SWFA SS vs Bushnell Elite Tactical

[timbo399]

I am looking to buy my first scope. Have shot irons for years and do have an Eotech and ACOG but figured it would be a nice challenge for me to get into longer range precision shooting and take a class at some point.

I love the Trijicon Accupoints price and light weight but want a mil/mil. Purpose of this scope would be to first put it on my SCAR 17 and have some fun with it and also switch it over to my Rem 700 AAC I just bought and get more into precision. When I say precision, not looking to go out past 500-600m.

I have done a lot of research on reasonably priced scopes that still seem to be well reviewed and come down to the following two- SWFA SS 3-15x42 FFP (mil/mil w MRAD reticle) and Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 FFP (mil/mil w G2DMR reticle). I like these because of the reviews they have gotten on various forums and fact they have 30mm tubes and both weigh in at 24 oz, weight is very important to me and a 34 oz scope doesn't interest me and I feel that 12-15x mag can still get me out to 500-600m pretty accurately.
They both can be had for under $800 as well.
Also, I'm a bit confused on the mounts, if I were to start it off on my SCAR 17 I was looking at Bobro QD mount (so I can interchange scope and ACOG on SCAR) and they have both extended and normal version. A gentleman on this forum already answered my question on this saying if I do nose to charging handle shooting then get extended- most of pics I see of other's rigs have the standard Bobro on them so was thinking of going with that. Also, these Bobro QD's are expensive (around $200) and I already have a Burris PEPR non QD sitting around but assume maybe that wouldn't be as sturdy or return to zero as well for the SCAR.
Any feedback on those 2 scopes would be much appreciated for a complete scope novice such as myself who wants to learn how to get into precision shooting rather than just ringing steel out to 300m. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[Dinosaur Jr]

I unfortunately have no experience with the SWFA scopes, however, they are highly praised here. Some are even selling their Vortex glass to go SWFA.

I have a 6-24X50 FFP G2 DMR Bushnell TE and have high praise for it and the G2 reticle.

[timbo399]

Thanks AKS for the feedback, yes that G2DMR reticle on the Bushnell looks great. Given my price point and weight restriction (want to keep the SCAR light) from the research I have done at least on forums seems that SWFA and Busnell Elite Tactical are great bang for your buck.

[Dinosaur Jr]

My pleasure. Pasadena Turners had the Bushnell ET DMR 3.5-21x50 pre-mounted on an AR-10 they were selling a couple weeks ago. If it's still there, you could ask to see the rifle and make your own assessment. I did at that time. I was waffling between the Vortex & Bushnell and that short peep session pushed the Bushy over the edge for me. It's more expensive than mine, but I figured if the glass was even close, I'd still be happy.

[mag360]

Find a deal on the swfa yet?

[timbo399]

Still need to decide on what I want but if decided on SWFA their website has them new for $699 and I have $200 credit at Optics Planet I need to use up so would probably go one of those 2 routes. Still want to do bit more research before pulling the trigger as funds will be getting low during the Holidays!

[mtenenhaus]

this looks like a very good deal to me:
SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope Kit
$1,599.95 it includes:
Seekins Precision Scope 30mm Rings (Med 0.87") (SEE3087M4) - $118.95
Atlas Precision Bipod (BT10LW17) - $279.95
SWFA SS Switchview Throwlever (SWVSSHD520) - $59.95
Butler Creek Lens Caps (246k) - $15.95
SWFA SS 50mm Sun Shade (SS50) - $29.95
SWFA SS-TAC 30mm Bubble Level W/ 1" Inserts (SSOML) - $39.95

[JMP]

Purpose of this scope would be to first put it on my SCAR 17 and have some fun with it and also switch it over to my Rem 700 AAC I just bought and get more into precision. When I say precision, not looking to go out past 500-600m.

Okay, you are obviously confused. You shoot .308 Winchester and are looking for a scope to get you to 500-600 yards? If that is the case, you should have just stuck with .223 BB shot. The 700 AAC is a 1,000 yard gun. Shooting at 500-600 is pretty much trivial. Now, from your post, I am assuming that hunting isn't going to be the use for this scope.

If you have a SCAR 17, I am guessing your budget isn't too constrained. So, step up and get a decent scope. The problem with the two scopes you are considering will force you into buying another scope if you become serious. For a little more, you can get a scope that will meet your every need, so it can be used on different guns.

First, don't go with an objective lens smaller than 50mm. With SWFA, make sure you get an "HD" model, which have considerably more clarity.

Bushnell Elites are not as good as the SWFA SS HD series. If you like SWFA, then I would strongly encourage you to get the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. The regular one is $1,299, and the one with the illuminated reticle is $1,499. In this price range, nothing even holds a candle to the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. This scope will take you as far as you want to go.

