Need opinions on Swarovski scope?

S

sdtrapper618

Member
With Cabela's sale going on now, I am looking at upgrading my present scope on my Kimber Pro-Varmint 22/250. I am considering a Swarovski Z3 4-12 BT. My problem is that I am wondering if I would use the BT enough to justify the extra dollars? Also toying with the BRH reticle and will entertain comments on this reticle as well. Gun will be primarily used for calling but also will be cross over to prairie dog shooting on a limited basis. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks!
 
I have the Z5 with the BRH reticle. I like it a lot. It is a lot easier when I go for a long shot or am in Pdog town. Swari is at the top of my list as far as scopes. I have a few top name scopes such as Nightforce, Zeiss.
My Swari has been with me a long time. I am not sorry for the expense of the scope. If I had it to do over I would do the same most likely. I don't think I would go to the Z6.
I have made shots all the way to 800 yards with my 22-250 and that scope.(Pdogs) Coyotes have always been closer. I have not been able to get them to climb a mound, and then stand up and be still. Where the Swari comes into play and remains the KING is all day long shooting. Your eyes will get tired and you really need good clear optics. Even Binoculars should be good quality.
FWIW I have had guides tell me the Swarovskis are the best. I do not have any experience with the Z3 but if you go that route at least get the BRH reticle. wanted to add that I do a lot of Pdog hunting in Wyoming.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the response cherokeetracker. I have been drooling over the Z5's for many years but can't justify the cost at this time. They are top of the line clear optics for sure and from the Z3's that I have looked thru the Z3's are not that far behind.
 
The BT is very similar to a CDS turret on a leupold. It works on all magnifications and you really don't have anything to remember really.

The BRX or H reticle is only really useable on one power setting, or you have a lot of numbers and ballistics to remember. If you have time to change your power ring to a given magnification, you have time to spin a couple clicks to get the turret to the distance youre shooting.

I personally would go with the turret for use at all magnifications and not having to remember a bunch of different ranges and accomplish the same thing.
 
The Swarovski BRH reticle is my favorite BDC reticle. I calculate the reticle holdover on my cell phone app at the beginning of the day, using local weather data and my shooting elevation. Because it's mil-based, the BRH reticle is handy for ranging squirrels and pdogs when there is too much foreground clutter for a laser rangefinder to work, or when the battery dies.

You can get Micrometer Style Turrets for Swarovski scopes that let you easily dial elevation and windage. Once you get the upgrade, you can also get a BDC turret label for your favorite load.

Micrometer Style Turrets for Swarovski Scopes

The Micrometer Style Turret is a free upgrade when you buy a Swarovski scope from HighPowerOptics.
 
Back
Top