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Rifle Scopes LPVO help, Steiner Px4i vs SMRS vs SWFA SS 1-6

chrisg_sdcf

Private
Minuteman
Sep 1, 2020
25
9
California
First of all, I received a Vortex Strike eagle 1-6 as part of a trade and was going to use that but after researching on this site I think I'd rather go with something else more reliable.

Ive had a aimpoint pro on this AR for the most part and a eotech on my other rifle but sometimes I'd like more magnification without giving up too much on the low end. I do like being able to keep both eyes open with the aimpoint but I have an astigmatism.

This rifle has a 16" barrel and is chambered on 5.56. Not a lightweight build and probably 500yd max (not necessarily tiny groups on paper ). Not a competition shooter (although it looks fun) and I hunt with my bolt actions. Kind of looking for a "do it all" or all purpose optic but realize that that may not exist and usually you end up compromising somewhere.

So from my time researching here I've got it narrowed down to the following which I've found for close to the same price:

-Steiner Px4i 1-4x (seems people like the glass and the dot is daylight bright and close to aimpoint on 1x)

-SWFA SS HD 1-6x (looks like a decent reticle for FFP)

- Bushnell Elite Tactical II SMRS or Pro 1-6.5x (not sure what is different between the regular and pro except the throw lever, capped turrets on the pro, and color).

From what I've been reading, the steiner sounds the best. I'd like to here from anyone who has used more than one on the list and like one of the others more. Is there any reason I should remove one or more from the list? Should I wait and hope for a good deal on a Razor Gen II E since the Gen 3 is out now?

One thing keeping me from deciding is I'm wondering if 4-6x is enough or if I'd be better off going with something with a larger objective lense in a 2-10 or 3-9(SWFA SS 3-9x42 or something like the 3-12 lrhs) with an offset red dot. This is probably much slower than using one optic without a lot of practice right?
 
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Steiner Px4i- good reticle, red dot is bright, good field of view, good eye box, weight 17.3 ounces, $799.00-$649.00 (would be my pick)
SWFA SS HD 1-6- okay reticle (JMO), reticle is bright, small field of view, good eye box, weight 22.4 ounces $999.00
Bushnell - no experience

Of course with all of that I am waiting on a new Razor 1-6 to show up from Euro Optics
 
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First of all, I received a Vortex Strike eagle 1-6 as part of a trade and was going to use that but after researching on this site I think I'd rather go with something else more reliable.

Ive had a aimpoint pro on this AR for the most part and a eotech on my other rifle but sometimes I'd like more magnification without giving up too much on the low end. I do like being able to keep both eyes open with the aimpoint but I have an astigmatism.

This rifle has a 16" barrel and is chambered on 5.56. Not a lightweight build and probably 500yd max (not necessarily tiny groups on paper ). Not a competition shooter (although it looks fun) and I hunt with my bolt actions. Kind of looking for a "do it all" or all purpose optic but realize that that may not exist and usually you end up compromising somewhere.

So from my time researching here I've got it narrowed down to the following which I've found for close to the same price:

-Steiner Px4i 1-4x (seems people like the glass and the dot is daylight bright and close to aimpoint on 1x)

-SWFA SS HD 1-6x (looks like a decent reticle for FFP)

- Bushnell Elite Tactical II SMRS or Pro 1-6.5x (not sure what is different between the regular and pro except the throw lever, capped turrets on the pro, and color).

From what I've been reading, the steiner sounds the best. I'd like to here from anyone who has used more than one on the list and like one of the others more. Is there any reason I should remove one or more from the list? Should I wait and hope for a good deal on a Razor Gen II E since the Gen 3 is out now?

One thing keeping me from deciding is I'm wondering if 4-6x is enough or if I'd be better off going with something with a larger objective lense in a 2-10 or 3-9(SWFA SS 3-9x42 or something like the 3-12 lrhs) with an offset red dot. This is probably much slower than using one optic without a lot of practice right?

Can’t comment on anything but the Steiner. I busted both a P4xi 1-4 and a Colt AR model 6920’s cherry at the range Saturday. The glass was super clear , just took a few shots to zero.
Illumination was bright , all went awesome. Added a LaRue trigger . Shot IMI 55gr M193’s.
My ONLY negative is my eyes , I need magnification.
👍
 
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Steiner Px4i- good reticle, red dot is bright, good field of view, good eye box, weight 17.3 ounces, $799.00-$649.00 (would be my pick)
SWFA SS HD 1-6- okay reticle (JMO), reticle is bright, small field of view, good eye box, weight 22.4 ounces $999.00
Bushnell - no experience

Of course with all of that I am waiting on a new Razor 1-6 to show up from Euro Optics

Yeah, I think I'm still leaning steiner. Like the razor but it's twice the price. When you get yours I'd like to hear what you think about it compared to the Px4i if you don't mind. What reticle did you go with?

