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Walther ZF Scopes

  • Review
Walther ZF Scopes

Walther branded scopes have been around for quite some time and are often included in certain German manufactured air rifle combos. However, there’s now a varied selection available to purchase separately. The scopes available range from fixed magnification models to higher spec, fully-featured sniper-style scopes.

The two in the range that are well-suited to airgun use are the ZF 3-9x40 and 4-12x50 models. Both have illuminated reticles and adjustable objective lenses that are range marked to focus down to 15m, but this isn’t a problem as I’ll explain later.

Shared features include a fast focus ocular, eye bell mounted rheostat, smooth operating, ridged zoom ring and an adjustable objective (AO). Both also come supplied with 2-piece scope mounts.

That, however, is where similarities end, so now a look at the scopes individually.

General-purpose

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The magnification range and objective lens size make the 3-9x40 a generalpurpose optic. It measures 326mm in length, weighs 568-grams (including mounts) and has a 25mm (1”) main body tube. It also boasts cover capped, coin adjustable turrets. The 40mm AO is range marked at 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300m and infinity, however, I’m pleased to report that the AO adjusts lower than this and both scopes easily and sharply focused down to 9m/10 yards.

The turrets have plenty of adjustment and click around very positively to each station. The reticle on this model fully illuminates and is of a Duplex design, which is known by the company as the number ‘8’.

Higher spec

The 4-12x50 is more in line with the type and specification of optic many seasoned airgun hunters are now gravitating towards. The larger objective, of course, is more suitable for low light conditions.

This optic measures 341mm in length, weighs 780-grams (including mounts) and has a 30mm main body tube. It features capped, finger adjustable turret adjusters and the AO is range marked 15, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200m and infinity.

Again, the turrets show plenty of adjustment and click positively to each station, just like the scopes lower-spec relative. The reticle on this model is termed ‘centre illuminating’and is of a more standard mil-dot design, positioned within solid upper, lower, and side stadia.

Conclusions

A feature both have is ASR (Anti-Shock Reinforcement), which makes them ideal for use on recoiling as well as non-recoiling airguns. They’re nitrogen purged, fog proof, show a high quality of manufacture and the reticle brightness can be finely adjusted via the 7-position rheostat. Also, the sight picture remains crisp and clear to the very edges of the coated lenses. While the 3-9x40 is pretty standard fare, I’d opt for the 4-12x50 as it does give you the edge for ambush shooting or when a higher level of light gathering capability is needed.

  • Walther ZF Scopes - image {image:count}

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  • Walther ZF Scopes - image {image:count}

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  • Walther ZF Scopes - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Walther ZF Scopes - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

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  • Name: Walther ZF 3-9x40 & ZF 4-12x50 scopes
  • Price: £119.95 & £134.95 respectively
  • Contact: John Rothery (Wholesale) Co Ltd - www.bisley-uk.com
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