Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Z3 3x9-36 ?

Evening Everyone,
Looking at one of these scopes....any thoughts or ideas on them?
Pro’s or Con’s?

Thanks, Tom

I have three. One was excellent to sight in, one was awful as it took one or two shots before the bullet impact would move and then it would move too much (which was a bit disappointing for an AU$1190 scope) and the third is still in the box. I will have to mount it and see how it goes. They are a very nice little scope similar to the great 2.5-8x36 Loopy. I really like scopes with objectives under 40mm. All mine have the 4A reticle which I found I really like.

Great light weight, set and forget hunting scope, especially with the 4A reticle.
I have one on a 338WM and one on 3006 NULA have been faultless

I really want to try one with the 4A reticle. It would go on my Remington Model 7 FS 7mm-08. I am a little reluctant to drop $700 for a scope that has so many reported problems.

if you read the internet everything has problems...i prefer the 3-10x42 model i think it looks better on a rifle
i have three and like them with no issues

I had a couple Z3 scopes a few years ago. IMO they have decent glass but the Z3 line doesn't track all that well and doesn't hold up to heavy recoil. The Z5 and Z6 scopes are much more robust but again IMO cost more than they're worth compared to other brands.

I have 3-9x36 Z3s on a pair of 7x57s and they have performed as advertised. No issues whatsoever. I like the size and weight.

Had one on a 358 Winchester. No problems, even with a 200 grain bullet at 2700 fps had no problems losing zero. Had the 4A reticle which I really liked. I sold it recently because I needed the money for something else, but it was a good scope. Keep in mind this is coming from a guy who uses primarily Leupold Rifleman, Burris FFII, Redfield Revolution type of scopes!

Thanks to all that responded!

From my experience I think you should look through several if you can. I found one that was worse than the last itineration of the VX-3 and then the next one was noticeably better optically.

I can't think of any Cons...only Pros. I've never had any issues. I do have the 4A reticle and really like it. The scope is light and works well for me up to legal shooting times.

I have three Z3 scopes....Glass is excellent along with very nice light weight but tracking aint so good...mine are great set and forget scopes but not for someone who likes to dial......Hb

Thankfully I don’t dial. Just sight in and forget it. Most times I don’t even move the magnification dial

It would be going on a 25-06 or a 308 Winchester

Thanks again, Tom

I'd go 3-10 x 42 for the 25-06 and 3-9 x 36 for the 308.

Same here.

I put a 3-10x42 on my M77RS .270 and a 3-9x36 on my M77RL .257 Bob.

Probably put the 3x9-36 on both. They are both under 7lbs. Really trying to keep them a bit less top heavy.

Thanks again, Tom

I must be in the minority.

Had one one a 7x57, one of the most difficult scopes to get behind, with a terrible eye box.

YMMV.

NYR - what are you running, a 6x42?

Depends upon the rifle.

Mostly Zeiss Conquest 3-9, Leupold VX6 2-12, or Swarovski Z5.

I'll tote the extra ounces for a more forgiving scope.

No doubt, weight is not everything. What rifle was your 7x57?