Affordable and Reliable — Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Comp Scope
Many of our Forum members who shoot F-Class and Long Range Benchrest have asked: “Is there a reliable high-magnification (at least 45X) zoom scope under $1100?” The answer is yes — the Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm scope will do the job, and you can buy one now for under $1000.00. In fact, at the 2017 IBS 600-yard Nationals, 4 of the Top 10 shooters (including the 2nd-place finisher) used Sightron 10-50X scopes. Though reasonably priced, this 10-50x60mm optic is definitely good enough to win long-range benchrest and F-Class matches. Here is a review by James Mock. Note James tested a version with 1/4-MOA clicks. Sightron also offers versions of this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks.
Sightron 10-50x60mm 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 $1000 ($999.97 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
[Addendum: When we first published this review, a couple readers who owned the scope had one complaint. They both said that the side parallax control (side focus), was hard to manipulate — it required a lot of effort to rotate. One fix is to attach something to provide more leverage. However, if you send the scope back, Sightron will modify the side focus to make it easier to rotate.]
Similar Posts:
- Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Scope Review by James Mock
- Affordable 10-50X — Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm REVIEW
- Sightron Releases Specs on 2010 Scope Models
- NEW Sightrons Due in Early May
- Photos and Specs for New 30mm Sightrons
Share the post "Affordable and Reliable — Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Comp Scope"
Tags: 10-50x60mm Sightron, Bargain Sightron, F-Class Scope, Sightron SIII
I purchased one with the MOA-H reticle just before Christmas from Optics Planet.. they had them down to $900 and while I was debating on whether to buy or not I get an email from them for another 11% off.. Wow, I just couldn’t pass up this fine scope for $801 shipped!! I’m looking forward to the weather warming up enough I can get to the range and try it out!
I have 9 Sightron’s 8 ar SIII and one SV.
Best value.
I also have Nightforce and Leupold
I have one of these also, and did a test at 100yds, 3 shot group up 10clicks 3 shot group up 10clicks for a total of 40 clicks. Using my eyeball to find the center I had an average of .265″ (1/4 MOA = .261) and a standard deviation of .021″ FWIW.
I know some guys at Sightron use Nightforce for some very serious competition because they need all the bells and whistles that NF has. But they will put up their top line scopes up against NF for quality, clarity etc. all day. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles that NF has or you simply can’t afford a NF you won’t be disappointed with a Sightron scope. Like Fred, I have several models myself, no complaints. I also agree with the author, they are a best buy.