Swarovski z6i 1-6x24 on 375 H&H

[Jeffrey]

I think Ridgewalker has the best and most versatile setup you can get for the money. A 375 MRC with those two Leupold VX6s. Yes, Swaros ARE better glass and that 1-8 might be one of the best scopes I’ve ever seen. The high dollar euro scopes DO get you a little extra time in the crepuscular hours.

BTW, I’ve seen many mention the Leupold VX3 1.5-5. Its a nice little scope, I’ve got one with a German #4. It’s best use? It’s an affordable, reliable, compact, backup scope. Have one in quality rings prezeroed for your rifle and load in case anything goes wrong with your main scope.

 

[Inline6]

The 1.75-6x32 Leupold you have is a hundred times better than the 1.5-5x20. The latter, the one that I own (and the 30mm tube version) is the single worst moderately expensive optic I've ever owned. (well, not counting Vortex but that's a different pile of stories)

Hmmm I have very good luck with Vortex. As a Matter of fact some of my longest shots were with them and I'm talking over a mile.

 

[Dwight Beagle]

The 1.75-6x32 Leupold you have is a hundred times better than the 1.5-5x20. The latter, the one that I own (and the 30mm tube version) is the single worst moderately expensive optic I've ever owned. (well, not counting Vortex but that's a different pile of stories)

So you are saying that particular model is no good but other Leupold models are?

 

[Dwight Beagle]

Hmmm I have very good luck with Vortex. As a Matter of fact some of my longest shots were with them and I'm talking over a mile.

I believe the Razor is a good scope but don’t have any love for their less expensive scopes.

 

[Inline6]

I believe the Razor is a good scope but don’t have any love for their less expensive scopes.

That usually applies to most things. General speaking you get what you pay for.

 

[rookhawk]

So you are saying that particular model is no good but other Leupold models are?

Yes. While I’m not a “Leopold guy” anymore, I’ve owned many of their scopes over the years. Even basic ones like the 2-7x33 and the cheapo 3-9s and 4-12s, etc. Not bad for the money, right? No one ever says those are junk at that price point.

The 1.5-5x20 is “special”. It’s just a horrible scope for $300-$400.

 

[ArmyAV8tor]

This is a great thread and timely. I recently won a Wthby Lazerguard, .300 Wthrby Mag and traded it for a Win Mdl 70 in .375 H&H. Gathering some great suggestions on scoping the new rifle. Would appreciate thoughts and suggestions on which bases and QD mounts should be considered.

 

[Dwight Beagle]

Yes. While I’m not a “Leopold guy” anymore, I’ve owned many of their scopes over the years. Even basic ones like the 2-7x33 and the cheapo 3-9s and 4-12s, etc. Not bad for the money, right? No one ever says those are junk at that price point.

The 1.5-5x20 is “special”. It’s just a horrible scope for $300-$400.

Thanks.

 

[rookhawk]

This is a great thread and timely. I recently won a Wthby Lazerguard, .300 Wthrby Mag and traded it for a Win Mdl 70 in .375 H&H. Gathering some great suggestions on scoping the new rifle. Would appreciate thoughts and suggestions on which bases and QD mounts should be considered.

Good question.

There are two affordable QD solutions out there.

1.) Warne Maxima Rings and Mounts

2.) Talley Rings and Mounts

Then you enter the $400 and up solutions that are better, starting with Recknagel and EAW pivot mounts.
Then you enter the $1000 and up solutions that are better, starting with Griffin and Howe mounts.
Then you enter the $1500-$2500 and up solutions that are better yet, including Claw Mounts.

My approach is use Talley Rings and mounts whenver you can. ($125-$150), and you use Warne when you must. ($85) Warne are the only option for things like Ruger #1s and picatinny solutions, they also have a ring that attaches directly to the CZ integrated bases. Talley has solutions for many applications, nearly endless.

The biggest benefit for the Talley mounts beyond quality and that they are attractive for fine guns, is that they have a variety of low ring choices. You want the lowest ring humanly possible that will fit your scope, especially when dealing with heavy recoil and fast target acquisition requirements.

 

[BeeMaa]

I have a CZ550 and went with Warne rings and have had no issues returning to zero, ironically with a Leupold 1.5-5x20.
Now that I'm upgrading to a Swaro Z8i I may just be looking at some EAW pivot mounts.

