Newer Swarovski scope better than an older one?

[TXshooter3]

The rubber grip on my Swarovski scope's zoom dial broke last week so I called the manufacturer about getting it fixed. They looked up my scope by serial number and I was shocked to find out that I've had my scope since 1991. Time does fly because I didn't realized it had been that long. It's a Swarovski Nova Habicht 3x12-56 and has performed flawless through the years.

Anyway, I started talking to the knowledgeable support tech and he said their scopes are way better today. I just wanted to check with everyone here and see if they agree? I would say I've gotten my money's worth out of it since I've had it for 23 years. I don't have any complaints with my scope, but if the glass has vastly improved, I don't mind spending the money on a new Swarvoski. I would also love to know if the Z5 or Z6 is the better way to go for what I need.

90% of my hunting is for Whitetails in MS. Most shots are 20-500 yards, with the average being around 300 yards. There are plenty of opportunities for shots out to 1,000 yards, but I would need to be comfortable consistently hitting an eight inch target at the given range before taking a shot at a deer. Right now I limit my shots to 500 yards. Thanks!

 

[lightwind]

The rubber grip on my Swarovski scope's zoom dial broke last week so I called the manufacturer about getting it fixed. They looked up my scope by serial number and I was shocked to find out that I've had my scope since 1991. Time does fly because I didn't realized it had been that long. It's a Swarovski Nova Habicht 3x12-56 and has performed flawless through the years.

Anyway, I started talking to the knowledgeable support tech and he said their scopes are way better today. I just wanted to check with everyone here and see if they agree? I would say I've gotten my money's worth out of it since I've had it for 23 years. I don't have any complaints with my scope, but if the glass has vastly improved, I don't mind spending the money on a new Swarvoski. I would also love to know if the Z5 or Z6 is the better way to go for what I need.

90% of my hunting is for Whitetails in MS. Most shots are 20-500 yards, with the average being around 300 yards. There are plenty of opportunities for shots out to 1,000 yards, but I would need to be comfortable consistently hitting an eight inch target at the given range before taking a shot at a deer. Right now I limit my shots to 500 yards. Thanks!

I have both the Z5 and the Z6 and they are outstanding. However, if you are shooting most of your shots at 300 yards you will probably not want to change from what you have now. I use the 3.5-18 Z5 and 3-18 Z6 and love them. If you want to go out to longer range you might want a Z5. If money is not an object the Z6i is a beautiful thing to look through and it is illuminated. You can count on either of them lasting another 23 years, but I think your Habicht still has first class glass. I wouldn't think of a new scope as a replacement for that, just another scope (one can never have too many). My old eyes like the higher power, and I love the forgiving eye relief as well as the amazingly crisp image. You won't go wrong with the Z5 or Z6 but hang onto the Habicht.

 

[TXshooter3]

I have both the Z5 and the Z6 and they are outstanding. However, if you are shooting most of your shots at 300 yards you will probably not want to change from what you have now. I use the 3.5-18 Z5 and 3-18 Z6 and love them. If you want to go out to longer range you might want a Z5. If money is not an object the Z6i is a beautiful thing to look through and it is illuminated. You can count on either of them lasting another 23 years, but I think your Habicht still has first class glass. I wouldn't think of a new scope as a replacement for that, just another scope (one can never have too many). My old eyes like the higher power, and I love the forgiving eye relief as well as the amazingly crisp image. You won't go wrong with the Z5 or Z6 but hang onto the Habicht.

Thanks for the informed response!

 

[Garycrow]

That's still a very nice scope. I'm sure the glass has improved some over the years, but I'd be surprised if your scope wouldn't hang with the best of them. I've got a PH 2.5-10x56 which I believe was the follow on to your scope. The Z6 line replaced them. If I were looking for a direct replacement for your scope I'd say the Z6 would be closest, I don't believe I'd replace it for a Z5.

I'm with the last poster, keep the scope and if you feel like giving yourself a treat then buy a Z6 too.