Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42 or Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 or ?

[TBJ]

Hi all, I'm looking for a new scope for my .308 deer rifle and want some opinions and options from people who have used the scopes as there is only so much one can tell from looking in the shop. I've been suggested both the Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42 and Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 and I was also looking at the Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 but I was wanting some opinoins on these scopes as well as other alternatives to look at, my budget is around the $1000 to $1400 mark.
thanks for all your help in advance

[Browning]

I've got the Z3 4-12x50 on a 22-250.
It's used off the truck and goes through rain, dust and knocks..... Never fails me and bloody clear!! Nice simple scope, that does the exact job it's meant to.... Especially good under those low light conditions on dusk and under a spotlight... Great eye relief; you wouldn't regret getting one. Can't speak for the Leupold. Meopta is another option.... They do a cracking little scope as well....

[juststarting]

In VIC (I am guessing Sambar in high country?) you are going to have maybe 100m shot... Usually a lot under and on the move and rarely over. So you want a wide viewing angle. Irrespective of the brands, 2-10 in this situation is excellent. Very fast target acquisition, especially when you (usually) only have seconds to shoulder the rifle and take a shot. The 3-10 is okay, I have 3-x, but now thinking I should have purchased 2-x. Mine is set on 3 almost always. The 4-12 is not a contender for this type of hunting.

My 2c

[TBJ]

In VIC (I am guessing Sambar in high country?) you are going to have maybe 100m shot... Usually a lot under and on the move and rarely over. So you want a wide viewing angle. Irrespective of the brands, 2-10 in this situation is excellent. Very fast target acquisition, especially when you (usually) only have seconds to shoulder the rifle and take a shot. The 3-10 is okay, I have 3-x, but now thinking I should have purchased 2-x. Mine is set on 3 almost always. The 4-12 is not a contender for this type of hunting.

My 2c

Sambar in the high country is exactly on the money, thanks for that, The only reason I was considering the 4-12 is because of the ballistic turret but thinking about it and what you've said, how often am I really going to use it to its purpose.

[juststarting]

[Gwion]

Haven't used a Loopi but a mate at the club is a Swaro bimbo and gaddammit they are one clear and precise scope!!!

The difference between 2x & 3x magnification is 3/8 of FA (actually, 1/10 in this case!). Insignificant really. If you are having trouble acquiring your target on 3x, switching to 2x is going to make very little difference, you are better of spending time learning to use the rifle better. Train yourself to sight the target and raise the scope/rifle to the shooting position, not the other way around. Practice.

[juststarting]

I disagree, Gwion. You have a much better angle on 2, then 3. Not talking about magnification, rather width.

Anyways, easy to test... Look through both

[TBJ]

I disagree, Gwion. You have a much better angle on 2, then 3. Not talking about magnification, rather width.

Anyways, easy to test... Look through both

there is only so much one can tell in the store, I've looked at both, both are clear and lovely to look through, the Leupold is $1330 and the Swarovski is $1290 so not much in them and thats why I'm just wondering what people thought of them and what is a better scope for the money?

[Gwion]

I shoot inside 50m with my scope set either at 4 or 6 and have no trouble with target acquisition on small wallabies, even as close as 15m. If you're having issues acquiring your deer sized target you are doing something wrong but that's just my opinion. I suggest you get your 22lr and 500 rounds, a bunch of empty cans, set them up at random ranges and at various angles. Practice setting your stance for each target (address target with stance), fix the target in your gaze, raise rifle to shoulder and scope to eye in one motion and pull the trigger. You'll soon get the hang of it.

I agree that higher mag scopes are more difficult at closer ranges but still think the difference between 2x-3x is bugger all if you practice acquiring your target. That's what your 22lr is for, not just randomly shooting as many rounds as you can afford but for practicing specific techniques. Just my OCD coming out and 23 years of king fu.



Plus, a Swarovski is so much sexier than some loopi!

[TBJ]

Plus, a Swarovski is so much sexier than some loopi!

have a look at the Leupold they both look damn sexy to me

[bladeracer]

I suggest you get your 22lr and 500 rounds, a bunch of empty cans...

I got 5000 rounds of CCI Std Vel yesterday for $550

[AlanK]

Either are going to be excellent scopes.

Personally I'd put your eye to each and see what feels right, then get it.

My 2c I'd go with the 2x or 3x times lowest mag too, skip the 4x Swarovski. That's what I'd do anyway.

[Geech]

I'd have a look through a Meopta Meostar 2-12x50 if you can find one.

I've recently got the 2.5-15 model, and love it - although have only used it at the range so far. Seems every bit as clear as my friends Swaro Z5, at nearly half the price.