From the moment the Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18x56 P Rifle Scope arrived at my doorstep, it was clear I was in for something special. Everything about this scope, from the point of delivery, radiates quality and precision. The unboxing experience alone is a testament to Swarovski’s commitment to excellence, with the embossed packaging and high-grade materials setting a high bar for what lies inside. It’s evident that Swarovski puts a lot of thought into creating an exceptional experience for their customers, not just in the product itself but in every detail of presentation.
Unboxing the Z8i: Setting the Bar High
As I opened the box, I was immediately struck by how lightweight the Z8i felt. Despite the absence of the Blaser rail and rings, the scope maintains a solid, premium feel, weighing in at just 725 grams. Swarovski has engineered this scope with versatility and durability in mind, making it a reliable tool for a variety of environments without compromising on the build quality they’re known for.
The first task was to mount the scope onto my rifle using Blaser rings. This process was straightforward, but it’s worth noting a useful tip to avoid scratching the scope during installation: use two rods to gently open the rings before placing them on the scope. Once the rings were in place, I followed the necessary steps to ensure everything was perfectly aligned.
Mounting the Scope: Precision Matters
Mounting a scope is all about precision. I began by levelling the rifle using a bubble level app, ensuring it was perfectly horizontal before placing the scope mount. Torque settings are critical, so I adhered strictly to the manufacturer's specifications, adding a bit of Loctite for extra security. Next, I carefully mounted the scope, paying close attention to the eye relief to avoid any shadowing in the field of view. Ensuring the scope was level was the final step before tightening everything down—being careful not to scratch the scope’s finish.
This part of the process might seem tedious, but it’s crucial for accuracy. A perfectly levelled and securely mounted scope sets the foundation for success, whether at the range or in the field.
Setting Up with the Swarovski App
Once the scope was securely mounted, it was time to dive into the specifics. There are numerous instructional videos online detailing how to pair your load data with the scope's ballistic capabilities. As a home-loader, I had already prepared my load data, including bullet weight, velocity, and sight height, all measured in metric units.
The Swarovski app is intuitive and user-friendly. I started with baseline data from a 6.5 x 55 Prvi Partizan factory load and then made finer adjustments to match my home-loaded rounds. A standout feature of the app is that this data can be transferred across to your EL Range binoculars, providing exact click adjustments to dial in your shot. I’ll delve deeper into this integration in a future article.
First Shots: Testing the Setup
With everything set up, it was time to hit the field. Starting at 100 meters (I prefer centimetres for all my data calculations), my first shot landed 6cm low and 3cm right. Initially, I was pleased; straight out of the box, mounted, and I was on the paper. Usually, I wouldn’t adjust at this point, preferring to take a few more shots before making any tweaks, but everything felt right. Reloading another round into my Blaser, I made the necessary horizontal adjustment, dialing in 3 clicks to the left and 3 clicks up. Another three shots, and the grouping was respectable, 3 more confirming rounds before one more adjustment—3 clicks up—and we were spot on, reaffirming that all the effort in setting up the scope was well worth it.
Next, I moved to 200 meters. The Swarovski ballistics app recommended a 6-click adjustment for the additional distance. Following this, I took another six shots, all falling within a 2cm group in the same spot. Needless to say, this was one of the easiest scope setups I’ve done, with the Z8i performing flawlessly. The app’s calculated drop was spot on, allowing for precise adjustments on the fly, also highlighting the need to data capture and entry.
The Swarovski Z8i truly lives up to its reputation, delivering exceptional clarity, precision, and ease of use. I’m eager to put it through its paces in more varied settings, and I’ll be sure to share my experiences with the EL Range binoculars soon.
For those considering an upgrade to their optics, or even just exploring the world of precision shooting, the Z8i is an investment that delivers on its promise of quality and performance. Stay tuned for more insights as I continue to test and explore this incredible piece of kit.
Check out our recent article on the real costs of reloading, where you can also find a handy reloading cost calculator.
