Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 For Sauer 202?

[Boogie]

Good morning everyone,

I am looking for a good quality variable scope to replace my S&B 6x42 1 inch tube fixed scope. I use the rifle (Sauer 202 Elegance in 308) for a mixture of highland reds and lowland fallow. I have considered Swarovski Z6i or even Z8i. I am not entirely convinced that I need illuminated dots, 30mm tubes, and a 2k hole in my bank account.
I recently saw a Z3 4-12x50 in USA for about $900. Having done a couple of searches on here I have not come up with much in terms or reviews, so I would like to know if anyone has some feedback on this scope, or indeed if they would recommend an alternative. I realise there may be an issue with duty bringing in a scope from abroad but leaving that aside for now, what advice do you have? I like the idea of a 50mm diameter - not too bulky but more light than my 42mm. 1 inch tube looks less top heavy on a fairly traditional looking rifle - but do I lose much in performance versus 30mm? It’s not too heavy - I don’t want to haul anymore weight up the hill than I am already...

Many Thanks

 

[Superoo]

I’m in Aus and paid almost $3000 for a Zeiss Victory V8 with illuminated reticle, 56mm objective, 35mm tube and 1.4 - 14x Power. I thought it would change the world, but it didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good but not so good that I couldn’t have done with a $900 Conquest. I think that’s probably the same deal here - have used a Z3i and think they are just fantastic. They are light and sit very nicely on the rifle without affecting the overall balance of it. Their light gathering is second to none really, and lens quality is the best in the business. I’d stick to illuminated reticle for when you’re hunting really early morning or late afternoon where the crosshairs are difficult to place and then see on the animal. Swaro’s can dial down the brightness and size of the red dot too, so it’s just visible and not detracting from the image. I would be more concerned with getting the right power - 3-9x40 is well established, but I would try to go a little more if you can to something like 3-12x50 or 4-16 etc. No matter how good your scope is, nothing will compensate for being a terrible shot. That’s my problem - I have all the best gear but not enough field experience. Am spending time behind it at the range now to try to improve and that’s where the gains are going to come from.

 

[Boogie]

Thanks Superoo. have ordered one with Ballistic Turret for $900, picking it up next month when in US.

 

[JTO]

Thanks Superoo. have ordered one with Ballistic Turret for $900, picking it up next month when in US.

If you keep the box and papers in a different part of your luggage, you might not get charged for importing a new item.

 

[NigelM]

I put a Z3 4-12x50 on my lightweight rifle in December. I was hunting Mouflon in the mountains in France and wanted to get as light as possible. At 14oz it really is very light weight. Sit it in Talley mounts to make the most of the weight saving.

The scope is excellent. I too have the one with BT and the system is plenty good enough for hunting, rings set at 200, 250 and 300 meters. Optics are as good as you would expect from Swaro.

 

[baguio]

If you keep the box and papers in a different part of your luggage, you might not get charged for importing a new item.

Or take packaging with you and post back the new box and paperwork from the US. It's a tried and tested method.