Rifle Scopes Steiner T5Xi 5-25 Vs SWFA HD 5-20

[Lionsbreath]

Which scope for club-matches?? Which scope has better glass? I have the T5Xi, and I just bought a SWFA 3-15 here, and I love that thing... Just wondering if I should become a SWFA fan-boy, and make all my scopes match, I love the simplicity and how rugged and reliable these things are-

 

[alfmoonspace]

Personal preference really. I have tried both and prefer the ergos of the Steiner.

I do think the SWFA has "better" glass, less CA and a bit more resolution. The glass on the T5XI is the worst aspect of the scope.

 

[Lionsbreath]

Personal preference really. I have tried both and prefer the ergos of the Steiner.

I do think the SWFA has "better" glass, less CA and a bit more resolution. The glass on the T5XI is the worst aspect of the scope.

I can agree with that, I have no complaints other than that about the Steiner, and I’m really not a glass snob either, I just wish it was a bit better.. The SWFA Hd definitely has me interested tho

 

[CBDR]

Very good question. I had a Steiner T5XI a few years back and sold it, why you ask pure stupidity on my part. I got all wrapped up in all the negative reviews on it at the time. As I reflect back at that time of separating on line reviews from actual personal experience I was not so smart. Always chasing the next best thing has been part of my learning curve. I have never owned or had my hands on a SWFA so I can not comment. From all I have read they are a very good entry level cost effective piece of gear. Keep It Simple.

 

[patriot07]

I have owned both. Steiner has the better reticle (for match use) and turrets. SWFA has significantly better glass IMHO. Both have good resolution but the T5xi has way more CA and is more difficult to focus accurately, or at least mine was.

I sold the Steiner almost immediately and used the SWFA for a long time.

 

[PAYDIRT]

I have both those scopes, like them both, but I absolutely love the Steiner turrets. Just wish the glass was a little better, but with that being said it's easy on my eyes and all I'm looking at is metal plates painted white.

 

[hk dave]

Like others have said, the Steiner is better in every way (provided you have one that tracks) except glass. The SWFA is much better in that regard.

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

I just sold my Steiner T5Xi 5-25 to a buddy to upgrade to a Nightforce ATAC-R. That said, it served me well for over four years. Really liked the SCR reticle, the ergonomics, the glass, and about everything else. That said, the Nightforce was quite a bump up and I wanted a floating dot, but still simple like the Steiner reticle. For the price you can get the Steiner scopes now, I don’t think you can go wrong with one.

 

[alfmoonspace]

And what price is that? They were excellent at the $1000 mark but $1500 or more and with the Burris XTR iii around the corner, I wouldn’t call it a gimme.

 

[Lionsbreath]

I appreciate the awesome input!! Sounds like my hunch was correct about the SWFA having better glass..I’m not gonna get rid of the Steiner, it’s done well for me other than glass, and the CA being a little janky.. My problem is that I always have an itch to scratch, and right now it’s SWFA ??‍

 

[Lionsbreath]

I do think every self-respecting man should have a couple SWFAs lying around, these things are kickass..

 

[CBDR]

It's refreshing to see a thread that actually sets the stage for promoting camaraderie.
USA

 

[FALex]

It's a damn shame SWFA did not continue to innovate/create their line of optics. I was/am a huge proponent of the SSHD scopes. They are extremely reliable and robust. The mil-quad reticle is decent as well. It would be bitchin to see SWFA enter the arena with an SSHD with a 34mm tube and some varied reticle options.

I have owned 4 of them over the years and never had issues with any of them, though admittedly, I didn't have the last one for that long. Regardless, I moved on simply due to the lack of reticle options. I had emailed Chris Farris a few years back to ask him about incorporating different reticles into the SSHD's, he came back with a rather emphatic "no" for an answer.