Rifle Scopes Leupold Mark 6 3x18-44 or Swarovski Z6 3x18-50

[Brent Parker]

I am looking to upgrade on scopes currently running a NF 3.5x15-50 with mil-dot reticle. I am mainly a coyote hunter and shoot out to about 500 or so but do alittle steel shooting as well to 800. Scope will be my do everything scope. Looking for better lowlight performace when I shoot a fair amount of coyotes. Glass clarity is most important followed by repeatable turrets.

From what I have read Leupold has really stepped up with this Mark 6 glass. How well does it compare to Swarovski Z6 glass?

How repeatable are the turrets for both scopes? To be honest I won't be turning the alot. Plan to go with the TMR reticle with the Leupold and the BHX reticle with the swaro.

Regards

Brent

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I haven't used the MK6 although I'm looking to get one but I have used Swaro Z3's and Z6's. As far as glass goes its among the best, I doubt the MK6 has glass thats as good. With the MK6 you're paying for the features like FFP, zero stop, MTC, among others. The Z3 and Z6 are really standard as far as scopes go, they're SFP, nothing special on the knobs (target knobs available). A 30mm tube on the Z6 is as wild as the Swaro gets which is slowly becoming more standard.

If you plan on turning the knobs at all the swaro isn't a good choice. The BRH and BRX reticles are great (they're mil based) but they don't come in scopes with target knobs. With target knobs you can only get a standard duplex style crosshair. This won't be ideal for holding on quick coyotes, or holding wind for far shots on targets. The standard adjustable knobs aren't worth a crap for dialing though, they're meant to zero and forget. I'm a big fan of the BRX and BRH reticle and they are my first pic for a dedicated hunting rifle. If all you will do is shoot coyotes out to 500 the reticle would work great but it wouldn't have enough to get you to 800 yards with most rounds. It also isn't the best reticle for paper punching.

If you do intend on dual use I would chose the MK6 over the Z6 without even have tried one just based on the fact the MK6 would do both. If weight is a concern (and I assume it is) unfortunately the MK6 is the only game in that price range with good knobs, zero stop, and reticle that isn't 30oz +.

If you don't mind the weight I would recommend looking into the Bushnell ERS. It's in the same price range with great knobs, zero stop, a very good reticle (G2DMR), and if it has the same glass as the HDMR then it is superb. I've used the original HDMR and was extremely impressed to say the least. As far as I know it is the same scope, just updated knobs.

 

[bm11]

The glass quality on the Mark 6 is really nice. I can't compare it to a Swaro because I have never shot one, but I can compare it to my Schmidt and Benders and say that it is not far off. Definitely nicer than NXS glass.

 

[vtb]

Swaro can have issues with RTZ. So if you won't touch turrets - go for Swaro. If you will click a lot - take a Leupold

 

[42769vette]

Swaro can have issues with RTZ. So if you won't touch turrets - go for Swaro. If you will click a lot - take a Leupold

So can any scope, Ive had quite a few swaro's and all of them returned to zero just fine.

I hear leupold did a very good job on the MK6, but have never used one. For my its still hard to put the name leupold in the same category as swaro, or even nightforce after the stuff they have put on the market for the last few years.

 

[Brent Parker]

Thanks for the replys. I plan to make a trip to the big city and see if I can't find somewhere that has both in stock and look thru at dusk. A friend of mine has the 2-12 Z6 and saw a notable difference over my NF during the last 1/2 hr. Don't really plan to turn knobs much but do want to be able to if needed.

Thanks
Brent

 

[The_FNG]

If you can live without a graduated reticle, have a look at the BT models.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

the swarovski is hands down better optically. the mark 6 doesn't even come close. and like FNG said, if you can live without the graduated reticle, check out the BT.

here is the said scope with a video on the BT Swarovski Z6 Rifle Scopes - Swarovski Z6 Rifle Scopes 3-18x50 BT Plex Reticle

 

[The_FNG]

I had the Z5 3.5-18x44 BT on my Sako AII .220 Swift. What a freakin' awesome combo it was.

 

[TRTAC]

Go with the Leupold. I have a couple mark 4s and think they are great. I'm sure the 6 is even better. have not seen one tho....

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

I had the Z5 3.5-18x44 BT on my Sako AII .220 Swift. What a freakin' awesome combo it was.

IMHO that is the best all around hunting scope. 3.5-18 with BT and 4w reticle.

 

[Brent Parker]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I will let you know what I decide.

Brent

 

[TRAC]

If you can get a Kahles you make peace in both worlds, glass in pair with Zwaro and turrets in pair with Nightforce , not to forget about one of best reticles ever build- MSR reticle.

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