Home » Rifle Scopes » Swarovski Z6i 3-18x50mm P (BT) L Rifle Scope Review w/ Ballistic Turret

Swarovski Z6i 3-18x50mm P (BT) L Rifle Scope Review w/ Ballistic Turret


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swarovski optik z6i 3-18x50 p riflescope
Image Credit - Swarovski Optik

Magnification: 3-18X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 50 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 15 inches/21 ounces/30 mm
Field of View: 39.9 - 6.6 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 95 mm/9.5 - 2.8 mm
Reticle: 4A-I
Adjustment Info: 1/4 MOA/Click
Optics Coatings: HD Fully Multi-Coated
Finish: Black Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: 50 yards+
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: Yes
Mounting Rings Included: No

Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting, Tactical Use

Update: The Z6i 3-18x50 BT riflescope has been discontinued and no longer available. For some great alternatives, check out our line-up of the best rifle scopes in a range of budgets here.

Swarovski Optik Z6i 3-18x50 BT

The Swarovski Z6i 3-18x50 P is a rifle scope saved for the zealot shooter at heart - those who dare venture into this part of the optics world where entry is accepted only with cash, credit, or check... in large amounts.

The Z6 2nd generation series rifle scopes have only hit the market over the last couple of years. And, while there's more to be said about them yet, early reports are in and the Z6i 3-18X50 is worth every penny.

Maybe you should test it out for yourself and be the first to report a fully-detailed review?... That is, if you haven't been cut off from your family finances after this.

YouTube video

It was a bit of a dilemma trying to decide between the Z6i and the Z8i series for this review. The tech geek in me wanted to dive into the nooks and crannies of the new to 2016 Z8i rifle scope series that should have every shooter drooling more than their dog and toddler.

But, I have to say, the Z6i won out because it's already seen some field time, and it was slightly less expensive than the Z8i series that hits just a bit higher in the $3000 price range. For now, the Z6i earned this spot, but it might get booted if the Z8i proves to be a heavy hitter with the long range hunter or tactical and target shooter.

The Z6i 3-18X50 is not be confused with the Z6 3-18X50 rifle scope. Although it's good, this one is better. For a full run down on specs, here's the Q&A to pore over before you buy any Swarovski scopes in the three thousand dollar range.

Pros:

  • 4-Point coil system
  • Excellent quality glass
  • Excellent coating quality
  • Parallax side focus
  • Illuminated reticle

Cons:

  • Price

Z6i 3-18x50 P Rifle Scope Q&A:

How is this scope different to the Z3 and the Z5 series?

man sighting in swarovski scope
Image Credit - Swarovski Optik

If you were to look at a picture of the rifle scopes, you mightn't be able to tell them apart, in fact, they almost all look exactly the same. Well, although you may not immediately see the differences, I can assure you, there's a whole lot more punch with the Z6i 2nd generation rifle scope.

To start with, it has HD optics for superior image performance like never before seen on the Swarovski. The lenses have the SwaroClean coatings that make it a breeze to clean away dust and grime while giving it scratch-resistant properties.

To add to that, it also has an illuminated reticle for accuracy in low light conditions, a solid and sturdy 30mm tube body, prominent and knurling ribbing around the eyepiece for easier magnification adjustments, and then it has everything else the Z3 & Z5 rifle scopes have - the ballistic turret, side focus which can be "locked-in", and the 4-point coil system (all features which you can read about in the Q&A sections of the Z3 and Z5 reviews).

If this hasn't impressed you yet, stay tuned for more features that makes this rifle scope worth $1500 to $2000 more than the others.

What automatic features does the Z6i scope have?

There's nothing worse than an optic playing up at the most inconvenient moment or turning off when you wanted to keep it on. The Z6i has an automatic day and night control sensor that will prevent accidental shut off/on for those critical moments. SwaroLight also intuitively preserves battery life by automatically turning off or on when the rifle is moved out of its shooting position.

