Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Av vs Z3

Hey all, I'm looking for a used Swarovski to pop up for sale. I've seen the AV Habichts come around once in a while. Looking at new I noticed the z3 in the same power ranges. So can someone tell me is the AV better than the Z3? Why?
Assume we're comparing the same power and obj. Dia.... say a 3-10x42

Z3 is a little more streamlined but not by much, and they had some non reflective finish in the barrel. 2 peas in a pod

I've learned that the AVs had a significant redesign around 1999/2000
The new ones are supposed to be a real improvement over the older ones and are supposed to have the same internals as the Z3s
Coatings and other optical improvements were made, turrets have a re-settable indicator for zero maybe other updates.

I'm sure that others know more about them though.
Someone may be able to post a definitive description of the differences.

Supposedly the AV had some issues regarding adjustments and holding zero. The Z3 allegedly improved in those areas.

I have owned both an AV and several Z3's. All have worked well and I could not discern any difference between them.

Thanks guys

I had two AV's go bad, but have had a 3-9x36 Z3 on several rifles over a period of years, and it's still working fine.

So it seems as if I'm not loosing anything looking at the newer z3. That's what I was wondering...sometimes older models are superior so I knew you guys would know the scoop. I'll scrap my AV search and focus on the z3/z5

Thanks, got a new fieldcraft I need a lighter optic for. I really like the Swarovski on paper, they are a bit on the long side but should fit my needs nicely.

I think the order of progression was Nova, Habicht, Habicht AV, and then the current Z3. I have had several of each in 3-9x36 and 3-10x42 in the later models. I have about 8 or 10 I still use. Great scopes all for my money. If you have trouble with them send them in to Swarovski and they will put new seals and glass in them for very little if any cost to you. Maybe the Z3 is a little brighter than the others. I have heard some people have had trouble with AVs though I have not and have drug them through the mountains for years. Just my experience.

Well im rigging a 6.5cm and a 25-284 so they won't be subjected to heavy magnums...there seems to be little price difference in the used market between the two so I'll probably look towards the Z3/Z5

If you want a great scope with a dial look at the Z5 3.5-18x44 with the Ballistic Turret. If you buy it from Outdoorsman's you get their Custom Turret for free. Swarovski is using the Outdoorsman's design on the turret they sell for the Z5 and it ain't free I don't think. $1299 I think so not cheap but has a side focus and is very bright. I just put one on a Cooper 92 Backcountry in 257 Roy and it is a match made in heaven. But a Z3 would work also.

Yeah I'm scoping a Roy too, but since I really don't plan on it being more than a 550yd gun I was going to just use the brh/brx reticle and hold. Definitely interested in the Swarovski sheep hunter but it's so long. Any pics of the BC/sheep hunter combo?

Iclimb,

I have a NIB Z3 3-9x36, Plex that I'd sell for $675 shipped.

Also, have a Z3 3-10x42, #4 reticle. It is pristine and could pass for new(not a mark on it). No box, just lens covers. I'd let this one go for $750 shipped.

Send me a PM if interested and we can go from there.

Thanks,

Leftybolt

The tube length and extra eye relief of the Z5 sheep hunter model is very beneficial if mounting it on a long action. The Z5 also has a different and advertised as stronger erector than the Z3. the glass quality however is the same and it is my opinion that you can save some $$ if you are using a short action rifle by choosing the Z3 model.

That's some good information. Thanks for sharing with us.

Here are a couple of pics with the Z5 Sheephunter 3.5-18x44 BT, L Plex mounted on a Cooper 92 Backcountry in 257 Roy. I agree on the Z3 3-9x36's etc. I mount them on short action rifles, mostly mountain rifles. Model 700 SA's and ULA Model 20s. They work well on Win 88's and 100's also.

Very nice! Is the Backcountry all you hoped it would be? I have the same Z5 with BT but with 4w reticle mounted on an early Forbes 270 in Talley lightweights. I had pictures before the photobucket deal. Definitely a great scope if you are looking for long range capability in the lightest possible package.

You know for a magnum action rifle it is very nice and very accurate and pretty light at 5.75 #. Never had a Cooper so this looked like a good one to try out. I'm kind of a ULA guy though really. Melvin's rifles are hard to beat at any price IMHO.

This fieldcraft is Fantastic handling. Would be curious for a ula connoisseur to handle one.

I hear good things about them. I'm sure they are great rifles. I'm trying to wind my rifle assortment down a bit right now. Let us know how it shoots. Have fun with it.