fiber wire technology, the BFO is our brightest reticle and most exciting optic advancement yet. Delivering nuclear bright center point illumination in any light, the new reticle offers red dot simplicity with MOA holdovers for elevation and windage. Offered in standard red and green illumination, the Tomahawk II Bright Fiber Optic reticle can also be had in amber and blue – a first-time color option for Swampfox optics.

Powering the internal LED is a side loaded CR2032 battery, held within the left-hand illumination turret with 12 brightness settings – one more than the original LPVO – and new intermittent off positions to conserve battery life. Brightness settings 1 and 2 are compatible with night vision devices, settings 3 to 5 for low-light applications, settings 6 to 9 for indoor and overcast lighting, and settings 10 to 12 for daylight bright conditions.

Changes to the Tomahawk II elevation and windage turrets have also been made. Previously both tactical turrets with zero reset, the elevation turret has been upgraded to a push/pull locking system with zero reset and the windage capped for protection against accidental adjustment on-the-go. Elevation and windage can be adjusted 0.5 MOA per click with over 100 MOA of maximum adjustment and feedback you can feel and hear.

Functionality

Popular among recreational and competitive shooters, hunters, and military and law enforcement professionals, SFP LPVOs like Tomahawk and Tomahawk II are best suited in applications when speed is a factor and targets are at fixed/known distances or maximum optic magnification is used, ensuring reticle subtensions are accurate. Static second focal plane optics also tend to be easier to use, catering to both new and experienced shooters alike.

Whether shooting indoors or outdoors, the new Bright Fiber Optic reticle provides daylight bright illumination in any light condition against any backdrop. The array of reticle color options also offers shooters greater personalization with better options for astigmatism (green) and color blindness/deficiencies (amber). We also can’t help but think the BFO blue illumination is just different and cool.

And while offset red dots better complement MPVOs, pairing a Swampfox Liberty II or Justice II dot sight with a Tomahawk II via our Hostile Engagement Mount or Rebel Offset allows shooters the ability to maintain full-power magnification with a true 1x magnification secondary optic.

Specifications

Reflecting five years of end user feedback, technical development, and advancements in manufacturing, Tomahawk II continues the legacy of our original riflescope. The second-generation LPVO offers greater durability, enhanced optical clarity, new reticles with brighter illumination, and precise and protected adjustments in a familiar compact form and magnification ranges. Refined inside and out for versatile performance, Tomahawk II embodies the enduring fighting spirit of our Revolutionary namesake and the evolution of Swampfox optics.

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