Does anyone have any experience with Swarovski scopes?

[MCMXI]

I'm looking at the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42mm with the BRX reticle for my new Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather chambered in .300 WM. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Swarovski scopes in general and the BRX reticle in particular. I have a Swarovski range finder so I know that the glass is good but I have no experience with their scopes.

Thanks.

 

[TonyAngel]

I had a Z5. I believe it was a 3-18X model. VERY nice scope. I don't know how much of this trickles down to the Z3 models, but the tracking was excellent as was the glass.

I don't remember which reticle is was that I had, but it was intended to be used a a bullet drop compensator. The idea was to get to know your rifle, ammo and reticle, then use the subtensions as reference points.

Overall, I really liked the scope. In only got rid of it in favor of the tougher build of a Nightforce, although I did sacrifice some glass quality in the move.

On another note, the Z5 maintained its water resistance even with the turret caps removed, which I thought was a testament to the quality of the build. I often find myself wishing that I had kept the scope.

Whatever gripes there may be about the Swaros, I don't think that the glass quality could be one of them.

 

[Coltdriver]

I have one with a 50mm objective and a BRH reticle. Same reticle as your BRX but heavier.

That BRX is so light that it will disappear in low light or even against a dark backdrop. Everyone I talked to that had the BRX said get the heavier reticle.

I have fairly limited experience with mine but it is easily the best variable scope I have ever owned. They are supposed to be durable and the precision of the adjustments is excellent.

They have the software online that you can use to establish the range on your reticle for your particular round. I looked at a lot of good glass and the reticle was the deciding factor for me. I hate to guess and past 250 yards just about everything drops noticeably.

 

[MCMXI]

TonyAngel,
Thanks for the comments. I figured that a Swarovski scope would be worth the money.

That BRX is so light that it will disappear in low light or even against a dark backdrop. Everyone I talked to that had the BRX said get the heavier reticle.

This is what I was worried about. A coworker told me the very same thing after he looked through a Z3 with the BRX reticle. I wanted to hear if others had the same experience and based on your remarks I'll probably buy a Zeiss Conquest instead since I don't want to step up to the Z6 with the 30mm tube just to get the BRH reticle. The 3-9x40mm Conquest with the RZ600 reticle on my Kimber is a really good scope and the 4" of eye relief won't be a bad thing on the Win Mag.

Thanks.

 

[ZeroJunk]

I use a 3X10X 42 Swarovski and a Leupold 3.5 X 10 X 40 Vari X III on my primary hunting rifles. I think the brightness and clarity of the Swarovski is better. They have both been in service a long time in some rough conditions and no problems from either. They are both a standard plex type recticle.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I have a beautiful military fixed 8 power - I can't remember the model and it's down at the shop.

The performance is outstanding, the glass is amazing, the tube integrity has been perfect but a ham-fisted friend completely hosed my windage adjustment and getting it serviced has been a bitch. When the Old Man was alive I would have had U.S. Optics rebuild it but I don't know about the new regime.

So, there's that for what it's worth.

 

[taliv]

i have their laser range finder, a Z6i and an old habicht (sp?)

the z6i is amazing. great glass.

 

[taliv]

fyi, a bit of a demo sale here http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3316993&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

[MCMXI]

taliv,
Thanks for the link. I can get the Z3 3-10x42mm for a VERY good price, less than the price on Sniper's Hide in fact, but the BRX is a deal breaker. If it came with an illuminated BRX reticle or the BRH reticle I'd probably buy one, but since it doesn't I'm back to the Conquest or a Leupold VX-3 with the B&C reticle. I don't want to spend much more than $600 and some form of ballistic reticle is essential. I like the RZ600 reticle in my Conquest and prefer it to the B&C reticle.

 

[fpgt72]

They are fantastic....god does not see that well.

 

[TonyAngel]

1858, of course, I'm talking about my experience with the Z5, but I got the fine reticle because it was going on a target rifle. I didn't have any problems with loosing the reticle. It might be one of those things that varies from person to person.

If I could, I'd but it from someplace that has a return policy and at least check it out. If this is not an option, I don't blame you for being hesitent.

On the other hand, I've had a few of the Zeiss Conquest scopes as well. Very good inexpensive scope as far as I'm concerned.

 

[redneck2]

Since you mentioned the VX-3....

Back last fall I was going to get a scope for a bear hunt in Canada. When I walked into the LGS, I had every intention of walking out with a Swarovski. Just because I always wanted a Swarovski.

So, I'm looking at a Z-3. Dealer says "might look at the new Leupold". So, we pull them out side by side. Same size objective, same magnification range. We both looked at small stuff at 140ish yards. Switched back and forth several times. The VX-3 was very slightly clearer. If I hadn't have seen it myself I'd have a real hard time believing it.

FWIW, I've got several VX-III's. The VX-3 is significantly better. Swarovski is awesome compared to most anything else. It's just that Leupold has finally caught up with their scopes.

HTH

 

[Coltdriver]

Before you give up take a look on Ebay. Got mine there and was able to get the BRH reticle. I just checked and the 3-10 42 is $896 shipped.

In doing my homework I also looked at Schmidt and Bender. On their web site they say that the absolute best anyone can do is passing about 95% of the light. I took them as a trusted authority.

It is interesting that Leupold is having to bring some of their best glass to the party now to keep up. I think their newest VX3's are pretty good glass and probably passing well over 90%. One of the other interesting things I learned is that the coatings are there to assist with a particular frequency of light. The Germans work at getting the blue light passed with their coatings.

Like you I think that B&C Reticle is a great tool that makes for fast and reliable holdover once you have dialed your round into it. I was set on a Leupold with the B&C and in digging around came to the Swarovski.

 

[MCMXI]

Thanks for everyone's input ... I figured I'd make a follow-up post to let you know what I bought. I ended up ordering and receiving another Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40mm and mounted it using an EGW HD Picatinny base and Seekins low rings. A big factor in my choice was my experience with the same scope on another rifle. I really like the RZ reticle, the adjustments, the clean lines, the weight, and the glass is as clear as any of my Leupold Mark 4 scopes. The only issue I see with the 3-9x40mm is the 4" of eye relief. Mounting that scope properly on a Kimber 8400 Montana is no easy task unless you use a Picatinny base. The Winchester action is more forgiving in terms of mounting choices.