Chris Redlich salutes the latest Optika 6 scope
More a case of revelation than good management would best describe my introduction to the Optika 6 riflescope. A few months earlier I’d been sent a Winchester review rifle accompanied by the new Meopta and, upon mounting, it was clear the sizeable Optika 6 wasn’t a suitable match for low mounting to the Model 70 All Weather platform. The smaller Optika 5 was sent in its place to fit the Winchester and the 2.5-15×44 MeoPro Optika 6, which thus far hadn’t had its moment on centre stage, was now destined for a solo performance with yours truly adjudicating.
Firstly the Optika 6 appears glaringly scope-like, yet what sets it apart from others is its abnormally large variable magnification dial. I’ve no idea why Meopta engineers have chosen to add such a large dial, but as mentioned above it does nothing to aid low-profile mounting on a slimline mountain rifle, especially one with 90-degree bolt throws. I will say the staggered rubber pattern does provide more than ample grip for adjusting, particularly beneficial for a moose hunter wearing mitts in the Siberian winter. By comparison the Optika 5, despite looking very similar to its big brother, is dimensionally and proportionately smaller which makes it a far better combination for low-profile outfits.
With the scope’s only real negative revealed and out the way, I’ll focus on the many good points of the Optika 6. For a scope measuring 355mm and weighing a hefty 770g, it does fall within the higher spec parameters you’d expect from a hunting glass with a 30mm tube made from quality aircraft-grade aluminium. Sticking with Meopta tradition, the tube is treated with a hard-anodised matt black finish and the distinct blue ring on the objective bell is in keeping with MeoPro Optika models.
While the Optika 5 has five-times zoom and is based on a 1” diameter tube, the larger 6 offers the flexibility of six-times zoom, giving the operator a wider ratio of 2.5 low to 15-times magnification. In my opinion the 2.5-15 is probably the most versatile zoom parameter a hunter will ever need, though remembering ‘if the glass ain’t good’ it won’t matter how much magnification you have, it’ll never get better beyond 15-times zoom.
As mentioned, the variable dial has ample grip surface including four multi- point threaded holes for the supplied throw lever. The entire magnification range is easily dialled yet remains firm during rotation, and the same can be said for the ocular dioptre ring which I found a breeze to focus my target view.
Turrets are found in their usual spots and, unlike the Optika 5 which doesn’t have parallax adjustment, the 6 does. Breaking away from their European friends using the metric system, Meopta have decided to imperialise Optika 6 adjustments which I believe is taking solid aim at cracking the competitive US market and, to a lesser degree, Australian buyers, though the latter still use both. Confusingly however, most specifications in the supplied user manual are in metric.
All parallax adjustments, from 10 yards to 500 then infinity and beyond, are clearly marked on the parallax dial occupying the 9 o’clock turret. Elevation and windage dials have ¼ MOA click adjustments and both include a decent 70 MOA of adjustment. The dials themselves are gripped easily and turn with a positive click ensuring a firm setting, particularly if adjustments are required on the run. All Optika model turret caps are quite large and in addition to the variable dial include the same rubberised grip pattern.
Z-Plex reticle
Like strolling down memory lane, I smiled as I looked through the scope for the first time and while Meopta call it the Z-Plex, most makers seem to have a ‘Plex’ of one sort or another. Whether it be Du-Plex, Tru-Plex or Z-Plex, I was in familiar territory with the new Optika’s old-style reticle. The Z-Plex sits in the second focal plane (SFP), with the outer and inner posts of the crosshairs forming what I feel is a perfect balance. They’re not too heavy, not too fine and draw your eye quickly and accurately to the centre while remaining consistent through the zoom range.
I’d recently been exposed to more scopes with ‘Christmas tree-style’ reticles bearing sub-tensions of graticules, mildots and red dots, so was pleased that for a change I was testing a scope with one that’s basic yet has everything a hunter needs in the field. Naturally for Meopta’s branding purposes, lenses are coated with everything starting with ‘Meo’ including -Drop, -Shield and -Bright. I won’t go into the coating process but all three combine to produce a scope that’s bush-hunter ready and won’t scratch without a fight.
Enhancing its field credentials further, the scope is nitrogen purged for waterproofing and Meopta claim their mechanical design provides maximum shock resistance. With 44mm objective lens and Z-Plex reticle the two marry nicely, providing a clear image and rapid target acquisition. And for a scope which doesn’t have a toe-stubbing price tag, the Optika 6 is optically very good.
Range and field
My .22-250 Remington rifle got the nod for the scope review and with it sitting snug in some 30mm medium height mounts, the bolt only just clears the variable dial. By all appearances the Optika 6 matched up to the varminter nicely, while generous eye relief of almost 100mm allows plenty of room for rapid sighting, particularly if shooting offhand.
I was keen to bust some varmints at my friend’s property but, more importantly, needed to have the scope zeroed at 100m first. A new scope doesn’t change the accuracy of a rifle and within a few shots I was printing sub-MOA groups with my pet 55-grain handloads (see target photo). I’d have been surprised if it hadn’t shot well, nonetheless the process was well worth undertaking prior to potential long-range headshots.
Armed with the confidence I’ve come to expect from my old Remington .22-250, the scope embarked on its maiden hunt in low-light conditions. What was shaping up to be another night of disappointment with a potential no-show, turned out to be a roaring success after numerous hares decided it was time to eat. It would be hard to argue a spotlight can’t enhance the most dismal scope’s performance, yet what sets them apart is their ability to project a clear target image of scurrying game across the full spectrum of outer peripherals.
The Optika 6’s large field of view, ranging from 13.3m (at 100m) on minimum power to roughly 7m (at 100m) on my preferred power setting of 6x magnification, enabled a broad sighting depth of multiple brown hares. They were bounding back and forth from as close as 50m right out to 250m as my son Carl and I bagged five each in quick time, most of them headshots.
A feral cat was taunting us with its flashing eyes but managed to give us the slip before we could take a shot. However, a large boar wasn’t so lucky a few weeks later while using the Optika 5 (little brother of the two), which also performed well in low-light, reinforcing the MeoPro brand’s suitability in those conditions.
Conclusion
Apart from my contention with its oversized variable dial, the Optika 6 2.5-15×44 has all the good stuff for a scope in the mid-range hunting category. Overall size and weight is good, optics and reticle excellent and for around $860 at time of writing, it’s even better value for money. I was fortunate to have it on loan for a few months and, if it wasn’t all that flash, I’d have sent it packing early on.
In fact after the bumps both the Optika 5 and 6 endured during field testing, I’m surprised that not once did I have to re-zero either. I guess the bulky design has its merits after all, reinforcing Meopta’s claim of maximum shock resistance. Backed by a 10-year warranty, both are worth a closer look. More at www.winchesteraustralia.com.au