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Swarovski Z5 4W or Plex reticle? |
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Blackhorn
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/08/2014 Location: Quebec, Canada Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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Posted: January/09/2014 at 02:19 |
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After much research and reflection, I have decided on a Z5 3.5-18X44 as my next scope. It will go atop my Accura V2 muzzleloader with which I may shoot anywhere out to 350 yards on my western hunts to 50 yards or less in the woods around home.
The reticle options for this scope are either the plex or the 4W. Every scope I have owned so far has had a plex type reticle, and it is the one I'm most familiar and comfortable using. For me, the biggest plus of a plex type reticle is the way it draws your eye towards the center and on target which helps in getting the shot off quicker at deer moving through brush at close quarters. I've also read a lot of favorable reviews of the 4W. However, whenI looked at one the other day, the sight picture appeared much less cluttered with the 4W covering a lot less of the target. I'm wondering if it will be slower to get on target when a shot has to be taken in a hurry. My other concerns are: is the thin reticle still easy to pick up in mixed woods in fading light? And are the windage compensation hash marks really that useful on shots 350 yards and under? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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I hae never had a problem with that exact scope during legal shooting hours, even past, with it being to thin to see. Its not a bold as the plex but not far from it.
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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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I will be getting a z6 2.5-15x44 in today with that reticle and will do some low light testing and report back.
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www.TacticalGunReview.com
Pro Staff - Silencer Shop http://tacticalgunreview.com |
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anweis
Optics Master Joined: January/29/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1148 |
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For what it's worth:
I have identical or almost identical scopes with the same reticle (#20 Zeiss Plex) on 4 different firearms (3 of them Sako 85) used for hunting. The triggers are all adjusted for the same pull of weight. This type of familiarity seems important to me. I did look at the 4W reticle by Swarovski (but not the model you mention)and it did seem too thin too me. I wished the thin lines to be thicker and the thick lines to be closer together. Switching to a different reticle may seem a bit uncomfortable, even if the scope is very competent. If the scopes that you have worked for you, why not buy another (with similar reticle and better optics)? I took that approach. I am getting a Conquest with a #20 Plex for my muzzle loader.
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Blackhorn
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/08/2014 Location: Quebec, Canada Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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That seems to be the general consensus. With what you now know having used one yourself, if you had to buy one scope to put on your goto gun would you still opt for the 4W as an all round reticle or go with the plex? Thank you ccoke! I'm looking forward to reading what your impressions are.
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Blackhorn
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/08/2014 Location: Quebec, Canada Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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If the scopes that you have worked for you, why not buy another (with similar reticle and better optics)? I took that approach. I am getting a Conquest with a #20 Plex for my muzzle loader. [/QUOTE]
That thought has been echoing in my head from the very start. I guess what had me looking elsewhere is hearing so many people refer to the plex as being old fashioned and plain blah. I want to keep a opened mind about the 4W seeing as there have been a lot of satisfied users of that reticle and although I do not doubt their reviews, I am really just trying to decide what will be the best fit for my needs. How useful are those windage hash marks at shots under 350 yards? To be honest, my preferred reticle design that Swarovski offers is the 4. It is basically a plex but the upper vertical post is just a thin wire. Unfortunately, it is not available in the Z5 when you choose the ballistic turret option.
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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Most of my muskets leave burn marks on the scope. I have tried numerous scopes so far the most acceptable in actual use was a Nikon Muzzleloader scope which had really so so glass but works very well for estimating where to hold. I zero the 200 yd mark at a known distance 200 yd target then check the other distances. I actually have a much more expensive Minox scope on that musket now but it does not serve the purpose nearly as well. The Minox does have good glass but I may have to switch back to the Nikon to get the more useful reticle or to the Leupold version.
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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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If I was brush hunting I would rather use this.
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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
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Blackhorn
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/08/2014 Location: Quebec, Canada Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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I can see why! That would certainly work very well in that situation. Thing is I'm trying to get my muzzleloader/scope combo to do it all- close range in brush and long range in open field and prairie. I know I'm going to have to make compromises to find the right balance. I think I can come close to that with the Z5 3.5-18. Which reticle to go with is still up in the air.
I've have no problems with soot from blowback on the Accura. The breech and primer pocket are pretty much sealed as it comes from the factory. Any remaining traces I was able to eliminate with micro shims from the manufacturer which allowed me to adjust the headspace to achieve a perfect crush fit of the 209 primer in the primer pocket. Spent primers are as clean as when they went in. Only sign of soot is on the very end around the flash hole. |
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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It is by far my favorite hunting scope. if i could afford it I'd have the exact same Z5 3.5-18x44 with BT 4W on every hunting rifle I have.
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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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I got the scope in, Z6 2.5-15x44
Oh man... Stunning glass Better than my SB and the Leica 3-2x50 I am reviewing Just amazing As to the reticle, no problem in low light as far as I am concerned. |
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Pro Staff - Silencer Shop http://tacticalgunreview.com |
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Blackhorn
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/08/2014 Location: Quebec, Canada Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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no, I don't..
the Z6 models over 12x use HD glass so it should be a bit better. This scope will not be going back.
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www.TacticalGunReview.com
Pro Staff - Silencer Shop http://tacticalgunreview.com |
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