Thanks for the info
 
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Do yourself a favor and spend a little more money on a Razor 1-6, it's more than worth the price difference. There's on on the PX here with a $500 GDI mount for $1300.

Yeah, I kind of blew that one. I probably low-balled him offering $1000 for the razor without mount (hoping to negotiate) but it's SPF now. I think liberty optics has good deals on them but there is a wait compared to Eurooptic.

What reticle would you recommend? I was leaning to the mrad but see a lot of people like the jm-1 bdc
 
Yeah, I kind of blew that one. I probably low-balled him offering $1000 for the razor without mount (hoping to negotiate) but it's SPF now. I think liberty optics has good deals on them but there is a wait compared to Eurooptic.

What reticle would you recommend? I was leaning to the mrad but see a lot of people like the jm-1 bdc

lol we’re actually doing a trade now.

I prefer the mil reticle, I don’t like BDC’s because they never match up right and at that point, what’s the use? I’d rather have a mil reticle that is true hold values and have a quick and dirty dope chart taped to the side of my stock that I’ll quickly memorized and hold my dope in mils like my brain is trained to do at this point.

So mil reticle all the way.
 
Can’t comment on anything but the Steiner. I busted both a P4xi 1-4 and a Colt AR model 6920’s cherry at the range Saturday. The glass was super clear , just took a few shots to zero.
Illumination was bright , all went awesome. Added a LaRue trigger . Shot IMI 55gr M193’s.
My ONLY negative is my eyes , I need magnification.
👍

Thats what I'm worried about. Everyone seems to like the glass and illumination of the Px4i. I'm sure id like it. Just worried about the magnification only being 4x max. I'm like you. My eyes are the thing that would hold me back and I do like magnification. I just also like 1x on the bottom end.
 
lol we’re actually doing a trade now.

I prefer the mil reticle, I don’t like BDC’s because they never match up right and at that point, what’s the use? I’d rather have a mil reticle that is true hold values and have a quick and dirty dope chart taped to the side of my stock that I’ll quickly memorized and hold my dope in mils like my brain is trained to do at this point.

So mil reticle all the way.

Nice, what did you trade for it?
 
Anyone else hear of any of the issues post #18 mentions about the razor gen II E 1-6x ?

 
Ended up buying the razor gen II E 1-6. Spartan Precision Arms has helped me out twice now and I'd definitely recommend them.

Thanks for the help guys.

You didn’t go wrong with a Razor , after I purchase anything within minutes I hear or find something maybe better. I also have a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 1-6x24 on another AR.
The glass isn’t as bright as my Steiner, but at the price I bought it for its fine for me.
Enjoy your Razor and don’t look back 👍
 
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You didn’t go wrong with a Razor , after I purchase anything within minutes I hear or find something maybe better. I also have a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 1-6x24 on another AR.
The glass isn’t as bright as my Steiner, but at the price I bought it for its fine for me.
Enjoy your Razor and don’t look back 👍

Thanks.

My problem is that I keep researching after I buy something instead of just being happy with what I've got. I'm always looking for something wrong with the product and it seems like there is always someone who had issues. Found a second post with issues with the razor but if I only find two then it can't be that bad right.

Need to stop looking before I start feeling like I should have just gone with the steiner

Post #15 (same guy) and #37

 
I do the same thing ...you’ll really enjoy it ! My Viper PST gen 2 1-6 x24 is lower in quality as both the Steiner and Razor , but it would have been state-of-the-art not long ago.
PLUS if it doesn’t meet your hopes , you can always go another direction and flip it.
Enjoy it and be proud it’s yours ! 😉
 
Thats what I'm worried about. Everyone seems to like the glass and illumination of the Px4i. I'm sure id like it. Just worried about the magnification only being 4x max. I'm like you. My eyes are the thing that would hold me back and I do like magnification. I just also like 1x on the bottom end.

I don't understand this "my eyes need more magnification" BS. I think it's an excuse to cover up poor marksmanship or a failed attempt to turn something that isn't a precision rifle into one.

I'm as blind as a fucking bat without corrective lenses, but since I wear corrective lenses I have absolutely no problem at all smacking 12 x 12 plates at 400 yards and a full size USPSA steel target at 500 yards with an AR carbine and a 1-4X Steiner set to 4X.

