Swarovski Z6 options...help please

[jayquiver]

I am going to treat myself to a scope I have always wanted...Swarowski Z6. Grouse River has a good sale on right now 15% off.

the only 3 I'm considering are

1.7-10x42
2-12x50
2.5-15x44

I am leaning towards the 2.5-15x44 with Ballistic Turret. It will be going on my "all arounder" big game hunting rifle, either on a 7mm Rem Mag or 280AI. Of the 3 I think it offers the best magnification range. Thoughts?

Things I'm not sure about...

I think 50 objective isn't necessary, but I have never owned one. Any thoughts on this?

Is illumination worth it or nice to have? It is more money and adds weight. Thoughts?

When I will be spending this much money I don't want to make a mistake. I want to get it right the first time.

Currently have a Leupold xv6 2-12 with duplex reticle and really like it. Its going to go on my 7mm-08

[Reel Time Rut Outdoors]

sign up for email from them, get another 5% off first order

[jayquiver]

Originally Posted by Reel Time Rut Outdoors

sign up for email from them, get another 5% off first order

thanks

[elkhunter11]

A 50mm objective is not at all necessary on the Z6, in fact the 44mm lens on the Z6 will transmit more light than many of the scopes with 50mm objectives made by many other manufacturers..

[Dean2]

I am using a Z5 3.5x18x44. I like it better than the Z6 because it has a one inch tube and weighs less than 1 pound. I also have the BRH reticle as I find the hold over points far faster than dialling the turret for elevation plus BTs are subject to moving when they are put in and out of the case. The old Z6 didn't have a turret lock, might be different if it has one now.

As to objective, I can see fine well past dark and have used this scope for night hunting hogs in Texas. An illuminated reticle would have been nice but with the scope mounted light I was using I really didn't have any trouble lining up the shots in pitch black conditions. You couldn't see the game at all without the light. Don't think the 50mm will hurt anything and the one advantage to the 30mm tube is it does help transmit light but since you can't hunt after dark in Canada, don't know that that is much of an advantage.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Dean2

I am using a Z5 3.5x18x44. I like it better than the Z6 because it has a one inch tube and weighs less than 1 pound. I also have the BRH reticle as I find the hold over points far faster than dialling the turret for elevation plus BTs are subject to moving when they are put in and out of the case. The old Z6 didn't have a turret lock, might be different if it has one now.

As to objective, I can see fine well past dark and have used this scope for night hunting hogs in Texas. An illuminated reticle would have been nice but with the scope mounted light I was using I really didn't have any trouble lining up the shots in pitch black conditions. You couldn't see the game at all without the light. Don't think the 50mm will hurt anything and the one advantage to the 30mm tube is it does help transmit light but since you can't hunt after dark in Canada, don't know that that is much of an advantage.

I also have two of the Z5 3.5-18x44 BRH scopes, and I prefer the 1" scopes and the BRH reticle for the same reasons. As for the 30mm tube, it offers more scope adjustment, but it doesn't transmit any more light. The 50mm objective does have to be mounted higher than the 44mm objective, which to me is a disadvantage.

[jayquiver]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I also have two of the Z5 3.5-18x44 BRH scopes, and I prefer the 1" scopes and the BRH reticle for the same reasons. As for the 30mm tube, it offers more scope adjustment, but it doesn't transmit any more light. The 50mm objective does have to be mounted higher than the 44mm objective, which to me is a disadvantage.

I was also looking at the z5 3.5-18 but wanted a little more view of view for close quarters. Thats why I like the z6.

I wasn't really considering the BRH/ BRX reticle but maybe I should.

I was just on the website and the z6 1.7-10 weighs the same as the z5 3.5-18.

This will be a 500-600 yard set up. So maybe the 1.7-10x42 Z6 would be best with the BRH...now I am really confused. haha.

[lok]

the z5 3.5-18 x 44 with ballistic turret is a nicer scope in my opinion.

[Red Bullets]

When big game hunting you don't always have time for a ballistic turret adjustment.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I also have two of the Z5 3.5-18x44 BRH scopes, and I prefer the 1" scopes and the BRH reticle for the same reasons. As for the 30mm tube, it offers more scope adjustment, but it doesn't transmit any more light. The 50mm objective does have to be mounted higher than the 44mm objective, which to me is a disadvantage.

