Vector Optics Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Long Range Riflescope

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use, setup, and maintenance of your Vector Optics Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Long Range Riflescope (SCOL-53). Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the riflescope to ensure optimal performance and safety.

The Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Riflescope is designed for precision long-range applications in hunting, sporting, and competition. It features a German optical system, a 30mm monotube, and an etched glass VCT-10A illuminated reticle.

Safety Information

• Always handle firearms and optics responsibly. Follow all local and national firearm safety regulations.
• Never look directly at the sun or any intense light source through the riflescope, as this can cause permanent eye damage.
• Ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before mounting or adjusting the riflescope.
• Keep the riflescope and its accessories out of reach of children.
• Avoid disassembling the riflescope, as this may void the warranty and cause damage to the precision optical system.

Package Contents

Upon opening your package, please verify that all the following items are included:

• Vector Optics Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Riflescope (SCOL-53)
• DIY Spare Elevation Turret
• Picatinny Rings
• Instruction Manual (this document)
• Deluxe Retail Package

Product Overview

The Vector Optics Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Riflescope features a robust design with advanced optical components for superior clarity and performance.

Figure 1: Overall view of the Vector Optics Continental 3-18x50 ARI Riflescope. This image displays the main body of the riflescope, including the objective lens, eyepiece, and central turret assembly.

Key components include:

• Objective Lens: The front lens that gathers light.
• Eyepiece: The rear lens through which the user views the reticle and target.
• Magnification Ring: Adjusts the magnification level (3x to 18x).
• Diopter Adjustment Ring: Located on the eyepiece, used to focus the reticle.
• Elevation Turret: Adjusts the vertical point of impact. Features a Zero-Stop mechanism.
• Windage Turret: Adjusts the horizontal point of impact. Features a Turret Lock system.
• Side Focus/Parallax Knob: Adjusts for parallax error at various distances.
• Illumination Knob: Controls the brightness of the reticle illumination.

Figure 2: Detailed view of the riflescope's adjustment turrets. This image highlights the elevation turret with its Zero-Stop feature, the windage turret, and the side focus/illumination knob, showing their markings and controls.

Setup

1. Mounting the Riflescope

The riflescope is designed to be mounted using the included Picatinny rings. Ensure the rings are securely attached to your firearm's Picatinny rail and the riflescope is positioned for optimal eye relief.

1. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and safe.
2. Attach the Picatinny rings to your firearm's rail, ensuring they are aligned and spaced appropriately for the riflescope's tube.
3. Place the riflescope into the bottom halves of the rings.
4. Position the riflescope to achieve proper eye relief. This is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece when shouldering the firearm.
5. Rotate the riflescope until the reticle is level.
6. Attach the top halves of the rings and tighten the screws evenly, following the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications for your rings. Do not overtighten.

2. Focusing the Eyepiece (Diopter Adjustment)

This adjustment ensures the reticle appears sharp and clear to your eye.

1. Point the riflescope at a plain, bright background (e.g., a clear sky or a blank wall). Do not look at the sun.
2. Quickly glance through the riflescope. If the reticle is blurry, adjust the diopter ring (located on the eyepiece) by rotating it clockwise or counter-clockwise until the reticle appears perfectly sharp.
3. Once focused, avoid further adjustment unless your eyesight changes.

3. Adjusting Magnification

The magnification ring allows you to change the zoom level of the riflescope.

• Rotate the magnification ring, located just forward of the eyepiece, to select your desired magnification level between 3x and 18x.
• Note that the VCT-10A reticle is a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, meaning its size relative to the target changes with magnification. Ballistic holdovers and ranging features are typically accurate at a specific magnification (often the highest or a marked setting, refer to reticle details).

Operating the Riflescope

1. Windage and Elevation Adjustment

The riflescope features 1/10 MIL click adjustments for precise zeroing and ballistic corrections.

