A 7mm Snake for Santiago
Our friend Dennis Santiago has a reptilian rig in his arsenal. It’s actually an Eliseo R1 single-shot tubegun chambered in .284 Winchester. The eye-catching aspect of Santiago’s .284 bolt-gun is the snakeskin dip job on the exterior. This really creates a distinctive look. Dennis tells us: “It was Gary Eliseo’s idea to try a water-transfer printing finish for this rifle. There are many patterns to choose from — this is the WTP-260 Snakeskin Illusion-Fall Copper from WaterTransferPrinting.com. For a single shot LR gun, I figured something on the bright side would be interesting and pick up less heat from the sun in the summer.”
Dennis will use his new rifle in prone matches, where a single shot works fine. He says: “Underneath the hood, it’s a Rem 700 Long Action, chambered in .284 Win. Yes it’s a single shot! I don’t need anything else for a prone gun. Nothing to get in the way of building the perfect position.”
Dennis says: “Length of pull, offset and cast initially set the same as my similar RTS .308. My gun, my body dimensions.”
A FFP 6-24x50mm Sightron Rides on Top
The optic is a Sightron 6-24x50mm, FFP MOA-2. Dennis reports: “I looked at many scopes (within my determined price range), and this is the one that had the best combination of features for for this gun’s particular application. The sight line sits about 3 inches above bore line on these guns. It’s been leveled, bore-sighted and pre-dialed for a 200-yard estimated zero for the ammo I plan to use. Those are Gen II A.R.M.S. rings. Super easy to tailor to different rail widths. Same rock-steady steel performance.”
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
Need a high-magnification scope for long-range competition? Among quality scopes with 40+ power, we think the Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm scope may be the best value on the market right now. For a limited time, these scopes are available through Amazon.com for under $980.00. That’s less than half the price of a Leupold 7-42x56mm VX-6, and about 42% of the cost of a Nightforce 15-55X competition model. The Sightron is a good product with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Half the Cost of Leupold 7-42x56mm
Proceeds from Each Sale Help Support Shooter’s Forum
MOA-2 Reticle
Target Dot Reticle
Fine X-Hair Reticle
Mil-Dot Reticle
NOTE: There are a variety of reticle options and both 1/4-MOA and 1/8-MOA click versions are offered. Read the product description carefully when ordering to be sure you’ve selected your preferred reticle type and click value.
Good Deal on High-Magnification Sightron
Right now on Amazon.com the Sightron 10-50x60mm SIII Long-Range Target Scope is on sale for $994.90, with FREE shipping. This offer applies to the side-focus Target Dot and Fine Cross-Hair (FCH) models, but not the Mildot models. (However, we expect that most buyers of this scope will prefer the TargDot or FCH versions). This is a very good price — $994.90 is about forty bucks cheaper than we’ve seen it elsewhere on the web at major vendors. For example, MidwayUSA currently charges $1047.26.
If you’re looking for a very high-magnification, variable-power target scope (with 1/8 MOA clicks), the Sightron 10-50x60mm is a smart choice. There is nothing else at the $1000.00 price point that can touch it. The next step up is the 12-42×56 Nightforce Benchrest Model, but that costs $1428.00 and offers only 42X top-end magnification (vs. 50X for the Sightron). The new Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition Scope is a great product, but it costs $2231.00, more than TWICE the price of the Sightron 10-50x60mm.
Sightron is offering $75 rebates on its SII Big Sky™ line of riflescopes. To qualify, just purchase any new Sightron SII Big Sky™ from the Models listed below between August 15, 2011 and December 31, 2011. CLICK HERE to review Sightrong Rebate Terms and to print out $75.00 Rebate Coupon.
Rebate Rules and Conditions: Purchaser must submit Sightron coupon with original sales receipt, warranty card, and UPC sticker by March 31, 2012. Purchase must be made between August 15th, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Please Allow four to six weeks for processing of rebate. Remit Rebate Coupon to:
Sightron Inc.
Dept: 2011 Rebate Offer
100 Jeffrey Way, Suite A
Youngsville NC. 27596
Story Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome submissions from our readers.
Alan Orr of Sightron unveiled some impressive products at the 2011 SHOT Show. The first is a fully upgraded Sightron SIII 10-50X60mm LR scope. When first introduced in 2010, Sightron’s 10-50X scope became an immediate “hit” with AccurateShooter.com readers. The 10-50X offered seriously powerful magnification with reasonable weight — all in an affordable package. With “street price” under $1000.00, the Sightron 10-50X was much less expensive than rival “big-name” scopes with comparable magnification. As first released, Sightron’s 10-50X scope was a smart choice for F-Classers and long-range benchresters. For 2011, the 10-50X scope has been made even better, yet the price has stayed pretty much the same. That’s the kind of progress we like.
As upgraded, Sightron’s 10-50x60mm scope has new target turrets, a new reticle option (hash marks with center dot-in-circle), and dual-color, selectable illumination. At around $995.00, this scope is in a class by itself. Looking at the offerings of other scope-makers, you’d have to pay hundreds more to get a comparable 50-power riflescope with reliable tracking and good glass. Yes the Schmidt & Bender 12-50X scope is better, but the S&B costs three times as much as the Sightron. The Sightron 10-50X’s price to performance ratio makes it a very attractive choice for F-Class and long-range Benchrest.
