Rifle Scopes Swfa 5-20x50 HD vs Vortex Viper PST 6-24 / 4-16

[lte82]

Im trying to decide on which scope to buy for both my 308 and 6.5 creedmoor. I know these are both considered good scopes, but Im just wondering if the extra 400 for the swfa is worth it.

I got my first high end scope earlier this year (NF NXS) and the more I use it the more I realize what difference the high end scopes make, but my experience is only with sub $300 scopes and $1800+ scopes. Im hoping that somewhere in the $800-$1200 range I can find find something that will work so I can get two.

My main goal is to shoot paper and steel from 300 to 1000+, but Ill be hunting quite a bit as well. Ive got some land where 200-600 yard shots would be common...

Any thoughts or help are appreciated.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Based on brief experience with the SS, PST, and ownership of an NXS, I think you would find that the SS 5-20x has a quality feel similar to your NXS along with even better glass, and the PST would be similar to or behind the NXS in glass and feel (not a tangible number) more like a sporting or hobby scope than a rugged military type scope.

That SS model sometimes has an unreasonably stiff parallax, apparently other examples do not (luck of the draw on what you get). Apart from that, it is a great scope. The PST is also great for its price, but IMHO not in quite the same league.

 

[FALex]

SS HD 5-20 is in a class with the Razors. It should probably cost more than it currently does, but SWFA brings them directly to us consumers. Vortex accounts for middlemen. I have owned two Razors and two SSHD's. I'd take the SS's everyday of the week. Much brighter and better contrast; not to mention, bulletproof repeatability. I do like the EBR 2b reticle, however.

Rest assured, if SWFA comes out with a Horus/GAP type reticle, consider the competition non-existent.

 

[Ring]

i have the HD, ive used the PST...

HD, better glass, 10mil turrets, 120+MOA of adjustment

PST, ZS, better parallax adjustment and ergonomics, no BS warranty

 

[lte82]

Thanks everyone. Ill grab a ss hd and give it a try on my 308. As long as it works out Ill get one to match on my 6.5 creed. If it really is as nice or nicer than my NF NXS for quite a bit cheaper then this haa to be the best deal out there...

 

[winxp_man]

Thanks everyone. Ill grab a ss hd and give it a try on my 308. As long as it works out Ill get one to match on my 6.5 creed. If it really is as nice or nicer than my NF NXS for quite a bit cheaper then this haa to be the best deal out there...

Got my first hog at 120 yards with my Remmy SPS Tac and 5-20 SS scope. I even have a video on youtube of a hog a extreme long range.

Wild Hogs through a SWFA 5-20x50 SS HD Scope - YouTube

 

[GunMax]

I would get the SWFA. I have 2 of them and they are great scopes good company to deal with and clear glass

 

[lte82]

The swfa should be here next week. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[762forlife]

i have a SS and my sisters boyfriend has a pst 6-24. my SS has better glass, feels like a tank, and has more elevation

 

[bhart89]

Can you guess which scope I vote for?

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Yeah, the ss hd is a great scope. Its just about all you need

 

[jtrax]

SS HD 5-20 is in a class with the Razors. It should probably cost more than it currently does, but SWFA brings them directly to us consumers. Vortex accounts for middlemen. I have owned two Razors and two SSHD's. I'd take the SS's everyday of the week. Much brighter and better contrast; not to mention, bulletproof repeatability. I do like the EBR 2b reticle, however.

Rest assured, if SWFA comes out with a Horus/GAP type reticle, consider the competition non-existent.

This ^^

To the OP... These two scopes are not comparable. While the PST is a great sub $1k scope, it is simply not in the same league as the SS HD 5-20. The SS should be priced higher than it currently is listed for. I own/have owned nearly every scope made...including the SS and the PST. I do not use the PST, as it is on my loaner rifle which friends, etc. borrow when needed. In addition to the two scopes being compared in this thread, I currently own several S&B 5-25's, a few Premier Heritage 5-25's, US Optics ER 5-25, and March FX FFP 5-40. As mentioned, I do not use my PST. However, I do use my SS HD 5-20 quite often. The SS HD glass quality is superior to any scope in Vortex's product line. In fact, IMHO and many others on here, the SS HD glass is better than Nightforce NXS, Vortex Razor HD, Bushnell HDMR, ERS, XRS, etc. In other words, the glass is damn clear and better than any other glass out there in this price range up to $2,500.

While clear glass is nice, it is not at the top of the hierarchy in precision optics. Repeatability, durability, and elevation range are very important. The SS HD has a stellar reputation for toughness. The turrets have a decent feel. I have not heard many complain about any repeatability issues with the SS.

In my opinion the SS HD is almost in the top tier. It represents an incredible bargain.