Scope - Swaro, Leupold

On my Tikka .284 I currently have a Leupold VX3 2.5-8x38 which I have a CDS turret on.

This has served me well but I feel I need a bit more magnification at the longer ranges so I'm looking at either a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 or VX6 3.5-18x44 or try something different to the Leupolds which I've traditionally owned and buy a Swarovski Z3

Ironically I used to live just up the road from Swarovski in Austria :D

Two things concern me with getting the bigger scopes like a the VX6 will be the added weight of 200 grams and the concern with the Z3 will be the 50 mm objective.

Keen to know what peoples experiences have been with the various scopes mentioned as I'm at a cross road as to what to get.

If your looking at Vx6 kind of money and looking for smaller than a z3 50mm a very good option is the Z5 3.5-18x44. Can be had for approx 2k or sometimes less off here. Great scope, pretty light weight (lighter than a vx6) and have a dial ontop

I have a 4.5-14x40 vx3 sitting here not being used.....if you want to try it and see what you think..... get in touch. its one of the older models with focus on frony bell....

VX3 4.5-14 has a poor FOV even on it's lowest magnification compared to the others you mentioned. Something to consider if this is an "all-round" scope. VX5 in the mix too? Fire Dot?

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Originally Posted by Shearer

VX3 4.5-14 has a poor FOV even on it's lowest magnification compared to the others you mentioned. Something to consider if this is an "all-round" scope. VX5 in the mix too? Fire Dot?

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and that is why mine is sitting spare......bush hobbit at heart and up close,not so much to my liking.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shearer

VX3 4.5-14 has a poor FOV even on it's lowest magnification compared to the others you mentioned. Something to consider if this is an "all-round" scope. VX5 in the mix too? Fire Dot?

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The other issue with the vx3 and in particular the 4.5-14 is its got rather poor light gathering properties and can be quite dull in poor light in my experience. But in good light out to moderate ranges they are light for what they are but I reckon the swaro are better in low light.

VX6 is a huge jump up over the VX3. I would keep it simple and go a good old VX5 3-15x44 or Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44.

A Swaro Z3 would probably fit the bill nicely too.

I’ve got a vx6 2-12 on my rifle. Dials really well, nice to look through. Would like to have a fine duplex rather than the standard.

I’d also suggest a VX5 in 3-15x44 and save some money compared to a VX6.
Same glass and build quality.
They’re a great hunting scope for the money and will do everything from up close in the bush to long range shooting.
The windplex reticle is great if you want to stretch your distances and shoot a few gongs too.

IMO 4.5 is too high for lowest magnification if you ever want to use it in the bush. As Stagstalker said, a 3 - 15 would be better.

Swarvo 3.5-18x44 with after market dial. 16 oz

Im not gentle on my stuff and my one gets a lot of dialling and returns to zero and tracks well. Best 'scope Ive had.

Wilsons Hunting and Outdoors - Swarovski

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....x-111-a-83896/
@bigbear just listed this

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Originally Posted by stug

I’ve got a vx6 2-12 on my rifle. Dials really well, nice to look through. Would like to have a fine duplex rather than the standard.

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I wish Leupold would offer the fine duplex again. I've got an older VX6, the non HD job, with a fine cross hair and prefer it to my VX5 with a standard duplex. I find its just to thick.

Run a Z3 4-12x50 on my short bbl 284 and a VX6 3-18x44 on my 22in bbl 284. Can’t fault either but prefer the optics on Z3. Has custom 2turn moa turret and 4W reticle. Weight saving also goes to the Z3

Thanks for the replies... I'll have to look more into the swarovski.

I've got a VX6 3.5-18x44. Its awesome for longer range.

I only own one short tube Leupold these days,have slowly upgraded all my otherr leupolds to swaro,I bush hunt and don’t dial but will not change from the Swarovski due to low light performance.

Unless you need more mag than 10x, have a look at the VX5 2-10x42. More compact than the 3-15 x 44.


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What about Zeiss V4 4-16x44? It seems to be a not so favorite in NZ?

The VX3 and Z5 were both originallly capped turret designs and the dialable toos added as en enhancement. They both seem a bit flimsy.

For ruggedness and simplicity, look at the S&B Klassik 3-12x44 which they have at GC. You can get a capped non dialling model and use the FFP mil dot reticle to hold over. You used to be able to get them non illuminated but youd need to negotiate through the NZ agent Deadeye Dicks and see if they'd make one for you. S&Bare generally built to order with a long wait time (6 months). Unfortunately for older eyes they dont have parallax adjustment ( fixed at 100m but can be ordered from factory at longer if you like) but at shorter range under 100m you can use 4x or 6x and itwill be sharp.