LPVOs are gunsights, not spotting scopes. They're also meant to make quick hits on practical size targets, and not meant to punch tight groups or to hit tiny targets at stupid distances.

You don't need to see more. You need to shoot better.

OBTW, I'll take a scope that tops at 4X with crystal clear image quality over one that goes to 8X but has a dull, indistinct, dark-ass image.
 
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I don't understand this "my eyes need more magnification" BS. I think it's an excuse to cover up poor marksmanship or a failed attempt to turn something that isn't a precision rifle into one.

I'm as blind as a fucking bat without corrective lenses, but since I wear corrective lenses I have absolutely no problem at all smacking 12 x 12 plates at 400 yards and a full size USPSA steel target at 500 yards with an AR carbine and a 1-4X Steiner set to 4X.

LPVOs are gunsights, not spotting scopes. They're also meant to make quick hits on practical size targets, and not meant to punch tight groups or to hit tiny targets at stupid distances.

You don't need to see more. You need to shoot better.

OBTW, I'll take a scope that tops at 4X with crystal clear image quality over one that goes to 8X but has a dull, indistinct, dark-ass image.

I totally agree mostly. Just being able to see or acquire targets more efficiently...with proper corrective measures taken ie: good eye glasses , then its up to ones shooting skills.
If a little more magnification is needed to acquire the targets, then that will translate to better shooting. Everyones’ eyes are different as are shooting skills. Quality optics help bridge the gap. If one has been fitted with specks that aren’t correct, then that screws everything up.
 
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Not going to argue , but when your close to 67 yrs old , had cataract surgery in both eyes , and wear no line bifocals ...failing eye sight is a factor in shooting , driving , reading , etc. 🙈

I have severe (over 4 diopters) of myopia, mild astigmatism, and around 1.5 diopters of presbyopia. I haven't had cataracts, but yea my eyes suck pretty bad.

When I go to the optometrist, I don't let him move on from one correction to the next until I'm absolutely sure the he got it right.
 
I can’t see up close , like read , but after cataract surgery I can see distances still but not as sharp or as crisp as years ago. I HATE wearing glasses period , the fogged up issues in humidity and such. Can’t do contacts , so it is what it is. Getting old sucks ! When I had 20/20 vision I shot more , that kept skills sharper. I‘m enjoying shooting LPVO’s and I don’t expect shooting gnats balls at 500 yds with what I have. I know their role. Quality glass just makes it more better 👍
 
I don't understand this "my eyes need more magnification" BS. I think it's an excuse to cover up poor marksmanship or a failed attempt to turn something that isn't a precision rifle into one.

I'm as blind as a fucking bat without corrective lenses, but since I wear corrective lenses I have absolutely no problem at all smacking 12 x 12 plates at 400 yards and a full size USPSA steel target at 500 yards with an AR carbine and a 1-4X Steiner set to 4X.

LPVOs are gunsights, not spotting scopes. They're also meant to make quick hits on practical size targets, and not meant to punch tight groups or to hit tiny targets at stupid distances.

You don't need to see more. You need to shoot better.

OBTW, I'll take a scope that tops at 4X with crystal clear image quality over one that goes to 8X but has a dull, indistinct, dark-ass image.

Thank you for your opinion. Actually the only reason I started looking at the steiner was because of a review I think you wrote.

I'm sure 4x would be fine for anything I do and definitely if im shooting steel. I'm Not trying to make any excuses about anything. I'm just new to LPVO's. 2-7x is the lowest I've used on a hunting rifle and the strike eagle is the only 1x I've owned so I definitely don't know what I'm talking about.

I'm new to this forum and not looking to start a problem.

For what it's worth, I'm still wondering if I should have gone Px4i instead of the razor. I just can't compare them in person so I'm just trying to go by the information I can dig up.
 
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For what it's worth, I'm still wondering if I should have gone Px4i instead of the razor.
I'm sorry if I missed it but you already bought Razor 1-6X?

If so, I wouldn't bother trying to switch to a Steiner unless you want something slightly smaller and quite a bit lighter.

Optically and mechanically, the Razor 1-6X is an excellent choice. Just a little on the heavy side.

 
308 pirate has good advice .
How ever the what works for me must work for you is not sound thinking.
You bought a great optic. Use it and perfect it.
If your like me buy a steiner and have both .
There is no perfect answer only you know what you like.
I like more magnification so i can see whats around my targets.
My range is private property that is fenced but once in a while cows wander behind it. I can crank up the power and see them .
Then when they move on go back the targets on lower power to practice...... Just another opinion that's all it is.
 
I'm sorry if I missed it but you already bought Razor 1-6X?

