Swarovski Z3?

[Brendan]

I'm looking at a Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 with the BRH reticle for a new Kimber Mountain Ascent I have on the way. Goal is a lightweight mountain rifle, ranges would be under 500 yards at the very longest. What I like about it - 12 oz, Swarovski's reputation for clarity and light transmission, and from what I've researched, the BRH reticle looks like a good option. But, the Swaro is always at the expensive end of the spectrum for comparable scopes.

Anyone have any other suggestions? Better options? Comments on the Swaro? I've looked at the Leupold VX3i with a B&C reticle, but I'm not sure I like the method of selecting the right zoom range to make sure that the hash marks are correct. With that said - I've never used one.

Any other comments or options?

 

[handwerk]

Between the kids and I we have 8 rifles with Z3 scopes, either 3-9x36 or 3-10x42, I've been very happy with them...very bright and no function issues at all. They are on rifles from .243 up to a 7 3/4 lbs. 300 H&H.

 

[Brightwhite]

I bought the Sawro Z3 with the BT for my Mountain Ascent....well, I don't have the rifle yet, but mine is on order too. I had the same qualifications as you and at the end of the day, I knew I would regret not buying the swaro if I went with anything else. The only other one I looked really hard at was the Zeiss HD5 conquest.

By the way, what caliber did you go with on your Ascent?

 

[dotman]

I have the Z3 with BT and love it, you will not regret getting a Z3. Checkout cameralandny, swfa, natchezss and red hawk rifles for a demo unit. I've yet to receive a demo optic that isn't either nib or very close to it. Natchezss usually has the best demo swaro prices.

 

[Brendan]

You're all moving me closer... Starting to wonder if I want the Ballistic Turret, but that's another one I've been going back and forth on.

By the way, what caliber did you go with on your Ascent?

6.5 Creedmoor

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

Brendan if under 500 yards is your max you won't need the ballistic turret. The photo is for a 300wsm zeroed at 250 yards but I'm sure the 6.5 creedmoor wouldn't vary much. You can't go wrong with the Z3 IMHO.

 

[Bughalli]

I did a lot of research and ended up with the Z3 with BT for a 300wsm build. Haven't tested it yet to give any valid comments.

 

[Brendan]

Brendan if under 500 yards is your max you won't need the ballistic turret.

You're right, can't let myself get carried away. Better off staying light and simple on a rifle that's going to be about 5.75 lbs with scope.

Plus, I have some ideas for a different rifle with turrets when I need the extra range

 

[Muttly]

Been looking real hard at a Meopta 4.5-14x44 w turrets for a .264 Win Mag project, 500 and beyond, I think...
I,'ve got a 3-9x36 Z3 on a .257 Bob Montana, nice light, well balanced.
Want to get my grubby little mitts on a 280 AI, Montana or Mtn Ascent, seems like the 3-10 Z3 w BRH should be a good match..
Got my ears perked up on this one myself!..
Kinda fun to put the Swaro app on the phone, play around with the different probable bullet weight/velocity and reticle settings..

 

[ckleeves]

I'm probably in the minority, but I have had two Z3's and both had tracking problems. One was a 4-12x50 and the other a 3-9x36. The 4-12 lost zero and wouldn't track at all afterward. The 3-9 never lost zero but wasn't true .25 moa adjustments at all. Swaro fixed the 4-12 no problem. That said I have owned two Z5's (sold one, regretted it and bought a replacement) and they have been flawless.

 

[mdfanatic1980]

I have the Z5 with BT and 4w reticle - in my opinion, it can't be beat. I was worried about the exposed top turret and having it bumped and knocked off while on a horseback hunt, but had no issues whatsoever with it in the scabbard.

 

[LightFoot]

If you can afford to go up to the Z5, the 3.5-18x44 is not much more weight and with the BT and 4W options, you will not be limited in any situation.

FWIW, I had 4-12x50 BT 4W and traded up to the Z5 for the parallax adjustment and 18x magnification.



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[Brendan]

Thanks everyone. I'm avoiding Ballistic Turrets on this rifle, keeping things lightweight and simple because of the intended use. I now have a Swaro Z3 on the way... Unfortunately, I still have some waiting to do for the rifle I'm putting it on, but I'll have everything ready to go when it gets here.

 

[Ronb]

I was dead set on the Z3. I spent at least 15minutes with the z3 3-10x42bhr and the leupold vx3i 3-10x40 b and c. It was about 45minutes before dark on a cloudy night outside sportsman wharehouse. I ended up buying the leupold. I felt the retical was less intrusive and overall just as bright and sharp. I'm not a leupold fanboy. I've always owned nice binos, zeiss and Leica. Had the leupy 2-8x32 vx3 last year and was unimpressed. Swore I was gonna upgrade big time. Hope I did. I'm dead set on keeping it simple and light. The z5 and zeiss stuff is pretty large and heavy. Just my opinion.