Ditch my ZCO420 for the NX6 5-30??

[Ludo]

I have a 7PRC topped with a ZCO420 for my longer range hunting rifle. It’s been a great scope, but she’s hefty for a 20x scope. I’m considering selling this and getting a new NF NX6 5-30x56 to replace it. Less weight, more power, same durability. I don’t see a downside. Is this a dumb move?

 

[RockAndSage]

What's the no-BS maximum range you take a shot on a buck at?

 

[Huntnpack 2]

If you don’t see any downside, & the NF fits your requirements go for it.

 

[ChrisAU]

Same durability?

 

[Ludo]

What's the no-BS maximum range you take a shot on a buck at?

I’ll always try to get within 200yds. With that said, that’s not always possible where I hunt. I want capability to 6-700yds. I always like having more power than I need though.

Same durability?

Same durability?

What are you trying to get at?

 

[RockAndSage]

I’ll always try to get within 200yds. With that said, that’s not always possible where I hunt. I want capability to 6-700yds. I always like having more power than I need though.

Why?

Serious question.

 

[ol490]

My guess is- he’s getting at the fact that the one ZCO scope tested failed the drop test. Nightforces of many types have all passed. NX6 likely, though not drop tested yet, will be an improvement in durability.

 

[Ludo]

Why?

Serious question.

If I can get 10x additional zoom without a weight penalty, I’ll take it. Why wouldn’t you? Serious question. It allows you to punch in a little further at the range to check impacts, or zoom in a little further for more detail on a rack. You don’t have to take shots at 30x, but it’s nice to have for quick observation when you need it.

 

[Ludo]

My guess is- he’s getting at the fact that the one ZCO scope tested failed the drop test. Nightforces of many types have all passed. NX6 likely, though not drop tested yet, will be an improvement in durability.

Ah, well “improved” durability then. That moves the needle even more towards swapping

 

[Quandary]

I sold my ZCO420 for what I paid for it after having it on a rifle for 3 months. Took the money and bought a Zeiss LRP S3 4-25 and a Leica Amplus 6 3-15x56 with cash left over. Honestly from a functional and optics perspective I see no difference between the Zeiss and the ZCO plus I have the Leica to boot.

A long answer to your question, no your idea is not crazy.

 

[RockAndSage]

If I can get 10x additional zoom without a weight penalty, I’ll take it. Why wouldn’t you?

I'm asking to understand your thinking and priorities, and your own estimation of your own capabilities.

With zoom, anything more than about 18x makes tracking a shot and keeping an animal in your scope through recoil increasingly difficult, especially with anything recoiling like a 7prc. So that's why I wouldn't go for an additional 10x just because - especially if it comes with a reticle usability penalty in a FFP scope on lower power, especially at twilight, dark shadows, etc. Again, for a fielded scope in Western hunting.

For me personally, at distances where wind becomes a meaningful factor, anything further is not ethical for me - so I currently limit my shots to 350ish, give or take a bit with conditions. At those distances, again, anything more than about 18x is useless.

On low end, anything more than about 5x makes quick shots on a moving animal, or in dense brush, low light, etc, more difficult.

So my personal preference on a Western hunting scope is 3 or 4x on the low end, and somewhere around 15 or 18x on the high end, with most shots taken somewhere around 10x-12x.

All this to say, I see zero optical or usability upsides in going from a 4-20 ZCO to the 5-30 NX6 for Western big game hunting, outside of the durability of the NF scopes. I don't know how the ZCOs have done in the drop tests here - that's literally the only asterisk on the question at all for me.

 

[Ludo]

I'm asking to understand your thinking and priorities, and your own estimation of your own capabilities.

With zoom, anything more than about 18x makes tracking a shot and keeping an animal in your scope through recoil increasingly difficult, especially with anything recoiling like a 7prc. So that's why I wouldn't go for an additional 10x just because - especially if it comes with a reticle usability penalty in a FFP scope on lower power, especially at twilight, dark shadows, etc. Again, for a fielded scope in Western hunting.

For me personally, at distances where wind becomes a meaningful factor, anything further is not ethical for me - so I currently limit my shots to 350ish, give or take a bit with conditions. At those distances, again, anything more than about 18x is useless.

On low end, anything more than about 5x makes quick shots on a moving animal, or in dense brush, low light, etc, more difficult.

So my personal preference on a Western hunting scope is 3 or 4x on the low end, and somewhere around 15 or 18x on the high end, with most shots taken somewhere around 10x-12x.

All this to say, I see zero optical or usability upsides in going from a 4-20 ZCO to the 5-30 NX6 for Western big game hunting, outside of the durability of the NF scopes. I don't know how the ZCOs have done in the drop tests here - that's literally the only asterisk on the question at all for me.

I agree with the majority of what you said. All my other scopes are 3-18 or less for all of those reasons you mentioned, but this is my open country “long range” hunting setup. I’m ok with 5x on the low end for this rifle. Like I said previously, that extra 10x would be primarily for observation. The benefits of switching would be a scope that’s 6oz lighter with an extra 10x for convenience. The low end FOV penalty (according to paper specs) is only 4ft less at 100yds. The only downsides that I can see is I’ll lose some elevation (ZCO has way more than I’ll ever use) and the glass quality won’t be as good (but I’m pretty confident the NX6 glass won’t be disappointing).

 

[WeiserBucks]

Rifle scopes are not for observation.

 

[5MilesBack]

Rifle scopes are not for observation.

 

[Ludo]

Rifle scopes are not for observation.

Your takeaway was that I’d be whale watching or star gazing with this thing?

 

[Ludo]

View attachment 1045894

 

[WeiserBucks]

Your takeaway was that I’d be whale watching or star gazing with this thing?

My takeaway is that far to many people use rifle scopes for looking at things, including looking at me. Some of us don't like having guns pointed at us.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Reduced chance of seeing impact at high zoom.
Greatly reduced chances of finding the animal again for a follow up shot if needed.

 

[cole96]

There is no way I would switch. Everything about the ZCO is better. IMO you will immediately regret it. I personally am ok Toting 8-10 more ounces. I rock 420 on my 28 nosler. And putting the 527 on one when it’s built

 

[Mike D Texas]

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