Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Scope Review by James Mock
Sightron 10X-50x60mm Riflescope Field Test
Review by James Mock
Mr. Allen Orr of Sightron was kind enough to loan me one of their fine SIII riflescopes for testing. Since I shoot 600-yard score matches more than anything else, I requested the 10-50x60mm model with MOA-2 reticle. This is a premium scope in every way and it may be the very best buy for a long range scope today. Real world price for this scope is around $950-$1000 ($977.61 on Amazon.com). This represents a good value considering the scope’s build quality and features: 50X max magnification, 1/4-MOA adjustments with 10 MOA per revolution, ExactTrack windage and elevation system, Zack-7 lens coating, 60mm objective lens, target knobs with zero stop, and lifetime warranty. The MOA-2 reticle’s hash marks span 2 MOA at 24X and 1 MOA at 48X. Eye Relief is ample: 4.5″ at 10X and 3.8″ at 50X. Field of view at 100 yards is 9.6′ at 10X, 2.2′ at 50X.
NOTE: Sightron also offers this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks with a Fine Cross-Hair Reticle, Target Dot Reticle, and Mil-Dot Reticle. There are also multiple Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm models with illuminated reticles.
Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Shows Excellent Repeatability
After receiving the scope, I mounted it on my BAT 6mm Dasher and did my “standard tests”. I shot the “square” and the adjustments were spot on and the repeatability was faultless. I also shot a group at two powers (24X and 50X) and the point of impact was the same.
In our August 600-yard match, I used the scope and was favorably impressed. I did not have the opportunity to shoot 600 yards prior to the match but I do have a 100-meter range at my house. From past experience, after zeroing my Dasher at 100 I simply dial up 11 MOA to shoot at 600 yards. The weather in Louisiana has been something that I have never seen before and the August 20th match was moved to August 27th, but there was still standing water in front of the targets. Also, the fog was so heavy that the start of the match was delayed for 45 minutes.
Sightron Nails a 50 Score on First-ever Match Target
When the match started, the Sightron with 11 MOA dialed in was perfect for elevation and a little right. After a couple of clicks I was ready to shoot. My first target was a pleasant surprise — scoring a 50-1X. I was very impressed with this scope and I shot it at 48X all day in the heavy mirage. I ended up finishing third, two points behind the winner.
With its 60mm objective lens, this is a large scope. It is 16.9″ long and weighs 30.1 ounces. If you can tolerate that weight in the discipline you shoot this scope represents a great value for the long-range shooter. I am favorably impressed with it. For you varmint shooters, this scope with its wide range of power would make a superb addition to you favorite prairie dog rig. Do note, as we explained above, there are other versions of this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks if that is your preference.
Good shooting — James Mock
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Tags: 10-50x60mm, Competition Scope, James Mock, MOA-2 Reticle, Sightron
I have same scope with fine x hair. It is very good, not quite as clear as a NF, but great for tracking. Only negative is the side focus knob turns very hard. I have heard other folks make the same comment.
I have used the S-III’s for a variety of different comps. Primarily the 8-32 and the 10-50. Great buys for the money.
Thanks for the review
Side focus very hard,you cannot use thumb and fore finger you have to make a fist.The side focus has a fine tolerance and the side focus is so hard that you have to move back and forth a few times to just focus, you may have to use a large wheel as the Hawke scope.10 power crisp not to clear at the top end and as noted difficult to focus. The scope is okay but the NF do not have the above issues.
Editor: I’ve used a “sample” 1/8-MOA version of this scope. I did not observe the side focus control issue this reader described. Could be it loosens with use or could be a production tolerance. Personally, I’d rather have the control pretty tight because I use my 10-50 at 3 known distances only — 100, 200 and 600 yards. I like to set and forget.
The side focus do not loosen with use. Most are tight, few are what they should be. I have had over a dozen of the sightron III scopes and most have a very hard side focus to adjust. If you send it back they will correct/ loosen it up for you.
I thought I was the only one who thought that the side focus knob on the SIII 10X50 scope being tight. I can’t turn mine without using two hands. I was hoping that it would loosen up with time and use, but it never really did. It’s my only real complaint on this scope.
I love my Sightron III SS 10-24×50. I contacted them about the difficult to turn side focus and without hesitation, they asked me to send it to them.
In eight days my scope was back! NOTE: I did not use or request preferential shipping or treatment.
I am thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of their scope. I am even more impressed with their amazing service.