How does the Sightron SIII compare to the SII Big Sky?

[Steave]

I posted this question in another thread I started, but since that thread didn't specifically deal with Sightron's I thought I'd just start another thread. I am looking for optics for a new 6BR and while I wasn't initially considering a Sightron, the SIII 8-32X56 has come on my radar. I've spent a few hours this evening reading this forum and others for info on the Sightron's SIII's and it is becoming more and more attractive to me, however, I have a couple of concerns.

I kept hearing good things abut Sightron and bought my first one a couple of months ago, a SII Big Sky 4.5-14 with the side focus and target turrets for use on a .223. I've only shot this rifle once since putting this scope on it, but have noticed two things that make me hesitate from purchasing another one. First, the click adjustments seem a bit mushy and "small" for lack of a better term, it just doesn't seem that positive. Second, and like I said, I don't have a lot of experience with this scope and only at 100 yards, but it seemed somewhat difficult to bring it into focus, just a real small sweet spot. Frankly, I was kinda surprised as, for the most part, I have heard nothing but praise for Sightron.

For those of you that have the Sightrons SIII's, do you have any experience with the SII Big Sky Line? I know the 8-32 is their flagship SIII 30mm tube line and am curious about how the two compare. The price makes them very attractive, I'm just not sure I wanna drop almost $2K on a Nightforce to shoot prairie dogs!

Thanks!

Steave

 

[rchouser]

I shoot a Sightron SIII 6-24 x 50 LRMD. I shoot this one scope on my .223 ar platform, .223 Savage FV, 6BR LRVP, .260 FV, and on my Remington PSS's in .308 and 300 RUM.
I have a 20 MOA badger rail on all guns. My sightron SIII is optically correct, the adjustments are accurate and repeatable (I have the 100 yd zero adjustments recorded for each of my guns and just dial it in for the rifle when mounting). It is fairly forgiving with mirage, and the side focus accurately handles the parallex. The MOA Clicks match the MIL DOT markings. I paid 650 for it lightly used and it has a lifetime warrenty.
I do not feel "out scoped" by anyone (NF, LEPPY, SWARO etc). My SIII is not optically better than their top end scopes, but, I never get left behind due to my optics. rc

 

[clannagael]

I have a Sightron SII 36 BR D. It too has a "sweet spot." It's very clear when it's dialed in, but it's very sensitive. Since you're having the same experience with the SIII I would venture to say it's common to Sightrons in general.

 

[Bob3700]

Recently, I purchased an SIII 8x32 with the 1/4 MOA dot. Prior to this I used a Leupold 6.5x20 and felt that I needed a bit more magnification.

Have used the scope twice, once at 1000 yds and once at 600 yds in competition.
The scope is very bright even on overcast days. The click adjustments are right on and the focus (this is a side focus model) is fast and easy.

So far, I can tell you that I really like the scope and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to other shooters.

Bob

 

[6BRonwheels]

I use the Sightron SIII 10-50x. The brightness and resolution are very good on this scope. I agree about the clicks being "soft," but they are very repeatable. The side focus is very sensitive as you noted. I have sent my scope back to the company twice because the side focus stopped working. My only problem with the scope now is that I have to readjust the focus/parallax every two or three shots.

 

[Steave]

I have a Sightron SII 36 BR D. It too has a "sweet spot." It's very clear when it's dialed in, but it's very sensitive. Since you're having the same experience with the SIII I would venture to say it's common to Sightrons in general.

No, I have a SII Big Sky, not a SIII, sorry if I confused you.

 

[Steave]

I'm still up in the air about this scope, but after reading the comments in this thread, everything else I've read about Sightrons and my own experiences with them, it seems like they are very close to having a very nice scope. Everyone seems to rave about the glass and clarity, but there seem to be other annoying problems with these scopes.

I know nothing about the internals of scopes, so the following is just supposition on my part. That said, I can see that making the side focus less sensitive may be a difficult task and to "fix" this may cause the price of the scope to need to be increased significantly. However, making the clicks more positive seems like it would be a very easy fix and take on more issue off the table.

 

[clannagael]

I should clarify: My SII is an AO, not a side focus. I suspect part of the sensitivity has to do with the 36x magnification too.

I own 3 Nikon scopes that are on my hunting guns. I've used Nightforce, Leupolds, Weavers, Tascos, Cabela's brand, Bushnell, and a Supra that my dad got on his 30-06 in the '60's, although I don't own any of the above. I think for the money, you'd be hard pressed to find a better scope than a Sightron or Weaver. I think my Nikon's have good glass and they hold a zero just fine but they're not as bright as the Sightron and they're a bit like looking through a tunnel.

For what it's worth, that Supra my dad has is a 4x36 that he still has on his .22 squirrel rifle. Now THERE goes a good scope. That little scope has incredible optics. He bought the rifle and scope new in 1962. If you could find one of those on the cheap you'd be doing well. ;D

 

[ILya]

S2 Big Sky and S3 have very little in common between them aside from the maker. Both are quite good in their respective price ranges, but the optical system is designed differently. The biggest difference is likely in the objective lens group where S3 has a somewhat more complicated and better optimized design, but the eyepiece is clearly different as well. I have never taken one apart, so I am not sure what the differences in the relay system are.

That having been said, I have a 6-24x42 version of S2 Big Sky and I am quite happy with it. It is very decent optically and the adjustments are spot on. This is AO model, and I really have no complaints.

ILya