Swaro Z3 Ballistic Turret Reliabiliy

[General RE LEE]

I’m getting close to pulling the trigger on a Swaro Z3 4-12x50 plex with the BT. I don’t plan on using the ballistic turret very often, just sighting in to confirm POIs and when actually in the field if ever needed. Otherwise in most scenarios the scope will be used rather conventionally with a 200 yard zero and appropriate holds out to 300 yards.

Based on my info above, would I get good serviceability with the Swaro BT system, or is it plagued with unforeseen problems?


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[shedfinder7]

This is my absolute favorite scope for my tikka backpack rifle. Superb bright clear images with it. The reliability of the dialing on it is very solid as well. I got mine from sport optics and they gave me a good deal on it and also got me a free custom turret that i had to send my ballistic data to swarovski for and it arrived a few weeks later. The original turret i was able to get the third and last stop on it set out to 500 yards as max distance with 200 yard zero out of a 270 short mag

 

[sneaky]

I'm not sure if the Z3 internals are different than the Z5 series, but I don't dial mine at all anymore because the repeatability and return to zero is awful. I thought it was just me when I was checking my settings but a quick Google search on here and on the net showed me I'm not the only one. It's a known issue. If you primarily use it out to 300 without dialing you should be fine, but if you plan on dialing a lot, then there are far more reliable scopes for that.

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[General RE LEE]

I'm not sure if the Z3 internals are different than the Z5 series, but I don't dial mine at all anymore because the repeatability and return to zero is awful. I thought it was just me when I was checking my settings but a quick Google search on here and on the net showed me I'm not the only one. It's a known issue. If you primarily use it out to 300 without dialing you should be fine, but if you plan on dialing a lot, then there are far more reliable scopes for that.

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Bummer; would you say Leupold’s CDS turrets in the VX3i series are more reliable?


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[sneaky]

I've heard they are. Just do a little research on the Z series turrets and you'll see the discussions on them. I just use mine as a set it and forget it now, about to switch it to a different rifle that I don't need to dial on.

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[realunlucky]

A quick search of the cds on here will give you plenty of reading. Short answer is someone said Leupold is shit so that opinion is what's widely accepted here.

Posse should be along shortly to validate that opinion.

 

[General RE LEE]

A quick search of the cds on here will give you plenty of reading. Short answer is someone said Leupold is shit so that opinion is what's widely accepted here.

Posse should be along shortly to validate that opinion.

Yep there is a lot of group think on Internet forums. Over on Archery Talk there is a large contingent now bow hunting 100 lb whitetails with arrows suitable for taking down Cape Buffalo. Energy calculators, Dr Ashby articles and forum influencers have folks think a 400 grain arrow will bounce off a 75 lb button buck.


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[General RE LEE]

Question on the Z3 BT. Is there a “tweener” setting between the 100 yard increments?


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[KurtR]

What’s a tweener setting on a turret?

 

[General RE LEE]

200 to 300 yards and deer steps out at 250 am I just guessing between the 2 colors on the Swaro BT turret?


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[HiMtnHntr]

That would be a good guess, but the exact number of clicks based on your specific load can easily be determined.

 

[sneaky]

There is no 50 yd setting, you just have to remember how many clicks between the colored marks for yardage. If you get a custom turret made that may be different, but the factory turret you don't have tweener marks

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[ndlawrence]

You can set the colors up for whatever range you want. I have done 100yd increments with the colors, then sharpie 50yd increments in-between in the past. But you could just as easily set them up for 200,250,300yds.

If you're only shooting to 300yards, you might consider just getting a plex reticle without the BT. That will be more reliable, less moving parts. My rifle zeroed at 200 is only 4.8" low at 300. You can easily hold slightly high for that. Bottom line is, if you want to get serious about dialing, you need to be looking at completely different scopes.

 

[General RE LEE]

You can set the colors up for whatever range you want. I have done 100yd increments with the colors, then sharpie 50yd increments in-between in the past. But you could just as easily set them up for 200,250,300yds.

If you're only shooting to 300yards, you might consider just getting a plex reticle without the BT. That will be more reliable, less moving parts. My rifle zeroed at 200 is only 4.8" low at 300. You can easily hold slightly high for that. Bottom line is, if you want to get serious about dialing, you need to be looking at completely different scopes.

I’ve got a box blind where 350-400 yards would be a possibility. That’s why I want the BT.


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[General RE LEE]

Does the Swaro have a zero stop feature so I can always at a glance check and make sure my turret hasn’t moved? Also is the turret easily moved?


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[ndlawrence]

I’ve got a box blind where 350-400 yards would be a possibility. That’s why I want the BT.


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I'd get a BDC reticle or something that will reliabily track and return to zero.

 

[ndlawrence]

Does the Swaro have a zero stop feature so I can always at a glance check and make sure my turret hasn’t moved? Also is the turret easily moved?


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Yes, yes.

 

[General RE LEE]

I might still do the Z3 or Z5 with the BT. 98% of the time the scope will simply be sitting on its zero. If a chance ever arrives then I might adjust the BT for bullet drop which might happen once every couple years.

Yes if long distance shooting was my hobby or I lived out West I would maybe look at another brand.


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[Trr15]

Based on my own experience, I would 100% recommend one with the BRH or BRX reticle and 100% steer you away from the ballistic turret.


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[General RE LEE]

I decided to go with a Z3 3-10 x 42 with 4A reticle for my .30 06 and might even put it on my muzzleloader. I’ll use the Leupold VX5HD 3-15 x 44 CDS ZL2 on my main Tikka 308 and keep a traditional set and forget scope on my other firearms.


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