 

[rookhawk]

I have a CZ550 and went with Warne rings and have had no issues returning to zero, ironically with a Leupold 1.5-5x20.
Now that I'm upgrading to a Swaro Z8i I may just be looking at some EAW pivot mounts.

For the CZ550, the Warne rings are proprietary and it probably can give you the lowest possible scope height. (they have a notch to fit into the action bridge)

I'm jealous, the z8i is an amazing piece of glass!

 

[Dirtdart]

I have a CZ550 and went with Warne rings and have had no issues returning to zero, ironically with a Leupold 1.5-5x20.
Now that I'm upgrading to a Swaro Z8i I may just be looking at some EAW pivot mounts.

I am confident that you will be impressed with that Z8i.

 

[ArmyAV8tor]

Thanks Rookhawk for laying out the options. I appreciate the information. I look forward to getting the rifle set up and starting to practice.

 

[Eric Anderson]

Alright I'm finally getting ready to order my 375 and I am trying to decide on the scope. I am leaning towards the swarovski. I will be getting the winchester safari express. Other options that I am looking at are the leica visus 1-4 and the leupold 1.5-5 vx3i. Any experience with any of these scopes would be greatly appreciated.

I have the Leupold. It is a nice scope.
If the quality of glass of Swarovski rifle scopes is the same as there binocs, then the Swarovski scope is about twice as good as the Leopold.
They also cost a lot more than 2x as much

The Leopold is a good solid scope that will serve you well.
If you want to pay the significant extra scratch for the Swarovski is up to you.

 

[BeeMaa]

For the CZ550, the Warne rings are proprietary and it probably can give you the lowest possible scope height. (they have a notch to fit into the action bridge)

I'm jealous, the z8i is an amazing piece of glass!

I was going to see if the EAW mounts could match the low height of the Warne, if not the decision will be easy.
The rings I need for the Z8i are medium from Warne.
If anyone has a CZ550 with a Z8i in EAW mounts, feel free to chime in.

 

[Jeffrey]

BeeMaa,

Don’t rule out Alaska Arms rings for the CZ550. Fantastic rings.

 

[Dr Ray]

Alright I'm finally getting ready to order my 375 and I am trying to decide on the scope. I am leaning towards the swarovski. I will be getting the winchester safari express. Other options that I am looking at are the leica visus 1-4 and the leupold 1.5-5 vx3i. Any experience with any of these scopes would be greatly appreciated.

Swarovski glass is truly magnificent

The Leupold has better eye relief though
Both are very good as I have both

 

[bruce moulds]

eye relief is very important.
no matter what the quality of glass, you bleed like a stuck pig when it hits you in the head.
then you might have a flinch 'till the day you die.
lynx has a scope with 4" eye relief in south Africa, and another different one in oz.
the oz one is about $1200au, so not the most expensive, but not a piece of shit either.
bruce.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Any rifle we own sport a Swarovski scope or none at all! Never a problem. We had one client this year who had a new model of Leupold after a box of ammo and a hour of sighting in time the only thing accomplished, he could not get the turret cap back on. What ever you bring to Africa keep it simple!

 

[rookhawk]

The Leupold has better eye relief though
Both are very good as I have both

Not to be contentious, Dr Ray, but my experiences are a bit different, perhaps because of how they are configured.

On the Leupold 1.5-5x30 illuminated that I do loathe, it’s now on a ravin crossbow having been dumped onto lower and lower duty requirements. (I had the non illuminated 20mm too...same scope, smaller housing) Trying to get a clean picture through that scope is so damned sensitive that it takes several seconds of shuffling to get it right. Low light crossbow deer hunting is frustrating!

Compare that to the Swaro z6 1-6x24 EE extended rye relief models I have, they are instant clear target acquisition even if not with one’s face on the stock cleanly. If I were to shoot running boar or other dangerous game wirh a scope, I can think of no faster target acquisition than with this model. I can say I’ve never owned the non EE model so maybe that isn’t as friendly for target acquisition?

This isn’t hyperbole, I think I could shoot a tossed clay pigeon with the swaro. Also not hyperbole, sometimes I can’t get a clear view on a stationary deer at 50 yards with the leupold.

At high noon on a plain in Africa, either would probably suffice.