UltimaX6 1-6 x 24

A call from Highland Outdoors tuned me into a new scope they are distributing, called the UltimaX6. The last time I heard that name it was attached to a 223 light machine gun of Singapore manufacturer. In terms of product history I do not know a lot apart from the fact it’s made in Japan. Their first model the 1-6x24 steals a rush from Swarovski’s Z6 series as it offers a six times zoom range. Meaning in this case you can go from a pure x1 (no magnification), which in effect gives you optical iron sights or red dot facility up to a mid-range x6.

Externally it looks not unlike the Leupold VX7 1.5-6x24 with its parallel, 30mm, one-piece, 11” body and large turrets, though the UltimaX6 offers an illumination drum on the left of the saddle. Quality-wise the build puts me in mind of a Nikon as it has that slick, professional feel about it. The oddest aspect of the design is the gripping surfaces on the turret caps, illumination drum, magnification and focus rings. UltimaX uses a series of holes to give an adhesive surface as opposed to raised ribs or rubber coatings; not sure about that yet!

¼ Minute

The hunter-type turrets are quite large under removable caps, inside the drums offer ¼ MOA clicks with 96-clicks per turn (24”) that give five, full revolutions and a generous 120” top to bottom in both planes. They are graduated in 1 and ¼ MOA markings and can be lifted to free-rotate and set to 0 once you have zeroed. Movement is smooth and firm with individual clicks being easily felt and heard.

The rheostat offers 11-positions (OFF & 1-10) and runs off the usual coin-type battery. The light intensity is subtle and at full power does not affect the shape or view by glaring out like a red spider. The glass-etched reticule is a German #4-type with a centre dot, which is the only bit that lights up, which is ideal for hunting. At 100-yards it subtends 1.48” set at x6. The 1-6 is essentially a short/medium range or dangerous/driven game scope so very much about quick reaction shooting. The pure x1 mag is excellent for this sort of work, though at x6 it can still reach out to 200-yards +. Field of view at 100-yards ranges from 115 ft @ x1 to 19ft @ x6.

Turning Japanese

For shock testing I fitted the Ultimax6 to a Ruger Hawkeye in 338 RCM, which can be a bit barky in what is a small/medium rifle, with no ill effects. The 4” eye relief certainly helps here! Low light ability is not too bad, though the 24mm objective is what it is and will not let in as much light as something bigger. The scope is finished in an anodised, semi-matte black and comes with dust covers. I think most telling is the six times zoom ability, which is something I knew was coming from the far eastern manufactures. As they have sat back and watched the European developments such as the Swarovski Z6i with obvious interest and scrutiny. Now and like they have done with cars and motorcycles in the past, they have turned it around to offer it to everyone…

Overall the UltimaX6 is a good scope being well presented and practical, though I am a bit surprised they launched with a 1-6x24, which is a little specialised for the UK market. Personally I like this specification for rabbiting, woodland and wild boar and have a number of models of this type on my rifles. Speaking to distributors Highland Outdoors indicates something like a 3-12x50 is going to be next, which will fit in better with the average British rifle shooter no matter if its air-powered, rimfire or centrefire.

Get a Grip

Personally, though liking the overall package as it works well, I am not enamoured of the gripping holes around the magnification ring. This design leaves far too much smooth metal and relies on heavy finger pressure to rotate, which with or without gloves is a bit too intense; certainly when wet. Equally as radical but far more practical would have been to use raised rubber lugs in the holes!

That aside I am generally impressed with what is on offer…

For: Well made and efficient
Against: Magnification ring needs a better gripping surface
Verdict: Great first effort, but a bit pricey for an unknown name

PRICE: £699.99