Swarovski DS scope

[6x47 lap]

Hi All

I know this question probably has been asked before
I'm thinking of taking the plunge this year and going for a swrovski DS either the new mk3 or mk2 maybe, leaving the swarovski x5 behind no more dialing in etc

Is it worth the money for long range hunting are the just as good accurate as dialing in scope repeatability etc will do odd target days with it too

I know they are heavy unit compared to z6 and z8 but its the speed of taking a shot etc appeals to me
What are people's thoughts experience and what distances you used found them accurate too what's the wind like use on them etc

Thanks

 

[stu847]

Had one for a good few years now.
Same as any scope if you spend the time and input the data correctly, check and verify everything they are bang on.

Used mine out to 800m on steel and it’s perfect.
Depending on calibre and its trajectory you can be limited on how far it’ll show the drop in the scope. You have to zoom right out to see the marker on the crosshair.

The wind markers are just pre set to what you save them as. Mine are 4-8 m/s and I just use them as rough guide but they are handy.

Biggest down side to them compared to other Swaro scopes is the low light ability. It’s pretty bad. If much of your stalking is done last/light id stick with the x5

 

[topscots1]

I have had them over the years, they are good at what they do. I was tempted by an ex demo model last week at a great price. Fortunately it sold. I am still tempted to go to one when the gen 3 arrives and retailers sell off the gen2. For pushing the range a little on clearfell they are an advantage allowing almost instant corrections. They are however very expensive.

 

[sako751sg]

Used one for 5-6 years and find it excellent.

Just use for red and sika and incredibly accurate with all the data transferred to it.Never ever used the windage markers but would be a handy guide.

 

[wytonpjs]

Had a Gen1 since it appeared on the scene. It's taken a lot of abuse up on the hills and performed flawlessly for me at modest ranges. I haven't found last light an issue and I now have a TI clip-on but without the ability to use the dS' full functionality. Only downside is the weight which over that period, I've found to be a an increasing factor.

 

[6x47 lap]

Had one for a good few years now.
Same as any scope if you spend the time and input the data correctly, check and verify everything they are bang on.

Used mine out to 800m on steel and it’s perfect.
Depending on calibre and its trajectory you can be limited on how far it’ll show the drop in the scope. You have to zoom right out to see the marker on the crosshair.

The wind markers are just pre set to what you save them as. Mine are 4-8 m/s and I just use them as rough guide but they are handy.

Biggest down side to them compared to other Swaro scopes is the low light ability. It’s pretty bad. If much of your stalking is done last/light id stick with the x5

Thanks for that info I've heard great things but never seen or used one myself would like to before I spend that money
It's only wind I'd have to get used to and learn I suppose
Yes last light will only be a probably few times so could just be fine for me

 

[6x47 lap]

I have had them over the years, they are good at what they do. I was tempted by an ex demo model last week at a great price. Fortunately it sold. I am still tempted to go to one when the gen 3 arrives and retailers sell off the gen2. For pushing the range a little on clearfell they are an advantage allowing almost instant corrections. They are however very expensive.

Yes same as very interested in the gen 3 reason for wanting it myself quick shoots on open ground hill/plans etc not spend time range finding then dial in etc
Seems so quick point press button shoot with quick wind check

 

[6x47 lap]

Had a Gen1 since it appeared on the scene. It's taken a lot of abuse up on the hills and performed flawlessly for me at modest ranges. I haven't found last light an issue and I now have a TI clip-on but without the ability to use the dS' full functionality. Only downside is the weight which over that period, I've found to be a an increasing factor.

I'm not too bothered on weight as scope I'm using now is only 100g less than a DS it's the speed of taking them longer shoots that appeal as long as it's as accurate as swarovski make out and stays on point over time data etc cheers

 

[NullMac]

The people who have had one that works will tell you they are great. The people who have had one with zeroing issues or electronics problems will be less complimentary.

 

[NullMac]

as long as it's as accurate as swarovski make out

It is dependent on you to a large extent entering quality data. It isn’t magic

 

[6x47 lap]

The people who have had one that works will tell you they are great. The people who have had one with zeroing issues or electronics problems will be less complimentary.

Thanks for that first time I've herd a negative on one which is nice to know

 

[6x47 lap]

It is dependent on you to a large extent entering quality data. It isn’t magic

Oh yes I know that lots of data and checking before trusting it fully etc

 

[NullMac]

Thanks for that first time I've herd a negative on one which is nice to know

Oh there is lots of that about. A lot of zeroing problems and when I spoke with someone about sending it back he asked me if it was electronics issues “again”. News to me I had only heard about zeroing issues.

Mine was Gen 2

IMO the design is poor. The reticle adjustment was far far too stiff. Anything needing that level of force to make minor adjustments was asking for trouble.

In the end I just did not trust it, and actually the only time I thought there was a real benefit was in a group of deer where I would expect multiple shots. These days I am only going to get one shot so LRF and sub tensions on the reticle work as well and is a pound lighter !

I don’t see the value in them anymore. £3800 for dS or £800 for an Alpex with better low light performance and the same ballistic gizmos? Electronic reticle so no risk with the dubious Swaro erector system. The dS has had its day except for glass lovers.

 

[6x47 lap]

Oh there is lots of that about. A lot of zeroing problems and when I spoke with someone about sending it back he asked me if it was electronics issues “again”. News to me I had only heard about zeroing issues.

Mine was Gen 2

IMO the design is poor. The reticle adjustment was far far too stiff. Anything needing that level of force to make minor adjustments was asking for trouble.

In the end I just did not trust it, and actually the only time I thought there was a real benefit was in a group of deer where I would expect multiple shots. These days I am only going to get one shot so LRF and sub tensions on the reticle work as well and is a pound lighter !

Thanks for that info

Only reason for wanting one was that reason a quick shoot on another animal not have to check distance dial in scope again etc on open ground

 

[Dan Newcombe]

As a scope and a tool they are great but you still need to hit the target at the range it gives you the drop for

 

[NullMac]

Thanks for that info

Only reason for wanting one was that reason a quick shoot on another animal not have to check distance dial in scope again etc on open ground

Superb for that

 

[SussexSteve]

Great scopes for culling at distance

 

[6x47 lap]

Great scopes for culling at distance

Exactly what I want it for and open hill work etc