Introducing the Swarovski dS 5-25x52 Smart Riflescope

This article is written by Chris Denham of Western Hunter Blog. To read more from Chris Denham visit The Western Hunter Blog.

No product category has evolved more in the last five years than riflescopes. Not long ago, a 3-9x scope was the industry standard. However, with the invention of the laser rangefinder, shooters have been clamoring for more advanced riflescopes. The optics industry has responded with hundreds of new products with ballistic turrets, ballistic reticles, and with higher magnification.

Swarovski Optik has been keeping pace by pairing these features with outstanding optical quality. Now they have raised the bar even higher with the introduction of the new dS 5-25x52.

I have to apologize up front, because this article will be just an overview. We just received our own dS, but our deadline doesn’t allow enough time for a full review. This scope has just now been announced.

Overview

The dS has a built-in laser rangefinder capable of measuring distance from 33 to 1500 yards with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. With one push of a button, the scope will deliver the distance to the target along with an illuminated aiming point for that distance that is corrected for the shooting angle, temperature, and barometric pressure with an accuracy of 1/20^th of an inch at 100 yards. The reticle will also offer hash marks on the reticle for two pre-selected wind speeds. 

How It Works

Once the scope is sighted in and paired with the mobile app, you’re ready to start. There are multiple parameters that can be configured via the app that are then transmitted to the scope via Bluetooth.

1. Ballistic data for your chosen ammunition
2. Distance output in yards or meters
3. Your choice of three aiming point sizes
4. Thickness of windage marks with three options
5. How long the aiming point and distance is displayed
6. Wind speed correction of 5-10 mph or 10-20 mph

Specs

The dS has a standard 4A illuminated reticle in the second focal plane. When the corrected aiming bar is shown, it gets larger and smaller with magnification and moves up and down like a first focal plane scope. So the corrected aiming bar is always accurate regardless of magnification level. There are 64 different levels of reticle brightness.

The main tube is 40mm in diameter. Yes, that’s huge, but Talley Manufacturing will have top-quality picatinny-style rings available that are more than capable of handling the job.

The dS tips the scales at 38.4 oz. While this is substantially more than a typical 1-inch scope, it’s only a few ounces heavier than most of the better top-end tactical/long-range scopes.

The impact correction is in standard MOA, so ¼ inch per click. The corrected aiming bar has a maximum range of 1120 yards.

A single CR123A battery powers the electronics. A low-battery indicator will flash when you have approximately 100 more readings available. The display automatically shuts off at 40, 60, or 80 seconds (your choice via the app) in order to extend battery life. A quick tip of the rifle to 20 degrees left or right will start the clock over again. A single battery will deliver approximately 600 readings.

The vertical and horizontal adjustments are actually in the bell of the objective lens. The battery is held in what looks like a traditional top turret while the side turret is the parallax adjustment.

Conclusion

I’m sure many of you are skeptical of the level of sophistication in the dS scope and may be asking, “Does this thing really work?” First and foremost, Swarovski is on of the most trusted brands in the world, so they aren’t in the practice of using their customers for research and development. On top of that, this scope has been available in Europe for a couple of years with thousands of happy hunters. 

Swarovski dS 5-25x52 Smart Riflescope

Using the same legendary frame system, we've updated the bag to meet modern requirements.