I'm considering an illuminated reticle scope in a 30mm tube for my new 375. I'm not asking about weather or not to use an illuminated. I know the pros and cons at this point and need to figure that out for myself. I just would like some opinions on people's experiences/thought on the different scopes. My options are:

Leupold 1.5-5x24 illum 30mm

Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24

Trijicon 1-4x24

I'm also leaning towards the circle dot type reticle where offered. Any thoughts on these? Thanks.

Brett

I have several Nightforce scopes. They're big and heavy but tough; I like them.

I have no experience with any of the other illuminated scopes on your list.

Brett, I have two swaro's Z6i they work like a charm. One of which is the type you are thinking of (1-6x24). I can strongly recommend this type. I took mine with reticle no. LD-1 for driven boar, which works perfect. For my new DG rifle in .416 Rigby, I will have the Swaro 1-6x24 extended eye relief installed with reticle no.4-1.During a show I discussed the circle-dot reticle with a representative from Swarovski. He told me that when this reticle came out, many hunters took it, but some complain about the distractive amount of light coming from the combination of the outer ring and circle dot at the same time. That's why I changed my mind on the reticle. Good luck with your choice.
Ron

I have the Nightforce and Zenith models you listed. I much prefer the Zenith for optics and I like the way you can start from little illumination up with the illumination control as opposed to brightest first with a Nightforce. I have the Nightforce on a 9.3x62 for black bear over bait. I am planning on buying the Swarovski model you indicated for my Dakota 375. I like the idea of having 6 power magnification for plains game. That scope makes your gun more versatile. I have not seen the Trijicon but it appears interesting.

I would recommend the Leupold. I have always used Swarovski and Zeiss optics but I decided to give the new Leupold illuminated VX-3L a try and I was extremely pleased. The illumination control is smooth and precise. The clarity of the optics is also second to none. If Leupold can continue this level of quality, I will probably purchase nothing else.

Brett,

I have a Swaro Z6i 1-6x24 with Circle Dot, a S&B Zenith 1.5-6x42 with illuminated Center Dot, and 3 Leupolds (non illuminated).

The Swaro as a scope is a step higher on the ladder than the S&B, in my opinion.

As for the reticle, the Swaro Circle Dot is much faster to acquire than the S&B dot. Simply outstanding.

The Leupolds are decent optics, but not on the same ladder as the other two.

Brett: I think that there are three things to consider in illuminated scopes that may be more important than regular scopes. The most important is the reticle. I would really try to get you to borrow and use the circle-dot before you bought. The comment about it being to bright or busy is for me right on. I think for almost all hunting situations in Africa -- leopard late or buff late or very dark shade the illuminated 4 or illuminated duplex is plenty. Too much of the target can be covered by the bright ring of the circle-dot. Second, is how the illumination is turned on and off. I liked the S&B flash dot in that you can pre-select the brightness you want and then instantly turn the illumination on when you need it. It saves batteries and it also keeps an accident from happening if you have the scope illumination turned up too high and are momentarily blinded when the illumination turns on. Third is the power of the scope. I really like the Leupold 1X5 as a dangerous game scope. I know it's stupid but I can just make out more detail than with a 4X. The S&B I have is the 1x4 and I really wish it had a little more magnification. I frankly don't think that at ranges where you need more than a 6X that you should be shooting with an illuminated scope anyway. I really think you should try to borrow an illuminated scope and play with the different reticles before buying. MMP

I have a Swaro Z6i 1-6x24 on my 375. I first bought the circle dot, used it a night just looking thru it. Never mounted it. Returned it for a different illuminated reticle.
No need to worry about battery they have automatic turn off. They carry an extra battery in the scope. They have a day and night setting. It is a great scope.

The Swaro as a scope is a step higher on the ladder than the S&B, in my opinion. + 1

Thank you for references to the Swaro 1 x 6 30 mm.

I had posted two different requests for reviews by users earlier this year in the scope section and got no returns.

After elephant/buffalo hunt in 2005 I decided I would replace my 3 X Luepold w metallic sights on my 450 Dakota. Then saw the Swaro 1 x 6 had a 100- 130 foot field of view at 100 yards, almost twice that of other one inch and 30mm tube 1 x 4, 1.5 x 5 and 1.5 x 6 scopes.

That field of view was very important to me.

(100 feet at 100 yds equals just 10 feet at 10 yds for elephant).

My only comment is that all of the 30 mm scopes are BIG, and usually HEAVY.

You almost need to build your rifles stock weight and barrel contour around the scope.

I decided the 1x6 was good for my 375 Improved but too heavy for my existing 450 Dakota which weighs 10 lb without scope, rings or sling.

Andy

I have the circle dot Swaros in 1.25-4 and 1.5-6. They are the finest scopes that I own, period. I owe a no spotlight, 10pm leopard to good eyes and a great scope. I do not think you can go wrong with the circle dot.

Trijicon!! I plan to put the same scope you mentioned on my M70 375 H&H.

I have a 3-9x40 on another gun (red chevron) and I'm now sold on them. For anyone that hasn't looked through one in the field, they're incredible. Ray Charles could hit a prairie dog at 300 yards with one of these.

The glass is very good and the BAC aiming concept is intuitive. I really think they lend well to a DG gun. Especially having the 1X for impulse shots at short range.

I've used my 3x9 when jumping hogs and at the low setting, you get a sight picture fast (both eyes open) and can get a bead and drop the hogs fast. The 1 x can only be better, with a bigger FOV. IMO

I like the circle dot reticle. I have it in a Swaro 1.5to6x42. I also have the flashdot reticle in a S&B 1.1to4x24.

I like them both.

The circle dot works well as at low power you use the circle, and at high power you use the dot. I used the "dot" on a kudu at a little over 300 yards, and I have used the circle on a bunch of game up close.

I am going to give the Trijicon 3x9x40mm a try (std duplex w/green dot) on the theory that a little more magnification might come in handy on a .375. Unless the economy forces me to sell before I get to hunt with it!

I removed the Schmidt & Bender from the list. I'm shakey on the Trijicon as it has the least eye relief. I've seen the Trijicons and the Nightforces, but the Swarovski and Leupold have thus far proved illucive! Does anyone in the Anchorage area own the swarovski or leupold I could perhaps check out? Finding illuminated scopes in local gun shops is a little challenging!!!!

Brett

If you find a Swaro to check, try and see that it's a EE, extended eye relief. They have much better eye relief than the "standard" Swaro/Zeiss etc.

quote:

If you find a Swaro to check, try and see that it's a EE, extended eye relief. They have much better eye relief than the "standard" Swaro/Zeiss etc.

Yep, but also a narrower field of view.

I have a Z6i with circle dot and it is by far the best scope I have. Very clear optics, a huge FOV and the perfect reticle for driven hunts.

I also tried the EE on my Blaser S2 in 9.3x74R and it had to be put too much forward to be practical (but that depends on the rifle).

I took Nightforce off the list. It's the heaviest and has the least eye relief. I also like the Swarovski and Leupold reticles better.

Brett

How is the glass quality on the Trijicon compared to the Leupold and Swarovski?

Brett

I have all 3 of the ones you name. They are all excellent, but if money is no object, go with the Z6. I have one on my .375 and absolutely love it.