If so, I wouldn't bother trying to switch to a Steiner unless you want something slightly smaller and quite a bit lighter.

Optically and mechanically, the Razor 1-6X is an excellent choice. Just a little on the heavy side.



Yes I ended up buying the razor last night since I was able to find it for a price I was willing to pay. It was still almost 2x what I could get the steiner for and it's heavier as you stated.
 
308 pirate has good advice .
How ever the what works for me must work for you is not sound thinking.
You bought a great optic. Use it and perfect it.
If your like me buy a steiner and have both .
There is no perfect answer only you know what you like.
I like more magnification so i can see whats around my targets.
My range is private property that is fenced but once in a while cows wander behind it. I can crank up the power and see them .
Then when they move on go back the targets on lower power to practice...... Just another opinion that's all it is.

I'm considering it for another rifle. Just not 100% decided on another LPVO or aimpoint/eotech.
 
I'm considering it for another rifle. Just not 100% decided on another LPVO or aimpoint/eotech.

Having had both LPVO and reflex sights back to back on the same rifle, running the same drills and unconventional positions, I've stuck with the LPVO.

It takes a tiny bit more discipline to keep your eye within the exit pupil of an LPVO compared to a reflex sight, but with a very minimum amount of dry practice it becomes second nature. That is an issue only in very, very close quarters fighting. For everything else a general purpose rifle is supposed to do, the LPVO rules.
 
Having had both LPVO and reflex sights back to back on the same rifle, running the same drills and unconventional positions, I've stuck with the LPVO.

It takes a tiny bit more discipline to keep your eye within the exit pupil of an LPVO compared to a reflex sight, but with a very minimum amount of dry practice it becomes second nature. That is an issue only in very, very close quarters fighting. For everything else a general purpose rifle is supposed to do, the LPVO rules.

Well if I can find another good price on the steiner I'll most likely pick one up. I waited too long on a dvor sale and nobody was willing to price match that one. (Wasn't as good as some of the old cameralandny prices I've seen in old posts). I'll have to spend some time LPVO to see his it works out for me but I have a feeling it's going to work out well for what I want.
 
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Well if I can find another good price on the steiner I'll most likely pick one up. I waited too long on a dvor sale and nobody was willing to price match that one. (Wasn't as good as some of the old cameralandny prices I've seen in old posts). I'll have to spend some time LPVO to see his it works out for me but I have a feeling it's going to work out well for what I want.
Hell, buy a Steiner and you can sell it for at least what you got in it if you don't like it.
 
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@chrisg_sdcf said

I would say you should have bought a Steiner years ago before the tariffs on German Optics increased the price. The Px4i was a great deal when they were under $600. The Steiner is a great optic for sure, but it doesn't compare to the Razor that you just got. Since your not in a hurry for a Steiner you could just browse the PX until one goes up at a decent price.
 
The Steiner is a great optic for sure, but it doesn't compare to the Razor that you just got.
In what way (other than magnification) is a Razor superior?

Optical clarity is at best a wash. Neither one is better than the other.

Reticles are subjective. The Vortex JMR-1 and the Steiner PTR-3 are basically the same thing.

Mechanical durability is not something we have a way of testing, but user experience suggests both are equals.

Reticle illumination is equally as good on both

The Steiner is smaller, lighter, and less expensive. If you need more magnification there's the Steiner T5Xi 1-5X for a really good price at Camerland.
 
In what way (other than magnification) is a Razor superior?

Optical clarity is at best a wash. Neither one is better than the other.

Reticles are subjective. The Vortex JMR-1 and the Steiner PTR-3 are basically the same thing.

Mechanical durability is not something we have a way of testing, but user experience suggests both are equals.

Reticle illumination is equally as good on both

The Steiner is smaller, lighter, and less expensive. If you need more magnification there's the Steiner T5Xi 1-5X for a really good price at Camerland.

You literally posted a review video that pointed out the differences and why the Razor is better.
 
Know your pain ...only mine is UPS fault. Then they show you their little brown truck in the area 👎 I live at a foot of a bridge and it shows it’s passed by 4 times. Worthless drivel !
USPS , another cluster !! Had a part get from Texas to a nearby PO in one day and It sat 5 miles away for 3 days ...WTF ? 🤬
Think I’ll print up some truck targets.
 
Well, I found a Steiner for a good price so I'll at least be able to compare them both.

What mounts do you guys prefer? I see a lot of people recommend geissele, badger, and nightforce and a few others in the $250+ range. Is there anything in the $200 and less group that you guys like? I have a bobronl qd mount but I don't "need" qd for this one

Also hearing about the delays in shipping sucks. It seems like it depends on which hub gets ahold of my packages here.
 
