Swarovski Z5

[and.kimbo]

Fairly new to Rokslide, mainly been a lurker. Looking for some feedback on Swarovski's Z5 line. How do people that have them like it? How durable are they?

 

[huntsman22]

They suck if you dial.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I think the consensus you'll hear is if you want a scope that can track correctly and retain its zero, look elsewhere. And those are the two most important things a scope does.

 

[Kurts86]

They are a light scope with a nearly perfect form factor and great glass but they are very fragile.

 

[pirogue]

I don’t think the OP’s model, Z5, even dials to start with, so keep that in mind for some replys. I have the Z3, because I wanted the light weight, 1” tube. You will hear they are fragile, and I’m not arguing that. I will state that the rifle my Z3 is on has slipped off the tree, it was leaning against a couple times. It has also travelled many miles in a Kolpin hard boot case, mounted to a quad, so that is a lot of shaking to absorb. I’ve probably had it 1-2 years, and went to the range this morning. It was off about 1 3/4” at 100 yards, which is where it was sighted in. It would not be fair to say this variance may multiply at further distances, because at my age, I can’t hold steady, even on a rest at the range, to start with. In other words, when it was initially sighted in, if shots were within an inch, I would have called it good. So just telling it like it is, and not promoting or criticizing the brand.

 

[JohnnyB]

My Z5 has great glass. It has held zero well. It tracks horribly. I have tried to make half moa adjustments while zeroing that took up to 8 clicks. Sometimes a single click will move it 1 moa or more.

My primary hunting rifle has a Trijicon Tenmile on it and I am very happy with it. I regularly dial out to a thousand yards while practicing without issue.

My binos are Swaro and they are excellent, but I would never buy one of their scopes again.
Good luck!

 

[jengland03]

I am looking into the same scope, The weight is very attractive.

 

[ElGuapo]

Interesting feedback on the Swaro scopes. I have a Z3 a Z5 and a Z6 and all have been very good to me. The Z5 and Z6 have both dialed reliably and returned to zero just fine. I don’t abuse my gear, but they see a good amount of use. For the record, I have other brands as well, so I don’t have tunnel vision about the scopes.

I just think you hear the few complaints and there’s probably far more positive experiences out there than the RS threads would have you believe.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I just think you hear the few complaints and there’s probably far more positive experiences out there than the RS threads would have you believe.

I think this is true but doesn't take anything away from the RS complaints. Most people (at least in the US) with a Swarovski scope, once they're zeroed, are not touching those turrets. They're putting 5-20 rounds down range before hunting season starts and calling it good. And then most are likely shooting out to short enough distances while hunting that the zero being a little off or tracking being not that great doesn't matter. That's most, not all. And is true for most popular scope brands. If you mention Maven or SWFA to the average hunter they don't know those brands exist.

 

[snipe10]

Always used Z8's and never had a problem, just took this antelope dialing up my mil scope on my 7PRC