Considering purchasing a z5 3.5x18x44 for a new ultra light arms I have ordered.
Any thoughts or experiences?
Large scope for an ultra lite rifle.
More info on rifle and what you are planning for it.
DF
Model 24 30/06 .. general hunting everything from deer to elk...
Are you hunting out west where you can anticipate some long shots?
Good scope , I have two with the 4w reticle and ballistic turrets. I believe the 18x is about 17oz, I wouldn't worry about the weight. I had a nightforce shv on a Nula that balanced perfect.
I wish they would make a z5 3.5-12x42 or a 3.5-14x42 I think these would be a prefect hunting scope.
Anyone compared NF SHV glass with Z5 glass.
DF
Good scope , I have two with the 4w reticle and ballistic turrets. I believe the 18x is about 17oz, I wouldn't worry about the weight. I had a nightforce shv on a Nula that balanced perfect.
There is a Bushnell 4 1/2-30X50 (22oz) on my 5lb 11oz Weatherby Mark V six lug ultralight. Balances just fine. Like nick54 says, balance won't be a problem.
Model 24 30/06 .. general hunting everything from deer to elk...
My 24B 30-06 wears a Z3 3-10x42 BRH and it is a sweet handling gun, would not want a heavier scope on it.
I’ve got a couple of these. Great glass, particularly for low light. I wouldn’t trust the ballistic turret for doing lots of twisting, but I’m very high on it for a set and forget. To put in perspective the quality of glass, I traded off a Z6 because I felt like it didn’t offer enough of and upgrade to justify the bulk/weight.
I’ve got a couple of these. Great glass, particularly for low light. I wouldn’t trust the ballistic turret for doing lots of twisting, but I’m very high on it for a set and forget. To put in perspective the quality of glass, I traded off a Z6 because I felt like it didn’t offer enough of and upgrade to justify the bulk/weight.
I will second the ballistic turret is definitely not good for twisting a lot. My z5 went back twice and both times it needed a new erector. It was fine for set and forget, though.
I have a 3.5X18 on a .300 mag. Rifle is about 8 lbs all up. Judging by empty bullet boxes I have about 400 rounds through it. With 180 BT it gets me to 650 yards. The last triangle on the turret to 600 and the reaming clicks to 650.
I have a big round rock 650 yards off my deck that I periodically shoot and it has stayed zeroed and returns back to my 250 yard zero. So good so far.
The optics are incredible.
Lefty C
Dirt farmer
I have both scopes and they are both VG, but the Z5 is in a class by itself. It just pops WOW every time you look through it. Some of it may be because the Z5 has a duplex reticle vs. the somewhat cluttered MOAR reticle of the NF.
Thanks, Lefty. That's about what I've heard.
I have a couple of VX-6 2-12x42 with CDS. Like JG, I don't do a lot of turret twisting, but do like VX-6 glass. I find it about as good as the Z5 and like the VX-6 duplex better than the Z5 #4, for sure better than the Z5 duplex.
Those who use them both, the VX-6 and Z5, how to the turrets compare? I hear negative stuff about Leupold, haven't personally seen that. I guess the Z5 is better, just haven't experienced what I hear about turret failure.
NF has better turret reviews, not sure the SHV glass is in the same class with VX-6 and Z5. Do I go with a heavier scope with lesser glass and better turrets? Haven't so far, just thinking.
DF
A lot of twisting?? NF is in a class of it's own.
Lefty
I think I made a good choice in this scope selection based on the reviews above...
I think I made a good choice in this scope selection based on the reviews above...
Agree.
What reticle did you get?
I like mine a lot, great glass quality..
DF
I’ve got a couple of these. Great glass, particularly for low light. I wouldn’t trust the ballistic turret for doing lots of twisting, but I’m very high on it for a set and forget. To put in perspective the quality of glass, I traded off a Z6 because I felt like it didn’t offer enough of and upgrade to justify the bulk/weight.
I will second the ballistic turret is definitely not good for twisting a lot. My z5 went back twice and both times it needed a new erector. It was fine for set and forget, though.
My experience has been the opposite. Mine twists perfectly.
Mule Deer has also posted here how much Eileen likes hers as well.
A wonderful scope. I currently have 3 which sit on a 7mm Rem Mag, .264 Win Mag, and a 7mm STW
No dog in this fight, but do know of a couple of local guys who have shed theirs due to tracking and zero retention issues. Great glass....just wont dial or survive a tumble.
Mine went back to repair the plastic retainers that hold the elevation turret. They broke when I was replacing the turret, probably my fault, but not the most sturdy set up.
If you building them light, those things happen. I think with the trade off of tough vs. light weight, I prefer light weight.
Build them like a tank, they get heavy. I don't need a heavy tank of a scope.
DF
I got the plex reticle without the ballistic turrent...
I got the plex reticle without the ballistic turrent...
Then you got a near bullet proof scope.
It's the turret some people sqawk about. I find no issue with mine.
DF