I'm contemplating topping a Tikka T3x Super Lite with a Swarovski Z3 3-10 x 42 or 3-9 x 36.

How does the scope track, are the adjustments precise?

Do they hold zero?

I would assume they would considering their manufacturer, but if memory serves, I once read here that a few of you guys had trouble with the adjustments.

I would trust one just as much as a Leupold,which is to say it will likely be fine in a set and forget mode,but I wouldn't expect to dial back and forth for targets.

For a dialing scope,I think the 3-9 SWFA at 19 ounces is about as light as you can find with ultimate reliability in tracking as the top criteria. One of the Nightforce straight tube scopes would be the lightest at 17 ounces. Personally,I am very interested in getting my hands on the new NF 1-8 NX8. At 17 ounces it would make a great mid range hunting scope if it's decent in low light.

Between the kids and I we have a bunch of Z3's either 3-10x42 or 3-9x36, for the price they are my favorite scope. I will say the adjustments are good, but not perfect.The optics/view is awesome to my eye. I can't really speak to tracking because once I work up a load I'm kinda a set it and forget guy with a max shooting range of 400 yards or so, not a turret twister.
One of my oldest Z3's sits atop my 7 3/4 lbs 300 H&H, I've had it 6 or 7 years, adjusted it like 2-3 times over that span during practice/zero check in and it has around 400 shots down the tube so far. That same rifle took a very nasty fall down a Colorado rockface, held zero and killed my bull at 379 yards the next day.

My experience has been no to accurate/reliable tracking and yes to holding zero. They are really nice glass and light weight but not really suitable for dialing.

Z3 3-9 and 3-10 are pretty much set and forget. Traditional scopes if you will. On the other hand, the Z3 4-12 with the BT allows one to do some twisting.

Have several Z3’s but,with their proprietary BRX reticl for longer range shooting. These scopes are light, and bright, and though the BRX seems a little busy, with practice it seems good to medium long range for me providing your data input is good. For me I’d say to six hundred yards or so depending.

I took a large whitetail at hundred five yards after much practice and concluded it is sufficiently precise for these kinds of ranges. I would be reticent to pick a Z3 for dependable “twist and shout” turret hunting.

One revolution worth......

I have three Swaro 2.5-10 x 42,. One is mounted on a Tikka 7-08, another on a Winchester M70 .30/06 and the last on a Winchester M70 7x57. All have the plex reticle. Absolutely no issues with any of them.

Am not a knob twiddler.Once I get a zero, it's set and forget.


Don't think you can go wrong with a Z3.

Thinking back on the trouble with the Z3 I mentioned in my original post, I believe it was mentioned from guys who like to twist knobs; this is something I don't have to do.

I'd really like to purchase a NightForce SHV, but the Z3 is lighter and much more svelte.

I have two Z3 2.5-10x42 scopes mounted on Tikka T3x Superlite .300 Win Mags. I have had zero issues, they track fine and have held zero but I think these are more a "set and forget" type scope....The optics are excellent, clear and bright, lowlight performace is very good...IMO excellent hunting scopes.....Hb

I’m a big fan of Z3s....as a set and forget scope. I would not rely on them for a turret twister. My Z3 4x12x50 with ballistic turret was sent back to address tracking. I haven’t had a chance to re-evaluate since receiving it back. My favorite scopes are the Z5s and I’m frankly not sure I’d trust them for precise tacking either (felt the same way about a Z6 I had for a while). As soon as the weather breaks, I’ll test the Z3. Everything is a compromise of some sort......

I have a 3-9x36 on my .50 cal muzzleloader that adjusted fine while dialing my load in. They aren't built for turret twisting but it has held zero fine for me on my light CVA muzzleloader with a bunch of max loads of BH209. Great glass and incredibly light.

So what's a good option for someone looking for a scope to go on a hunting rifle, where great glass and low light performance are paramount but the need to twist the elevation up for an occasional 500-600 yard shot is desired? Is the glass and low light performance of a Nightforce SHV in the same league as the Z3?

KoolBreeze: I'd have to say the SHV.

There have been several good threads outlining the SHV's performance.

Lowlight shot at 500-600 yards?

No, sorry if that was the impression I gave. Typical low light shots would rarely, if ever, be over 75 yards. But I also want to be able to dial a rare long range (500-600 yards max) shot in good light. In essence, a set it and forget it hunting scope that tracks reliably when needed.

Then a Z5 would be a good choice or something along those lines

If you can stand the weight the Bushnell 3-12 LRHS can still be found even though it is discontinued. I have it and a Z5 and wouldn't say there is a noticeable difference in the glass quality. THE LRHS tracks perfectly and is built to do all the dialing anyone could want to do.

+1

You could use the Zeiss Victory HT 2.5-10x50 ASV turret with or without illumination to dial reliably in pretty much any legal light. Only weighs 18 oz.

I wish mine had the ASV turret , love that scope

Ive been trying to find a deal on a "slightly used" or "new old stock" 3-12x56 with the ASV. Hard to find and better bring your checkbook when you do find one!

Randall