Swarovski scopes for long range

mtnwrunner

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Anyone use a swaro for longer range stuff---as in out to about 1000 yards??
Looking at the z5 with a BT. It seems that the nightforce, SB, and other higher end scopes are always mentioned but I don't see Swarovski much. How is the tracking and repeatability?

Randy
 
I have two Z5's in 3.5-18x44, both with the BT. One is on a 22-250, so 1000 yds (for me) is moot). The other is on a 280AI. Here is my personal opinion:

If you want to hunt out to 1K, this is probably not a great scope for it. With the zero-stop on the Z5, you will be limited to about 13MOA of elevation adjustment (once you set zero). On my 280AI, I set a 300 yard zero (about 4" high at 100) and can then dial for about 700yds. Dialing for windage is not practical on these scopes (again, IMO) and even with the 4W reticle you are somewhat limited in doping the wind at very long distance.

These scopes do not have most of the long-range functionality of a Nightforce or S&B - they are not tactical scopes in that regard. BUT - they are crystal clear, super light and compact, and both of mine track perfectly. I don't use them as a hammer, but I hunt fairly hard and have not yet had one come off of zero. For a hunting scope going to 500-600-maybe 700 yds I would give them a ringing endorsement, especially if weight is a key concern in your hunting.

So it really becomes a question of what your application is - I would never replace either of the Z5's on the rifles they are on with a NF or similar. I would also never replace the NF on my heavy, way-out-there true long range rig with a Swaro.

As always, just my 2C based on my experience. - hope it gives you some feedback on your question.
 
I doubt a 1" tube will have enough adjustment to get you to 1k. The "tactical scopes" will usually have double the amount of internal travel.

In terms of tracking, I've never had an issue with any of my z5's. I run a ballistic turret system and its been repeatable for my hunting needs. I LOVE the 4W reticle.

SportOptics.com
 
I have two Z5's in 3.5-18x44, both with the BT. One is on a 22-250, so 1000 yds (for me) is moot). The other is on a 280AI. Here is my personal opinion:

If you want to hunt out to 1K, this is probably not a great scope for it. With the zero-stop on the Z5, you will be limited to about 13MOA of elevation adjustment (once you set zero). On my 280AI, I set a 300 yard zero (about 4" high at 100) and can then dial for about 700yds. Dialing for windage is not practical on these scopes (again, IMO) and even with the 4W reticle you are somewhat limited in doping the wind at very long distance.

These scopes do not have most of the long-range functionality of a Nightforce or S&B - they are not tactical scopes in that regard. BUT - they are crystal clear, super light and compact, and both of mine track perfectly. I don't use them as a hammer, but I hunt fairly hard and have not yet had one come off of zero. For a hunting scope going to 500-600-maybe 700 yds I would give them a ringing endorsement, especially if weight is a key concern in your hunting.

So it really becomes a question of what your application is - I would never replace either of the Z5's on the rifles they are on with a NF or similar. I would also never replace the NF on my heavy, way-out-there true long range rig with a Swaro.

As always, just my 2C based on my experience. - hope it gives you some feedback on your question.

Yup, that is what I was looking for and that is the same scope I was wondering about. I was looking at something lightweight, GREAT glass and tough. Not looking for a tactical rig---just something that could stretch out to that 600--1000 yard range. Could you get out to 1000 with your 280AI with a 20 moa rail and that scope? I also called Outdoorsman and they make a moa turret for it.

Thanks!

Randy
 
Could you get out to 1000 with your 280AI with a 20 moa rail and that scope? I also called Outdoorsman and they make a moa turret for it.

With a 300yd zero, I would need about 25MOA of elevation to get to 1K. So the 20MOA rail gets it there with room to spare.

BUT - AND IT'S A BIG BUT -

The 13ish MOA that the Swaro Z5 (at least mine) has in elevation is after where I set the zero stop. So basically, your zero +13MOA is your max elevation. Basically, you only get one revolution from the turret from where your zero-stop is set. A 20 MOA rail won't solve that problem.

I am pretty sure that the zero-stop is integral to the unit and there is no obvious way to remove it. I'm going to go look at mine...

Hope this makes sense?
 
OK.

Went an looked. See the picture below (best pic I could get with the phone and a pen light). There are basically two stacked rings that work as the zero-stop clutch. The top ring (and the tab that hangs down on the left) actually adjusts the scope and interfaces with the turret. The zero stop is the bottom ring (with the tab on the right) that allows you to set it with the turret off.

There is no obvious way to disable the zero stop and thus get >1 revolution of elevation over your set zero. I'll bet it is possible if you are willing to break into that clutch mechanism, but I'm too skeeered to do it!

Hopefully you will get some feedback from someone who knows the internal mechanicals of the system better than me.
 

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Ahhhhhh, the dreaded un-rotateable iPhone pic! Sorry, I tried rotating it 3 times and it won't come out right.

Screw technology, I'll stick to gun)
 
I doubt a 1" tube will have enough adjustment to get you to 1k. The "tactical scopes" will usually have double the amount of internal travel.

In terms of tracking, I've never had an issue with any of my z5's. I run a ballistic turret system and its been repeatable for my hunting needs. I LOVE the 4W reticle.

SportOptics.com

Reference the 4w reticle, how thin is the center crosshair?? From the specs, it looks like its quite a bit thicker than their standard plex.

Randy
 
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