Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics SWAROVSKI Z3 3-10X42-L BRH any issues?

Looking to change the VX-3 2.5-8x36 on my Forbes 30-06 to a SWAROVSKI Z3 3-10X42-L BRH.

Two questions

Has anyone had reliability issues with this scope?

do Swarovski's ever go on sale?

I have been using Zeiss optics for decades and I had been leaning towards the Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 Z600 that Doug is blowing out at $599 (was $899 so it is in the same range) but after looking thru it and the Z3 at Reno's Sportsmen Warehouse I was more impressed with the Z3.

All I will say is they have a great warranty.

I've got the same Z3 with a plex reticle and it's been treated rough. No problems yet and I find it much easier to get behind than my VX3's. It' less critical of head position and a bigger view. IMO you can't go wrong with a Z3.

None. I have two, and one rides on my Kimber Montana. Its been up and down some nasty stuff, hunted hard and scuffed up. I've had zero problems with it holding zero. I use the BRH to plink long range, so I wouldn't be able to comment on twisting knobs for distance use.

I liked that one so much on my Kimber, that I found a second one to put on a Tikka T3. Great lightweight glass that fits well on light rifles.



I purchased one at a small discount from Doug, and the other I found here. All Swaro stuff seems to hold value really well, so its hard to find steals. But the BRH isn't for everyone, so keep watching and you can find them priced closer to the Z3 with duplex.

I think its better glass then the VX3, and I find the BRH to be a great reticle, beating out the B&C and the Rapid Z. I like that it has 1 extra line compared to the B&C. And I don't like what Zeiss with numbering the lines on the Rapid Z.

If you hunt with a smart phone in your pocket, Swaro has a great ballistics app to match up with the BRH. And shockingly, its free. About the only thing Swaro offers as free.

I've had two for some time with no issues thus far--great scopes; and as to the second question, no. But then if there was a good sale I'd miss it.

How does Swarovski z3 4-12x50 BRH compare to the 3-10x42?

I have been using the Z3 4-12x50 BRH for 3 years now and have not had any issues.

We got a bunch of Z3's and have been very happy with them. I also have 2 VX-3's and to my eyes the swaros seem brighter. I'd look to Doug as far as deal making.

I must have been stuck with the only 2 factory rejects...Swaro AV 4-12x50 and Z3 4-12x50. They broke right away and were sent back and repaired and worked correctly. Pretty tough nut to swallow when you have close to 2k invested in 2 one inch scopes. Would be interested to hear results on the 3.5-10x42 ..I know someone that has a 3-9x36 but he hardly shoots that rifle he is a box a year guy.

Earlier Swarovski variables had point of impact shifts. These were the scopes with the leaf spring on the erector set. That includes the Z3.

Z5's and up have coil springs which have proven most reliable.

I have both. I did have trouble with the one of my earlier models, an AV. Like OldElkHunter said, "they have a great warranty."

My opinion on the earlier models problems: I didn't quit eating biscuits just cause Momma burned em once or twice.

I must have had an earlier one, the Swaro A. It wasn't so good.

I have no experience with the 4-12x50, only the 3-10x42 OP asked about. Z3's are pretty tough to beat for the weight and optical performance.

I had a problem with a Z3 4x15x50 right out of the box. It would not hold zero and would not adjust correctly. Sent it back and they installed a massive bias spring on the erector. Its good to go now. Optics are all you would ever need in a hunting scope scope-excellent.

The BRH reticle is excellent IMO for shots out to 600 yards or so.

They did the same thing to both of my 4-12x50's. Why not put that spring in the scope from the beginning ?

I have a bunch of Swarovki Z-3, Z-5, and Z-6 scopes. When I get a new gun I get a new Swarovski and haven't had a single problem...

I run several Z3's with the BRH reticle and have had no issues with any of them. it's great glass and I like the reticle.