Quick Review: Sightron SIII 6-24×50 LR Mildot
Review by LARRY BANEY
The Sightron 6-24×50mm Mildot is the latest in Sightron’s SIII line-up of side-focus, 30mm riflescopes. This follows the hot-selling 8-32×56mm SIII, which we reviewed last fall. While our 6-24x50mm test sample has a Mildot reticle, Sightron’s new 6-24x50mm scope is also offered with a fine cross-hair (FCH) with target dot reticle. Both Mildot and FCH versions are 14.96″ overall with a near-constant 3.6-3.8 inches of eye relief. Clicks are 1/4 MOA (15 MOA per revolution), and total elevation (and windage) adjustment is listed as 100 MOA (50 MOA on either side of center). That’s a class-leading amount of elevation, which should make the new 6-24×50mm popular with long-range shooters.
Shown above is the Sightron 6-24×50mm Mildot, flanked by a Leupold 8-25×50mm LRT and the Sightron 8-32×56mm. The controls on the 6-24 Sightron are identical to those of its big brother, but it is shorter, with a smaller objective. The shorter length and 50mm front objective allow a 2.8 ounce weight savings over the larger model (21.9 oz. vs. 24.7 oz.).
Sightron 6-24x50mm Quick Review
Assistant Editor Jason Baney has been evaluating the optical qualities of the new Sightron 6-24 Mildot scope. Jason also had a chance to test the scope’s real-world performance in a tactical match. Here is Jason’s report:
“When the new 6-24x50mm mil-dot Sightron SIII arrived, it looked like the little brother of the Sightron 8-32x56mm. Controls and “styling” are similar. This family relationship was made clear as my review of its performance progressed. It shared the same ergonomics, same superior glass, and same unbeatable tracking.
I had a Leupold 8.5-25x50mm LRT for comparison purposes. The Leupold, which is actually 24.3x at max power, is a popular scope with a good reputation for clarity and sharpness. However, the new 6-24x50mm Sightron seemed better in many respects than the Leupold LRT. The Sightron’s glass appeared superior, giving better color rendition, a brighter field of view, and better contrast.
Also, with the Sightron, there was no noticeable parallax lash in the side-focus system. There was no need to start the side-focus at a travel stop every time. You could simply dial the side parallax adjustment and get the observed target in sharp focus with minimal parallax. This has been a problem with some Leupolds (i.e. you can’t get minimal parallax and best focus at the same time.) While observing bullet holes in different colored targets at 300 yards, the Sightron also appeared to show slightly better resolution than the Leupold and therefore better ability to locate individual bullet holes in the paper.”
Field Testing at the Allegheny Sniper Challenge (ASC)
In any competition riflescope, precise, repeatable tracking is absolutely vital. When you crank-in elevation and/or windage you want the reticle to move the exact value you dialed. Then you want the scope to repeat exactly when you return to the original zero. To test the Sightron’s tracking, Jason did more than a simple range test. He tested the scope’s tracking in the “real world”, during a two-day tactical comp.
Jason reports: “The 6-24 was thrown into action right away at the Allegheny Sniper Challenge (ASC) in Seneca Rocks, WV in August 2008. This was a team match that I shot with my father. ASC entails interesting weather, and even more interesting shots. In a matter of two days, over 100 shots are expended and a scope’s adjustments are REALLY put to the test. Maintaining zero is very important, because there are no sighters to check your zero. Shots range from less than 100 yards to nearly 1200 yards, and in the end, everyone has clicked their scope up-and-down 40 times or more. This means 40+ up/down repetitions on the elevation knob. This is as tough a test of a scope’s tracking ability as you’ll find.”
Great Tracking Ability, Excellent Value
So how did the Sightron’s tracking rate? The new Sightron 6-24×50 returned from ASC with the EXACT same 100-yard zero as when it started. This scope maintained its zero as well or better than any other scope out there, including those costing $3000.00+. The scope’s great elevation range was also much appreciated. Jason reports: “With 100+ MOA of elevation available and a 20 MOA base on the rifle, I had enough ‘up’ to shoot all the way out to 1200 yards with no problem.”
