Scope advice

[2forty]

My wife got me a browning xbolt ss in 7mm rem mag,now looking for a scope for it have narrowed it down to zeiss conquest HD5 3-15x42 rapid z 600,or the swarovski z3 4-12x50 1"BRH reticle .Any advice from antone who has used either one.I really liked the zeiss but it is twice the weight.

[Whonnock Boy]

If you are leaning towards the Swaro, I think there are still a few places around that have the 3.5 X 18 X 44 Z5's on sale. For $350 more, you have a much better scope, IMO. Shoot me a PM if you're interested, and can't find any stores still carrying the sale. I just searched one up. I've got a BRX that I might be inclined to sell that will get you even closer to the cost of a 4-12.

[2forty]

At bass pro 1,379 for the zeiss and 1,219 for the swaro,and I can them cheaper but they have to be ordered in .

[Weatherby Fan]

I had a Zeiss 3-15x42 Z800 scope and it was very clear, great optics, it was very heavy, and the reticle was great at 100 yards but soon as you turned the power up and tried to shoot at 300 yards the reticle lines were to thick to see the target properly......I sold it

I would look at the Swarovski scope you mention in your original post.

[swampthing]

I have a couple of the zeiss you spoke of. A great scope, but as said, the reticle is a bit on the thick side. Zeiss says its for better low light visibility

[monasheemountainman]

Can't go wrong either way. I personally like swaro better but Zeiss is awesome too!

[2forty]

Thank you all for your input.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Swarovski for Sure if you are packing it - Zeiss is Heavy ! or JUST a Leupold 4.5-14 - there a GREAT scope for less money ! :) jmo RJ

[Bear Brawler]

Swaro Z5 is amazing, I love mine.

[firebird]

Swarovski for Sure if you are packing it - Zeiss is Heavy ! or JUST a Leupold 4.5-14 - there a GREAT scope for less money ! :) jmo RJ

x2 I have an hd5 and z3. Swaro is much lighter. My Z3s on a 7mm weatherby accumark, very light rifle.

Zeiss objective end/magnification adjuster is very large diameter depending on the rings you might not be able to get it far enough ahead because it will hit your bases. BUT my Z3 is a pretty short bodied scope and I have 0 movement forward and back in the rings on that weatherby action. But eye relief is bang on where it sits.

[firebird]

I forgot to mention my zeiss has got the Z600 reticle and its bang on for my loads in my .300 win mag and its yardage is etch on the reticle. No cheat sheet taped to the side lol.

The swaro BRH has the lines etched but you will have to remember or reference your cheat sheet. You can also get the plex reticle and custom turrets from swaro. My z3 has the PLEX reticle and its on my 7mm weatherby cause its flat to 300+ yards with no/very little hold over. I don't shoot over that with it and i don't need to worry.

[todbartell]

I'd go z3 4-12x50 but look at the BT model. I can't think of a good reason to go with a BDC reticle over a turret these days unless you're going to be swapping the scope around on a few different rifles

[VFX_man]

My wife got me a browning xbolt ss in 7mm rem mag,now looking for a scope for it have narrowed it down to zeiss conquest HD5 3-15x42 rapid z 600,or the swarovski z3 4-12x50 1"BRH reticle .Any advice from antone who has used either one.I really liked the zeiss but it is twice the weight.

Not on your list, but I have a Leupold VX-II 3-9x50 on my .30-06. It works well in low light, but kind of wishing it had more magnification now that i'm in BC.

Was close to pulling the trigger on a replacement scope: The Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 ---- but just not sure I want to be taking shots 300 yards out. The optic were very clear and crisp, but think I'd rather get a new duck gun :/

Definitely do a side by side comparison viewing.

Good luck, VFX

[2forty]

Thanks I will check out the bt .

[2forty]

I'd go z3 4-12x50 but look at the BT model. I can't think of a good reason to go with a BDC reticle over a turret these days unless you're going to be swapping the scope around on a few different rifles
Thanks will check out the bt.

[2forty]

Already have 4 duck and goose gun.lol.Do you guys think the z5 is a big step up from the the z3.

