Question for Sightron SIII or SV users

[jimreed1948]

I'm in the market for a new scope.  This will be used for 150+ yard shooting. 

I was first looking at the Nightforce Competition, 15-55x52, 28 oz, FCR-1 reticle, with .125 click value and a 30mm tube. 

Then I started looking at the Sightron SIII & SV, 10-50x60.  The SIII has .125 click value and is 30 oz where the SV has a .25 click value and is a whopping 42 oz in weight.  They both are available with the FCR-1 reticle.  The SIII has a 30mm tube and the SV has a 34 mm tube.

Prices:      Nightforce:  $2,400
            Sightron SIII:  $1,250
              Sightron SV:  $2,000

I have used Nightforce scopes on several PB in the past years so I know about the quality, glass, etc.

I have never used the Sightron and don't know anyone that uses one.

       1.  How is the quality?
       2.  Does it have to be a really bright day to utilize the maximum power of the scope?
       3.  Any comments on either Sightron would be appreciated.

[ancient1one]

Most of the high magnification Sightrons do not focus down for close range shots is what stopped me from buying a Sightron for long distance shooting. I have the SIII 3.5-10x44 SF on my hunting gun and I am very happy with its performance/clarity.

[Motorhead]

Shoot an SIII 10-50x60 on my open class FT rig ... in that application one of if not the best functioning & clear scopes ever used.

The FT model however ONLY parallax focus's ( Factory set this way ) between 9 & 56 yards so can not comment on 150 yard performance. 

[jimreed1948]

Most of the high magnification Sightrons do not focus down for close range shots is what stopped me from buying a Sightron for long distance shooting. I have the SIII 3.5-10x44 SF on my hunting gun and I am very happy with its performance/clarity.

On the SWFA website which describes the SIII and SV, it shows that it will focus down to 13 yards which should be plenty for me.  I doubt if I ever shoot that close with this particular scope.

[jimreed1948]

Shoot an SIII 10-50x60 on my open class FT rig ... in that application one of if not the best functioning & clear scopes ever used.

The FT model however ONLY parallax focus's ( Factory set this way ) between 9 & 56 yards so can not comment on 150 yard performance.

Which reticle are you using?  I haven't seen an FT model listed?

Do you think the 34mm tube is worth the extra $750?  I'm leaning more towards the 30mm tube.

[Motorhead]

Shoot an SIII 10-50x60 on my open class FT rig ... in that application one of if not the best functioning & clear scopes ever used.

The FT model however ONLY parallax focus's ( Factory set this way ) between 9 & 56 yards so can not comment on 150 yard performance.

Which reticle are you using?  I haven't seen an FT model listed?

Do you think the 34mm tube is worth the extra $750?  I'm leaning more towards the 30mm tube.

The FT model JUST CAME OUT spring of this year ...
See this thread: http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=94450.msg921738#msg921738

As too the 34mm tube .... rings & overall mounting options will be really limited.
With a 60mm objective, gathering light is NOT a problem 

[ancient1one]

Head over to Sightron site and check the technical details of the scope your interested in before purchasing it. The SV series focus down to 13 yards but none of the high magnification SIII's do.

http://info.sightron.com/Riflescopes/SIII-Series/SIIISS832X56LRTD-TDT/.

Click on the scope your interested in and then click technical details. I found Optic Planet had the best prices when I bought both of my Sightrons.

[michaelthomas]

Like Leupold.....Sightron has a custom shop.  You can get about anything done to any of their scopes. 

Scott from liberty optics gave me great service and a great deal.  I did not want to spend 300 more dollars on an illuminated reticle and some other accessories that I wouldn't use ( ft version).  I bought the lrmoa2 and had sightron reparallax it to 10 yds.  I gave Scott all the details, and the scope arrived at my house about a week later.  I'm very happy with it.

Mike

[ancient1one]

Like Leupold.....Sightron has a custom shop.  You can get about anything done to any of their scopes. 

Scott from liberty optics gave me great service and a great deal.  I did not want to spend 300 more dollars on an illuminated reticle and some other accessories that I wouldn't use ( ft version).  I bought the lrmoa2 and had sightron reparallax it to 10 yds.  I gave Scott all the details, and the scope arrived at my house about a week later.  I'm very happy with it.

Mike

Glad you posted about the custom shop. Im going to call them tomorrow about changing the LRIRMOA redical to LRMD. In the last few months the lines have become to fine for these aging eyes.   

[grauhanen]

Head over to Sightron site and check the technical details of the scope your interested in before purchasing it. The SV series focus down to 13 yards but none of the high magnification SIII's do.

http://info.sightron.com/Riflescopes/SIII-Series/SIIISS832X56LRTD-TDT/.

Click on the scope your interested in and then click technical details. I found Optic Planet had the best prices when I bought both of my Sightrons.

If you head over to the Sightron site you'll find that the high magnification 10-50X60 scopes do indeed focus down to 13 yards; the 8-32X56 focus down to 40 yards.  I have a 10-50X60 and they are great scopes.