Minox ZV3 3-9x50 Riflescope BDC Reticle 66506

Minox ZV3 3-9x50 Rifle Scope Review

The Minox ZV3 3-9x50 rifle scope is a close relative to the original Minox ZV3 3-9x40 rifle scope, with the increased light gathering ability of a larger 50mm objective lens.  The Minox ZV3 3-9x50 is a new addition to the ZV3 rifle scope lineup, joining the family early in 2014, roughly a year after the release of the original.  The ZV3 3-9x50 is nearly identical to its smaller sibling, utilizing a 1 inch main body tube, anodized finish, low profile hunting turrets with reindexing capability, and the Minox lifetime warranty.  The ZV3 3-9x50 includes bikini covers and a user manual.  

The first thing we wanted to check out on this model was the turrets.  They utilize a three-way allen screw adjustment that will allow the turrets to spin freely, so you can set the turrets back to zero after you're sighted in.  We were a little worried that they would exhibit the slight "mushiness" that the first run ZV3s had, but Minox seems to have stepped up their quality control; every click can be felt and heard.

The ZV3 3-9x50 features a rubber eyepiece with quick focus, which is mechanically smooth, yet stays where adjusted.  The same is true for the magnification adjustment ring, which is made of metal and clearly marked 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9x magnification.  The objective retaining ring is marked with MINOX WETZLAR GERMANY, a nod to the German heritage and design influences.

The Minox ZV3 3-9x50 has some slight differences in field of view compared to the ZV3 3-9x40 due to the larger objective, ranging from 10.8 ft @ 100 yards at 9x magnification, to 32.5 ft @ 100 yards at 3x magnification - slightly higer than the ZV3 3-9x40.  Admittedly, most shooters won't notice this because it's only a few inches at high power, and one foot at low power, but it is worth mentioning.  A wider field of view is usually more desirable at high magnification, and the increased objective size means a few extra minutes of hunting time before sunrise and after sunset.  In addition, the internal windage travel is still 60 MOA, but the elevation travel is limited from 60 MOA on the 3-9x40 to 40 MOA on the 3-9x50.  What does this mean to you?  The internal adjustment on the ZV3 3-9x50 won't take you as far before you run out of adjustment, but this isn't likely to be an issue, even on models with the BDC 400 reticle.  Of course, if you really want that extra elevation travel, you can always mount the scope on a 20 MOA rail.

In addition, the ZV3 3-9x50 is a tenth of an inch longer and a little under an ouce heavier than the 3-9x40.  Again, this isn't something most people will notice, but it's good to know.  As far as rifle scopes go, a 50mm objective on a scope that weighs less than one pound is a rarity - even more so when you consider the optical performance.

And what performance!  The ZV3 3-9x50 has proven itself to live up to the reputation of the 3-9x40, with astounding clarity and light transmission at a price that is very attractive.  Very little chromatic aberration, and no rolling ball effect.  The edge to edge sharpness is examplary.  Color bias is about as true to life as any high end scope we've come across.  The ZV3 has always been a stellar optical performer, so we didn't expect anything less.  

The package includes bikini covers, instruction manual, allen wrench, cleaning cloth, and the lifetime Minox warranty.  Overall, the Minox ZV3 3-9x50 is sure to be another hit from Minox.  

Minox ZV3 3-9x50 Manual

Care and Feeding of your Minox ZV3 3-9x50 BDC

Minox engineers extraordinary durability into every rifle scope they build.  However, they are still precision optical instruments and reasonable care should be taken to ensure long-term operational performance.  Do not disassemble the scope in any way, as this may damage the seals that make the Minox ZV3 fogproof and waterproof.  Transport the scope (and firearm, if attached) in a padded case and prevent the scope from experiencing any excessive impact.  When cleaning your firearm, be sure to cover the lenses of your Minox ZV3 to prevent cleaning agents from contacting and possibly damaging lens coatings.  Clean the scope periodically by wiping the body with a soft, lint-free cloth.  The objective ocular and objective lenses can be carefully cleaned by brushing away dust and dirt with a soft brush (such as a LensPen).  For heavy smudges or spots, a small amount of alcohol or lens cleaner can be utilized.  The scope's moving parts have been lubricated at the factor, and no further lubrication should be needed.

The Minox ZV3 3-9x50 Warranty

The Minox ZV3 is protected by a default two year warranty against defects and malfunction.  Customers in the USA and Canada may take advantage of the Lifetime Total Coverage Warranty, which protects the product from manufacturing defects and operational failures for the life of the product.

Using the Minox BDC 400 Reticle

Several Minox ZV3 rifle scopes are available with the Minox BDC 400 reticle. The BDC 400 reticle has additional markings below the crosshair intended to be used as a zero at known ranges.

The BDC 400 reticle was designed and tested utilizing the popular Remington 7mm Magnum cartridge loaded with 150gr bullets with a muzzle velocity of 3,100 feet per second. Your caliber and load will cause this yardage to vary, and as a result, you will have to put rounds on paper to determine exactly what kind of drop your rifle is experiencing at range.

When zeroing a scope equipped with the Minox BDC 400 reticle, center the crosshairs at 100 yards at full magnification. Once zeroed, the first hash mark on the BDC 400 reticle represents 200 yards, the second represents approximately 300 yards, and the third represents approximately 400 yards.

Again, this is a rough representation of zero according to the specific caliber and load used to calibrate the reticle. Your distances may vary slightly.

It is important to understand that the BDC 400 reticle can only be used for ranging at maximum magnification, due to the reticle being in the second focal plane of the scope. If utilized at any magnification other than maximum, the reticle will can not be utilized for ranging. This is true for all second focal plane BDC reticles.

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