I agree you have to mount the 50 higher, but we are talking 3 mm higher, which is .118", or just over 1/10 of an inch. Even 40 to 50 is only 5 MM higher or .20 or just under 1/8 of an inch. That isn't really a material consideration in my books and why I said that 40, 44 and 50 MM objectives are petty much interchangeable. I wouldn't let the objective be the deciding factor.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Dean2

I agree you have to mount the 50 higher, but we are talking 3 mm higher, which is .118", or just over 1/10 of an inch. Even 40 to 50 is only 5 MM higher or .20 or just under 1/8 of an inch. That isn't really a material consideration in my books and why I said that 40, 44 and 50 MM objectives are petty much interchangeable. I wouldn't let the objective be the deciding factor.

If you can get a good cheek weld with a 50mm objective, then it isn't a significant difference, but that 1/8" of an inch can make the difference between a good cheek weld and a not so good cheek weld. I do have a scope with a 50mm lens on my Anschutz 54MS-R , but that rifle has a very high comb, and my cheek rests nicely on the stock.

[wildwoods]

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

When big game hunting you don't always have time for a ballistic turret adjustment.

There is only one real solution to that: the Zeiss Rapid Z Reticle!

[sns2]

This is the one I would be getting if I had the money.

http://store.prophetriver.com/swarov...3-5-18x44-brh/

I don't really think the human eye will be able to process an image any better than this scope can transmit it, and the 44mm objective is a sawoff between the 40 and 50.

Before buying from Grouse River, I would be calling Clay at Prophet River. When you deal with Clay, you know that should anything go wrong, and I mean anything, he will move heaven and earth to have your back. Period. Many other places, if not most, tell you to deal with the manufacturer the moment you walk out the door. I never buy anything elsewhere if Clay can get it. Give him a chance to see what he can do. I can't tell you how many times I, and many friends, have been glad we did.

[jayquiver]

Originally Posted by sns2

This is the one I would be getting if I had the money.

http://store.prophetriver.com/swarov...3-5-18x44-brh/

I don't really think the human eye will be able to process an image any better than this scope can transmit it, and the 44mm objective is a sawoff between the 40 and 50.

Before buying from Grouse River, I would be calling Clay at Prophet River. When you deal with Clay, you know that should anything go wrong, and I mean anything, he will move heaven and earth to have your back. Period. Many other places, if not most, tell you to deal with the manufacturer the moment you walk out the door. I never buy anything elsewhere if Clay can get it. Give him a chance to see what he can do. I can't tell you how many times I, and many friends, have been glad we did.

I like dealing with Clay and I am always browsing Prophet River website. In fact
4 of my 5 guns I have bought from him.

The deal Grouse River has right now is very good. I have bought some Sitka gear from them and they have been good to deal with also. I prefer Prophet River but 15-20% is hard to pass up. I will call Clay in the morning.

[jayquiver]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

If you can get a good cheek weld with a 50mm objective, then it isn't a significant difference, but that 1/8" of an inch can make the difference between a good cheek weld and a not so good cheek weld. I do have a scope with a 50mm lens on my Anschutz 54MS-R , but that rifle has a very high comb, and my cheek rests nicely on the stock.

I have a Cooper Jackson Game stock so that may work

[Kurt505]

I've never owned a Z6 but have owned the Z5 and I'm thinking of picking up another one. I like the Z5 for a hunting scope because of the weight to magnification ratio, but a word of advise here, don't get the BRX reticle if you're planning on using it as a hunting scope. The crosshairs are too fine and disappear against the woods in low light.

[Stonegoat]

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

When big game hunting you don't always have time for a ballistic turret adjustment.

I don't agree. If you're considering a shot that requires a ballistic turret adjustment, that means the animal is at least 300 yards away. Shots should not be rushed at extended distances. If you're panicking to quickly get a shot off, you're probably going to mess it up anyway.

[north american hunter]

I have a z6 2.5-15x56 whatever scope you choose you wont be sorry. The glass is outstanding.

[jayquiver]

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

When big game hunting you don't always have time for a ballistic turret adjustment.

just wanted to give Red Bullets a "shout out". Thanks for putting me in touch with your friend. He was extremely helpful with all of his Swarovski knowledge.

This is why I love this site... strangers helping strangers, with only a common bond for a love of the outdoors.

Thank you Red Bullets.

BTW- leaning towards the Z6 2.5-15x44 BT. It has HD glass and wider FOV over the z5 3.5-18x44 BT. The Z6 is only 4 ounces heavier.

[Red Bullets]

Glad I could help. A scope an investment that should last a lifetime and then hopefully become treasured by the next generation.