Optics under $400 compared. Arken SH4 GENII and the CVLIFE BEARSWIFT on Ruger Precision Rimfire 22

Can the CVLIFE Bearswift go toe to toe with the proven Arken Optics SH4 GENII?
In this video i compare a pair of optics that come in under $400. The CVLIFE Bearswift retails for $299 while the Arken Optics SH4 GENII is $389; however generally 25% off.
Both these optics are First Focal Plan, illumination equipped, exposed turrets and 34mm main body tubes. Both optics have Chinese glass and metal internals of the moving mechanisms.
At first sight the optics appear quite comparable. This is where the similarities end. Turning the turrets it is immediately evident the mechanisms within the Arken are much for robust with very tactile and absolute clicks between adjustments. Though the CVLIFE turret movements are not bad they are mushy in comparison to the Arken. Though both use advertised Chinese glass the lenses on the Arken are without question of superior quality. The Arken view box is clear from edge to edge with minimal to no distortion while the CVLIFE has distortion of at lest 30% of the viewing window. Both optics provide a side focus parallax mechanism. The Aren has a wide window of adjustment to work a sharp clear image while the CVLIFE does focus offers less working room to dial in the image.
Both optics did hold zero after some free spin of the turrets.
The Arken offers a lifetime warranty while CVLIFE offers 1 year with many exclusions. The CVLIFE does come with mounting rings and a usable magnification throw lever
In conclusion for approximately $60 more the Arken SH4 GENII really is the gold standard in this price category. The glass is absolutely clearer and more usable, the turrets have a far greater feel, side focus set up superior and the Arken warranty a second level.
I feel the CVLIFE optic is a great entry level optic; a true budget optic however i am not confident in the current optic market that it holds a $300 value. I feel it would be difficult to use the reticle for hold overs due to the distortion. The optic would work well for the occasional casual shooter keeping shots at or under 100 yards in my opinion. For the marginal increase in price i feel the Arken provides a much more precision package that will offer more enjoyable and accurate shooting.
** As i mention in the video issue with the side focus. The groups with the CVLIFE were clearly not as tight as those with the Arken. Despite the hiccups with ammunition i attribute this to the reduced clarity of the glass as well as workings of the side focus parallax adjustment. Though only shooting at 75 yards i do feel at further distances the issues would have been even more observable.
As a final total score for the value i give the Arken a total 9/10 and the CVLIFE a 7/10.

[@faraci5617]

Good useful info,i like these comparison videos.I have very similar assessments of the bearpower in terms of that parallax adjustment etc..mine is SUPER stiff as well!!I just ordered the Arken EPL-4 today so we will see how that goes when i get it.CVlife just sent me a red dot in RMR footprint to review so we will see what thats all about when it gets here👍🏼

[@p47rr]

I bought a CVlife Bearswift 6-25X50 over the weekend on sale. And a 30% off code. $125 delivered. Not sure what I’m going to use it on. But for the money. It’s a good back up.

[@pevelyhomeowner327]

Thanks for your content. I would have loved to see the Arken shoot again.

[@OscarDad]

Was ready to pull the trigger on the SH4... saw the CV on sale this weekend for $124 delivered and nabbed one ( havent mounted it yet on my CZ455)

[@harryodell9497]

Probly the gun. Never had issues with cci

[@onebadjack1313]

Nice. I'm interested to see a Discovery vs Arken comparison. I know you'll give us an honest opinion. Thanks for the kickass content as always.

[@jamessammann9183]

I.woul.like

[@randyharrington3902]

Get you a volquartsen ejector

[@paulstakun8249]

Clean the bolt face and lube the extractors