DG scope size recommendation -- 30mm or 34mm?

[paul seckar]

Afternoon AH crowd,

I have a M70 404J that I need to scope. I am leaning heavily towards a swaro Z8i and am not yet clear on whether or not I want the 30mm tube version or the 34mm tube variety. So I thought I'd check in and see what y'all use and prefer. Obviously FoV is larger in the latter, and it will be a little bulkier/heavier, the eye relief is the same and I believe the glass is the same in both sizes. What else do I need to think about? Please chime in and let me know your thoughts.

If you could include ring/mount options you'd like for either recommended option, I'd appreciate that as well.

Thnx

 

[RR 314]

Weight is a non-issue. The only genuine difference is aesthetics and ring availability. For these reasons, I would go with the 30MM. On that set up, I would go with simple Talley levers.

 

[wvfred]

I would also go with the 30mm as it just looks better and if you're going with the 1x8 the field of view will still be great.

 

[M70375!]

Afternoon AH crowd,

I have a M70 404J that I need to scope. I am leaning heavily towards a swaro Z8i and am not yet clear on whether or not I want the 30mm tube version or the 34mm tube variety. So I thought I'd check in and see what y'all use and prefer. Obviously FoV is larger in the latter, and it will be a little bulkier/heavier, the eye relief is the same and I believe the glass is the same in both sizes. What else do I need to think about? Please chime in and let me know your thoughts.

If you could include ring/mount options you'd like for either recommended option, I'd appreciate that as well.

Thnx

I have the Z8I, 34mm I think the field of view seems larger in that scope than on my 1x6 Leuopold Patrol 30 mm. Very nice to look thru. They told me at Swarovski they no longer make the 30mm Z8 i, so you. would have find new old stock or a used one in30 mm. I just bought it in March and have not hunted with it, I'm building a new rifle and would consider selling it for $2700 shipped to raise cash for the build.

 

[paul seckar]

I think the Z8i II is the 30mm tube version that has come out in the last few months, but I could be wrong...

 

[M70375!]

oh, never heard of that one

 

[Green Chile]

30mm is a great tube size for hunting anything. I only go larger for specific applications at distance (not hunting). I've standardized that across almost all of my hunting rifles, minus some vintage guns with 1" rings. Aesthetics matter too. You don't want to look like a monkey riding a football.

 

[358 Norma]

I think the Z8i II is the 30mm tube version that has come out in the last few months, but I could be wrong...

I talked to the Swarovski rep two weeks ago and the 30mm version is available, but it would have to be directly ordered from them They are not marking them for the US market but can be ordered.

 

[paul seckar]

30mm is a great tube size for hunting anything. I only go larger for specific applications at distance (not hunting). I've standardized that across almost all of my hunting rifles, minus some vintage guns with 1" rings. Aesthetics matter too. You don't want to look like a monkey riding a football.

Interesting. Can you elaborate on why you've gone with 30mm and not the 34s, other than just the aesthetics of it?

And what ring/mount configurations do you typically use?

 

[Green Chile]

I can get Swaro top end glass in 30mm with a lighted reticle and at a decent weight. I don't want for more, especially with the lighted reticle. I have taken many quality animals at last light or in bad lighting conditions with that setup. The 34's are heavy and more $. To reverse the question...why do you feel that you need 34mm tube?

As to mounting setups, with Blaser, it's simple; their QD ring/mount system in 30mm. Absolutely repeatable or so good that I cannot prove otherwise. Otherwise, I like Talley rings.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

First off I am a Leupold guy.

But if I was going Swarovski with your set up go with 30mm tube. The 34mm is harder to find mounts for, aesthetics it looks over sized on most DG rifles to me.
The scope you mentioned is no longer imported into the USA. But the New Z8i II is the way to go

 

[dogcat1]

I have 30mm tubes on all of my DG rifles - 1.7-10x42 Swaro and the new Z8i.
Great optics and look good.

 

[Green Chile]

The scope Mark mentions is one of the finest DG scopes ever. I have 3 of them and many others here use them on DG rifles as well. They have been perfect for my DG use.

 

[paul seckar]

I can get Swaro top end glass in 30mm with a lighted reticle and at a decent weight. I don't want for more, especially with the lighted reticle. I have taken many quality animals at last light or in bad lighting conditions with that setup. The 34's are heavy and more $. To reverse the question...why do you feel that you need 34mm tube?

As to mounting setups, with Blaser, it's simple; their QD ring/mount system in 30mm. Absolutely repeatable or so good that I cannot prove otherwise. Otherwise, I like Talley rings.

I don't think I need 34, I was just looking to understand your reasoning. I have a few 30mm scopes on other rifles but also have a number of 1" scopes as well.

I'm really just trying to get educated on the matter...

And I did see the Z8i IIs over at cameraland, which look nice, but as I don't have an urgent need, will likely see if one pops up 2nd-hand.

 

[paul seckar]

First off I am a Leupold guy.

But if I was going Swarovski with your set up go with 30mm tube. The 34mm is harder to find mounts for, aesthetics it looks over sized on most DG rifles to me.
The scope you mentioned is no longer imported into the USA. But the New Z8i II is the way to go

Which Leupold do you use Mark?

 

[Green Chile]

Thread 'Swarovski Z8i •1-8x24 • 4A-IF'

Friday at 7:40 AM

2018 model, 30mm tube, 4A-IF reticle, great condition with perfect glass, no box but has factory cover, ring marks on the bottom and only very slight mark on the top objective end.

Shipping cost and insurance on buyer.

$2600

• Bighorn191
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Classifieds

• 

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Which Leupold do you use Mark?

On my CZ 458 Lott I use the Patrol VX6 FireDot. It is also now discontinued but can find some still around. It has held up really well, 5 safaris and close 250 rounds thru the Lott.

 

[mark-hunter]

]

I am leaning heavily towards a swaro Z8i and am not yet clear on whether or not I want the 30mm tube version or the 34mm tube variety. So I thought I'd check in and see what y'all use and prefer. Obviously FoV is larger in the latter, and it will be a little bulkier/heavier, the eye relief is the same and I believe the glass is the same in both sizes. What else do I need to think about? Please chime in and let me know your thoughts.

In my humble opinion, with 30 mm vs 34 mm, means 34 mm will have more windage and elevation clicks.
I dont think it will give better FOV. It would be interesting to compare factory specs for both of them.
Also, again, in my opinion, 34 mm on scope tubes is a legacy of the new "long range hunting frenzy". Market demand.

404 Jeffery is for close range work. With 34 mm you gain nothing except size.
My advice go for 30 mm

 

[Nhoro]

As @mark-hunter says, the diameter of the tube is not an optical decision but rather a long range adjustment decision. Bigger tube = more adjustment. FOV is a function of the design of the optic.

I can't help but feel railroaded by scope manufacturers. They use a lot of jargon and opinions are very strong. Even scopes designed for hunting and with low magnification are designed with dial turrets and adjustment ranges for 1000 + yards.

 

[BeeMaa]

Thread 'Swarovski Z8i •1-8x24 • 4A-IF'

Friday at 7:40 AM

2018 model, 30mm tube, 4A-IF reticle, great condition with perfect glass, no box but has factory cover, ring marks on the bottom and only very slight mark on the top objective end.

Shipping cost and insurance on buyer.

$2600

• Bighorn191
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Classifieds

• 

This is a steal for someone looking for a top quality DG scope. I prefer the rail version for mounting on a Blaser rifle, but it’s exactly the same glass.