Help me choose a scope

[colonel00]

I have been torn between a Swaro Z3 4-12x50 and a Z5 3.5-18x44 for quite a while so I am looking for Rokslider input on which they would choose. While cost is definitely a factor, it shouldn't and won't be the ultimate deciding factor as this is one of those "buy once, cry once" scenarios. This will be going on my Tikka 300WM and my expected range will be probably out to 500yds max for any time in the near future. This will be my all around rifle setup for just about any hunting situation from mulies and elk in the west to bear and caribou in Alaska.

To assist a little, I have attached a spreadsheet comparing the specs of the two scopes. Yellow indicates the same values and green highlights my initial run through of which specs are "better".

Edit: One other point worth mentioning is the difference in erector springs between the two scopes. While the Z3 uses the traditional leaf spring system, the Z5 uses the Swaro coil spring system.

 

[Trr15]

Hey Colonel - I don't have much to offer up on the comparison, but I will say that I just put the z3 ballistic turret scope on my 7mm mag T3 and I absolutely love it so far. I haven't even looked through a z5 so take that for what's its worth.

 

[colonel00]

Thanks. I guess I should mention that whichever scope I choose will be the BT version. Originally I was all set on the Z3 but the Z5 has slowly crept into my brain as an option with its extended reach and other benefits.

 

[luke moffat]

I don't think you need 18X to shoot 500 yards, but thats simply one persons opinion. Save the money to go hunting more

 

[7mag.]

I've never used a Swaro scope, but I voted based on the specs. In my experience, the 12x power is a little lacking for a 500 yard shot, and I prefer the 44mm objective over the 50. Based on that, I voted for the Z5. Either way you're going to have a great scope.

 

[wapitibob]

You can buy a new Nightforce NXS for $1600 if you look around and have a few months.

 

[Stid2677]

I have not looked though that Z5, but I have killed 3 critters over 500 yards with my Z3 BT and found it plenty for the job and I'm with Luke I think I would threw that other 600 or so at something else.

 

[todd kelly]

My Dad has that z3 and I have the z5, they are both nice scopes, but both of like my z5 a little better. the 18x is great for anything past 100yds. I like the extra magnification and it has made me a better shooter. There has never been a time I wish I had less magnification. The z5 also has thinner reticles than the z3 which I prefer as well.

 

[colonel00]

Thanks for the input fellas and keep it coming. FWIW, I listed the retail prices of the scopes including Cabela's current "sale" on the Z3 which is the "standard" price from other retailers. I will probably have the ability to pick up the scope at a good discount but it is based on the MSRP (more accurately it's based on Cabela's cost) which leaves a gap of something like $300 between them. Still, I don't disagree with the premise of putting the extra money towards a hunt. Mostly I just don't want to go with the Z3 and find my self regretting purchase and wanting the Z5. Then again, a Swaro scope should retain its value well enough to allow a future upgrade for minimal loss....see how easy it is for me to talk myself in circles about this...

 

[Justin Crossley]

I haven't used either one. But, I would go with the Z5 myself. I really like the specs on it.

 

[Tony Trietch]

I have the Z5 you highlighted and LOVE it. Will prob get another soon for a rifle that has a zeiss on it now.
The Ballistic turret is amazing and the Swaro app is too.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Also, If you buy from Outdoorsman they will customize a turret for free.

 

[Shrek]

I have the Z3 BT and love it. So far it has tracked perfectly and I can dial farther than I intend to shoot at game so it does everything I want. The coil spring on the Z5 is intriguing but I don't think extra power is needed for minute of deer shooting at 500 yards but the extra light gathering of the 50mm on the Z3 might. I know that for my money I went with the Z3.

 

[colonel00]

Yeah, I know about the Outdoorsman's deal. I looked into it but at the price I can get the scopes at, I could pay Outdoorsman's the $100 for the custom turret and still be ahead. Good info for others though.

Shrek, I know I had PM'd you a while back for some info and it was much appreciated.

 

[pyroducksx3]

I've hunted with and shot animals out to 934 and 916 yards with a 4.5-14 leupold. With shooting out past 1000. Is the 18 neccessary, no but I like the more magnification of the nightforce I've since put on it. If you're looking for a one and done that z5 looks real nice. I've since put that leupold on my Tikka t3 in 300 wsm and it has been a good fit.

 

[Steve O]

I'd take the Z3-lighter, same light transmission, and plenty of power.

 

[idig4au]

The Z5 and Z3 are both good scopes and you really can't go wrong with either one. They both have favorable qualities. You have a winning hand with either one. Given what you are hunting and the ranges, I would probably lean towards the Z3 as that is a lot of scope for the money.

 

[Bughalli]

Funny, I did a bunch of research for a new scope as well. I'm building up a 300wsm hunting rifle. Looked at all the brands. Narrowed it down to Swaro because of the quality of glass and weight savings, but also really like the retical. Those NXS are nice and love the zero stop, but they are nearly twice the weight. I really like the 4 turret options for the Swaro. Leupold has one, believe it's the Z6 if I recall, that had very close specs to these Swaro's. But like you, I want this to be a "one and done" type purchase. I haven't purchased it yet, but I'm leaning towards the Z5. Never hurts to have a little more magnification. Might not need it or use it for most of your hunting shots, but great for long distance or precision target practice. I'm not a fan of 50mm objectives, they seem bigger than needed. So I like the 44mm of the Z5.

By the way, if your effective hunting range is 500 yards, then you'll be practicing well beyond that. So it's nice to have a little more magnification for it. Plus I bet you get comfortable with longer range shots and end up pushing your hunting range past 500 for shots with perfect conditions.

 

[colonel00]

Thanks for the continued input. On the new coil spring system, it sure sounds nice but I can't say that I read reports about Z3's losing zero with their conventional leaf spring system either.

Also, Todd mentioned different reticle sizes between the two. Anyone else have input on this? I plan to do a better comparison next time I look through them as well.

Bughalli, can you explain more about what you mean with the 4 turret options?

 

[GKPrice]

I bought my son that same Z3 for his 40th in October - I got it for $950 NIB at a shop in Eugene - In comparing his Z3 to my 6x Leupold, a VX2 3x9, VX3 4.5 x 14 x 40mm as darkness fell while looking at a target exactly 200 yds from the tent the Z3 won hands down in minutes gained until total loss of view, clarity wasn't so finite but there was a calculable difference between 5 separate sets of eyes (mine were the oldest and saw the least difference although I could see it clearly) but I STILL like carrying that particular T3 superlight with the 6x fixed better (bulk and weight) - an elk is still a pretty big target, even at 400 - 500 yards, years ago I had a 6.5 x 20 on my elk rifle and I sure would not want that nowadays