Rifle Scopes Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

[emmagee]

I need some new glass for a Remington LTR .223 and am taking a hard look at the Sightron SII Big Sky 4.5X14 with the side parallax. I've read a lot of good things about the SIII and just wonder how the glass in the SII compares. Am I giving up much in quality by going with the SII Big Sky over the SIII?

Thanks much for any and all input!

 

[Low Sioux]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

I have the big sky you referenced, but no experience with the SIII. The big sky is a nice scope; glass is very good, and it tracks well. I use it for a hunting scope because I like the covered turrets on hunting rifles, however the knobs are small and the clicks are pretty fine. Its not a problem just different than what you will find on most of the other scopes you see discussed here. I have had one experience with sightron service on an SI, and have no complaints they are GTG. Hope it helps

 

[emmagee]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

Thanks LS. I've heard so many good things about Sightron from a few of my benchrest friends I really want to try one, and for the price point I've heard nothing but good things about the SIII. I really wish they offered a similar scope in the SIII line and then the choice would be easy, but other than the SIII fixed power, the objectives are all 50mm or larger and for this application I much prefer the 44mm objective.

If it matters, I will be mounting this on a Remington 700 LTR .223, so it will not be a long range scope, probably never beyond 350-400 yards.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone else who might have some input on this subject.

 

[danska]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

I've peered through the SII and it seemed pretty nice for the $. I didn't get to spend any field time with it though. I'm not sure what scope to compare it to, with limited time behind it.

The SIII that I have (6-24x50 LRMD) is really fantastic and has Leupy MK 4 glass quality imo. The main downer for me on my SIII is the knobs as they aren't very tactical, but still they get the job done and have lots of adjustment.

 

[M855]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

I have a 16x42 S3 and love it,a great scope for the $

 

[Jason280]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

I have a couple SIII's and SII's, as well as a few Big Sky models. Guess you could say I am a bit of a Sightron fan, but I have yet to find better optics for the money. I run an SIII 3.5-10x44 mil dot on an SPR build, as well as an SIII 6-24x50 mil dot on a 24" bull barrel AR. I have a 3-12x42 SII Big Sky on a 16" build, with the HHR reticle, and run other SII's on various deer and varmint rifles.

The glass on the SII Big Sky models is very good, and compares with Leupold VX-3s, Elite 4200s, Zeiss Conquests, etc. Now, compared with the SIII, there is a slight bit of difference. The glass on the SIII's is outstanding, and compare with anything under $1k. Would I call it a significant difference? Probably not, but the SIIIs give you 30mm tubes, larger turrets, and more internal adjustment.

Now, as far as which I would suggest for the LTR, it really depends on the type of shooting you plan on doing. I would simply say "go with the SIII", except they don't offer a 4.5-14 or similar power model. All they offer is a 3.5-10x44 and 6-24x50 in mil dot variables for the SIII, which is something I hope they change in the near future. I think you would be very happy with the 4.5-14 Big Sky model, as the glass will be excellent and will have repeatable turrets. Plus, Sightron offers some of the best customer service in the industry, and I can guarantee you that they will quickly fix any problem you may encounter.

Emmagee, I sent you an IM...

 

[emmagee]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback. Sounds like the SII BS work well for this LTR although I really wish they offered a 4.5-14X44 in the SIII.

Thanks again!

 

[danska]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

How much adjustment on the SII Big Sky Jason? I love the vast amount of adjustment on my SIII, I'm running a 0 MOA base and I'm able to get well beyond 1000 with it, on my Savage FCP 10 and handloads.

 

[Jason280]

Re: Sightron SII Big Sky compared to SIII

Depends on the model. I think the 3-12x is around 70 MOA, whereas the 6.5-20 is closer to 60 MOA.