In Jason’s opinion this scope will be very hard if not impossible to beat in its price range in many aspects. The new Sightron 6-24 certainly rivals the overall optical quality of the Sightron 8-32×56, and that’s saying a lot. But since it is a Mildot scope there is another level of scrutiny needed. This scope is not a purpose-built tactical scope, but it represents a good base on which to build if Sightron offers enhancements in the future. If a shooter wishes only to use the mil-dots for holdover, he will be well served, but a Front Focal Plane (FFP) reticle would be more useful for serious tactical work. An illuminated reticle would also be welcome, and Jason would like to see a different reticle design with half-mil markings.
Also, some tactical shooters would prefer to have mil-based click values, rather than 1/4 MOA clicks. In raising these points, we need to stress that the $800.00 Sightron 6-24x50mm Mildot is affordable and works well as a general-purpose scope with reticle marks that allow hold-overs. This scope was not designed to compete with a $2700.00 Schmidt & Bender PMII. Jason explains: “I just want the serious tactical guys to understand that the Sightron won’t give you all the features of a dedicated FFP mildot optic with mil-based clicks. However, at about $800.00 average retail, the Sightron 6-24x50mm costs less than a third of what you’ll pay for high-end tactical scopes from S&B or U.S. Optics.”
When will a simple fine xhair reticule be available? bwgdog
Who makes those rings in the picture of the rifle?
Mark,
The rings are from Glen Seekins at http://www.seekinsprecision.com His stuff is great!
JB
wow $800.00 is about what the same leupold cost. As much as I despise Luepold I think I would take it over the lesser known name. Also American made.
I’ve got three of the SIII 6-24x50s – two LRDs, and one LRMD. I’d have ordered another LRMD, but they’re currently out of stock at my usual distributor. Also have the 8-32×56 LRD, and couldn’t be happier with all four of them – that is, unless Sightron would start to offer reticles with finer mil-hashmarks instead of just the mildot.
Note: I was in the market for a new scope. I looked at the SIII & Bushnell 4200. I flipped a coin to make my decision, Bush 4200 won, mistake. I looked at the 4200 Tactical 6-24×50 last year. The one I had in my hands had 3 large Turrets Knobs, with white marking on the Turrets and scope frame. Since that time, they had changed to a small side focus knob which was ok but had etched OD green numbers on the Turrets knobs and tube. When I got home and opened the box I was surprised to see the change. I called Bushnell and asked if there was a code on the box which stated what scope had OD Green or white etching or did they stop making the 4200 with white numbers/hash marks. The technician I spoke with seemed to be a little annoyed with me asking that question and directed me to go back to the store and have them open all the boxes to see if they could find one in white. In addition I asked him what was the right inch pounds 15 or 20. He replied, call the manufacturer of the rings and ask them and hungup. I called the store and told them what the Tech. told me to/wit they said return the scope for a refund. Turrets Style to me is 50% of what I look for in addition to quality. The 4200 was a 6-24-x50 30mm tube with mildot reticle which were great. The body seemed to be tuff and the overall length would be fine on my 204. But clairty seems to fall off after 22 1/2 powder, not much but noticeable, it wouldn’t pose a problem though. All in All it’s a great scope and would have probably kept it if it wasn’t for the OD Green marking and the Techs attitude. I’ve been a life time Bushnell customer, owning 30 plus Bushnell scopes. I showed the 4200 to over 20 other guys. The first thing out of their mouths was, what’s up with the OD Green numbers. I guess it’s time for change. My grandsons, Sons & myself are going to try the SIII, they had great write up’s. I’ll have to come up with about $150.00 more. The only down fall or bad thing I heard about the SIII line is the Main Body / 30mm Tube is a litte thinner and will dent easy if bumped. I have read this on the net, but again, about 70% of the stuff you read isn’t true anyhow, you need to be carefull what you read. I stick with sites like WESTERN Shooter, AccurateShooter Ext. The funny thing about all of this is, I’m 58 this march and in all the years of owning Bushnell Scopes, I never had to call them until now and they were disrespectful at that. Well it’s their loss, I myself will be scoping my 204, 22-250, 308 & 300 Win. They all tote Bushnells which I bought back in the late 70’s but will be coming off soon to be replace with SIII in addition to my Son & Grand children also needing scopes. I’m not rich by no means so I hope Sightron keeps the prices down so we poor people could afford a good quality scope. By the way, good article it made me make up my mind. I was sitting here looking at the 4200 sitting on the kitchen table thinking how much money I spent on it and not liking it due to the OD green numbers, hard to see in dim light, not good for Coyote hunting.