Swarovski X5(i) Rifle Scope Review
At this station I was able to spot for a couple shooters. Using the new lighted reticle on the STR80, I was able to give precise corrections in MOA. The reticle in this spotter was also MOA. What is unique to this system is if you do not want the reticle in your view, just turn off the light and it is back to a regular view, no markings. Even at 1000 yards this scope was amazingly clear; what a great spotting scope for long range shooting. The new improved EL binocular with laser range finder was right on with the distances to the targets. It was easy to get on target to get a reading and there were hardly any false readings.
Using a scope that is 5-25x56 has advantages but has a couple of disadvantages, at least for me. First it makes you use higher scope mounts. This can be a problem with different stock designs. It also made it difficult to find targets at long distances since the field of view is decreased at highest power. Even turning it down was not much help. It would be something that I would have to work on with practice. Plus I wear trifocals and next time I may just use clear shooting glasses.
The instructors brought out a .50 BMG and a .338 Lapua just to show how the scope holds up to heavy recoil. The .50 was zeroed in at 500 yards then he shot out to 1800 yards and made a hit. One of the writers also hit the 1800 yard target with ease. The instructor then showed how the below zero turret works. Using two little extensions that are in the left and right side windows at the bottom of the turret, you simply pull these up and the dial can be then turned down below zero. This new aspect in a scope worked perfectly.
After lunch we went to our final range. Like most shooting areas on the ranch, it was also high on a mountain top that looked down into a valley where two other valleys met. Needless to say, the wind was difficult to judge. There were targets from 250 to over 500 yards, from a steep downhill shot to others where the shooter had to move his rifle left or right. This was a great test of our shooting skills and ability to make quick follow up shots. The scope worked very well, exactly as I expected coming from Swarovski. It was evident that these people put a lot of thought and research into their product design. The marketing is really directed at North American long range hunters, but anyone who shoots long range will appreciate this fine scope. Packaged with the range finding El binocular and the STR 80 (I) spotting scope, all the optical needs of a long range hunter/shooter would be filled.
All together, I would guess the shooters put over 2500 rounds down range using a version of this new scope. I did not hear or see any malfunction. The X5(i) has a lifetime warranty. You can order a custom turret to match the ballistics of your rifle. It is called a Personalized Extreme Cam (PXC). It will only have two rotations or about a total of 40 MOA in total adjustments.
Swarovski products are not inexpensive nor will they ever be. They are a worthwhile investment for long ranger shooter or hunter. They have not made a cheap line nor do I think they will, due to the fact that all products are made in house. Nothing is outsourced like other manufactures have done do get prices down. The X5(I) is a great scope which took longer to develop than some scope makers have been in business. Each scope during assembly is inspected at each station, and overall before it goes into the box it will have had five quality control tests. It interested me that each assembly step technician goes through three months of training before they are allowed to be on their own.
The name "Swarovski" to me has always been synonymous with quality. This new X5(i) scope is definitely no exception. The X5(i) will be hitting the retail stores this fall. I know some of you wonder if I will rush out and buy one. The answer is "yes". I have a custom long range rifle being built that will be a perfect match for the X5(i). The only problem is which power/reticle/ illumination to purchase.
After twenty-five years with a major law enforcement agency, John Johnston retired to the hill country of central Texas. His law enforcement career was diverse with assignments with the tactical/motorcycle unit, patrol, and criminal investigation. After retiring, writing became his calling. He started with a newspaper column which, he still writes and then moved up to major magazines in the area of shooting and hunting. He is known for his unbiased product testing and evaluations. Having a full size range from 25-450 yards next to his home was his dream come true. 2010 marks his fiftieth anniversary in the hunting, shooting and reloading sports. You will notice his writing style is quite relaxed and he prefers to write like he is speaking to you around a camp fire. John welcomes questions and comments whether good or bad. You can reach John at [email protected].
Using a scope that is 5-25x56 has advantages but has a couple of disadvantages, at least for me. First it makes you use higher scope mounts. This can be a problem with different stock designs. It also made it difficult to find targets at long distances since the field of view is decreased at highest power. Even turning it down was not much help. It would be something that I would have to work on with practice. Plus I wear trifocals and next time I may just use clear shooting glasses.
The instructors brought out a .50 BMG and a .338 Lapua just to show how the scope holds up to heavy recoil. The .50 was zeroed in at 500 yards then he shot out to 1800 yards and made a hit. One of the writers also hit the 1800 yard target with ease. The instructor then showed how the below zero turret works. Using two little extensions that are in the left and right side windows at the bottom of the turret, you simply pull these up and the dial can be then turned down below zero. This new aspect in a scope worked perfectly.
After lunch we went to our final range. Like most shooting areas on the ranch, it was also high on a mountain top that looked down into a valley where two other valleys met. Needless to say, the wind was difficult to judge. There were targets from 250 to over 500 yards, from a steep downhill shot to others where the shooter had to move his rifle left or right. This was a great test of our shooting skills and ability to make quick follow up shots. The scope worked very well, exactly as I expected coming from Swarovski. It was evident that these people put a lot of thought and research into their product design. The marketing is really directed at North American long range hunters, but anyone who shoots long range will appreciate this fine scope. Packaged with the range finding El binocular and the STR 80 (I) spotting scope, all the optical needs of a long range hunter/shooter would be filled.
All together, I would guess the shooters put over 2500 rounds down range using a version of this new scope. I did not hear or see any malfunction. The X5(i) has a lifetime warranty. You can order a custom turret to match the ballistics of your rifle. It is called a Personalized Extreme Cam (PXC). It will only have two rotations or about a total of 40 MOA in total adjustments.
Swarovski products are not inexpensive nor will they ever be. They are a worthwhile investment for long ranger shooter or hunter. They have not made a cheap line nor do I think they will, due to the fact that all products are made in house. Nothing is outsourced like other manufactures have done do get prices down. The X5(I) is a great scope which took longer to develop than some scope makers have been in business. Each scope during assembly is inspected at each station, and overall before it goes into the box it will have had five quality control tests. It interested me that each assembly step technician goes through three months of training before they are allowed to be on their own.
The name "Swarovski" to me has always been synonymous with quality. This new X5(i) scope is definitely no exception. The X5(i) will be hitting the retail stores this fall. I know some of you wonder if I will rush out and buy one. The answer is "yes". I have a custom long range rifle being built that will be a perfect match for the X5(i). The only problem is which power/reticle/ illumination to purchase.
After twenty-five years with a major law enforcement agency, John Johnston retired to the hill country of central Texas. His law enforcement career was diverse with assignments with the tactical/motorcycle unit, patrol, and criminal investigation. After retiring, writing became his calling. He started with a newspaper column which, he still writes and then moved up to major magazines in the area of shooting and hunting. He is known for his unbiased product testing and evaluations. Having a full size range from 25-450 yards next to his home was his dream come true. 2010 marks his fiftieth anniversary in the hunting, shooting and reloading sports. You will notice his writing style is quite relaxed and he prefers to write like he is speaking to you around a camp fire. John welcomes questions and comments whether good or bad. You can reach John at [email protected].
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