Selecting a Scope for the Highland Stalker

[WAB]

Really enjoying my Highland Stalker in 275. I did have a question that some might be able to help me with. I’m going to shoot it with irons for a bit but will be looking to get some glass.

I’ve more or less decided on using the EAW mounts but I’m undecided on glass. Right now there are three front runners.

Swarovski Z3 3-10x42
Swarovski Z5i+ 2-10x42
Schmidt Bender 2.5-10x50 Polar T96

The Z3 is a good scope and and I could save some money for the hunting fund. The current deal on the SB being offered puts it at the same price point as the Z5, but I’m not sure about its size on the HS.

As always I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

I have a Z6 1.7-10x42 in EAW mounts on mine. Very nice scope on that rifle.

 

[Shako Badhan]

First focal you need illumination.
Second focal not really needed unless you plan on hunting black bears or whitetails at last light.

Good point. In the illuminated scopes I’ve hunted with I’ve rarely needed or used the feature. But on my last hunt I took my shot with about 10 minutes of legal light left on the last day. You never know when it might come in handy.

 

[Shako Badhan]

I have a Z6 1.7-10x42 in EAW mounts on mine. Very nice scope on that rifle.

Great to hear. That’s the direction I’m leaning I think.

 

[Doug3006]

I’m sold on illuminated scopes. I bought a Leica Amplus illuminated for a leopard hunt and shot some plains game too. I really like the illuminated dot.

 

[Rifleman97]

I’m not really a fan of big objective bells, even ignoring the appearance, z5 gets my vote

 

[SWARA]

I fitted a Z5 3.8-18 to my 275 highland stalker as that's what I had laying around.
It's a bit more scope than I wanted but seemes to fit ok in the EAW scope mounts.
I may change it to a Z3 3-9 sometime down the road.