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Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50

Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50

Launched in 2006/07 the Swarovski Z6 offers a series of variables that give a wider 6x magnification range with the reticule in the 2nd focal plane. This then makes for a far more versatile optic for example their 1-6x24 version gives a true (no magnifying) X1 for those serious, close range encounters, yet will dial up to X6 when you need a longer shot. There’s also a 1.7-10 x 42 and my favourite the 2-12x50; both well suited for the UK market.

Making The Choice

The Z6 comes in two options illuminated ( i ) or not, also two mounting systems, a round 30mm body or a European (Swarovski SR) rail. I had already tested a Z6i 2-12x50 with SR rail on a trip to Bulgaria in 2007 and was most impressed. This version had a TDS ballistic reticule, which is based on calculated bullet drop. I decided to get a 2-12x50, but considered the standard 4A-1 a far better bet. Using known holdover it’s quick and easy, as in use the elevation correction is applied on target and not by the reticule, so does not rely on being at a set magnification, which the 2nd focal plane TDS system requires.

I also decided on a lit reticule. A few years ago I would not have bothered, but the advantages offered for low light, short range and moving targets are too useful to be ignored. Another break with tradition was to go for the SR rail mount! There are less versatile than rings but are immensely strong and secure, so a very European choice for a poor British boy?

Different

Superior lenses and coatings aside, which do make a serious difference; the 2-12x50 is a normal scope. Turrets are hunter-style under waterproof caps, with one being taller than the other as it holds a spare battery. This can be positioned on top or on the side as you wish. Click values are 1cm @ 100m and turrets are hand dialable and have a slip ring so they can be set to 0. At the rear is a fast focus eyepiece and the magnification ring has a rubber ring with a raised vane for easy manipulation.

Where the Z6i version differs is in its illumination package. Elegant, by the fact it’s integral to the eyepiece housing, it does not use the accepted drum rheostat. Instead there is a central lever with a rubber pad either side of it. The left is marked – and the right + to allow you to adjust the brightness. On either side of the lever is a symbol – moon on the left and sun on the right, this indicates day and night use, as for the former you will need a brighter dot and a lower setting for darkness.

Zero Tolerance

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The unit has a memory so you can set up for the illumination you require then when it’s turned off and on again it will return to that setting. There’s also an automatic shut down function to save battery life. Power is supplied by a coin-type battery that sits to the front of the controls in a flush compartment. Swarovski even include a key to access it.

On the Z6i models all reticules show a small dot in the central cross, which is the only part that lights up. This is quite big as at 100 yards and subtends about an inch and I initially found getting a precise zero a bit awkward, as unlike a plain cross you can’t get a finite aiming point. I solved this by using a 1” open diamond, which allowed me to place the dot inside to give a consistent mark.

In use the Z6i has been superb, optical quality and dawn to dusk ability is 100% and from what is a reasonably big magnification to be able to get down to X2 is brilliant. Add to this the fast application of a red dot and I found the 2-12x50 quite the most versatile and useful pure hunting scope I have.

Ginger Down

The first animal I shot with the Z6i was a first for me too; as it was a wild boar on a trip to Hungary. This little tale illustrates the ability of the design. We stalked into a low seat at about 20.30 hours overlooking a feeding area where their were a number of boar – an old keeler with younger males and females, some of which were suckling, others not.

The keeler and males were off limits, but the guide indicted I could take one of the non-sucking females, who by this time were moving off and into the forest edge. Two were on show and one being ginger I picked her. I had the dot on and the mag set to X8, she was ghosting in and out of the trees and the light was fading! She stopped at about 100 yards in a small cut out in the foliage and a quick look through the scope confirmed I could easily see her front shoulder and leg. Dropping the dot for a heart/lung shot behind the elbow I fired. I was using Barnes .338”, 185-grain TX in my 8.5x63mm Mauser M 03 and it went right on the money and she dropped in her tracks. Far from large at 50 kg, I was none the less very pleased as it was my first, and the scope, ammo/rifle combo had performed well beyond expectations.

I have used the Z6i a lot since then and have found only one small problem. That’s the ease of which the illumination lever can be inadvertently operated. This happened to me a few times when putting the rifle in a slip, only to take it out a few hours later to find the dot had been lit. There’s not a lot you can do apart from check as it goes in.

Overall this is a superb hunting scope as is the 1.7-10x42; both being well suited to our needs. Illumination is not necessary and will reduce the cost by around £250, but for my needs I’m glad I got it. Undeniably expensive, but a superior optic that will last a life time.

PRICE: £1,630.00

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  • Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50 - image {image:count}

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  • Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50 - image {image:count}

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  • Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50 - image {image:count}

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  • Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50 - image {image:count}

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  • Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50 - image {image:count}

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  • Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50 - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Name: Swarovski Z6i 2-12x50
  • Body: 30mm
  • Mounting options: SR rail or 30mm rings
  • Reticule: 2nd focal plane
  • Illumination: Y
  • Click values: 1cm @ 100m
  • Clicks per turn: 60
  • Rotations available: 2.5
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