• Elevation Turret: Located on top of the riflescope. Each click moves the point of impact by 0.1 MIL. Rotate the turret to adjust vertically. The turret has a Zero-Stop feature.
• Windage Turret: Located on the right side of the riflescope. Each click moves the point of impact by 0.1 MIL. Rotate the turret to adjust horizontally. The turret has a Turret Lock system.
• To unlock the windage turret, pull it outwards. To lock it, push it inwards.

2. Zero-Stop Function (Elevation Turret)

The Zero-Stop allows you to quickly return to your established zero setting after making elevation adjustments for long-range shots.

1. Setting Zero: After zeroing your riflescope at your desired distance, loosen the small screws on the elevation turret cap.
2. Rotate the turret cap until the "0" mark aligns with the indicator line on the riflescope body.
3. Retighten the small screws on the turret cap. Your zero-stop is now set.
4. Using Zero-Stop: When making elevation adjustments, you can rotate the turret upwards. To return to your zero, simply rotate the turret downwards until it stops at your preset zero position.

3. Reticle Illumination

The VCT-10A reticle features adjustable illumination for low-light conditions.

• The illumination control is integrated into the side focus knob.
• Rotate the outer ring of the side focus knob to turn the illumination on and adjust its brightness.
• There are multiple brightness settings. Rotate to the "OFF" position to conserve battery life.
• Battery replacement: Unscrew the cap on the illumination knob to access the battery compartment. Use the specified battery type (typically CR2032).

4. Parallax Adjustment (Side Focus)

Parallax is the apparent shift in the reticle's position relative to the target when the shooter's eye moves. The side focus knob eliminates parallax error at various distances.

1. While looking through the scope, rotate the side focus knob (the inner knob on the left side) until the target appears sharp and clear.
2. To check for parallax, move your head slightly up and down, or side to side, while looking through the scope. If the reticle appears to move relative to the target, adjust the side focus knob until there is no apparent movement.
3. The numerical markings on the side focus knob are approximate distances. Fine-tune the adjustment for precise parallax correction.

VCT-10A Etched Glass Reticle

The Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI features an advanced VCT-10A etched glass reticle, designed for precise aiming and holdovers.

Figure 3: Illustration of the VCT-10A etched glass reticle. This image shows the detailed markings, including the central aiming point, windage and elevation holdover points, and ranging scales, all designed for precision shooting.

The VCT-10A reticle is a Second Focal Plane (SFP) design. This means the reticle's physical size remains constant regardless of the magnification setting. Consequently, the subtensions (the actual distance represented by the reticle marks on the target) change with magnification. For accurate ballistic calculations and ranging, it is crucial to use the reticle at the specific magnification for which its subtensions are calibrated (typically 18x for this model, or as indicated in specific reticle documentation).

The reticle features a fine central aiming point, along with precise hash marks for windage and elevation holdovers, measured in MILs. The illumination feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions without obscuring the target.

Specifications

Maintenance

1. Cleaning the Lenses

Proper lens care is essential for maintaining optical clarity.

1. Gently brush away any loose dust or debris from the lens surfaces using a soft lens brush or a can of compressed air.
2. Apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to a clean microfiber lens cloth.
3. Wipe the lenses in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outwards, until clean and streak-free.
4. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cloths, or excessive pressure, as these can damage the lens coatings.

2. Cleaning the Riflescope Body

The exterior of the riflescope can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners.

3. Storage

When not in use, store the riflescope in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original packaging or a protective case. Ensure lens caps are in place to protect the lenses from dust and scratches.

Troubleshooting

Warranty and Support

Vector Optics products are manufactured to high standards and are backed by a warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Vector Optics website.

For technical support, service, or inquiries regarding your Continental x6 3-18x50 ARI Riflescope, please contact Vector Optics customer service through their official channels. When contacting support, please have your model number (SCOL-53) and purchase information readily available.

You can find more information and contact details on the Vector Optics Store on Amazon.