Leupold 4.5-14X40 or Swaro Z3 3-10X42???
05-26-2011, 09:05 AM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Northeast Texas
Posts: 442
Leupold 4.5-14X40 or Swaro Z3 3-10X42???
Trying to decide which scope to go with on my rifle that will be finished late August.
I initially wanted something in the 4X12 or 4.5X14 range for hunting as well as shooting groups at 100 to 400 yards.
I've always used Leupold VX-3's with good luck. I was thinking a 4.5X14 VX-3 might be perfect.
I was then told about Swarovski's Z3 line of scope. Supposed to dominate Leupold in low light conditions.
I can get the Swaro Z3 3-10X42 for $839. They make a 4-12X50 model also....but I'm just not big on objectives past about 42-44mm.
Swaro makes a Z5 series with a 3.8-16X44, but it's JUST a tad out of my price range right now.
So I'm left with choosing between the Leupold 4.5-14X40mm or the Swaro Z3 3-10X42mm.
I like the added magnification for shooting groups, but I like the SUPPOSED better low light performance of the Swaro since the deer and hogs I hunt always like to show up in the last few minutes of shooting light.
Any opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
I initially wanted something in the 4X12 or 4.5X14 range for hunting as well as shooting groups at 100 to 400 yards.
I've always used Leupold VX-3's with good luck. I was thinking a 4.5X14 VX-3 might be perfect.
I was then told about Swarovski's Z3 line of scope. Supposed to dominate Leupold in low light conditions.
I can get the Swaro Z3 3-10X42 for $839. They make a 4-12X50 model also....but I'm just not big on objectives past about 42-44mm.
Swaro makes a Z5 series with a 3.8-16X44, but it's JUST a tad out of my price range right now.
So I'm left with choosing between the Leupold 4.5-14X40mm or the Swaro Z3 3-10X42mm.
I like the added magnification for shooting groups, but I like the SUPPOSED better low light performance of the Swaro since the deer and hogs I hunt always like to show up in the last few minutes of shooting light.
Any opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
05-26-2011, 10:19 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
My opinion, for what it is worth, is that you can't go wrong with either of those scopes.
I have an old Vari-X III (circa 1995) 4.5-14X 40mm that has held up pretty good to abuse over the last sixteen years. I don't know what the newer VX IIIs are like, but I'll assume for now that they are as good as my old Vari-X III.
I have an old Vari-X III (circa 1995) 4.5-14X 40mm that has held up pretty good to abuse over the last sixteen years. I don't know what the newer VX IIIs are like, but I'll assume for now that they are as good as my old Vari-X III.
05-26-2011, 10:30 AM
#3
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location:
Posts: 5,130
As mentioned; you could probably flip a coin with those two (both excellent) !
However,
"I can get the Swaro Z3 3-10X42 for $839."
That sounds like a great price for that rig !!!
Choose based on the "best" reticle for your use ??
However,
"I can get the Swaro Z3 3-10X42 for $839."
That sounds like a great price for that rig !!!
Choose based on the "best" reticle for your use ??
05-27-2011, 03:58 AM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,081
Either one would be a great scope for it, it is pretty much personal preference. I would personally go with the Leupold, it has a higher power and better eye relief than the Swarovski, and it is made right here in the U.S.A.. But that is just me. As far as light transmition, the Leupold will work way past leagle shooting hours, why would you need anything that transmits light any better?
Last edited by fritz1; 05-27-2011 at 04:17 PM.
