Swaro Z5

[AT Hiker]

Alright, so I have been putting some cash back since last March after I purchased my T3 Lite 7mm. Now that birthdays, anniversaries and the Holidays are over I have some left, granted not as much as before.
Anyways Swarovski are on sale through a few dealers and the Z5's specifically are about $300 off. I can get the Outdoorsman turret installed for free but I'm leaning toward the BRH reticle in the 3.5-18x44.

Two falls ago I purchased my first Swaro glass and absolutely feel in love with the quality and did not have buyers remorse one bit. It's a bitter pill to swallow dropping that kind of cash but easily forgotten once put to use.

So, anyone have any experience with this particular scope? The BRH reticle? Which will be my first time using this type, but I feel it is something I would like and could benefit from.

Any other suggestions? I have looked through some higher end Vortex and Leupold (both nice) but still a league below the Swaro imo, however they are two leagues below in price. But, with the discount on the Swaro right now I feel now is the time to buy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sniper]

I would strongly look at this Vortex if you haven't. If you have compared with the Z5 let me know what the difference is.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vor ... riflescope

 

[Riverday]

I guess my question is why do you need a 1200.00 dollar scope to kill anything in Tenn or around Tenn...I could see a 1200 dollar scope if you lived out West and had long shots all the time...Looks like to me a good Leupold vx 3 or something in that line would be a great scope and you will still have money left to buy another gun...lol

 

[AT Hiker]

I guess my question is why do you need a 1200.00 dollar scope to kill anything in Tenn or around Tenn...I could see a 1200 dollar scope if you lived out West and had long shots all the time...Looks like to me a good Leupold vx 3 or something in that line would be a great scope and you will still have money left to buy another gun...lol

I typically spend more hunting hours per year in the Mountain West and Great Plains than I do here. This particular gun I'm putting this glass on is specifically for backpack hunting, so weight, durability and all around quality is a must. This is also my "forever" rifle.
Yes, if I was just shooting 150 yard max shots at whitetail in the TN hardwoods then my VX3 would be more than enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nsghunter]

I guess my question is why do you need a 1200.00 dollar scope to kill anything in Tenn or around Tenn...I could see a 1200 dollar scope if you lived out West and had long shots all the time...Looks like to me a good Leupold vx 3 or something in that line would be a great scope and you will still have money left to buy another gun...lol

I believe the original posters does a lot of mountain hunting in the West. I may be wrong but I believe his previous posts indicate this.

I also knew people who shoot ridge to ridge in East tn. 600-900 yards, successfully at whitetail and pigs.

 

[Riverday]

In our hunting club we have a guy that has 2 of these Swaro. scopes on his guns, and he's not crazy about these scopes he doesn't like how they do in low light ...but i wouldn't know for myself because i will always own Leupold VX3 scopes or vortex myself...i just have no need for a Swaro. scope... I agree buy what you want and need , life is way to short, get the scope you want...

 

[Andy S.]

I currently own these brand scopes: Nikon, Leupold, Vortex, IOR Valdada, Zeiss and a Swaro Z5. All are fine scopes, but the Swaro will make an a$$ out of all of them at last light. I have the exact scope you want, but in a duplex reticle. I hunted with it yesterday evening when that dense fog rolled in about 4PM, and it was amazing how clear it was those last 15-20 minutes as light was fading and the fog was continually getting thicker and thicker, like a continuous fine mist. Is it needed, no, but like you, I wanted one and saved my money and got one. I expect to use my Z5 year in and year out for the next 30+ years.

 

[wsm]

My top scope is a Zeiss conquest and it is great glass.Also have three Vortex scopes that are great value for the money.IMO

 

[AT Hiker]

I would strongly look at this Vortex if you haven't. If you have compared with the Z5 let me know what the difference is.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vor ... riflescope

IMO, the Razor HD is on par with the VX6 with the VX6 having a bit more clarity with both being really good glass (granted I was inside a store looking at them). I almost pulled the trigger on the VX6 (was able to get a good deal from a dealer) but decided to hold off because I was so in love with my Swaro binocs. I have a Vortex spotter that is really good, but in low light my Swaro's really stand out. The Swaro's are a pleasure to look through as well.

Before the Swaro's were almost $700 more than those Vorterx/VX6, which was hard to "justify" the quality...now that gap has shrunk which is why Im in the market for them.

Have you compared the two? I agree the Razor is nice but since this is my first major rifle build and hopefully my last I want to make sure everything is want I want.

 

[Sniper]

I haven't compared them side by side. I do have an older Swaro and also just picked up a Razor HD LH and the Razor has better glass than the Habicht I have. I really like the HD LH series especially if you are looking at keeping the weight down. Just can't see a $700 difference for me to go with the Swaro. If you want a deal SWFA has the Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 on sale. They have a 5-25x52 for $599 and a 2.4-12x56 for $499. These list for around $1200. Great deal just have never looked through one and afraid as I am picky about the eye box and they are heavy around 28oz

 

[pcrc]

I guess my question is why do you need a 1200.00 dollar scope to kill anything in Tenn or around Tenn...I could see a 1200 dollar scope if you lived out West and had long shots all the time...Looks like to me a good Leupold vx 3 or something in that line would be a great scope and you will still have money left to buy another gun...lol

By this line of thinking why would anyone need anything other than an old 30/30. The great thing about living in the USA is that we are allowed to have what we want, not just what we need.

