Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Z3

Any opinions of the Z3? I'm considering the 3-9x36 for my M70 EW.

I'm told the AV and Z3 are basically the same thing (the Z3 replaced the AV). I have a 3-10x42 AV that I like a lot. It's been mechanically reliable and is optically excellent. I do spin the stock turret and shoot mine to 600 yards or so.

I've got 4 3-9's and 2 3-10's that I've mounted and sighted in with absolutely no problems and 1 of the 3-9's has been used extensively.

I've been a Leupold guy and have typically used 2.5-8's through all the model years and switched those out for the Swaro's I'm using now. I do like the Swaro 3-9x36 better than Leupold glass-wise. Dependability and repeatability I guess time will tell...but good so far. They're about the same size and weight as the 2.5-8 as well.

I have two and like them a lot. They are the perfect size for a lightweight mountain rifle.

Same scope. I love all of mine as well...

I didn't like mine.

Curious why... Care to elaborate?

I'm scoping my new 280AI KS and looking for a compact.

Got More Than a Few, Nary A Problem with Any..

Because it didn't match all of his gay-ass swirly stocks. Mine looks great on my Kimber.

You're always cranky when you finish up with your late night glory hole job.


I didn't like the eye-relief and sure didn't see that if offered me anything a 3.5-10x Leupold offered, except for less cash in my pocket.

Thankfully I traded it for a 3.5-10x and cash.

I looked at the Leupold 3.5-10 and Z3 3.5-10 side by side today. To my eye the Z3 had noticeably better glass, and I like the constant eye relief, the reticle a bit more, along w/the smoother power ring. The big question is, is the Z3 worth just about double the Leupold?

If you like dependability, yes.

I think you made a few typos, might want to correct.

I got all 4 of mine when LL Bean had them for 30% off the $749 price. If not for the sale, I wouldn't have bought them. I've just had too much good luck with Leupold. But at that price, I just couldn't resist.

That'd be hard to pass up!

I can see how Scott could prefer the 3.5-10 eye relief. The Leup and Swaro (and Conquest) do eye relief completely differently. There's things to like about both approaches IMHO.

I'm gonna send mine off for the 4a reticle this winter. That should be pretty bitchin'.

How so Jeff?

What do you base this on?

I'd like to know also. I know more Swaro's that have [bleep] the bed than Leupold's. I know for a fact I've been up the mountain and back with Leupold. So for twice+ the money for lesser eye-relief and a [bleep] up, long ass eye piece is your gig, go Swaro.

Just one guy's experience, but I was told by a dealer that the ones with the coil spring erector assemblies (Z5 and Z6) were pretty durable and trouble free scopes.

That most of the problems he has seen were with Swaro's models that have the leaf style erector spring (Z3's and AV's)

Makes sense, but just talk.

I've not had any problems with the 4 swaros I own, 3 Z 3's and 1 Av. I'm quite happy with them.