Sightron SIII - satisfied customer

[JustinP]

Bought a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 from Larry Scott in Western Ky recently. Great customer service and good price.

The scope has performed really well – hasn’t missed a beat in fact. Holds zero well, the glass is nice and clear, better than the NF BR model and Leupold MKIV, in my view - and on par with the NF NXS. Very good clarity and contrast, considering the price tag,~$800USD). Adjustments are all repeatable.

Use it on an f-class rig which I shot a range record with last weekend. Warm day with plenty of mirage. Nothing wrong with that glass...

It’d be fantastic if they did it in an exposed target turret – like a MKIV or NXS. Maybe in the future

Thanks again to Larry.

Cheers, Justin

 

[Gman]

Most target shooters believe the NF "BR Series" lens are clearer than the NXS. I'm assuming because the AO on the BR Series, has one less lens vs. the SF of the NXS.

 

[JustinP]

I'm going on the clarity of the scopes I've looked through - so it's a subjective opinion and I'm certainly no guru. I and a couple of other guys set up the following scopes side by side and looked through them all

NF 12-42x BR,4th)
NF 5-22x NXS,2nd)
Leup 6.5-20x MkIV,4th)
S&B 5-25x PMII,1st)
Sightron 8-32x SIII,3rd)

General consensus on ranking was per the standing expressed in brackets. The S&B glass was a stand-out and there wasn't much in the rest. Value for money though, that SIII is pretty good.

Justin

 

[Flybuster]

Thanks for your evaluation of this scope Justin. I am seriously considering this scope for my F-Class rig. At nearly half of the price of the NF BR series, I can't resist. I think the Sightron also has more elevation adjustment than the NF 8-32 & 12-42.

How do you like the reticle on the 1/2 M.O.A. F-Class targets? Seems to be working for you, since you shot a record. Congrats.

 

[NateHaler]

Bought a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 from Larry Scott in Western Ky recently.
It’d be fantastic if they did it in an exposed target turret – like a MKIV or NXS. Maybe in the future

Unscrew the turret caps. Now the target turrets are exposed, and they're waterproof just like the others you mention.

 

[JustinP]

The reticle works fine for f-class. At max magnification, the center dot is 1/4moa, so you can make fine adjustments in your holds. You can easily work out relative size tables from there, at since minimum magnification, the dot is 1moa - therefore 16x is 1/2moa, 32x is 1/4, etc...

You're right about the elevation/windage range - about 70moa if memory serves. Put it on a 20moa mount and you've got plenty...

You can lose the dot at max mag in failing light conditions against a dark target background though - contrast issue, but if you dial down a bit you can pick it up again. This is an issue across all similar non-illuminated reticles, though, so not something to worry about.

Not really an evaluation, just a passing comment really - but if it's been of help, then great. It is a good example of worksmanship without the premium price.

Nate - I didn't realise that the uncovered turrets are waterproof. I need to check to see if you can tension them up, so they won't move too easily. My only comment on the worksmanship is that the turret movements aren't as crisp as the other models mentioned. Small problem when you consider that the adjustments are very repeatable, though.

Justin

 

[NateHaler]

Nate - I didn't realise that the uncovered turrets are waterproof. I need to check to see if you can tension them up, so they won't move too easily. My only comment on the worksmanship is that the turret movements aren't as crisp as the other models mentioned. Small problem when you consider that the adjustments are very repeatable, though.

No worries Justin. Just being Mr. Helper.

I too wish that the turrets had stiffer clicks, somewhere between what they are and the Leupold Mark 4 M1,which I find a bit mushy, like the detent is a bit soft). In my opinion, the Nightforce NXS clicks, at least in the one I have,5.5-22x50 MLR), are just about perfect.

However, I've used a Sightron SII4-16x42MD for about nine years now, and I've never inadvertently moved the turrets, and I've not had the caps on them except when the rifle sits at home.

Like anything, it's a matter of learning your gear and making it work for you.

As to elevation adjustment in the new Sightron SIII, I opted for the 6-24, because it features a claimed 100 MOA. Counting through the clicks, it would seem to have that much, but the key is to ascertain reticle movement relative to click adjustments, and I've not had my new scope to the range yet. Gonna compare it to the aforementioned Nightforce, and a Leupold VX3/LR M1 6.5-20x50, and a Pentax,Burris) LS30 6-24x50.

 

[jb1000br]

NH - ran a new 6-24 Sightron mil-dot at the recent Allegheny Sniper Challenge...took it from 100-1200yds with at least 40 up/down cycles.

Upon return home, the zero was EXACTLY where it was before the match

JB

 

[wfeher]

the new Slll are the best scope to hit the shooting industry since the nightforce first hit. i own many high dollar scopes and since my new s3 8-32x56 i haven't picked up any of my other scopes. just love my s3 too much.