Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold Vx-6 or Swarovski Z3?

So I am in the process of having a 7mm Mashburn built, and am looking for a new scope for it, specifically wondering if anyone has experience with either the Swarovski Z3 4-12x50, or the Leupold VX-6 2-12x42 with the illuminated reticle. Thinking BRH in the Swaro, and firedot LR duplex in the Leupie. Thoughts, opinions?

I use Swarovski optics a good amount of the time but on this one I would go with the 2x12 VX6 with the Firedot. I used one (VX6 2x12 Firedot) this past season in Botswana and it was excellent. The Firedot was not used much but it was handy occasionally for aiming at dark hair in shadows.

VX-6 duplex Firedot.

DF

For one who used to not care for illumination in scopes, the modern advances make them truly nice and quite useful in poor lighting. Most of my scopes now have illuminated center dots, and they have proven invaluable time and again.

The Z3 will have slightly better resolution and the slightest of advantages in overall transmission, but -- for me -- the usefulness of the firedot far outweighs those minimal edges. Between those 2, I'd take the VX-6, though either will get you to and through legal shooting light (assuming 30 min before sunrise to 30 after sunset) with no problems.

I believe I'm going to run this on my new Mashburn as well. Very nice scope.

I have both scopes and shoot quite a bit with both. I like the Leupold because of the CDS. I find the Swarovski is a little clearer edge to edge for my eyes. You can't go wrong with either but I'd do the Leupold on that caliber as I think you could dial up some long range shots.

Thanks for all the replies guys, looking like VX-6 seems to be the consensus thus far. I wasn't all that impressed with the glass on the only other Leupold I had owned, a VX-3 2.5-8, but seems the newer ones are more positively reviewed, so I may have to make the leap of faith again. I've run nothing but Zeiss or Swaro since then, as they both seem much clearer to my eye. Plus, the firedot just seems a much better low light option, and I like the concept of a less cluttered reticle. Looks like I may have to order one up, and give it a try!

I still like my Z3 and the current price is certainly right, but to my eye the VX6 is somewhat better.

I have had, and still do, quite a few Leupolds in the VX-3 category. I picked up a VX-6 last year and it is quite a step up in clarity, contrast and light gathering. After using it this past hunting season I bought two more!

Z3 and Z5 have great glass.

The VX-6 glass is as good, IMO.

The VX-6 Duplex is better than either "Z".

I have all three, prefer the VX-6, in fact picked up a second VX-6, a 2-12x42 Duplex non illuminated. Doubt I'll get another Z-3 or Z-5. I can better spend those funds.

DF

Zero chance I would own another Z3 . I do not trust their construction quality.

Thinking/hoping the VX-6HD might improve VX-6 glass quality

That could get interesting.

But, don't miss out on VX-6 close outs in the meantime.

Better glass is gonna be diminishing returns, IMO.

DF

if you are gonna compare a 30 mm tube to a 1" tube, why not compare to a vx3? Same brand, same quality?

The 30mm tube gives more range adjustment and more room for Firedot electronics.

Tube size not a critical issue in scope quality. The VX-3 is good, just can't keep up with the VX-6. And not because of 1" tube, but as a function of engineering and glass quality.

Z3 and Z5 are both 1", compare favorably with the 30mm VX-6, surpass the 1" VX-3.

So in comparing Z3 and VX-6, one scope just so happens to be 30mm, the VX-3 is not in the same class as the VX-6, tube size notwithstanding.

DF

I couldn't take it and ordered one of the 2-12's from cabelas at $699.

For my eyes VX-6 glass is better than Z3.

I'm reworking my Mashburn this winter. Some barrel work / stock work / new recoil pad, and I picked up on of the VX-6 closeouts from Cabela's. The scope I got is a regular duplex, no Firedot. I'm sure the Firedot is really nice too.

I think you'll like it Joel. My 2-12 is every bit as good as my Swaros. Eye box cannot be beat.

I positively agree; based on side by side comparisons on an optics chart by different guys on different days.