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Sightron's Silhouette Scope

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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Sightron's Silhouette Scope
    Posted: July/11/2009 at 03:52
Sightron S2 Big Sky 6-24x42 Silhouette

I have used this scope in a couple of comparisons already, but I figured it was worth a short write-up exclusively dedicated to it.

I make no secret that I like Sightron products along with a couple of other scope lines.  For midrange scopes, 90% of the time, I find myself recommending Sightron S2 Big Sky or Bushnell Elite 4200 or Vortex Viper.  

I have had good luck with all of them and I think they offer a lot for the money.  

To the best of my knowledge, all Sightron scopes are made in Japan and Sightron's two core line-ups of 1" tubed scopes: S2 and S2 Big Sky are offered in an ungodly number of combinations of reticles, finishes, magnification ranges, and objective sizes.

One thing I always wished Sightron would do is get away from using 1/8 MOA clicks in their high magnification variable scopes.  Historically, all Sightron scopes with Adjustable Objectives and top end magnification above 12x had 1/8 MOA clicks with 10MOA per turn.  I always thought that was not optimal for long range shooting and coarser clicks would work better.

A while back when Sightron introduced 1" scopes with Side Focus they built them with 1/4 MOA clicks, to my delight.  Still, those scopes have 3x erectors (4.5-14x44 and 6.5-20x50) while the 4x erector 4-16x42AO and 6-24x42AO scopes soldiered on with 1/8 MOA clicks.

More recently, apparently after a barrage of complaints, Sightron made a version of 6-24x42 scope with 1/4 MOA clicks.  Since this version of the scope is called "Silhouette" I must assume that most of the pressure came from Silhouette shooters.

If you would rather have finer 1/8 MOA clicks, all other 6-24x42 S2 Big Sky scopes are equipped with those.

The Silhouette scope comes with a fine dot and crosshair reticle:



The dot size (A) looks to be about 1/2 MOA at the highest magnification, but I did not bother to check it specifically.  It is small enough for very precise aiming, and that is really my primary concern.  This is not a low light hunting scope.  It's best use is for target shooting.  Sightron reticles are made of wire (as opposed to the more popular glass etched designs).  While that limits the reticle selection somewhat, I have not had any problems with Sightron reticles failing.  

Here are some specs of the Sightron and its competitors (all 1" tube scopes with 4x erectors):

Bushnell Elite 4200
6-24x40AO
Nikon Monarch
6-24x50
Sightron S2 Big Sky 
6-24x42 SIL
Length, in16.915.515
Weight, oz20.220.517.6
Field of View, ft@100 yards        18 - 616.8 - 4.215.7 - 4.4
Eye Relief, in3.33.6 - 4.23.7 - 4.0
Side Focus or Adjustable Objective?            AOSFAO
Click Value, MOA1/81/81/4
Adjustment Range, MOA263060

There are other scopes that compete with the three above(Burris Signature Select 6-24x44 comes to mind), but these are fairly representative of the market place.  In terms of specs, there is nothing really exceptio
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tahqua View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/13/2009 at 10:29

ILya,

Nice review and the comments regarding side focus versus AO were interesting. I have been under the impression that AO was more reliable than side focus. I certainly can see were smaller increments are easier to obtain with the large AO. I never put together the fact that most tactical scopes go with the side focus...............intersting.
 
Thanks,
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ceylonc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/13/2009 at 10:44
Thanks for the review! Always enjoy your opinions.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SD Dog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/13/2009 at 13:41
Thanks ILya.  
If nobody ever said anything unless he knew what he was talking about, a ghastly hush would descend upon the earth. AP Herbert

Stupidity & ignorance have been the foundation for many certainties.
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/07/2009 at 17:28
BTT.

I am applying for a "media" badge for the next SHOT Show which requires proof, i.e. industry relevant stuff that I have written and posted here.
I will bring several of my threads back to the top to make them easier to find.
Thanks and sorry for resurfacing so many old threads.
ILya
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