Exclusive ‘Sneak Preview’ of New 1-7X Sightron ‘Tactical Hunter’
After showing us the updated 10-50X scope, Sightron’s Alan Orr gave us an exclusive look at Sightron’s prototype 1-7X Tactical/hunting scope. This all-new scope offers wide field of view, selectable illumination and choice of 1/3 MOA or Centimeter clicks. This versatile, illuminated riflescope can be used for everything from tactical matches to big-game safaris. We definitely expect to see this compact 1-7X illuminated optic on many multi-gun rigs in the months ahead. The “street price” for the new 1-7X is expected to be right around $950.00. Expect the first units to ship in 120 to 150 days (i.e. at the start of summer).
Many of our Forum members have reported that they have received their new Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm target scopes. These come with 1/8 MOA clicks and either a Fine Cross Hair reticle or FCH with target dot reticle. Currently the scopes do NOT include lens covers or screw-in sunshades.
In terms of optical performance, feedback so far has been very positive. Forum member Nat Lambeth recently received one of the new 10-50 Sightrons. He reports: “This scope, like the 8-32x56mm SIII, is much heavier-built than the first Sightron target scopes. It is very clear and sharp edge to edge. I shot 20, 5-shot groups with my [6BRX rifle with Savage Target action]… off a BR Rest and leather rear bag. The scope was cranked up to 50 power during my entire afternoon of shooting. The focus ring has a very short window of focus for a given distance. Otherwise clarity and light gathering was superb.”
The new scope is pretty large, measuring 16.9″ overall and weighing just under 29 ounces (without rings). Below you see the new Sightron 10-50x60mm next to a Nightforce NXS 12-42x56mm.
Some folks have been concerned about vertical clearance with the large 60mm front objective. The photo below shows the scope mounted on a Weaver-type rail with Burris Signature Zee “Extra-High” scope rings. As you can see, there is more than ample clearance. With most Weaver rails and barrel profiles you could probably go to the next lower Burris ring height — but we recommend you get the specs if you plan to use other types of rings.
The new Sightron 10-50x60mm scopes remin in stock at various vendors, but they are selling fast. MidwayUSA has them in stock today, priced at $994.99 (item 589261). Note: At this time, these scopes ship without scope caps or sunshade. Sightron hopes to have both caps and shades available by mid-summer.
Sightron has released photos and specifications of its entire 2010 scope line-up. This includes the new (and much awaited) 10-50x60mm SIII Long-range scope.
With a “street price” under $995.00, the Sightron 10-50 could become hugely popular in 600/1000-yard benchrest and F-Class shooting. The big new zoom features a jumbo 60mm objective, 30mm maintube, and 1/8 MOA clicks. Nearly 17″ long and weighing 28.9 ounces, make no mistake, this is a BIG piece of glass. If the new 10-50x60mm SIII Sightron is as good as the 8-32x50mm LR SIII we tested in 2009, this should be a fantastic scope for the money.
When will we have test results for the new 10-50? Very soon, hopefully. Sightron has promised to send the first available 10-50x60mm SIII production-model scope to AccurateShooter.com for testing and evaluation. We’ll share our findings as soon as we can put the new 10-50 through its paces in the field.
Consumer Survey on Reticle Choices
Currently the new 10-50x60mm scope is offered with two reticle options: a Fine Cross Hair (FCH) and a Fine Cross Hair with Target Dot (TD). The first shipment contains roughly an equal amount of each. However, Sightron’s product planners want to learn YOUR favored reticle choice. Consumer preference will influence the future production allocation between FCH and TD models. So, if the majority of you folks want a particular reticle, that’s what Sightron will try to provide in future shipments. Please respond to the POLL below with your reticle choice.
MidwayUSA is running a clearance sale on “factory sample” Sightron Big Sky SII 6-24x42mm riflescopes with duplex reticles. The price has been knocked down to $468.32, a $146.01 savings over the regular price!
In addition, MidwayUSA has the “factory samples” of the newer Sightron Factory SIII 3.5-10x44mm riflescopes. These feature a 30mm tube, side focus parallax adjustment, and a Mil-Dot reticle. Clearance price is $547.42, marked down from $720.29.
Here’s a very good deal if you’re looking for a quality zoom optic for a varmint rifle. Natchez Shooters Supply currently has the Sightron SII 6.5-20X42mm zoom scope on sale for just $299.99. While not the “latest or the greatest”, this is a good optic that has reliable tracking and precise front parallax/focus control. For most daylight conditions, even at 20-power, the 42mm objective will give you a nice, bright picture, though the exit pupil will be smaller than on a scope with a 50mm or larger front objective.
The Sightron SII 6.5-20×42, Natchez product SH200198, weighs just 2.11 lbs, and comes with a standard duplex reticle. Click values are 1/8-MOA. We’d prefer 1/4-MOA clicks for a varmint scope, but this does give you extra-precise adjustments. The nitrogen-filled SII scope body is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. A screw-in sunshade is included, and the scope is covered by the Sightron Lifetime Warranty.
A 7mm Snake for Santiago
Exclusive ‘Sneak Preview’ of
Many of our Forum members have reported that they have received their new 
