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Swarovski z5 3.5-18x44 or something else?

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whelen nut View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote whelen nut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Swarovski z5 3.5-18x44 or something else?
    Posted: April/26/2017 at 07:23
Hi friends. I am having a 7mm rem built that will be ~7lbs and am looking for 8lbs scoped. The z5 looks good but the 13.25 moa with the bt is slightly annoying to me. I have used the Zeiss z600 reticles before and was wondering how the 4w compares thickness wise? I was also wondering if there are any other scopes in the z5 price range that are worth looking at. They should be light and have a ballistic turret of some kind and excellent glass of course.

Thanks
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Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 08:53
At that weight, I assume this is a stalker, can you confirm?

If so, have you run ballistic turrets on a stalker? My experience has been that they tend to turn a bit easier than I would like. I mostly address this with Christmas tree reticlea and range cards (the latter of which you will need regardless of adjustment method.)

Next, the Swaro ballistic turret was, prior generation, plastic, and felt plastic. Just FYI. The unmarked 3-zero version was far from my favorite setup, especially for hunting. I seldom get a shot at exactly pre-determined yardage, so you still get to make minor adjustments on reticle or turret.

All that said, consider a chrristmas tree reticle, they are awesome at everything a ballistic turret does, especially in hunting. If you do lots of low light, illumination helps. Low light usually means lower power, which is usually when the Christmas tree reticles struggle.

Finally, swaro glass is first rate, among my favorite view from a rufle scope. Hensoldt is my favorite view and I won't recommend them just nowhere
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 09:09
Leupold has a zero locking low profile open turret options on some of the VX6 models.  Leupold will custom mark them to your load as well. 

VX6 glass is not quite at good z6 glass, but it is dang close.  I sold my Z6 after I got my VX6 I liked it so much.  I have a duplex and it is very bold and can easily been seen in low light.  It is easily the best hunting scope I have ever owned. 

They have the new VX6 HD now as well.  Supposedly the glass is even better.  I would put them on your list of possible options. 
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R H Clark View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote R H Clark Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 09:42

The 4w was a little thin for me in the very last few minuets of legal light. I do believe the Z600 is thicker.


There's just not much in that weight that will reliably dial. Even with the Z5,I wouldn't want to expect it to be used on a daily basis as a target scope. I suspect it will be fine in a more limited dialing role.

In that weight range without turrets the Vortex Razor HD LH has great glass and is made by LOW in Japan.


If I wanted a really reliable dialing scope I would up the weight limit and take a close look at a SWFA SS 3X9X42, a Nightforce NXS, or Bushnell LRHS Elite Tactical Hunter.

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Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 10:24
Originally posted by R H Clark R H Clark wrote:

The 4w was a little thin for me in the very last few minuets of legal light. I do believe the Z600 is thicker.


There's just not much in that weight that will reliably dial. Even with the Z5,I wouldn't want to expect it to be used on a daily basis as a target scope. I suspect it will be fine in a more limited dialing role.

In that weight range without turrets the Vortex Razor HD LH has great glass and is made by LOW in Japan.


If I wanted a really reliable dialing scope I would up the weight limit and take a close look at a SWFA SS 3X9X42, a Nightforce NXS, or Bushnell LRHS Elite Tactical Hunter.


I'm not sure I can agree with that recommendation, not for a 7 pound hunter.  It is about size and balance and usability. I would almost never put an NXS or SS3-9 on a dedicated stalking gun.

I haven't used the VX6 but if there is any truth in the "almost as good" glass, that would make it much more a contender in my rating.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 12:08
I am testing VX6-HD 3-18x44 and I am very impressed. The glass is very good and the new turrets seem to track true.

I like it a lot.

Honestly, I like the Leica Magnus more, but it is a different price range.

ILya
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whelen nut View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote whelen nut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 12:20
Thank you. I will have to look into the new vx5/6 when stores in my neck of th woods get them. Might be just what I'm looking for.

Ilya, will you be posting your thoughts on the new vx5/6 somewhere to read?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 12:34
I will; probably over the next couple weeks.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote whelen nut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 13:18
I look forward to reading your thoughts. Thank you kindly.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote R H Clark Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2017 at 17:22

Rancid

I know where you are coming from on weight, it's always an issue to be considered. All I'm saying is that I trust the tracking on those scopes more than on anything I know of that is lighter. At 19 ounces the 3X9 SS isn't much different than an HD5 Zeiss.


I'm in the same kind of consideration right now for a light weight rifle and the Z5 is in the top running but I may go 3.5 ounces more for a Z6.I want to look at some Z6's first if I can find anything locally.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2017 at 06:33
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

I am testing VX6-HD 3-18x44 and I am very impressed. The glass is very good and the new turrets seem to track true.

I like it a lot.

Honestly, I like the Leica Magnus more, but it is a different price range.

ILya


Ilya, a couple days ago I read that Leica beat the Swarovski suit but I can't find the article. Have you heard anything?
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