Swarovski Z5i?

[Allen Kitts]

I have an X5i on a 280 AI and it works fantastic. I have had no issues with it at all. I don't really like the extremely large knobs on it but as far as function, its been great. My grandson uses it mostly and he has taken animals cleanly out to 787 yards with it.
To be honest if your only going to 500 yards you could get a higher end Vortex Viper with dials as they work great as well. I had one and it worked for me for years with no issues. It did not have a good zero stop but what it had worked you just had to be a little more conscious of what you were doing. Not near as fancy but they do work. My hunting partner uses one on an 7STW and I have watched him kill animals for years with it out to 1000 yards.

 

[Allen Kitts]

Sorry I just saw the post was for a Z5i, my bad. I have no experience with those.

 

[azarcher10x]

A little above the budget, but I'd take a serious look at the Zeiss S3. It has all the features you'd want in a scope. Great glass, illuminated, 160 minutes of elevation, locking windage and it's FFP. The one down side is it's a heavy scope. For me that just means durability.

 

[Catskills]

As others have noted, for 500yds, dialing isn't necessarily for hunting big game. If you are set on Swaro glass, I'd recommend relying on a reticle with multiple aiming points. I've owned a half dozen Swarovski scopes and none would reliably track (Z3, Z5 and Z6). A couple would not hold zero either. I still use an older Z3 and Z5 which do hold zero but are a pain in the *** to sight in because of leupold like tracking. I put up with it because the optics are outstanding and they are light weight….

As an alternative to other suggestions, you might consider the Tract Toric line of scopes. They are built in the same factory as a number of the scopes that have been recommended. I have 5 which have functioned flawlessly. Their 1" 3x15 can be had for <$700 with the holiday discount. I'm putting together a 6.5prc right now and plan on using that (this is a hunting set up for 600yds or less). If it turns out to be an exceptional shooter, I may step up to a NF NX8 2.5x20 (I presently have one of these on a 7STW).

 

[JAYgs8163]

Here's a consideration for you that is proven to have fantastic glass and track very reliably.

For Sale - FS Bushnell LRHS2 4.5-18, 44mm NIB

NIB, everything perfect, $875 Paypal f/f shipped insured lower 48, thanks!!!

www.longrangehunting.com

 

[RichCoyle]

Here's a consideration for you that is proven to have fantastic glass and track very reliably.

For Sale - FS Bushnell LRHS2 4.5-18, 44mm NIB

NIB, everything perfect, $875 Paypal f/f shipped insured lower 48, thanks!!!

www.longrangehunting.com

I had four z5's. If you set it and forget it, they are okay. I also had three of the Bushnells mentioned above. There is no difference in the glass to me on the eye chart at 127 yards from the porch. And the Bushnells are more reliable for tracking.

 

[JAYgs8163]

I had four z5's. If you set it and forget it, they are okay. I also had three of the Bushnells mentioned above. There is no difference in the glass to me on the eye chart at 127 yards from the porch. And the Bushnells are more reliable for tracking.

Was probably one of the best designed scopes that was made in Japan with very high quality components for the sub $1000 price range when new. I'm not to fond of the one still available from GAP with the redesigned reticle. I more enjoyed the limited "tree style" reticle on the older model. I have 3 of them all in FDE that I purchased from Doug at CamerlandNY about 5 years ago.

 

[Catskills]

This was my experience with my LRHSi. Great glass and predictable tracking. For a host of reasons, I'm not a fan FFP as a general hunting scope. I still use this setup, but only when I know close in shots at last light are not likely.

 

[Tommy T]

Spend a few more dollars and get a Kahles or the lieca a 18x44 and get Kenton indest. To make you a turret for it I both and they work great out to 1K YDS

 

[Texis]

I have the NF SHV 5x20 x 56. They run $1100-1300.
Although this is a lower level NF, I have been extremely pleased with this optic. Good glass, reliable tracking, 80 MOA. The MOAR reticle is fantastic. The SHV is a rugged optic. I bounce it around on a 4 wheeler in the rocky Texas panhandle and it stays dead on zero. Use it regularly at my home range to 525yds, have dialed it to 860yds on hogs. Mine has over 4,000 rounds under it on 3 different rifles.
Great optic for the money.

 

[skipglo]

Tracking....I even put ABOVE...GREAT GLASS...nice to see clearly....but if tracking is off...what's the point!!!! Just me!

 

[PopNFresh]

I'll bite.
I like them. good glass, good weight, good customer service. I've got two of them and they've done well.
I also wouldn't trust one farther than I could throw it if it fell on something hard until I shot it at targets for a while.

 

[Elkwonder]

I have also thought about the Toric with the Eagleman reticle. Great price and even better after military discount!

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

I have a couple Z5i. I think they would be a great scope for your given purpose.
Hope this helps.