Rifle Scopes Sightron SIII 8-32x56 questions

[chefcam864]

I am saving for a new scope for my LR rig. I'm mostly planning on shooting F/TR, so I'm leaning towards the Sightron SIII 8-32x56 with 1/8 moa target dot teticle. They seem to be highly rated on the interwebs, but I'm curious if anyone here has any experience with the SIII series scopes they could share.

My budget is up to $1,000. Are there any other scopes I should consider in this price range?
I know Vortex are popular, but I didn't see anything with the magnification/reticle I wanted.

The rifle is a Remmy SPS Varmint with 1/12 twist 26" bbl, McMillan adj. A5, and a Timneyn trigger. I currently have a Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 SF with BDC reticle. I think the reticle is too thick for 1k F Class, plus my hunting rifle needs its scope back.

 

[medium rare]

The Nikon monarch 6x24 should work well for a alot less than $1000.

 

[kennysong]

I have one with MIL-MIL setup Good glass, repeats very well, nice firm clicks. I usually leave it set on 24X. My only complaint the side focos is a little touchy. I just sent it back for a reticule change to the MOA-2 and 1/8 MOA turrents they called yesterday and said it would ship back by the end of the week. Two week turn around time is pretty good, we'll see. All in all a very nice scope for the money along with pretty good service.

 

[slm9s]

I have three 10-50x60 SIIIs and shoot long range benchrest with them. Excellent for the money. At 600 yards my NF NXS 12-42s can just BARELY resolve 6mm bullet holes better. I really like the LRMOA reticle.

 

[mws2000]

I have a 6x24 Slll Tactical. Very good glass and has tracked perfectly.

 

[chefcam864]

Thanks for the replies. I really haven't heard anything bad about the SIII's, so I'm going to go with one.
Would the MOA 2 reticle work for F class? I know the LR dot would be better, but the MOA would be more versatile. I'm afraid it might be too coarse for 1k F class though. Any thoughts?

 

[kennysong]

Call Sightron and ask for Steve, He shoots F class I'am sure he can give you the straight scoop on which reticule would be best

 

[MNMan]

I have been extremely satisfied with my SIII 8-32x56. Mounted on my 220 Swift Cooper for prairie dogs. Clear and crisp turns. Least expensive scope I have but have non-plans on replacing it. I think I is a great value..

 

[BobD]

Since purchasing a 8-32x56mm SIII, Every time I see a thread about Sightron I feel compelled to chime in as I don't believe they get the feedback and hype they deserve. Mine has the LRMOA-2 reticle and I'm very happy with it. In my eyes they are a great value, having one of the best combinations of well made glass, turrets, and reticles in a higher power variable for < $1,000.
Steve, from Sightron is very helpful and has always been happy to offer advice and answer questions regarding their products.


To my eyes, Sighton's glass produces a great image with high resolution thats very natural looking (color wise). Again, to my eyes... it outshines its competition from Leupold, Bushnell Elite, and several others in its price range. From consensus, I hear most agree that it favors well when compared to Nightforce (optically only of course). It's not the end all of scopes in its range, but for what is offered is done very well. Bushnell or Vortex for example, offer more and different features than what's available in the SIII series. I own an Elite Tactical as well and they both serve their purpose. If you like one of the Sightron's reticles and only require a slim set of features, the SIII would be a great choice.




The SIII series now has a total of 11 different reticle offerings:
3 Moa variants- 2 dedicated for illumination, 1 offered illuminated (IRMoa-2, IRMoa-3, IRMoa-4, LRMoa)
4 Mil Variants- 2 dedicated for illumination, (Modified mil dot, mil dot, il mil hash, il silhouette)
4 Crosshair/ dot type- 1 dedicated for illumination (IR4a, LRFCH 'fine cross hair', LRD, LRTD


All Sightron scopes are SFP and ranging reticles come with sub tension sheet for every magnification.
All Sightron scopes are True 'top' and 'bottom' magnifications that are listed (no 8.13x...), for accurate ranging
All SIII scopes are made in Japan
All Turrets are offered to match reticle, the standard mil reticle can be accompanied by moa or mil turrets
All LR SIII scopes can have custom parallax settings made
High mag models have option of fine/coarse mil and moa turrets: .25 & .125 moa, .10 & .05 mil
Sightron is opening a custom shop to offer reticle and turret swaps


Personally, I think they're a great company. I believe from my last discussion with them they mentioned celebrating 25 years in business. They don't offer anything FFP or with zero stop but if seeking a SFP scope for target I believe you get what you pay for. It would be nice if they offered some additional features down the road but as of now you pay for great glass, nice turrets a simple but purposeful reticle.

Here's a link below to a thread I started about this scope. It has some pics and comments from other SIII owners as well.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/showthread.php?t=156760

good luck with your search-

 

[scissorhands]

Save a couple hundred more and get a NF bench rest model. You can also look into the vortex viper pst.

 

[chefcam864]

I have literally never heard anything but praise for the SIII's. I should be able to get it in about 3 weeks, and I cant wait!

Scissorhands, I have considered the NF BR, but they're about $250-$300 more. From what I've read, the Sightron is considered very close to the BR series in terms of optics. The NF does have an illuminated reticle, which is nice, but I think I'd be better served by saving the money and putting it towards something else.

 

[BobD]

Are you getting the target dot or Moa-2 reticle? Also, are you staying with the 8-32 or going to the 10-50?

The price is pretty dependent on reticle choice.

i think either way I you're going to be very happy with it. Throw some of that extra change toward some great rings/base. I believe I paid a little over $800 for the 8-32 with moa reticle.