Minox ZV3 3-9x40 Riflescope Plex Reticle 66005

Minox ZV3 3-9x40 Rifle Scope Review

The glass quality in the ZV3 scope is absolutely amazing.  For $200, we were not expecting what we see when we look through this scope.  The clarity is amazing at any magnification between 3x and 9x, and we have to look very hard to see even the slightest hint chromatic aberration, even at the highest magnifcation.  The 4" eye relief on this scope is a standard that allows this scope to be mounted on large caliber rifles without the fear of being injured by recoil.

As far as construction, this scope is completley waterproof and fogproof and includes a one piece anodized aluminum body.  It feels very solid and isn't too heavy for a variable power scope - if anything, it's very light.  The magnification ring and focus adjustment are both smooth and quite tight across the entire range.  The windage and elevation caps seal well against water, and the knobs themselves are labeled in 1/4 increments with adjustments up to 60 MOA.  

Our current stock of Minox ZV3 3-9x40 offers some slight aesthetic improvements over the first manufacturing runs.  First, the quick focus ring on the eyepiece is more prominently marked, with clear plus and minus markings, and large 3-9x40 lettering.  The retaining ring on the objective was originally unmarked, but it now clearly says MINOX WETZLAR GERMANY, an indication that while this scope may be of Asian origin, it still inherits design and performance from it's German-built big brothers.  

The optical quality is the biggest surprise on this scope, and if you would have asked for this type of performance at this price, you probably wouldn't get it.  Minox has really raised the bar.  We did a side by side optical comparison between one of the first round ZV3 3-9x40 and a US-made ZA5, and found it very difficult to pick out any real differences.  Big deal, right?  Actually, yes.  The ZA5 and ZA5 HD scopes contain the same Schott glass used by Zeiss in their Conquest lines, which is indicated by the presence of SCHOTT on the retaining ring of the ZA5 scopes.  Now, to be clear, Minox has not confirmed that the ZV3 contains un-branded Schott glass, but we have a very strong suspicion that this is the case.  It's understandable that Schott would not want their name on an Asian-manufactured product given their history as a high-end glass supplier.  The takeaway here is that you're getting Schott-quality glass, for a killer price.

The Minox ZV3 3-9x40 rifle scope package includes instruction manual, cleaning cloth, allen wrench, and bikini lens covers.

This is an amazing scope for the price, and may be one of the best you'll find in this price range.  The Minox ZV3 riflescope is another product that we will stand behind 100%.

We tested our Leapers 3-9x40 scope caps and found that they do NOT fit the ZV3 rifle scopes.  

Care and Feeding of your Minox ZV3 3-9x40

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 3-9x40 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.

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Minox ZV3 3-9x40 Manual