Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics LRHS vs SWFA?

I currently have a SWFA 3-9 on my CTR and I’m happy with it. However, I strarted looking at the LRHS 3-12 and liked a few of it’s features; mainly the smaller knobs. I know some don’t like the reticle in the SWFA scopes, saying it’s too fine but I really like it. Is the LRHS reticle thin as well? Do you think the numbered hash marks are helpful? Is the higher magnification useful if I’m only shooting steel out to 700 or 800? I realize this model is discontinued, but there are still some out there.

I have more questions, but I’ll let you guys tell me what you think the important pros/cons are. This is for a hunting out to MAYBE 300 yds, and shooting steel to possibly 1000.

I did a search after posting this and got a bunch of good information, but I’d still like to hear some new opinions.

Thanks

I much prefer the LRHS retiicle. The glass is a huge upgrade from SWFA. Both seem equally repeatable. Also, as you note, the knobs are much more conducive to hunting. Wish I’d picked up a couple more of the 4.5x18i scopes when they were available/more reasonably priced.

LRHS gets my vote!

The LRHS is more scope when it comes to glass and features. It’s also “more scope” in terms of weight and price. Can’t go wrong, they’re both fantastic options. Both reticles are excellent. The numbered and variably-sized hashmarks are nice. Zero stop is really great on the LRHS. For a lightweight rifle, I’d go SS, for a midweight, LRHS.

Same here.
Based on, what I have read about them on here and other web links.
Wish you the best.

I've had both, and both work well. I like the weight of the SWFA. The LRHS is a bit heavier than advertised. The LRHS glass is better. I like the reticle better. It is just fine but the heavier portion is closer to the center on low power,so easier to bracket an animal if the light was bad.

I like both, but prefer the LRHS. Great feature set and glass. Both are repeatable, durable scopes, IME. But, as the other guys have mentioned, the LRHS is heavier and costs more. So no free lunch.

Yea,basically no contest otherwise,but weight can be a big issue. I decided the one I had was too heavy for my needs ,which weren't really long range.

I believe I currently have 4 3-9 SWFA scopes and 5 LRHS. Both are good so like Jordan said just depends on the application.

I have both.......but chose a 6X SWFA for my Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt......and closed the deal yesterday at 560 yards so that should tell you something.

What a marvelous ram. Well done.

Is there a better 3-15X on the market for the money and features of the SWFA?

I have a 3-15 SWFA MQ, I'm not nearly impressed with it as much as the 6x and 3-9.

Might be for sale soon.

I'd look elsewhere personally, but they seem to be pretty popular here.

Indeed.

STS45,

Congrats on a fantastic ram! Awesome animal.

I love the 6x SS. My wife will be getting a new Tikka this year, it'll be scoped with the 6x.

Wow STS... to heck with scopes, that’s a fabulous Ram! Big congrats!

Thanks Brad. By the way I got your old FWT stainless 308 back that I foolishly traded. It was actually in the truck and had been in the pack for many hours the days before while hunting for sheep. It is wearing a SWFA 3-9. Only took the Tikka on this day as it was a LONG hike in and back out. Needed to save all the weight I could!

After practicing a lot ranging and dialing in the distances with the SWFA scopes I can't begin to tell you what a game changer they are. My buddies were freaking out that I was so calm before the shot. But I had practiced out to 838 yards on steel and rang it consistently with the 6X so I was pretty confident in it. At 560 yards the 6x magnification wasn't a problem at all. Two years ago I would have NEVER even considered a 6x for anything close to 500 yards. Funny how you don't know what you don't know.

I'll try to figure out how to post the shoot video.

Funny what practice will do

Glad to hear you got the 308 back!

What is your Tikka chambered for?

Congrats on the Ram STS! Those 6x SS’s are damned good scopes. All of my Tikkas are set up the same way except for the 270 which has the 3x9 on it.

Friggin awesome ram.