[timbo399]

Okay, you are obviously confused. You shoot .308 Winchester and are looking for a scope to get you to 500-600 yards? If that is the case, you should have just stuck with .223 BB shot. The 700 AAC is a 1,000 yard gun. Shooting at 500-600 is pretty much trivial. Now, from your post, I am assuming that hunting isn't going to be the use for this scope.

If you have a SCAR 17, I am guessing your budget isn't too constrained. So, step up and get a decent scope. The problem with the two scopes you are considering will force you into buying another scope if you become serious. For a little more, you can get a scope that will meet your every need, so it can be used on different guns.

First, don't go with an objective lens smaller than 50mm. With SWFA, make sure you get an "HD" model, which have considerably more clarity.

Bushnell Elites are not as good as the SWFA SS HD series. If you like SWFA, then I would strongly encourage you to get the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. The regular one is $1,299, and the one with the illuminated reticle is $1,499. In this price range, nothing even holds a candle to the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. This scope will take you as far as you want to go.

Hey JMP you make good points and thank you for your feedback. I do take exception to you stating- I'm obviously confused. No, I'm not "obviously confused". I don't live on a ranch in Idaho. The range I go to and that is my only option for target shooting and taking a precision class maxes out at 600yds. I understand 600yds isn't considered very long distance as a lot of people on this forum can bang a steel pie plate w irons at that distance. But to me it's more the art of learning how to use a mil reticle and being as precise as I can learn how to be at this range since it is my only option. I live out of the country for my job for 7 mos out of year and don't have a lot of free time on weekends given various other obligations to be taking trips to places where I can go out and set up a 1,000 yard target. None of my friends are shooters and I simply don't have the time.

Taking the 15 min drive to my range is the option that works best for me.

So yes, I confess I am looking forward to getting into precision shooting and learning how to really use a mil/mil scope at 600yrd- even if 600yds is inferior to 1,000 yrds. Still see it as a new learning experience that I can devote some time to and learn some new things.

I certainly know far less than a lot of the people on this forum, including you, but one thing I know is that I'm not "obviously confused" on my intentions here, the one thing I am confused on is deciding on a scope, so many good options! And I do understand your point of stepping up a bit further price range for higher quality glass and thanks for your feedback on those options.

[LBDamned]

Okay, you are obviously confused.

Bushnell Elites are not as good as the SWFA SS HD series. nothing even holds a candle to the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50.

okay, so I took out the fluff...

the reason for this post is to point out the irrelevance of these types of threads.

As the saying goes.. opinions are like poop-holes, we all have one and they all stink.

[timbo399]

okay, so I took out the fluff...

the reason for this post is to point out the irrelevance of these types of threads.

As the saying goes.. opinions are like poop-holes, we all have one and they all stink.

Ha! too funny. Thanks for the feedback. I will have to look more into the SWFA HD. But it still won't be going past 600 yds!

[JMP]

the reason for this post is to point out the irrelevance of these types of threads.

As the saying goes.. opinions are like poop-holes, we all have one and they all stink.

the reason for this post is to point out the irrelevance of these types of threads.

As the saying goes.. opinions are like poop-holes, we all have one and they all stink.

[Dinosaur Jr]

Bushnell Elites are not as good as the SWFA SS HD series. If you like SWFA, then I would strongly encourage you to get the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. The regular one is $1,299, and the one with the illuminated reticle is $1,499. In this price range, nothing even holds a candle to the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. This scope will take you as far as you want to go.

It's also helpful to note that Bushnell Tactical Elite 6-24x50 costs less than $900 if you know where to shop. Spend more, get more is a common wisdom in buying glass. The SWFA mentioned looks like an awesome scope for $450 more.

[tonyxcom]

You will learn everything you need to learn in 10 rounds at 600y with a 308. Zero at 100y or 200y then dial up for 600y (ballistic calc app on your phone makes this trival).

After that it gets pretty trivial.

I've shot at a chest size steel plate from over 600y with 1-4 PST and 77gr and while only slightly challenging it gets a lot more fun with bulk 55gr. Unfortunately, my local range only goes out to 200y.

[vintagearms]

Okay, you are obviously confused.
Bushnell Elites are not as good as the SWFA SS HD series. If you like SWFA, then I would strongly encourage you to get the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. The regular one is $1,299, and the one with the illuminated reticle is $1,499. In this price range, nothing even holds a candle to the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. This scope will take you as far as you want to go.

The Bushnell Elite Tactical 3.5-21 with G2 reticle is far and away a much better scope than the SWFA. I have owned both and traded out a bit less clarity over a better reticle and non mushy turrets.

What do tactical or competition shooters choose? The Bushnell Elite's.