Rifle Scopes Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

[glock24]

I know this website isn't F-Class central, but I'm building my first F-class type rifle and I am in the market for a different type of scope than I normally buy.

I want high power and fine adjustments, and both scopes below fit my requirements;

Nightforce BR 8-32x56mm
Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm


For those of you with experience with one or both, can you help me decide? I'm interested in image quality and tracking accuracy mostly.

Thanks

 

[bward]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

Both are nice, but if you look at what the majority of F-class and benchrest shooters use it's the Nightforce BR. There's a reason the majority of these shooters use this scope.

 

[glock24]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

Thanks.

Can you think of any specific reason the Nightforce BR rules F-class? Is it raw performance, or something softer like brand loyalty?

Just curious. I'm in the dark on this one, so I'm looking for any leads I can find. Thanks for your input.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I have not used Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm. I have hard good things about them for the price. I know a lot of F-Class shooters and most of them use Nightforce BR and NXS scopes.

Mike @ CST

 

[Tyler Kemp]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I've never heard of a Nightforce not tracking.

While rare, I've heard of Sightrons having issues.

That said, I love my Sightron and it's been nothing but reliable for me.

 

[bward]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I would say a lot of it is brand loyalty. Nightforce is a brand that you can buy and will more than likely never have a problem with. That coupled with nice glass and a magnification range that appeals to F-class is more than likely why a lot of people use them. Sightrons are nice, but they don't have the reputation like the Nightforces.

 

[nhm16]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

If you're looking at those, you should also seriously consider the NF 12-42x56 BR. The 8-32 is not much less and you'll appreciate the extra magnification in F-class.

Between Nightforce and Sightron SIII, I have read that IQ and tracking accuracy are about on par.

With respect to the Sightron, I don't have one but I've read complaints of soft or easy clicks, and the reticle options are certainly limited, but there are a couple of guys who shoot it at my local matches and seem to like it just fine. Advantages of the Sightron include much lower price (if you look around, it's not to hard to buy two for about four hundred more than one 12-42), lower weight (important in F-TR) and more elevation travel.

My main reason for getting the NF is that it is a known quantity (a/k/a monkey see, monkey do), but I wouldn't lose sleep if I got the SIII.

 

[glock24]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

All good points gentlemen. Now I have some details I can consider.

Thanks!

 

[josephberry]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I have both. Clarity, tracking, and return to zero are equal. The SIII has turret caps, and the clicks are a little soft, I'd also like to have a matching moa reticle. For the money difference, the Sightron is hard to beat.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I have a NF 5.5x22 on my rifle. A gentlemen showed up at the range with a SIII 10x50 so of course we compaired scopes. IMO the glass is equal. He stated he has yet to have a tracking problem. With that said if the SIII is less expensive then the NF I would have to buy the SIII. However I'm not a benchrest guy and I use mil\mil. I would also mention I did not have any tunneling issues with the SIII at 50X which impressed me.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

If you decide on the Sightron then take your time. They are being discounted in several places. I believe their prices will be coming down around the first of the year. Times are tough out there. But then I also look for some programs on NF scopes in the near future also. So shop for that Sightron. I am going to buy on after the first of the year. Tom.

 

[Trevor]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

The Nightforce BR is lighter then the NXS that is why it is used in F class are weight limits, it also has 1/8 min clicks for fine tuning of your aiming point.

I have 12x42-56 BR version and am happy with the clarity and tracking. Point of interest it only has 40moa of elevation so a rail will be required unless using it for an Open class gun.

I friend of mine has the Sightron 10x50-60 and the first one wouldn’t track.. not uncommon for any company including Nightforce. His 2nd scope works great he likes the 60mm objective for days when the light isn’t optimum and the ability to go up to 50 when conditions permit.

NF Br has been proven for years in F class competition.
Sightron has been out approx 18 months.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

Nightforce are rock solid scopes.

Mike @ CST

 

[Headgear]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I have the NF 8x32 NXS and want to try F-Class TR with a 308. If that is what you are looking to do, make sure you watch the elevator adjustment like Trevor said. The 8x32 NXS has 65 MOA ad I believe the BR has less. I really wanted the 12x42 but a 308 with a 20 MOA rail wont get to 1000 unless you really juice it up.

 

[glock24]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I rolled the dice and went with the Sightron. My discount at Graf's on Sightron scopes was what ultimately made up my mind. I was also nervous about the eye relief on the Nightforce. This scope is going on a 7mmRM, and the Sightron has one extra inch of relief over the NF.

I recieved the Sightron today. I am absolutely blown away. The glass is impeccable, even at 50x. It is no exageration when folks say the glass is as good or better than Nightforce. Very impressive!

The turrets have a nice feel also. They certainly aren't too loose. The scope also came with flip-up lens covers from Sightron.

I'll post some pictures once I get it mounted, but my first impression is very, very good.

 

[slm9s]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x

I sold my NF BF 12-42 after I bought my SIII 10-50. I thought glass was equal or perhaps slightly better on the SIII. SIII had a touch more mag, and I sold the NF used for $300 more than I paid for the new SIII.

Both great scopes, SIII is a better value in my mind.

 

[glock24]

Re: Nightforce BR 8-32x vs. Sightron SIII 10-50x