Rifle Scopes SWFA 5-20 HD vs Vortex Viper PST 5-25 Gen II

[Marksman_92]

Hello Hide members, taking a quick poll on both the SWFA 5-20 HD and the Vortex Viper PST Gen II. I am aware of all the features on both scopes and I know the SWFA does not have a zero stop but aside from that as far as glass quality and tracking goes which optic do you suggest? I currently have the PST gen II but am willing to sell to get a good deal on the SWFA. Also I am converting to MILS slowly so there is that added advantage. Will I notice a small step in glass quality going to the SWFA? Let me know your thoughts, thanks!

 

[Sharpened Graphite]

SWFA has better glass, but PST II has better clicks, control smoothness, and reticle.
I've had both and sold both, but would take the slight hit in optical quality and keep the PST II.

 

[Bender]

I would take the SWFA. It is way more robust and better glass. But the Vortex is a close second

 

[Marksman_92]

I would take the SWFA. It is way more robust and better glass. But the Vortex is a close second

Did you purchase the SWFA from their recent sale? I thought I saw a post you did on their sample list.

 

[Bender]

I have bought off of their sample list before. But not recently. They are an excellent company and stand behind what they sell

 

[bravesirrobin]

Not sure if that's important to you, but the SWFA has an elevation adjustment range of 30mils vs 20mils for the Vortex.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Swfa for sure. the reticle kind of sucks but I enjoy mine when I'm not using my ATACR.

 

[Marksman_92]

I have bought off of their sample list before. But not recently. They are an excellent company and stand behind what they sell

Any issues with the scope you bought off their sample list?

 

[scudzuki]

Optically the SWFA is better than the Gen II PST but I've always held off on buying the SWFA because the reticle is pretty lame IMHO.
The Gen II PST is pretty hard to beat in terms of features/price.

If I were in the market I'd probably opt for the Vortex even with the great deal for the SWFA being offered on samplelist (which I've bought from on numerous occasions, it is totally legit.)

 

[Bender]

Any issues with the scope you bought off their sample list?

No... they are always in better condition than they say.

 

[PBWalsh]

Reticle choices are pretty subjective though. Me? I like a standard Mil reticle. Tried out a Christmas tree reticle but my eyes did not like using hold hovers. I like clicks much better, even if it takes me more time.

 

[just browsing]

As others have said, optically the SWFA is superior, and I would probably trust it to hold up better, but turrets, reticle, manipulation (parallax, focus, etc.) are better on the PSTII.

Your usage should determine your decision. If I need something for an ELR/big bore rifle, I’ll lean SWFA because they’re bomb-proof and have more elevation adjustment. If I need a match optic, I’ll lean PSTII for the refined turrets, reticle, and feature set.

 

[Marksman_92]

No... they are always in better condition than they say.

Good to hear, just got a shipping notification for mine. Ill weigh in on my opinion once I get some trigger time behind it next week.