Previously, in a comprehensive test, we got the opportunity to take a closer look at the tactical MINOX ZP5 5-25x56 riflescope, explain its outstanding characteristics, and provide technical information. You will also find all technical data and prices in this review. But how does the MINOX riflescope actually perform at great distances, such as during long-range shooting? Read on:
Long-range shooting in Wales
We wanted to find out for ourselves, and took a trip to Andrew Venables’s shooting range in late fall 2016. He has over 40 years of shooting experience. He was the first non-German-speaking member to be accepted to the Blaser Academy — a training project by the Blaser brand. His own company “WMS Firearms Training” is extremely professionally organized, and has long been more than an insiders’ tip for those wishing to learn long-range shooting professionally.
Spread out over 4000 hectares in Wales, WMS Firearms Training offers unparalleled training opportunities for hunters, sports shooters, and law enforcement. Shooting at the range can be done at distances ranging from 50 to 2000 meters under the guidance of professionals.
Our plan: at the end of the day, shooting from a distance of 1000 meters was on the schedule. We were very much looking forward to seeing how the MINOX ZP5 would perform at this great distance. But first we had to complete the briefing.
Guns, ammo, and silencers for long-range shooting in Wales
We could choose from two bolt action, repeating rifles: a Blaser R8 in caliber .30-06 Springfield and an MSR Cyclone from Steel Core in caliber .338 Lapua Magnum. A MINOX ZP5 5-25x56 riflescope was mounted atop each weapon.
Deployed on the Blaser R8 was the Blaser SILENCER by A-TEC. The Steel Core MSR Cyclone was outfitted with an Ase Ultra silencer. The Ase silencer had an additional protective sheath made of Cordura. This prevents heat mirage from the silencer, which is disruptive when trying to aim at the target.
Silencers are generally a good idea at long distances, as they not only suppress the muzzle flash, but also the recoil.
MINOX ZP5 5-25x56 riflescope - Features
The tactical ZP5 riflescope from MINOX offers, among other things, a 5x zoom ratio and a main tube diameter of 34 millimeters. The illuminated reticle is located in the first focal plane. Four reticle variants are available: MR2, MR4, MR5 and a classic Mil-Dot reticle. There is really something for everyone here. The MINOX ZP5 we tested had a 28 MRAD Double Turn elevation adjustment with Zero Stop. The total weight of the riflescope was 975 grams, but this was not at all noticeable. For more detailed information on the technical features of this scope, please refer to our article on the MINOX ZP5.
Long-range shooting: 1000 meters with the MINOX ZP5 riflescope
After setting up the equipment for a distance of 1000 meters came a briefing from the professionals. The targets were placed in a quarry — at this distance, environmental influences become extremely important. Altitude, air pressure, and most of all wind were decisive factors for our preparations.
The air was relatively turbulent on that day. Hence, we were instructed not to make any additional adjustment to the configuration of the MINOX ZP5 riflescopes. Instead, Andrew Venables would announce the hits, which were then to be corrected according to the grid subtensions in the reticle.
A MINOX MD 80 ZR spotting riflescope with a tactical MR2-S reticle in the first focal plane was used to assist with the task. With an infinitely variable 20-60x magnification, the hits could be identified without any difficulty. One practical feature is that the reticle is also magnified at the same time, allowing it to be used without conversion.
Because the MINOX ZP5 riflescope on our repeating rifles was outfitted with the same reticle (MR2), the communication between the shooter and the spotter was absolutely seamless.
Alex Losert reports on his experience:
"The first test at 1000 meters took place with the Steel Core MSR Cyclone. With the zoom feature of the MINOX ZP5 riflescope, locating the target — a steel target in the shape of a wild boar — was a quick affair. At this distance, it took approximately three seconds for the projectile of the .338 Lapua Magnum to hit the target, and around the same amount of time until the “pling” sound could be heard up on the mountain. Unbelievable!
The first shot missed its mark, but Andrew Venables provided the corrections like the experienced shooter he is. The MINOX ZP5 was quickly aligned using the grid subtensions in the reticle. Now it should work! Indeed: the next four shots all hit their mark, two of them hitting vital points on the steel boar."
Long-range shooting with the MINOX ZP5 5-25x56 riflescope – Verdict
The long-range shooting in Wales was a great experience which will definitely delight any avid marksman. The Steel Core MSR Cyclone repeating rifle and the Blaser R8 were a perfect match for the MINOX ZP5 riflescope. The optical quality is state of the art, and the MINOX ZP5 5-25x56 is excellently suited for the long distance of 1000 meters. This is the way it should be for a premium-class riflescope. With the professional training and guidance by Andrew Venables along with the stunning landscape of Wales, the day couldn't have been any more perfect.
Watch the video of our long-range shooting with the MINOX ZP5 riflescope in Wales here:
For more information on the MINOX ZP5 5-25x56, please go directly to the MINOX website.
