How much differnce is there in the AV3 to the new Z3 ? compareing 3-9x36 models ? I see sometimes the Habicht model is that the same or a different than the AV3 model ?

I am told by people who should know, there is no difference.

IMHO they both suck mechanically. I would not own another.

I have a Z3 I've hunted hard on a mountain rifle. No problems. Secured with Talleys.

So I hear from others....mine crapped at the worst possible time. I don't grant redemption for scopes that fail on hunts.

I don't trust those erectors but everyone's experiences can differ. They ain't built for stout.If they were,the higher priced Swaro's will be built the same way....they aren't.

If you are looking at getting a good 3-9 with just a standard crosshair, I would get whichever came cheaper. They are great scopes, I have gone to all newer Swarovskis so I could get BRX reticles...

I had a couple bad experiences with AV's, but was told the problem was solved by the time the Z3's came out by different assembly methods, despite the erector-spring system being basically the same.

It's only a sample of one, but I've had a Z3 3-9x36 for several years now. It's been on at least half a dozen rifles, including a Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 7mm Weatherby Magnum, and had functioned perfectly on each rifle.

Bob,

Can you describe what happened? Was it a scope design problem, or an individual scope problem?

i had a friend who recently got a new z3 3-9x36 and it went tits up practically out of the box on a 308...this was a few months back...needless to say swaro fixed it and he mounted it and its been superb since

I have a z5 that received some wonderful customer service the first year I had it. I want a scope I install and never use customer service.

Ok let's say I stick to the z3 idea , is one worth almost 2x the $$$ of a leipold VX-3 2.5-8x36 , yes standard reticail is what I'm looking for

If you want standard reticle - save the dough, go VX3.

I like the BRH a lot, so I like the Z3 option.

I could be wrong, but it's my understanding the AV's have leaf springs in the erector assembly. The Z3's have multiple radial coil springs instead. Again, I could be wrong.

I have several AV's and a couple of Z3's. A couple of the AV's have suffered the dreaded POA/POI shift. Swarovski repaired them as usual with their MOST EXCELLENT customer service.

When I purchased my first Swarovski I actually wanted the fixed power. But, it was more expensive than the variables. Given their track record with customer service I took my chances on the variable. They haven't been trouble free but, once repaired, they work fine.