Is it waterproof?

With all the bells and whistles of this rifle scope, this feature can get forgotten about in the whirl and mix of it all. But, to answer the question - yes. While you might think it should be sturdier and have better water-tightness than the other scopes for what you're paying, 13 feet is Swarovski's Z series waterproof submersion standard - and that's excellent as it is. You really can't beat that.

Unless you're expecting your rifle to join your scope in the depths of the lake, I wouldn't worry about it not being able to survive in the harshest, rainiest conditions possible.

side view of swarovski z6i series scope
Image Credit - Swarovski Optik

Does it come with a warranty?

If you buy the Z6i rifle scope from an authorized US Swarovski Optik North American dealer, your Z series rifle scope is covered under their Limited Lifetime Warranty. They're known for having high quality control and they oversee every individual rifle scope that leaves their facilities.

How practical is this rifle scope for hunting?

Swarovski 4A-I Reticle
Swarovski 4A-I Reticle (Image Credit - Swarovski Optik)

The Z6i rifle scopes are made with incredible workmanship to provide the smoothest and most intuitive rifle scope experience for the shooter and hunter.

The larger field of view with the 3X zoom and then being able to see intricate detail at 18X magnification makes it an excellent optics tool in the field. Furthermore, the illuminated reticle option makes for an awesome twilight optic.

Every part of engineering has been outfitted for a better hunting experience.

While it may be a little on the heavier side, what do you expect of a 30mm tube with all the trappings it comes dressed in? 21 ounces and 15 inches long may be larger than the compact scope, but it's also going to be your best beast of an ally in the hunt.

Noteworthy Features:

  • 3-18 variable zoom power for versatile hunting conditions
  • Third turret side focus for parallax adjustment
  • 4-point coil system for ultimate shockproof abilities to hold a firm and still zero with every shot
  • 4W-I illuminated ballistic reticle for windage holdover points from any known distance
  • Ballistic Turret for an extra three zeros preset for known distances
  • Functional in a wide variety of temperatures: -4 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Fully waterproof up to 13 feet under water
  • 30 mm tube body for sturdier construction and robust build
  • Automatic features for intuitive shut off/on controls
  • SwaroClean HD optics for scratch-resistance and easy cleaning
  • Heavily knurled ribbing for easier and smoother zooming
  • Backed by Swarovski's Z6i extensive warranty

Our Verdict On The Swarovski Z6i Scope

According to the bull's-eye, that inner circle is going to be eliminated with repeated and accurate shots with the Swarovski Z6i 3-18X50 BT rifle scope. There's nothing that this scope doesn't have! With all the bells and whistles to boot, you can be sure the price is going to be more than disappointing. But, although it is expensive, we still think it is worth the cost. In fact, it earned first place on our list of the best rifle scopes under $3000.

Still, it's practically beyond the majority of most hunters' budgets. If you end up getting one, you'll be half tempted to keep it at home while you hunt, abuse, and tear up a cheap one instead.

As a solution to wanting to keep nice things nice, you might want to check out the cheaper Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 BT L rifle scope instead. It's kind of an oxymoron to use "cheap" and "Swarovski" in the same sentence, but the Z3 is definitely not going to cost you something close to three grand!

Another optic you can get for close to $3000 is the Zeiss Victory HT 3-12X56 scope. Everything about it is top-notch, and the #60 illuminated reticle that comes with it is one of our absolute favorites! Without getting too excited in a Swarovski review, you should shoot on by this review to get the full details on the Victory HT!

It's no secret that we're partial to Swaro optics, they're just so good and so awesome. The quality is peerless, the optics are unmatched, and their reputation is unparalleled. Do you get our point? If you can afford it, get a Swarovski!

Update: The Z6i 3-18x50 BT riflescope has been discontinued and no longer available. For some great alternatives, check out our line-up of the best rifle scopes in a range of budgets here.

Further Reading
Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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