Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Z3 3-9x36 experiences

I have the chance to pick a used one up locally. It looks new and has the #4 reticle. Glass looks really good, eye relief seems good, fairly light and compact. Any negatives I need to know about this model?

Thanks in advance,
TBB

A friend has that same scope no issues. I have the 3.5-10x42 no issues. I have had to return every single 4-12x50 I have owned(2) because they lost zero.

I would not use it on a heavy thumper.

Great scope, light and compact.

Swaro CS is great.

Buy it right and you could probably get your money back here on the Fire Classifieds. Those scope sell.

DF

Between the kids and I we have 7 of these scopes, very pleased after years of use, that #4 reticle is my fav.

That is troubling. Wonder what the difference with the 4-12x50 is.

Early on, with the transition to assembly here in the states, there were some manufacturing issues. (You can date the scope via the serial # to know if it is current production or not)

The 3-9x36 has good glass but becomes rather critical in eye placement during low-light conditions. With perfect form and repeatable cheek placement, you'll never notice it, but one seldom has perfect conditions when hunting.

Still, it's a very nice scope and -- as others have said -- holds value extremely well. Plus, Swaro CS is terrific should you ever need it.

To clarify, though, it's unlikely the reticle is a #4. Most likely it is a 4-a. There is quite the difference between the two.

I'm guessing he is referring to repeatability in dialing the turret, the z3 uses a 3 coil erector spring vs a 4 coil in the z5. Its not as robust, Personally if I bought a z3, it would have a BDC reticle.

The only scope I've had go tits up on a hunt was a SwaroA 3-10x42 about 7-8 years ago, when I shot a big 190" muley to pieces. Swaro fixed it, I sold it, haven't used one since.

I can see 6mm bullet holes in the target at 150 yds. I have never been able to do that with a 4x12 Leupold.

They run in excess of a 1000.00 here in Canada. I will be buying another one or two .

Flyer

I can see 6mm bullet holes in the target at 150 yds. I have never been able to do that with a 4x12 Leupold.

They run in excess of a 1000.00 here in Canada. I will be buying another one or two .

Flyer

I have a Z5 3.5-18x42 BT on a 6.5-284. I've watched bullets hit a 400 yd. target with it turned up to 18X.

To me, the VX-6 2-12x42 eyebox is better than Swaro. This Z5 came with a duplex so fine, I sent it back (with money) to Swaro for a retro #4. It's better, still not as good a hunting reticle as the VX-6 Duplex. The Z5 went back a second time to fix a small plastic part on the BT that broke. Swaro CS is very good.

The only Leupold's I've sent back were for reticle change or cleaning. Never had one go back, broke.

Just saying...

DF

I bought a new Swarovski Z3 3-9-36 for a favorite rifle to get the 'Swaro' name.

I have had riflescopes since 1953 and have many including Leupold and before those Lyman, Unertl, Zeiss, Hensoldt etc.

My eyesight is good and I can use every scope I have so far.

Besides it's big 'name' there is nothing special about the Swarovski scope. It's cross hairs turn light red or pink in bright light like some other brands do.

The new Khales AH 2-7x36 scope I got is just as good or better and the many Leupolds I have are just fine.

I have a half dozen Swarovski 3-9x36s on various rifles for mountain hunting. Mainly sheep type rifles. I think they are a great scope especially for the money. I have lots of miles on horseback up north with a swaro 3-9 on a rifle in the saddle scabbard and lots more on foot backpacking. I've never had a problem. I've even bought some used ones and sent them off to Swarovski. They put in new lenses, seals, and tune them up for little cost if any. Light, functional scope IMHO. Good resale also.