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I know you went razor, but I’ll add my opinion for anyone who may read this down the road.

@ the current prices of the bushnell tactical elite scopes they’re hard to beat. I got my 1-6.5 fde pro for $649.00 new and with a larue c.a.n. mount I’m in at a little under $800. I hear they may be a little less now on euro optic.

Super clear glass, fairly lightweight, and pretty robust. My only complaint is that with the larue mount I had to remove the throw lever. Could use a bit more brightness but honestly it’s pretty good without illumination to begin with.
 
Well, I found a Steiner for a good price so I'll at least be able to compare them both.

What mounts do you guys prefer? I see a lot of people recommend geissele, badger, and nightforce and a few others in the $250+ range. Is there anything in the $200 and less group that you guys like? I have a bobronl qd mount but I don't "need" qd for this one

Also hearing about the delays in shipping sucks. It seems like it depends on which hub gets ahold of my packages here.

The larue spr mount is pretty good and proven. I was in the same boat. I really wanted a scalar works or a badger mount but dang they’re spendy.
 
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The larue spr mount is pretty good and proven. I was in the same boat. I really wanted a scalar works or a badger mount but dang they’re spendy.
Agree with RoughRider on the LaRue SPR 1.5 @ $210.00 👍
They also have a VFZ mount for $55.00 less , Not a QD , meant to stay longer term.
 
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I know you went razor, but I’ll add my opinion for anyone who may read this down the road.

@ the current prices of the bushnell tactical elite scopes they’re hard to beat. I got my 1-6.5 fde pro for $649.00 new and with a larue c.a.n. mount I’m in at a little under $800. I hear they may be a little less now on euro optic.

Super clear glass, fairly lightweight, and pretty robust. My only complaint is that with the larue mount I had to remove the throw lever. Could use a bit more brightness but honestly it’s pretty good without illumination to begin with.

I was really leaning that way when I started this post because I have a Bushnell LRTS-i that I really like. Im sure I would have been happy with any of the scopes listed in my original post.
 
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I was really leaning that way when I started this post because I have a Bushnell LRTS-i that I really like. Im sure I would have been happy with any of the scopes listed in my original post.

Honestly if I could have afforded the Razor I would have bought one. I was nervous about the bushnell but have been pretty happy with it. Maybe the next build will get a razor.
 
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What mounts do you guys prefer? I see a lot of people recommend geissele, badger, and nightforce and a few others in the $250+ range. Is there anything in the $200 and less group that you guys like? I have a bobronl qd mount but I don't "need" qd for this one

This is what I use: https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/product-p/ad-recon-legacy.htm

You want a 0 MOA mount. Remember, these are not scopes for dialing elevation so a downwards tilt of the scope is pointless.
 
I think someone at USPS in Lancaster, PA may have gotten a new scope. It's been a week since it's shipped and I cant believe that it's still sitting there.

IMG_1212.PNG
 
Argh !!.😡 Wonder where it is now ....Oct 2 ...or did you get it ?
Steiner shorted me the “included “ 2mm hex wrench in their sealed and inspected box.
I have others I can’t put my fingers on...yet. Gots to have it to reset zero after sighting in.
Called Scopelists CS cause I bought it from them. Tits on a boar hog, LONG story short., finally got ahold of Steiners CS in Colorado aka Burris CS 🤔. They made the label Sept 30 in Greely ...still there...hasn’t moved a moa 🤬
 
Argh !!.😡 Wonder where it is now ....Oct 2 ...or did you get it ?
Steiner shorted me the “included “ 2mm hex wrench in their sealed and inspected box.
I have others I can’t put my fingers on...yet. Gots to have it to reset zero after sighting in.
Called Scopelists CS cause I bought it from them. Tits on a boar hog, LONG story short., finally got ahold of Steiners CS in Colorado aka Burris CS 🤔. They made the label Sept 30 in Greely ...still there...hasn’t moved a moa 🤬

I haven't received it. That was from this morning. As of now USPS says the same thing on their website. Euro Optics told me to call on Monday of next week if it hasn't shown up by then. I figure that USPS lost through thief. Not sure how USPS can think they can handle mail in Election when they can't handle a priority package. At least I paid for insurance.

That sucks about Steiner. If it hasn't even gotten to USPS means that Steiner is just sitting on it.
 
Just checked again and it has now move to Philadelphia distribution center. Man they are slow to up date their information. I hope they stick it on a plane and it gets here early next week. My son has off from school on Friday and I want to take him to the range. It would be great to get thing zeroed in on Friday too.