Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics New Scope for Mountain Rifle

I am considering upgrading my 6.5 X 55 mountain rifle's scope (3-9 x 42 Conquest), for a Swaro Z5, 3.5 -18 X 44. I'm going for better low light optics.

Anyone here have any experience with the Z5?, any reticle suggestions?

The Conquest isn't a bad scope, I'm just looking for something better. I may consider the Zeiss V6 also.

Have you considered going to a fixed magnification scope?

For any serious (expensive and/or remote) hunts, I'd be all about reliable. Can't help with how the ones you mention measure up there.

I have several 3-9x40 Conquest, a couple with retro elevation turrets. I have the Z-5 you mention. All are great scopes. For a LW mtn rifle I think that Z-5 is a bit big and long. Conquest weighs a pound or so.

Look at a Z3, 3-9x40. Alpha glass and 12.7 oz.

The fixed power suggestion is a good one. Leupold 6x42 and 6x36 are solid choices and reliable. Fewer parts to mess up. The latter has a longer 1” tube, easier to mount on a LA.

DF

I'm in for this as I'm also scoping a 6.5x55. I've got a homeless Bushnell Elite 3-9x40 sitting around but was pondering something a little smaller. You guys like the 6x Leupold over the 4x33 or 2.5-8x36?

To me, that would depend on use. I like lower power for quick off hand shots. But for what I see as a mtn rifle, 6X should work well. Those that use them seem to like them.

The 6x42 probably has newer, better glass than the 6x36. The 6x36 may be easier to mount on a LA.

Your Swede probably is on a LA, or IMO, should be, at least on a 3" action. The 6x42 should have the edge in low light. And mounting depends a lot on how you position your scope. I like mine sitting back a bit, don't stock crawl. The shorter tube 6x42 would work on a LA if you don't mind the scope sitting a bit forward.

DF

The Z5 3-18x44 is a lot scope for only 15.9 oz. Only a couple ounces more than most 3-9x40s and a ton more magnification and light gathering. Just my .02

Or split the weight difference between heavy and light and get a Meopta Meopro 6x42, at 15.7 ounces and get great glass, eye relief and reliable tracking. RJ

Mountain hunting poses many challenges. Low light shots not being one of them IME. Fixed 6.

Buy an SWFA SS 6x

Do this:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...e-mounting-to-maintain-zero#Post12367363

Then do this:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...le-turrets-and-proper-usage#Post12448503

6x will get you a hell of a lot further than you think. ~$250 prolly nets you some cash in your pocket after selling the Conquest for ammo to zero with.

Used the swfa on a backpack hunt in Idaho last year. Held zero perfectly throughout the whole trip, and I was a little rough on it. Ended up going with another scope as I couldn’t get used to the big turrets on a hunting rig, some don’t mind and they weren’t really that much of an inconvenience packing and unpacking but I’m fussy I guess. As far as performance though I have zero complaints.

I know you didn’t list it but I just put a Leupold vx5hd 3-15 with 20moa rail and Burris rings on my 6.5 Fieldcraft. Weighted just under 7lbs all up. It’s tracked well from 100 to 700. The glass is awesome, better than my Athlon Ares etr and bushy LRHSi. Time will tell if it tracks consistently but I’d give it a thumbs up as of right now.

Sorta long and bulky scope for a mtn rifle, IMO.

Here it is on a pre-64, Krieger 26", 6.5-284, not a mtn rifle, IMO. But, what exactly IS a mtn rifle...?

To Don, Jr, my rifle would be just a walking around gun... Look at what he's packing in those mountains...

Is that a big NF scope on that monster rifle? My Z5 pales next to his.

Seems to have worked for him. He's young, can pack that thing.

DF

I'd stand pay on the Conquest, love that scope.

I like mine, too. Sent a couple back to Zeiss for elevation turrets. They track well, just turn the wrong way.

Ballistic tape works, so do Kenton custom turrets.

DF

In terms of optical performance, Z5 is definitely a step up over the Conquest, but it is a bigger scope.

In that same price range as the Z5, I am really partial to the Leica Visus 2.5-10x42 and Doug from Cameraland often has good deals on these. It is a slight step up over the Z5 optically, but equally importantly, it is also easier to get behind, has generous mounting length and a much more immersive image.

If memory serves me right, it is a couple of ounces heavier than the Z5, but a couple of inches shorter.

A brief search yielded this:
https://cameralandny.com/shop/Leica...9110c0?variation=1243739&query=56104

ILya

Actually the Z5 isn't heavier than the Conquest, both around a pound. The Z5 is longer.

The Leica is around 18 oz, couple ounces heavier than those two.

DF

3.5x10 Leupold

Ilya, how is the reticle on the Visus? Difficult to see in timber without the illumination on?

Have been looking at that one.

It is a very contrasty reticle, but the openeing between thick posts is wider than I like. The center crosshair is not super thin, so it is nicely visible, but illumination is a good thing.

ILya