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OP
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Would you choose the Swaro Z5 3.5-10X42 with 4W reticle and a factory BT or would you choose a VX6 2-12X42 with CDS windplex firedot?
Imagine they are both the same price and you are mounting it on a very accurate and very lightweight 270 for all around hunting including long range.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,853
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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For me it's a no brainer. I had to send my z5 5-25X52 back in twice during the two years I used it. The VX-6 4-24X52 I had had better glass and gave better colors. I used it for a year without a single problem.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation."
Everyday Hunter
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OP
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Did your Z5 loose ability to hold zero or what?
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I have a Z5 3.5-18 that tracks flawlessly.
My VX6, while wonderful optically, and very easy scope to get behind, not so much.
If you are going to dial, dial the Swarovski.
FYI: JB has written that Eileen has one, and loves it.
“Factio democratica delenda est"
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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It would be hard to change my opinion that the 2-12x42 VX-6 is the finest all around rifle scope ever made
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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For the price point it may be.
If you don't dial much.
“Factio democratica delenda est"
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,091
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,091 |
I have a Z5 3.5-18x42 BT, two VX-6 2-12x42 Leupolds.
Glass is equivalent. The Z5 reticle was too fine, I sent it back to Swaro for a German #4. The BT works fine, I use a Sharpie to write yardages on the aluminum discs, erases with acetone.
The VX-6 Duplex is about the best in the industry, IMO. I love the eyebox, although the Z5 is OK in that regard.
I haven't had issues with the CDS, but I don't twist that much.
With current VX-6 closeout prices and what a Z5 costs (plus the extra reticle expense), the Leupold is by far the best buy.
The Firedot is nice, but with the excellent VX-6 Duplex, you may not need one. The 2-12x42 is being closed out for around $650, which may be the best scope deal ever. The Z5 is about twice that price, not twice as good, for sure.
DF
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
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I have a Z5 3.5-18x42 BT, two VX-6 2-12x42 Leupolds.
Glass is equivalent. The Z5 reticle was too fine, I sent it back to Swaro for a German #4. The BT works fine, I use a Sharpie to write yardages on the aluminum discs, erases with acetone.
The VX-6 Duplex is about the best in the industry, IMO. I love the eyebox, although the Z5 is OK in that regard.
I haven't had issues with the CDS, but I don't twist that much.
With current VX-6 closeout prices and what a Z5 costs (plus the extra reticle expense), the Leupold is by far the best buy.
The Firedot is nice, but with the excellent VX-6 Duplex, you may not need one. The 2-12x42 is being closed out for around $650, which may be the best scope deal ever. The Z5 is about twice that price, not twice as good, for sure.
DF What reticle did yours have before you had it changed? Swaro lists their #4 as being .15 thick. All their Z5 reticles are .15 thick except for the BRX which is .07 thick. My plan was to get the BT with 4w reticle which is .15 thick. I don't think it will be nearly as bold as the VX6 duplex but I don't know yet if it will be bold enough. I plan to look at some soon. Price is not a concern between the two. I just want the best scope. Not considering price at all. I am actually also considering the VX6HD because of the hydro coatings,lockable turrets,and better glass.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,091
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,091 |
R H,
My Z5 came with a VERY fine duplex. I didn't think it would work for genl. hunting, so I got it swapped out. The #4 fine wire is still pretty fine, the heavier segments make it more visible in dim light.
I have a Z3 4-12x50 BT. It has a fine duplex, but not nearly as fine as that original Z5 and useable. I don't know if the Z5 had a target duplex or what, just knew I didn't like it.
After spending too much on that scope, I spent even more, $150 or so IIRC, getting the #4 installed. My next Z5 may be a VX-6 3-18x44. They're heavier than the 2-12, have parallax adjustment and possibly a slightly finer duplex. I've not handled one. People who have them seem to like them.
DF
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Joined: Feb 2017
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I have a Z5 3.5-18x42 BT, two VX-6 2-12x42 Leupolds.
Glass is equivalent. The Z5 reticle was too fine, I sent it back to Swaro for a German #4. The BT works fine, I use a Sharpie to write yardages on the aluminum discs, erases with acetone.
The VX-6 Duplex is about the best in the industry, IMO. I love the eyebox, although the Z5 is OK in that regard.
I haven't had issues with the CDS, but I don't twist that much.
With current VX-6 closeout prices and what a Z5 costs (plus the extra reticle expense), the Leupold is by far the best buy.
The Firedot is nice, but with the excellent VX-6 Duplex, you may not need one. The 2-12x42 is being closed out for around $650, which may be the best scope deal ever. The Z5 is about twice that price, not twice as good, for sure.
