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Sightron III

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=21919
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 09:22
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Topic: Sightron III
Posted By: Tulie
Subject: Sightron III
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 11:07
I'm gonna post this here cause this tab seems to get the most views even though this really is more of a target question.  I've got a 20X SS on a 1000 yard 300 RUM and lately have been having issues with the scope.  Out here in sunny NM any time the sun is angling into me, the scope just about washes out.  Very difficult to see the target at about any range.  Not impossible but just tough.  I tried a sunshade, a sunblock on the barrel, to no avail.  I've been thinking of getting a higher end variable for this one anyway and thus figure this is my excuse to upgrade.
 
Wondering what you all feel about a 6x24 Sightron III with the MD, or possibly the 8x25 Leupold or a Zeiss Conquest 6.5x20?  The Zeiss doesn't buy any additional power but it does buy a lot of quality glass.  The Leupold does both but I've heard of backlash issues.  The Sightron seems to be getting a lot of good talk about it but the only Sightron I have is an older SI with a MD in 3x9 that has been sitting on a 22 for several years.
 
I would love to get a Nighforce but my pocketbook doesn't love me that much.  Suggestions?  Comments?
 
Thanks,



Replies:
Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 11:18
I reviewed the S3 a few months ago, it is a great scope for the money, glass was better than I expected.

Living and shooting in NM, I'm surprised you aren't having issues with mirage, or are you in the "not hot" parts of NM?

Of the 3 scopes you have listed, I'd get the S3.  The Leupold is more expensive and has not good glass, the Conquest is more expensive and has about the same glass (not appreciably better, in my opinion.) The S3 has everything you need and nothing you don't - and is priced quite well for what you get.



-------------
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.


Posted By: Tulie
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 12:42
Oh yeah, you betcha, mirage is a major issue nearly all year long.  For at least 3/4 of the year I'm not sure if anything over 20X could even be used.  That's part of the reason for a variable and the other reason I'm not really that interested in anything over about 25X.  32X sounds great but out here it's mostly a waste I'm thinking.  That being said, a buddy of mine uses a Nightforce and claims he is up around 28 for most of his matches so maybe it is possible.
 
I appreciate the feedback and really was thinking along that line to start with.  Now if I really wanted to dig a deep hole......what about the S3 compared to a Nightforce NXS 5.5x22x50?
 
One last thing, what about S3 durability?  I've heard they will hold up nicely but am curious if I get to doing a lot of elevation changes how will that hold up?


Posted By: Tulie
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 13:26
I'll expand the question......not only compare the S3 to the Nightforce (both models mentioned) but add in the 8x32x56.  I'm not convinced I need more than 24X but it might be nice for a few times to have it available.


Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 14:08
Personally, I hate scopes with anything over about 20-25X, it's too tough to get a nice sight picture and mirage (in Houston) is killer over about 15X most of the year.

The primary difference, in my opinion, between the NXS series Nightforce and the S3 is the turrets.  I wasn't crazy abut S3's turrets, they didn't have quite enough resistance.  I found myself frequently spinning a click past where I wanted to be.  it is a relatively benign issue, but I just wasn't crazy about the turrets.  When I did spin them, they tracked true.

I prefer Nightforce for the turrets and the reticles; however with Nightforce now at $1800+; for a bench gun, I would personally put on an S3 and take the rest of the $1000 and put it into ammo and range time.

Some may say, "Get the 32X", I'd say if you think mirage and eye position are bad at 20X, you ain't seen noth'in yet!

I'd max out at the 5.5-22 or the S3 with 6-24.  If you need more, you're doing it wrong.



-------------
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.


Posted By: Blackbird
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 15:01

Since the Zeiss is a 1" tube, will it have enough MOA (elevation) for your 1000 yard shooting ? I have 2 NF BR series on my bench guns and like them way better than the 8.5-25X-50mm LRT Leupold VX III, and Mark IV's that I sold. My next scope will be a Sightron. I am going with the SIII straight 16X-42mm, or straight 20X-42mm. It will be going on a Sako 75 Varmint chambered in .243 Win, and will be used exclusively for Pennsylvania groundhogs, out to 1000 yards, but 800 will be more realistic. I just don't know which magnification to go with. (still debating) I don't think that you can go wrong with the Sightron. Many guys at our matches are using, and are very happy with the Sightron SIII's.



Posted By: Tulie
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 16:41
The Zeiss is right on the ragged edge.  It has 50 MOA which is really what I consider minimum bu that can be fixed with rings and/or a base.  The problem then becomes can you crank it down to 100 yards but that's not a huge issue.
 
Depending on where the range is here, during the summer forget much magnification.  You get a lot of mirage at 10X let alone at 20+. 
 
I would expect the problem down in Houston would be too much magnification would be distracting as you would be seeing those small fish swimming in the air when you are trying to shoot!!!!!


Posted By: Tulie
Date Posted: February/07/2010 at 16:43
By the way, my 20X SS started life out on a 243 for 1000 yard but the rifle just wasn't capable of the accuracy needed.  Then it was going to be a long range varmint rig but just never took hold and now I think they both are going away to be replaced with something a little better.
 
For the most part I do like the SS but this one has just been less than it should be recently.  The focus is super sensative and as I stated to start with the picture leaves much to be desired under a lot of circumstances.



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