The choice of rifle optics for stalkers can be bewildering and vast. For many who commenced their shooting experience with iron sights, the evolution of rifle scopes has been relentless as companies innovate with the physics of reflected light and chemistry of lens coatings. Each manufacturer has pushed the boundaries of the sciences to give stalkers the best clarity of image and optimal light gathering performance. These innovations equate to longer stalking opportunities when deer are at their most active, at first and last light.
The digital technologies that have revolutionised much of our lives began to knock at the door of hunting optics with the introduction of range-finders and binoculars. The next wave or innovators in the marketplace were the night vision and thermal imaging makers. The traditional lens makers producing rifle scopes have faced the challenges of building new functions for stalkers, whilst not sacrificing the optical performance of their glass and coating. Any new form-factors would also have to be produced without material impact on both size and weight.
Swarovski, the Austrian optics manufacturer, has risen to the challenge to produce a product to move the rifle scope market forward. It merges the company’s superb clarity of optics with digital processing, radio and laser technologies. This combination of know-how has eliminated the need for both elevation and windage turrets by incorporating a rangefinder, ballistic calculator and self-adjusting illuminated reticle, which Swarovski terms ‘a high-resolution head-up display’. All of this is achieved within a well-proportioned 40mm tube weighing just over 1Kg.
When activated by a single button, the dS scope projects relevant information in the field of view in real time without any distraction, and automatically displays the correct aiming point. This includes considering all of the key factors, such as distance (up to 1024m/1120 yds), air pressure, temperature, and angle. No manual adjustment is required. The aiming point is calculated on the basis of the individual ballistic data for the firearm-ammunition combination. This user defined data is input via the dS Configurator app and the calculated ballistic curve is transferred directly to the dS via Bluetooth.
The only trade-off for packing all this capability into such compact packaging is light transmission. Swarovski claims 83% for the dS vs 93% for their latest, more traditional Z8 range of scopes.
The 5 x 25 Swarovski dS scope at first sight resembles many larger tube scopes in the marketplace, but upon closer examination you will notice the only adjustable ring on the turret space is a parallax ring which can be set from 50m to infinity. On the top of the scope, in place of the elevation turret is the battery compartment, (capable of 500 activations per battery) and the tools required to adjust the scope for elevation and windage when zeroing the unit. The initial adjustment can made by removing two small covers at the front of the scope tube with the Torx tool supplied.
Once the scope was mounted on a Blaser R8 Ruthenium Rifle, (using the very well regarded 40mm Tier 1 Mounts), the excellent Wiha TorqueVario®-S driver (set to 2Nm) and the Tier One Scope Set Professional Reticle Leveller). The new rifle and scope combination were taken to the local range for zeroing, which was a quick and simple process. The first shots were 2” from centre and produced a sub MOA grouping at 100 yds after just 3 shots.
The variable head-up illuminated display is clear and visible in all light conditions. Using the dS Configurator mobile app, a user can choose display settings in both Imperial and Metric formats. The app configures the ballistic calculator using the available library of factory or custom ammunition loads. By syncing the scope to the mobile app using a wireless Bluetooth connection the configuration is transferred and is ready to use. All the environmental conditions are automatically configured within the scope. The whole process is intuitive once you have read the manual, which takes around 5 minutes. It’s amazing how most manufacturers will tell you; if you want to keep a secret, put it in the manual!
The first outing for the dS scope was in Norfolk on a glorious early November morning stalk for Chinese Water deer. After a couple of sightings using the Swarovski EL Range Binoculars, we spotted a fine buck around 200 yds along a track, adjacent to a reed filled dyke. Once the Blaser R8 was rested on the quad sticks, I adjusted the magnification ring (which presents the image in the second focal plane) and pressed the ranging button, the reticle immediately adjusted itself. Simultaneously the range and knock-down power were displayed to the left of the crosshair and the shot was on.
In all honesty, I knew the scope was set up perfectly on the range at 100yds, but I was now in the field and obviously wanted the buck grassed where he stood. On taking the shot, the buck fell immediately. During the gralloch process, we observed the shot had removed the top of the right and left atriums of the heart, actually where it was targeted to hit. The dS proved itself with assurance.
Since that initial outing the scope has worked flawlessly. Although, like most ground-breaking products made to the exacting standards of Swarovski, it is reassuringly expensive. For those stalking in challenging terrain and topologies, the dS will come into its own, factoring distance, air pressure, temperature, and angle into the shot. The unit is water-proofed to a depth of 4m making the unit well suited for rough mountain and hillside applications.
No doubt many traditionalists will despair with all this technology, but those looking for the highest levels of state-of-the-art performance need look no further than the dS. Swarovski has thrown down a marker to the entire sporting optics industry with this ground-breaking product and its associated software. It will be fascinating to see how others in the marketplace will respond to these innovations..