 

[TNRifleman]

I have the Razor HD LH with the German 4 reticle and it is fantastic. I was also looking at the Swaro but couldn't justify the extra cost

You might PM Mark Wondi as he has both and I believe had done a write up on here about them

 

[markwondi]

I have 4 of the Z5 3.5-18x44 BT with the 4W reticle (best reticle Swarovski makes), several Z3's and I bought one of the Vortex HD LH last year when they came out.

I'm a Swarovski guy and the their glass is still superior over the Vortex, however the margin between them is small. Vortex created a solid scope in the HD LH that was designed for hunters with exceptional glass. The turrets on the Vortex could be improved as they don't give me that positive feel that I get with my Swarovski's. I also prefer the 4w with ballistic turret of the Z5 but that is a personal choice. Either would be a good choice, but if it's a dream rifle you are building, I'd go Swarovski. The Vortex is surprisingly my second choice when it comes to hunting scopes with excellent glass and lightweight, the HD LH is definitely a winner.

Also if anyone in the east TN area is interested in comparing these scopes, I'd be willing to let you look through mine for comparison sake.

 

[TNRifleman]

I have 4 of the Z5 3.5-18x44 BT with the 4W reticle (best reticle Swarovski makes), several Z3's and I bought one of the Vortex HD LH last year when they came out.

I'm a Swarovski guy and the their glass is still superior over the Vortex, however the margin between them is small. Vortex created a solid scope in the HD LH that was designed for hunters with exceptional glass. The turrets on the Vortex could be improved as they don't give me that positive feel that I get with my Swarovski's. I also prefer the 4w with ballistic turret of the Z5 but that is a personal choice. Either would be a good choice, but if it's a dream rifle you are building, I'd go Swarovski. The Vortex is surprisingly my second choice when it comes to hunting scopes with excellent glass and lightweight, the HD LH is definitely a winner.

Also if anyone in the east TN area is interested in comparing these scopes, I'd be willing to let you look through mine for comparison sake.

Funny you mention it because I actually called Vortex to make sure the turrets were right because they did not have the positive click that my Vipers have. Other than that I have no complaints to this point.

 

[markwondi]

I have 4 of the Z5 3.5-18x44 BT with the 4W reticle (best reticle Swarovski makes), several Z3's and I bought one of the Vortex HD LH last year when they came out.

I'm a Swarovski guy and the their glass is still superior over the Vortex, however the margin between them is small. Vortex created a solid scope in the HD LH that was designed for hunters with exceptional glass. The turrets on the Vortex could be improved as they don't give me that positive feel that I get with my Swarovski's. I also prefer the 4w with ballistic turret of the Z5 but that is a personal choice. Either would be a good choice, but if it's a dream rifle you are building, I'd go Swarovski. The Vortex is surprisingly my second choice when it comes to hunting scopes with excellent glass and lightweight, the HD LH is definitely a winner.

Also if anyone in the east TN area is interested in comparing these scopes, I'd be willing to let you look through mine for comparison sake.

Funny you mention it because I actually called Vortex to make sure the turrets were right because they did not have the positive click that my Vipers have. Other than that I have no complaints to this point.

They definitely missed the mark with the turret. If they could improve that and add a zero stop, it would be near flawless.

 

[Riverday]

I guess my question is why do you need a 1200.00 dollar scope to kill anything in Tenn or around Tenn...I could see a 1200 dollar scope if you lived out West and had long shots all the time...Looks like to me a good Leupold vx 3 or something in that line would be a great scope and you will still have money left to buy another gun...lol

By this line of thinking why would anyone need anything other than an old 30/30. The great thing about living in the USA is that we are allowed to have what we want, not just what we need.

If you had read my other post, i told him life is to short buy what he wanted...go read please,,,omg

 

[infoman jr.]

Is your name Jay Scott? [emoji6]

You may want to check out Leupold's new VX6 HD that should be out sometime soon. Their current rendition suffered from poor reticle choices, imo. I'm no fan of ballistic reticles and prefer more of a standard mil-based reticle. Personal preference obviously.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AT Hiker]

Is your name Jay Scott? [emoji6]

You may want to check out Leupold's new VX6 HD that should be out sometime soon. Their current rendition suffered from poor reticle choices, imo. I'm no fan of ballistic reticles and prefer more of a standard mil-based reticle. Personal preference obviously.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hahaha, I would like to think my sponsors.....

The reticle (lack of) on the VX6 was a turn off, I had a very limited choice. I'm guessing why the dealer was going to give me a good deal is because of this new vX6 HD coming out?

As for reticle the Swaro BRH looks to be nice, not to busy and thick enough to actually use during low light. I'm not into the ballistic turrets either, even though Outdoorsman is willing to put them on for free it's still not appealing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AT Hiker]

Thanks Andy and markwondi for the personal feedback. Other than the steep price tag it's hard to find a much negative about the Swaro.

Good news is lots of options in my price range.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GOODWIN]

I have no personal experience with the swaro scopes although I'd like to get one in the future. Up until this last year of elk/deer hunting I've been a "dialer" at ranges over 200 yds. But just recently I've come to like the simplicity of the ballistic reticles in long range hunting situations. These shots can present themselves to you very quickly and if you know your reticle you can pull off some pretty impressive shots in a matter of seconds. I think the BRH reticle would serve you well. That being said you may want to go ahead and get the target turret installed. I lot of people like to use the ballistic reticles out to say 4-500 yds and dial anything past that where you prob have more time to really assess the shot, distance, wind, etc. I don't think you'll be sorry you have it.