DF What reticle did yours have before you had it changed? Swaro lists their #4 as being .15 thick. All their Z5 reticles are .15 thick except for the BRX which is .07 thick. My plan was to get the BT with 4w reticle which is .15 thick. I don't think it will be nearly as bold as the VX6 duplex but I don't know yet if it will be bold enough. I plan to look at some soon. Price is not a concern between the two. I just want the best scope. Not considering price at all. I am actually also considering the VX6HD because of the hydro coatings,lockable turrets,and better glass. I'll let you know how the VX-6HD compares to the VX-6 in about 9-10 days...my Kimber I'm getting that we discussed on AL Deer will get the scope it deserves.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
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I hope it all exceeds your expectations Chris.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Hey Mr Dirtfarmer, if you are interested in the 3-18 VX6, go ahead and get the firedot duplex. The illumination system is fantastic, but more importantly when it's not on, you have a regular duplex reticle like the one that comes in the 2-12x, instead of the finer duplex that normally comes in the 3-18 model.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I looked at those and ended up with a Zeiss HD5 3-15 with the Z800 reticle, on sale for a good deal it had the Ballistic reticle I preferred and I liked the glass better but between the Swarovski and the VX6 I'd take the Leupold, it really is easy to look through. If I was twisting turrets much I'd look at the Nightforce lineup but the Z800 reticle matches my trajectory perfectly all the way out to 800 yards on elk vitals size targets.
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
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I looked at those and ended up with a Zeiss HD5 3-15 with the Z800 reticle, on sale for a good deal it had the Ballistic reticle I preferred and I liked the glass better but between the Swarovski and the VX6 I'd take the Leupold, it really is easy to look through. If I was twisting turrets much I'd look at the Nightforce lineup but the Z800 reticle matches my trajectory perfectly all the way out to 800 yards on elk vitals size targets. The Zeiss and NF are both heavier than I want on this 5.5 lb rifle. I would have to use a rail on the NF because of the shorter eye relief adding even more weight. One thing that appeals to me about the Swaro Z5 is the light weight.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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My Z5 came with a VERY fine duplex. I didn't think it would work for genl. hunting, so I got it swapped out. FYI: Swarovski thickened the plex reticle in 2012. You can determine the year your Swarovski was manufactured by adding 1930 to the first two digits of the SN#. A scope whose SN# begins with MC83 for example would be a 2013 model. The new reticle compares nicely to the VX6 reticle. Naturally Swaros 4w reticle still remains a bit thinner, yet I have one on my .264 Win Mag. My 7 Rem Mag wears a 2014 Z5 with the Plex BT. OTOH my Montana in 280 AI wears a 2-12 VX6, mostly for the eye box and illumination. Plus the 2x is ideal for the Adirondacks. I do not spin turrets on this particular rifle, however.
“Factio democratica delenda est"
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
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My Z5 came with a VERY fine duplex. I didn't think it would work for genl. hunting, so I got it swapped out. FYI: Swarovski thickened the plex reticle in 2012. You can determine the year your Swarovski was manufactured by adding 1930 to the first two digits of the SN#. A scope whose SN# begins with MC83 for example would be a 2013 model. The new reticle compares nicely to the VX6 reticle. Naturally Swaros 4w reticle still remains a bit thinner, yet I have one on my .264 Win Mag. My 7 Rem Mag wears a 2014 Z5 with the Plex BT. OTOH my Montana in 280 AI wears a 2-12 VX6, mostly for the eye box and illumination. Plus the 2x is ideal for the Adirondacks. I do not spin turrets on this particular rifle, however. When I look at the dimensions on the Swaro site,they give .15 thickness for both the plex and 4W. I appreciate the input but I am left scratching my head about reticles. I have a Montana set up for the woods with a Razor HD LH 1.5-8X32. I do like the low power in the woods. My thought was to set this rifle up for a slightly longer range rifle with more magnification and a turret.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
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I really like Swarovski's BT 4W set up. The ability to dope your own ballistic turret is a big plus for me. Swarovski's 1" tube, weight and relative compactness are also positives. I've not used Leupold's windplex reticle. That said, if a NIB Leupold VX6 CDS Windplex Fire Dot can be had for approximately $650, it'd be hard not to try. If someone knows where I can Buy one for $650, please PM me and I'll buy one.
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Campfire Outfitter
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The new plex is quite a bit thicker than the 4w.
Me thinks the webpage needs an update.
Call Swaro.
“Factio democratica delenda est"
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I've done a little looking but who currently has the best close-out price on the VX-6 2-12x42 duplex?
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