[VFX_man]

Already have 4 duck and goose gun.lol.Do you guys think the z5 is a big step up from the the z3.

When I was comparing the Z3 and Z5, I was hard pressed to see the difference optically speaking. I do Visual Effects and am pretty tuned into clarity and definition. To me, the price difference was too great to justify the return. -M

[Darksith]

When I was comparing the Z3 and Z5, I was hard pressed to see the difference optically speaking. I do Visual Effects and am pretty tuned into clarity and definition. To me, the price difference was too great to justify the return. -M

you will most likely only be able to tell the difference in low light situations

[whitlers]

See if you can find any Leica ER's left. They are a great scope. I have on on my 7mm and it is some of the best glass I have looked through.

[todbartell]

Do you guys think the z5 is a big step up from the the z3.

z5 is the same glass/quality as the z3, but has the larger magnification range

[Ironball]

I went with the swaro over the zeiss.I just picked up a z6 , 3 x 18 - 50mm with BT at grouse river on sale there. These guys really know there stuff and It would be worth while to phone them and ask for there opinin.

[twoSevenO]

z5 is the same glass/quality as the z3, but has the larger magnification range

then why the hell is it so much more money?

[2forty]

Thanks all for your advice.Well I went to wss today to look at the scope again and ended up getting the Leupold VX6 2-12x42 mm cds it was regular 1,644.99 with a $247 discount so got it for, 1,397 plus tax.Very happy with it, found it easy to look thru for my old eyes.lol.

[BgBlkDg]

That, is among the best possible choices you could have made, IMO. Leupold scopes are never a "bad choice" for BC hunting and I have owned and now own dozens of them, as well as several Zeiss, a Swaro and many other scopes since my first in 1965.

Now, get the top end Redding dieset, and load for your "Big Seven".

[Mosin]

Keep it simple, leupold vx1, Redfield Revolution but ifmoney is burning a hole in ur pocket then vortex PST or vortex viper.

[BCBRAD]

Choosing a type of scope for a rifle as little to do with the caliber but more so with the game, terrain & conditions it is used in.

For a general hunter I have little use for a scope over 6X, with a 30-06 hits at 500m are quite reliable, with a hard recoiling rifle like a 9.3 backs that down to 400m, both on an 18" steel plate from improvised shooting positions. Keep in mind that, my experience only, shots come at ~150 yards average.

The 6X scope , in Leupold renditions 6x36 and 6x42, have a more generous eye box than similar variables, they are generally more rugged, and are more compact. For longish shots an M1 turret or CDS dial will get you out to the 600 yard line easily and reliabley. That is a long shot in field conditions.

For short range 6X is not a hindrance due to the generous eye box, when adjusted properly just look at the target mount the rifle to shoulder and the target 'magically' appears centered on the reticle.

For dedicated long range, especially if you take up sniper type position overlooking a large open area then a higher magnification scope makes sense, about all i can use is 16X in this condition as this type of activity is done at mid-day and lighting is not a factor.. These are generally mounted on heavier rifles as the hunter is stationary most of the time, using a spotter or bino's to survey the area.

With any type of scope, but especially the higher magnification ones, the employment of an accurate range finder is essential, as are turrets. If these are not included then all that magnification is kind of a waste.

The 6X Leupold's transmit about all the light a human eye can use 7mm exit pupal for the '42 and 6mm for the '36, the older the eye the less exit pupal you can absorb.

As power goes up so does the quality of glass need to be there as a cheap high power scope only exaggerates the flaws in the glass.

The 6X's are a good compromise in that area.

[twoSevenO]

Thanks all for your advice.Well I went to wss today to look at the scope again and ended up getting the Leupold VX6 2-12x42 mm cds it was regular 1,644.99 with a $247 discount so got it for, 1,397 plus tax.Very happy with it, found it easy to look thru for my old eyes.lol.

I think 2-12x42 is the ideal scope magnification and objective diameter. And a top of the line Leupold is a very fine choice.

However, it does weigh about 5oz more than the 42mm Swaro Z3. If it was to be for a mountain rifle, that's the only time i would question going for the Vx-6.

[Lassassino]

Burris veracity 3 -15 with first plane reticle is really good for the price, $950.