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At SHOT Show 2019's Industry Day at the Range, we made sure to visit the good folks at Swarovski Optik. Always on the cutting edge, the company had the state-of-the-art dS 5-25x52 P smart riflescope on hand, and needless to say we were quite impressed. Marrying state-of-the-art technology with Swarovski's high quality optics, this remarkable rangefinding riflescope has an integrated ballistic calculator.
The dS has a built-in laser rangefinder that can measure out to 1500 yards with accuracy within one yard. By pressing the top button, the scope displays target distance, estimated shot energy (optional) and also an illuminated aiming point for the distance ranged. The calculated aiming point is based on individual ballistic data for your firearm and ammunition. Trajectory is calculated using ballistic data in real-time, including distance, angle, barometric pressure, wind and temperature. Incredibly, all of this is accomplished with a mere button press or two—very little manual adjustment is necessary.
The dS not only calculates ballistic data, but also uses an second focal plane LED reticle (4A-I) that compensates for bullet drop. The LED reticle is easy to see with bright illumination—but the LCoS monochrome heads-up display is the real star of the show. At Industry Day we saw firsthand how fast the system works in conjunction with the clear display. Our team was glassing targets out past 1000 yards without skipping a beat.
Swarovski wisely included Bluetooth capability in the dS, which in conjunction with the mobile app makes it an attractive option for discriminating electro-optics shoppers. The app is where ballistic data for your firearm and ammo is entered, and the calculated ballistic curve is sent to the scope via Bluetooth. The app also makes it easy to adjust other settings.
There's two things that shooters should consider about the dS. For starters, without "conventional" elevation or windage turrets, you could really screw yourself if the battery dies and you don't have a spare. And, since this is essentially a computer, the "Garbage in, garbage out" data principle applies here. Meaning, if you don't input accurate BC and velocity data, you won't get the proper shooting solution. All things considered, this is one amazing riflescope, and a glimpse at the future of long-range rifle optics technology.
The overall length is 15.87 inches, and total weight is 38.4 ounces. The measurement range is between 33 and 1500 yards.
Amazing optics paired with microprocessors and wireless communication capabilities don't come cheap, however. The dS 5-25x52 P smart scope carries an MSRP of $4,499. But, given the well-deserved reputation that Swarovski has gained over 70 years of manufacturing high-quality glass, and the fact this scope pretty much just tells you where to shoot—this price is a bargain.
The dS has a built-in laser rangefinder that can measure out to 1500 yards with accuracy within one yard. By pressing the top button, the scope displays target distance, estimated shot energy (optional) and also an illuminated aiming point for the distance ranged. The calculated aiming point is based on individual ballistic data for your firearm and ammunition. Trajectory is calculated using ballistic data in real-time, including distance, angle, barometric pressure, wind and temperature. Incredibly, all of this is accomplished with a mere button press or two—very little manual adjustment is necessary.
The dS not only calculates ballistic data, but also uses an second focal plane LED reticle (4A-I) that compensates for bullet drop. The LED reticle is easy to see with bright illumination—but the LCoS monochrome heads-up display is the real star of the show. At Industry Day we saw firsthand how fast the system works in conjunction with the clear display. Our team was glassing targets out past 1000 yards without skipping a beat.
The aiming mark takes the form of an illuminated circle around the reticle aiming point (left) that appears after the measurement button is pressed. Distance and wind speed is displayed, along with wind speed and custom windage marks (right). Distances between the wind marks are taken from the distance and the ballistic data of your firearm/ammo combination inputted in the app.
Swarovski wisely included Bluetooth capability in the dS, which in conjunction with the mobile app makes it an attractive option for discriminating electro-optics shoppers. The app is where ballistic data for your firearm and ammo is entered, and the calculated ballistic curve is sent to the scope via Bluetooth. The app also makes it easy to adjust other settings.
There's two things that shooters should consider about the dS. For starters, without "conventional" elevation or windage turrets, you could really screw yourself if the battery dies and you don't have a spare. And, since this is essentially a computer, the "Garbage in, garbage out" data principle applies here. Meaning, if you don't input accurate BC and velocity data, you won't get the proper shooting solution. All things considered, this is one amazing riflescope, and a glimpse at the future of long-range rifle optics technology.
The overall length is 15.87 inches, and total weight is 38.4 ounces. The measurement range is between 33 and 1500 yards.
Amazing optics paired with microprocessors and wireless communication capabilities don't come cheap, however. The dS 5-25x52 P smart scope carries an MSRP of $4,499. But, given the well-deserved reputation that Swarovski has gained over 70 years of manufacturing high-quality glass, and the fact this scope pretty much just tells you where to shoot—this price is a bargain.
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