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.

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.

Did your Z5 loose ability to hold zero or what?

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.

Z5

It would be hard to change my opinion that the 2-12x42 VX-6 is the finest all around rifle scope ever made

For the price point it may be.

If you don't dial much.

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.

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

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.

I hope it all exceeds your expectations Chris.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The new plex is quite a bit thicker than the 4w.

Me thinks the webpage needs an update.

Call Swaro.

I've done a little looking but who currently has the best close-out price on the VX-6 2-12x42 duplex?

Thanks,I'll do that. That could explain my confusion.

Check Ebay.

Cabelas had them on close out, not sure about current status.

DF

Good info.

Thanks, will check serial number and DOM when I get home from the office.

If the new Z5 duplex is anything like the VX-6, I'm sure I'd like it.

DF

I just picked up a VX6 2-12 firedot for $750, free shipping, can't wait to get it mounted on my .338wm. I loved the Victory HT 1.5-6 that was on there but I'm looking forward to a bit more magnification.

Z5 with Outdoorsmans turret. I learned you can mark yardage on the aluminum discs with a Sharpy, remove with acetone. That's a lot cheaper than a custom turret and can be easily changed.

Below is a Z3 with the Sharpie yardage markings. I don't think I'll ever buy another custom turret.

DF

Thanks for those pictures. It looks good on that rifle.

How does the turret feel to you? I looked at a standard model today without a turret. I removed the caps and played with the finger adjustable standard turret. The clicks were positive enough but it had some wiggle back and forth between clicks.It actually felt pretty loose between clicks,not exactly confidence inspiring.

R H, the clicks are positive enough, but I never had problems with CDS clicks as some have reported. I don't do a lot of twisting.

The turret is OK, just costs a good bit to change loads.

This gun is a 6.5-284/26" Kreiger with a dedicated 140 gr Hunting VLD load over 48 gr. RL-17 at 3K fps. It's half MOA, so I'm not looking for another load.

I could always put the aluminum discs back in place, get out the Sharpie and have it looking like the Z3 pictured above. I already had the turret before I figured out the Sharpie trick.

A Sharpie costs much less than a turret...

DF

Great info, thanks for posting.

I figure mine to be 2010, which would predate the 2012 reticle revision.

DF

DF,

Take a look through one of the newer Z5 scopes.

I think you'll find the plex reticle compares favorably to that of the VX6.

The Z5 I just looked at had the BRH reticle. I didn't get to view it in low light but it didn't seen too thin to me.It wasn't much thinner than some I've used in other scopes.

I looked at a Zeiss Conquest HD5 with RZ800 side by side. in comparrison the Zeiss reticle was so thick I wasn't sure I would like it for long range. It was much thicker than a Leupold duplex,possibly even close to a heavy duplex.


DF
I see how you used a sharpie on the turret. I guess I don't really understand why you didn't just set the colored ring dots to be where your sharpie marks were. I've not used that turret,just seen videos,maybe I'm missing something about exactly how the colored dots on the rings work.

I do use the dots, but there are only three of them and I like marks at 50 yd. increments, thus the Sharpie. I want/need more than three reference points from 200 yds to 5/600 yds. depending on the round.

DF

I would like to do just that.

But, with the price differential, my next Z5 would probably be a VX-6...

DF

Anyone thinking the BRH reticle is too thin, may be thinking of the BRX reticle, which is much thinner.

I agree with R.H. I guess I don't see why you would "sharpie" the turret over just using the colored dots.

I didn't answer R H's question on how the dots work. After taking the rings off the turret, you place the three dots at specified yardages such as 300, 400 and 500, using a 200 yd. zero. You calculate the clicks for 300 yds., drop the first or bottom ring in place with the dot lined up at the rear of the turret. Then dial in the clicks for the next yardage, drop the next disc in place with the dot lined up with the reference mark. Third one and you're done. Replace the top cap and go shoot.

I had to return the Z5 to Swaro when a small plastic clip broke, the piece that holds the turret in place. That seemed pretty flemsy for a high dollar scope, but they fixed it.

I've sent more Kahles and Swaro scope for CS to fix something that broke, than Leupolds.

Just saying...

DF

Thanks for that explanation.The Swaro Z5 fits my weight and magnification desires better than anything else except possibly the scope I'm using now.

When I bought the Forbes,my plan was to use a 3X9 SWFA but the ejection on this rifle is so steep that I couldn't use those turrets with any height Talley lightweights. I took my 10 year old VXII 4-12X40 AO fine duplex off my rimfire and mounted it just to see how the rifle would shoot. I like the size and weight of that scope if the fine duplex is a little too thin. I've used that scope temporarily on several deer rifles until I could buy another. I've killed deer with it from 20-400 yards.I just don't like the reticle for the very last light.

The Z5 has been my pick because it's only 2 ounces heavier than that VXII. I just now looked at a VX2 4-12 with AO ,the windplex reticle and a turret. It's 1/3 the price of the Z5. I know the Z5 glass is better but hearing about your plastic ring breaking,and having felt the play in the Z5 adjustments for myself has me wondering just how much better the Z5 is mechanically that that VX2.

I don't dial my current VXII but it has been solid for 10 years on several deer rifles and hundreds of rounds. I would only occasionally dial anything on the Forbes. I live where long shots aren't much of a possibility. I just wanted a turret in case I ever do take the rifle to a different state. I honestly wish I had a little more confidence in the build quality of the Z5. I'm starting to think it costs 3 times as much as a VX2 but is only slightly, possibly better mechanically.

