What do the tactical riflescopes of the ZP5 series from MINOX do? We wanted to investigate this question and tested the MINOX ZP5 5-25×56 rifle scope during a long-range shooting in Wales at 1,000 meters.
In an extensive test, we were able to take a closer look at the tactical riflescope MINOX ZP5 5-25×56 and explain its excellent properties and provide you with technical information. There you will also find all technical data and prices. But what does the MINOX rifle scope do over long distances, such as in long-range shooting? Read here what we experienced live on-site in Wales:
Long-range shooting in Wales
In late autumn, we went to the Andrew Venables screening area of Wales and decided to hear more about it. He looks back on over 40 years of shooting experience. He was the first English-speaking member to be accepted into the Blaser Academy – a Blaser brand training project. His own company, “WMS Firearms Training,” is extremely professional and has long been more than an insider tip for people who want to learn long-range shooting professionally.
On over 4,000 acres in Wales, WMS Firearms Training offers unparalleled training opportunities for hunters, sharpshooters, and government agencies. On the shooting range, under the experienced guidance of professionals, you can shoot at distances of 50 to 2,000 meters.
Our plan: shots from a distance of 1,000 meters have been on the schedule at the end of the day. We were wondering how the long-distance can be handled by the MINOX ZP5. First, though, the briefing was held.
Guns, ammunition, and silencers for a long-range shot in Wales
Two repeating rifles were available: a Blaser R8 in .30-06 Springfield and an MSR Cyclone from Steel Core in .338 Lapua Magnum. A MINOX ZP5 5-25×56 riflescope was enthroned on each of them.
The Blaser SILENCER by A-TEC was installed on the Blaser R8. The Steel Core MSR Cyclone was equipped with an Ase Ultra silencer. The Ase silencer also had a protective cover made of Cordura. This prevents heat shimmer of the silencer, which is disruptive when targeting.
Silencers are generally useful for long distances, as they not only dampen the muzzle bang but also the recoil.
MINOX ZP5 5-25×56 riflescope – properties
The ZP5 tactical riflescope from MINOX has, among other things, a 5x zoom and a central tube diameter of 34 millimeters. The illuminated reticle is in the first image plane. Four reticle versions are available: MR2, MR4, MR5, and a classic mildot reticle. There is something for everyone here. Our MINOX ZP5 in the test had a 28 MRAD double turn height adjustment with zero stop. The total weight of the glass is 975 grams, which was not even rudimentary. You can find more information on the technical properties in our article about the MINOX ZP5.
Long-range shooting: 1,000 meters with the MINOX ZP5 rifle scope
After setting up for a distance of 1,000 meters, the professional explained. The goal was in a quarry – at this distance, the environmental influences are extremely important. Altitude, air pressure, and above all, the wind were decisive factors in our preparation.
The air was relatively choppy that day. We should, therefore, no longer make any adjustments to the MINOX ZP5 riflescopes. Rather, Andrew Venables would announce the hits, which should then be corrected using the reticle in the reticle.
A MINOX, MD 80 ZR spotting scope with a tactical MR2-S reticle in the first image plane, came to the rescue. With a continuously adjustable 20-60x magnification, the hits can be recognized without any problems. The reticle is practically enlarged and can be used without conversion. Here you will find further information on the properties of the spotting scopes MD 60 Z and MD 80 Z from MINOX.
Since the MINOX ZP5 riflescope had the same reticle on our repeating rifles (MR2), communication between the shooter and the observer (spotter) ran smoothly.
Long-range shooting with MINOX ZP5 5-25×56 riflescope – conclusion
The long-range shoot in Wales was a great experience that makes every shooting enthusiast’s heart open. The Steel Core MSR Cyclone repeating rifle and the Blaser R8 harmonized wonderfully with the MINOX ZP5 rifle scope. The optical quality is state-of-the-art, and the MINOX ZP5 5-25×56 is ideally suited for a long distance of 1,000 meters. This is how it should be for a riflescope in the premium class. The professional care and guidance from Andrew Venables, coupled with the beautiful Wales landscape, made the day perfect.
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