Which Swarovski Z8i

[marauder]

Hi all,

I'd like some advice on scope choice. I have the following Blaser R8 barrels:

- 22 LR standard barrel - wearing Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44 BT
- 223 standard barrel - wearing Swarovski Z8i 2-16x50 rail mount
- 6XC fluted match barrel - wearing Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18x56 rail mount
- 7x64 standard barrel - wearing Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 rail mount

Recently also got a 9.3x62 semi weight short barrel and need to decide on a scope for it. I'm torn between:

A) buying another Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 rail mount for the 9.3x62 barrel
B) moving the Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 rail mount from the 7x64 barrel onto the 9.3x62 barrel, and buying a a Z8i 2-16x50 rail mount for the 7x64.

The 1-8x24 is out as most of the action happens around dawn or dusk and I figure a larger lens will do better in low light.

Initially I was dead set on another 1.7-13.3x42, but there are a couple of things making me consider the 2-16x50 for the 7x64. First, the SR rail mount puts both scopes at the same height above the bore, so the 42mm won't sit any lower than the 50mm. Secondly, the size & weight difference is minimal - 1.7-13.3x42 SR weighs 635g and is 336m long, 2-16x50 SR weighs 690g and is 356mm long. So only 54g weight difference.

What do you think?

[marauder]

I took some measurements today to compare scopes.

I can confirm that the Swarovski SR rail mount scopes all sit the same height above the barrel. So the ones with a smaller objective lens just have more clearance between the barrel and objective lens, and the larger objective ones have a bit less clearance. e.g. with 17mm standard profile barrel, 42mm has approx ~11mm clearance, 50mm has ~7mm clearance, and 56mm has ~4mm clearance. Total height of the top of the scope BTF elevation turret from the barrel is the same for all.

Weights are as follows:

* The weight of the Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 SR with Blaser saddle mount, BTF turret, flip up objective lens cover, and throw lever, is 832g.
* The weight of the Z8i 2-16x50 SR with Blaser saddle mount, BTF turret, flip up objective lens cover (no throw lever), is 887g.
* The weight of the Z8i 2-16x50 P with Blaser saddle mount & 30mm rings (no BTF turret, no flip up objective lens cover, no throw lever), is 860g.
* The weight of the Z8i 2.3-18x56 SR with Blaser saddle mount, BTF turret, flip up objective lens cover (no throw lever), is 944g.
* The weight of the Z5i 3.5-18x44 BT with Blaser saddle mount & 25mm low rings, flip up objective lens cover (no throw lever), is 729g.
* I also compared a Z8i 2-16x50 P (30mm ring mount) to the SR rail mount version and found they sit at the same overall height.

Maybe this is helpful to someone.

[analog_peninsula]

That’s great information. What did you ultimately decide?

[motofrog]

You’re fortunate to have so many to try on. I’d see what balances best with the short semi weight barrel.

[MM]

I have a Z8i 2-16x50 P SR with BT on my k95 300 Weatherby barrel. I love the scope but it is large.

[Kflattmann]

I have all but one of the Z8i models in rail mount. I haven’t had a need for the 1-8 yet. By far, the 1.7-13 is my favorite…..in fact, I had a need for another scope recently and got the same 1.7 for it. Is as all purpose as it gets.

[stokesrj]

I agree. For big game hunting out to 1000 yards the 1.7 SR is by far the best.

[thechamp]

Personally, the Z8i 2-16x50 P SR with BT has become one of my favorites. Little extra on the top and the low light performance is very good. Each his own but I prefer a little more power on most of my rifles.

[ebrownw2]

The 2-16x50 is also my favorite Z8i.

[Vaughan]

For your 9.3x62, hard to go past the 1.7-13. I have a 2.5-15x42 Z6i on mine, and I wont be replacing it this lifetime. The 2-16x would be just as good, or even a little better if you do a lot of dusk hunting. I would add... I have the 1-8x Z8i on my 9,3x74R. Works perfectly well in low light at dawn. Never used it at dusk, and I think it would be likely to be less good then. Sits on 1x almost all the time when I'm on driven hunts for moose. Probably should have just bought an Aimpoint.

[Pigeon]

The 2-16x50 is also my favorite Z8i.

I agree 100% - the Z8i 2-16x50 is the most versatile and best scope of them.

[marauder]

Thanks all. I ended up getting a Z8i 2-16x50 P SR for the 7x64 barrel and will put the 1.7-13.3x42 onto the 9.3x62 barrel. But another 1.7-13.3x42 would have also worked great.