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better 1k hunting scope than z3 4-12x50?

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Dyelynn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dyelynn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: better 1k hunting scope than z3 4-12x50?
    Posted: May/14/2012 at 14:51
I'm looking at a Swaro Z3 4-12x50 with the ballistic turret and am wondering if there are any other scopes in this price range, with similar top-end mag's that I should be considering?

the minox za-5 2-12 and 3-15x50 come to mind, as well as the new Leupy VX-6 2-12... what others am i overlooking?  I'd like to compile a list so I can (hopefully) track them down for a hands-on viewing.

for reference: general hunting on a 7mm rem mag, both wooded and open, rolling hills, shots from 25-300 yards.  I have no reticle preference, but don't really need illumination, and I really like Swaro's BT system, but am open to ranging or bdc type reticles as well.


Edited by Dyelynn - May/14/2012 at 16:42
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JGRaider View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/14/2012 at 14:58
I've been using a 7mag since 1975.  Why do you feel the need for ballistic turrets when your stated max range is 300 yds?  A Conquest, FX3, or VX3 will all work  and do all you ever need to do.  
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Dyelynn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dyelynn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/14/2012 at 15:11
at the moment i have a vortex 2-7x32 on it.... i like the glass and the eyebox much better on that vortex than on the 2 redfield 3-9x40's i have (same glass as the vx-1 i think?), but i'd like more mag on the top end than either the x7 or the x9 have to offer... and i really don't like the 4.5-14 range that both the vx3 and the conquest offer.  also, for the price of the 4.5-14 conquests or vx-3, i think i get a whole lot more scope for the additional ~2-300$ stepping up to the Swaro.

while i expect i'll very rarely, if ever, shoot at something beyond 300yards, i would very much like to be able to, with confidence in my equipment, if the need arises.  there's a story from a few years ago about a ~500 yard shot on an elk... that's far from the norm where we hunt, but it is possible.

spinning the dial on the swaro BT to a specific color representing 100 yard intervals is very simple and very appealing... compared to zeiss' calculator for their rapid-z reticles it's much simpler.  i've heard good things about the nikon bdc as well.

twice last year my scope failed me... in failing light i couldn't make out the spikes on a deer, so didn't shoot... and also in failing light, i wasn't able to accurately count the points on an elk.  obviously just having a larger objective would help with both those examples, given the failing light aspect, but i'd also like more magnification.

and, lastly... i want a better scope :p  while i'd love to step up to the big boys, the only thing i can safely afford in the near future is the entry level alphas and the z3's i've handled were beautiful.  I just wondered if there's something else i should consider in this price range, for these applications that i haven't so far considered.


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stickbow46 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/14/2012 at 15:32
Zeiss Conquest Duralyt 2-8x42 without the illum will get you in at $999.95.You might also keep an eye on the SWFA  Sample List,you can get some great deals there.
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Dyelynn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dyelynn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/14/2012 at 15:36
Originally posted by stickbow46 stickbow46 wrote:

Zeiss Conquest Duralyt 2-8x42 without the illum will get you in at $999.95.You might also keep an eye on the SWFA  Sample List,you can get some great deals there.

i do watch the sample-list, and there's a z3 4-12x50 with BT there that i've been eyeballing. 

i'm sure that 2-8 would be a great scope, but as i said, i do want a little more mag on the upper end.. i understand that a better scope with less magnification might well be more clear at top mags, but something around 12x on the top is what i'm interested in.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ccoker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/14/2012 at 15:47
I run a 280 AI which is very similiar to a 7mag

I ran a Zeiss FL 4-16x50 with AVS turret last season
worked great!

This year i will be using a VX-6 2-12 with illuminated LR duplex

running a 140 Accubond at 3100 FPS and a 300 yard zero the dots below the center crosshair are spot on for 4 and 500 yards

I have compared it against my Accupoint 3-9 and the above Zeiss
it sits betwwen the two for glass and frankly is closer to the Zeiss

they did a great job on it
www.TacticalGunReview.com

Pro Staff - Silencer Shop

http://tacticalgunreview.com

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/14/2012 at 18:43
I think you would be very happy with the Z3.  May I recommend the BRH version rather than the dial version however?  The reticle is subtended in mils at max power, and it is easy to dope your drops.
 
I think you would be very happy with the Z3.
 
BTW,  I fully agree that the Reticle or Dial are not needed for 300 yard shooting with that caliber.  It wouldn't hurt if you wanted to play around shooting longer ranges, though.
-Matt
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