Rifle Scopes SWFA 5-20 VS Bushnell 4.5-18 LRTSi

[Rebels010]

These two scopes are similar in price and features. Was curious on some feedback on which one the hide would recommend.

 

[spife7980]

I can only vouch for the lrtsi but I think it’s pretty great. I got mine for 900 on sale and with a rebate (I think the recent 20% rebate promotion just expired though) and I consider it a steal.

Lots of good in the swfa as well. But the lrtsi has an actual zero stop.

 

[D_TROS]

Tough one. I have both. I think the SWFA for me as it feels more robust and I like the retc better. The LRT is obviously more compact and has better knobs...

Cant go wrong with either one. Glass on both are good. Cant remember one being better than the other.


Regards,
DT

 

[Rebels010]

Thanks for the feedback so far. They are two that seem to get high marks in the 1K (used or on sale) price range from what I have read.

 

[enichols]

If the zero stop is not a make-or-break issue for you, go with whichever one has the reticle you like better.

 

[patriot07]

Turrets and illumination are better on the Bushnell. Glass quality, reticle, eyebox are better on the SWFA.

Personally, I just don't like Bushnell's glass, so I'd go with the SWFA every time. Looks hazy with poor clarity and colors to me on the 3 or 4 mid-level Bushnell scopes that I've seen (two LRHS, one ERS, and one other I can't remember). But if you like the Bushnell glass, then it's probably a toss-up. At current used prices, even if I liked Bushnell glass, I still think a sub-$1k SWFA HD 5-20 is too good of a value to pass up. They just don't break down, they have good glass and a clean reticle. If they had a zero stop, it'd be game over.

 

[gconnoyer]

I've had both and would do the SWFA. I sold my SWFA for $950 so you can pick them up used under $1000 all day long

The LHRS is good but the reticle is crap (for precision shooting)

 

[supercorndogs]

Biggest difference I see between them is the internal adjustment. I like the G3 better than what ever they call that monstrosity in the SWFA.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

Turrets and illumination are better on the Bushnell. Glass quality, reticle, eyebox are better on the SWFA.

The SWFA reticle being better is pretty subjective, especially if you're someone who prefers a Christmas tree style hold-over reticle, something SFWA does not offer.

 

[patriot07]

The SWFA reticle being better is pretty subjective, especially if you're someone who prefers a Christmas tree style hold-over reticle, something SFWA does not offer.

Sure. It's my opinion. I didn't like the reticle much when I first got it, but I like it quite a bit after having used it for a couple years.

 

[lennyo3034]

I like the Bushnell more in pretty much every way. Maybe turret feel to SWFA, but lack of zerostop isn't great about it.

 

[Rebels010]

While I get it’s subjective, does the glass on one seem to stand out over the other?

 

[patriot07]

While I get it’s subjective, does the glass on one seem to stand out over the other?

SWFA is way ahead on glass IMHO.

 

[gconnoyer]

^Agreed. The glass on the SWFA is better.

 

[Paul_R]

Don't know anything about the Bushnell but I had the SWFA. Glass was decent and I liked the reticle. It had the worst illumination I've ever seen on any scope at any price, complete waste of money. Bled like crazy, just a big red blob. Called SWFA about it and they said that the bleeding can't be prevented it's because it's an etched reticle. Seriously, they actually said that! What a load of shit. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

 

[enichols]

Don't know anything about the Bushnell but I had the SWFA. Glass was decent and I liked the reticle. It had the worst illumination I've ever seen on any scope at any price, complete waste of money. Bled like crazy, just a big red blob. Called SWFA about it and they said that the bleeding can't be prevented it's because it's an etched reticle. Seriously, they actually said that! What a load of shit. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

Wow, that sucks! I haven't heard any complaints about the illumination on that scope - sorry to hear yours had problems.

 

[Rebels010]

Well, when in doubt, get both. I'm going to compare these and see which I like better. If I know myself, I will just end up keeping both...

 

[BoilerUP]

I seem to recall reading here the LRTSi had somewhat different glass than the LRHS...but I could be mistaken.

Never owned a SWFA 5-20 but I did have a PST II 5-25...LRTSi had better glass IMO.

 

[hypno02]

Tough choice. I personally enjoy the features of the LRTSi a bit more. (included cat tail, xmas tree, locking wind, real zero stop non-cement parallax)

Never looked through a LRTSi but I used to own a 5-20 and I currently own a LRHSi. The SS may have slightly better glass but I'd much rather have the bushy's features.