Swarovski 5-25x52 Z5 P Scope

The success of Swarovski’s Z6 series of rifle scopes has not left the company resting on its laurels. The most practical aspect is its six times zoom range, which gives a wide and versatile magnification spread. For example I have a Z6i 2-12x50, which allows me to go hand-held and up close with ease at x2 and up to x12 for long range work. Overall an exceptional design, however with their 30mm bodies they are reasonably large optics and some might want the lighter/slimmer build offered by a 1” tube. So now we have that option in their Z5 series.

Gimme’ Five

In terms of build quality, performance etc., there are no surprises as it’s as good as we have come to expect from Swarovski! Where the Z5 differs is in its 1” body tube, five times zoom range in a generally lighter/slimmer package with no loss of ability. There are two options - the 3.5-18x44 and the one on test the 5-25x52, both offer the choice of a ballistic turret (BT) where you can pre-zero four range settings and dial them in as required. Or choose a ballistic reticule (P model) and use Swarovski’s on-line resource to work out your drops and lead/windage for the round you are using. This covers both standard factory calibres and also reloads. In either case both models come with a side focus on the left of the saddle.
As I had tested a 3.5-18x56 Z6 with BT some time ago, with the Z5 I opted for the standard hunter P version turret with the multi aim point BRX reticule. This ladder-type design offers 10, individual aiming points and five lead/windage marks for lateral correction.

Light But No Lightweight

The most noticeable aspect of the Z5 is its slim build and light weight. The nearest model to the Z5 5-25x52 from the Z6 range is the 5-30x50, this is 22.6 oz/15.67” in comparison the Z5 is 17.5oz/14.5” so if a more compact optic is your need then it’s there with no loss of performance. The build offers a fast-focus eyepiece, slotted rubber magnification ring with raised blade and a one-piece body tube.
Turrets are standard hunter-types and offer ¼” @ 100-yards/0.7cm @ 100- meters corrections with 58-clicks per turn (14.5”) and 3 ¼ rotations (47”) in elevation. Windage is less generous at just two full rotations (29”) top to bottom, which means you might have to get adjustable mounts if you run out of movement in the lateral plain. Turrets can be set to zero by a lift-up outer to the drum, though with the P version I doubt if you will be dialling in corrections as the reticule allows you multiple hold over options. On the left of the saddle is the side-focus which is simply marked 50, 100, 300 and ?, but as this is more about getting the target in focus than range finding it’s of no matter.

BRX Ret

If you opt for either model of Z5 with ballistic turret you only get the choice of one reticule which is the Plex (Dual-X type), the thinking doubtless being; if you are dialling it in you don’t need anything else. However, with the P models you get the choice of #4, Plex and BRX with the 3.5-18 and the same in the 5-25 plus a fine plain cross. The BRX seemed the logical choice and works on the principle of a given drop figure inside a specific range distance (bracket).
For example and given your load, the bullet might drop 4” between your zero point (175) and say 250-yards. For a medium sized deer this would still be in the kill zone, or you could edge up on the cross hair to fine tune the aim point. This however is predicated on the power setting you select as the reticule is in the 2nd focal plane where any variation in magnification will alter values on any form of ladder-type or Mil-Dot reticule.
If you want to use eyeball holdover then this is not a problem! But with a scope that has a high top end such as the x25 of this model you have to think carefully about what your mag setting will be in practical/field terms in relation to using the ballistic resources to calculate drop. On that point the resource offers 1700 factory loads, which is not too bad… Plus you can also factor in all the usual information BC, velocity etc. However, you will need to download Java on to your PC to access it. Useful to is the fact the data is supplied laid over your reticule as a graphic.

Too Fine Maybe?

The scope was used on a number of rifles from rimfires to fullbore types. Optical quality is as you might expect from Swarovski – brilliant. The BRX reticule is quite fine, which offers plus and minus points. More than adequate for normal daylight work it offers a precise aim point, which pays at longer ranges. However it proved a bit slim for lower light conditions. I would be happy with this pattern for a daylight varminter/deer rifle, but would probably pick something a bit more noticeable if I was edging more towards foxing duties.
I think that many shooters will appreciate what the Z5 range has to offer in terms of weight saving and in combination with the average retail price it’s certainly cheaper than the Z6 range. The Sportsman Gun Centre has this model up for £1,388.99, which is good, so expect around £1400 from your local shop.

For: A practical alternative to the Z6 range
Against: A bit tight on the windage correction
Verdict: Lighter package with no loss of ability or quality

PRICE: £1400 (average)