Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Z6 or Z6i?

I'm about a month away from having McWhorters Rifles finish my 7mm Rem. Mag. build.
I've been looking at scopes for it, and I've narrowed it down to the Swarovski Z6 or Z6i in the 3-18x50 BT model.

My question is, do you feel that the illuminated recticle is enough of an advantage to justify the extra $500 in cost?

Also, I wanted the regular "plex" recticle, but it seems that it's not available in the illuminated model. So, for a long range hunting rifle, while recticle do you prefer?

Just looking for informed opinions before dropping $2,000-$2,500.

Thanks

I LOVE that little red lit-up dot in my Z6i 2-12x50 for rainy dark timber elk hunting. Not sure if you'll ever need it if you're only going to be hunting long range. Mine has the illuminated #4 and in my mind its perfect. Mine is a Gen 1, so the newer ones are probably even better.

This will be a stand rifle. Tower stand or ground blind.
Shots could be 50 yards out to as far as my abilities stretch.

Scope weight isn't a big issue as I'll only be carrying the rifle to and from a stationary hunting position, and the rifle isn't going to be heavy.
(7 1/2 to 8lbs) sans scope

I want great light gathering capability, and a recticle that can be seen in low light....hence the question about the illuminated recticle.

I just have no experience with anything other than a standard plex reticle.

I think my #4 would be a little light for dawn/dusk without the illumination.

Is there another recticle offered that I don't know about?

Something bold enough for shooting without illumination but still offers illumination for the rare time it might come in handy?

Wish they could just make the center of the Plex illuminated