I agree with the ability to twist if needed vs. big time twisting like target shooters. Most shots where I hunt don't require a twist, but being prepared, knowing I can, feels good.

I'm not sure I'd pay what a Z5 costs in today's competitive market, but they are good scopes and are light weight.

I've been impressed with the latest VX-2 offerings; they're way better than the older VX-II's, IMO. In fact, VX-2 glass in pretty close to VX-3, at least to my eyes.

I like the CDS, think it's about the best value on the market for a hunter who, like us, isn't a full time/big time turret twister...

I've read the CDS complaints, have had no issues. Have read that Leupolds won't return to zero. I have no complaints there either, but my application is evidently different than theirs.

Leupolds may not be as tough as NF and others, but in some cases are about half the weight and much sleeker. Matching scope to rifle for the intended purpose is an art form. Everyone doesn't view art the same way.

DF

RH,

Just an FYI; I called Swaro and had a custom dial made for my Z5 that sits atop my 7 Rem Mag this week.

Eliminates the colored dots, just hash marks every 25 yards out to 700.

Cost me $166.

If you order the scope from Outdoorsmans I believe they will create a like turret gratis.

Does Outdoorsman make those for Swaro?

Seems I remember them doing so some time back.

DF

Link to turret;

https://outdoorsmans.com/products/outdoorsmans-custom-turret

Link to scope with free turret.

https://outdoorsmans.com/collection...5-18x44-bt-riflescope?variant=2834108353

Really? VX-6 is a great scope but the 2-10x42 Zeiss Diavari pops to mind real quick as something better. The VX-6 is good but not "finest" IME.

I have a couple of VX-6's, a couple of Zeiss Victory's. The VX-6 is a great scope, a Victory it is not.

But, the Victory is several times the price of a VX-6, especially the close out VX-6's.

Is the Victory three or so times better than the VX-6?

Of course not. No way.

I got my Victory's used, would never pay full retail.

The closeout VX-6's are probably the best scope deal currently on the market, IMO.

DF

I just paid $931 shipped for a VX-6 3x18x50mm

Agreed on all counts. VX6 is a great value. Like so many things it takes a lot more pesos to gain a little more performance. I like VX6's a bunch, just wouldn't say they're the finest scope ever made.

This outfit makes an aftermarket 5 ring Swarovski BT setup.

https://znikiz.com/collections/turr...ings-for-swarovski-z6-and-z5-series-blue

Interesting. Three reference points aren't enough for 3-400 yds.

More expensive than a a Sharpie.

DF

Definitely more expensive that a Sharpie, but with the weak Euro cheaper than ever!

I've been using these for custom turrets. They aye inexpensive and work great.
http://customturretsystems.com/

Adk,

I've been looking at those, too.

May be the best option for turrets you can't write on.

I'm thinking, for the CDS, the tape will be cheaper than getting a new turret from Leupold.

After the first free one, this may be a good option for a load change. The CDS is about the least expensive turret and IIRC, a new load specific CDS is in the $60 range.

I have Zeiss Conquests I've sent back for elevation turrets. The tape will work on the generic cap. Zeiss turrets turn the wrong way, have no zero stop, but reportedly work well with accurate tracking.

DF

Any opinions on a z6i 3-18 x 50? I own a plex z5 bt 3.5-18. Think it is a fine scope. Have never owned an illuminated scope other than a Trijicon. Was considering the BRH illuminated reticle. Thinking you get the dot for low light and woods and the holdover reticle for long distance. This would be for an all around 280ai. Know it is absurdly expensive.

I'm very curious if your using max. magnification, or a different setting to achieve this?

Also, if your using max. magnification what is your BC and velocity?
Thanks,

Swarovski has an app allowing the user to configure a drop chart per their particular ballistics. It provides estimated ranges for each subtension on Swarovski's ballistic reticles at specific magnification settings.

Well my VX6 arrived. I mounted it (3x18x50mm) on my AR . The clicks on the turrets are a little bit mushy,but they work. The optics aren't as good as a Swarovski ,but they still hit the ball out of the park. Montana Prairie Dogs will die.

I'm using max magnification of 15 power on my 300 Weatherby to match the Z800 trajectory using 180 grain TTSX but I am sighted in at 225 yards and that may be why it matches up. I've got 77 grains of IMR 4350 pushing it somewhere between 3100 and 3200 but it has been a while since I ran it over the chronograph. The 225 wasn't derived from a mathematical formula or the Zeiss software it is just the maximum distance I can set up a target frame at my place.

I have occasional access at a 1000+ yard range and before last elk season I ran it from 400 to 700 yards without a miss at 10" wide x 24" tall metal silhouette targets seated on uneven ground resting on both knees. With 2 spotters I shot 3 times without hitting the target at 800 but the misses were inside 6" right or left and center of the target for elevation so all would have been hits at broadside elk vitals in about 5-10 mph wind. Since that is about 200 yards farther than I intend to shoot at an elk and duplicates hunting conditions pretty well I'm satisfied with that from the rifle and scope combination.

Two seasons ago I shot a large cow at 550 yards broadside and then turned to 3/4 facing me. The 2 shots had one large exit hole behind her offside shoulder to so I'm sold on the Z800 performance with the Weatherby.