Swarovski Older scope quality question?

[AZmark]

I've acquired a couple of older Swarovski Z3 scopes manufactured in the 90's. So I was wondering if the quality of these would be the same quality of current mfg scopes?

 

[ShortMagFan]

Did not think Z3s were made until well after the 90s

 

[ghostrider272]

Those were the AV line. Can't speak to them, but I still have several of the PH line from the same time period. Good scopes.

 

[TNKnoxville]

I have a Habicht from 2006, still an awesome scope.

 

[Robthom]

I have a feeling, based on internet traffic and some gunwriter articles that older scopes are tougher. Fewer models made and these could be mounted on a ything from mid weight standard deer rifles through true big game ) African hunting rifles etc. The older models had stronger spring types in the erector systems etc. I think this is now the case of Z5 vs. Z3 scopes. Z6 have the stronger internal springs I believe too. John Barnes's (spelling?) Wrote along these lines.

I would be interested to know what happens when a Z3 is mounted on a lightweight rifle say 8.5-8.0 lbs and below in a 30-06. That should give the scope an equivalent 300win mag experience in recoil.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Z3=AV, they have a leaf spring system.

PV, Z5/6/8 have quad coil springs.

Swaro's been making the same glass in the AV/Z3 for like 30 years. Good for them.