Selecting a Scope for the Highland Stalker

[Shako Badhan]

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.

 

[VertigoBE]

A 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10x42 / a 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24 (depending on use, in this case for a .275, I would agree with a 42mm objective)

Out of the three you listed I guess the Z5i fits the closest to the bill

 

[dogcat1]

I have a Z5i on mine in 2-10x42. The bigger "bell" seems to overwhelm the sleek lines of the rifle.

 

[wesheltonj]

I would suggest you look at a Leica "glossy" scope.

 

[VertigoBE]

A 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10x42 / a 2nd hand Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24 (depending on use, in this case for a .275, I would agree with a 42mm objective)

Out of the three you listed I guess the Z5i fits the closest to the bill

and if you can, have it mounted like this. The bell mount will be lower than a tube mounted EAW mount.

The lines also look much sleeker:

 

[Shako Badhan]

I have a Z5i on mine in 2-10x42. The bigger "bell" seems to overwhelm the sleek lines of the rifle.

That was what I was thinking.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

We have the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 on a Highland Stalker and a London Best. They look great on those rifles.

Safe shooting

 

[Sh1kar]

Why don't you get Holland mounts. That way you can at times detach and use the iron sights when wish and return to zero all the time.

With regards to what scope, what range do you want to shoot out to, do you need low light performance, etc

Personally I dislike the S&B reticles, far too clunky for me. I prefer the finer reticles of a Swaro, who also have after service second to none

S

 

[Wyfox]

100% a Schmidt and Bender but the Zenith line,
1.5-6x42.
The Polar is a 34mm tube and would be a bit much on a svelt rifle like the HS.

 

[Noah_McCoy]

I built a 7x57 Ai on an Argentine Mauser action, it looks really slick topped off with a Swarovski z3 3-9 x36.

 

[Shako Badhan]

Very nice. Im definitely thinking the smaller scope options are the way to go to maintain the classic lines of the rifle.

 

[Russ16]

Z5i+ looks really good on my Pre-64 M70 and my brother’s Highland Stalker. Love that scope.

 

[R eight]

Go with the EAW mounts and a 1” tube scope. Z3 3 to 9 would be perfect. The HS’s are light and nicely balanced…don’t over scope her. Mine wears a 4X S&B .

 

[franzfmdavis]

I have a Swarovski Z8i 1-8x24 on QD Tally rings. Love it! Which ever mount you choose, be sure it has the rear corner of the rear base cutout to accommodate the cycle of the bolt.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

I have a Z5i in a 3 x 18 with a 44 bell but then i am shooting it at 400-600 yards. The cartidge can travel so i wanted a tad more magnification. I won't be shooting anything dangerous with it.

 

[Tintin]

I have a Z3 3.5-10 on mine - it maintains the sleek lines well.

 

[Sika98k]

“1 tube, objective bell of 36mm, maximum 40 or 42. Magnification could be anywhere from 1,7-12 power. I have a Zeiss Diavari-C 3-9x36 on my Rigby. It has a 1” tube.
On another rifle I have a Meopta R2 1,7-10x42. 30mm tube and the advantage of an illuminated reticle. Both are tidy scopes.

 

[gr1ffer]

Not to muddy the waters any more but another great option would be a Leica fortis 6 1.8-12x42. I have one on a blaser k95 and it’s a very robust & reliable optic with superb low light capability for its size.