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> Sightron Siii Question
Sightron Siii Question
@ 12:48 am (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoFellows:It seems that for those of you who shoot long range, the Sightron scope is giving great performance. Do any of you shoot any of the lower power scopes on your regular rifles, with the big scope used exclusively for your long range rifles? Just curious how you set it up? Nathan has a good photo of his 7 mm Practical with the Sightron scope mounted. It's a big sucker. Curious if any of you use that big scope for your regular rifles, or a smaller version still in Sightron. Thanks, Lane |
Replies
@ 02:04 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sightron Siii QuestionHi lane, my own experiences are colored by the needs of testing, however this has created interesting results. Where most folk might fit a 3-9x40 power optic, due to the need to test cartridges right across the velocity spectrum and with pin point accuracy, I tend to use high zoom Sightron optics.This situation has killed off a lot of arguments for me, such as "is 6 power low enough for close range"? Size and bulk are also put to the wayside. Over time, what seems like a bog scope to others, has become normal for both Steph and I. As another example, I completed my .358 research a very long time ago. But as many of you know, during my note editing / uploading phase, I like to hunt with the bore diameter I am editing so that everything is fresh. In this instance, we have over the last months, kept a .358 Norma close at hand. If either of us head out, the Norma has been ready to go. This rifle has a 6.5-20 power optic fitted, a scope I have been using for many years now, in close and out long. So its all moot to Steph and I now. Sightron currently make several good SIII series scopes with new models like the S-TAC now on the market. My advice from the books still stands though. If you are unsure, the basic SIII 6-24x50 LRMD is the go. If you find that you don't like it (very rare), you will always find a rifle to fit it too. Its simply an outstanding scope that you will seldom find second hand. The mil dot on this model is heavy and being a second focal plane, it remains heavy- ideal for aging eyes and or low light. many of you may have read expert sniper reports about first focal plane. Be utterly clear that 99.9 of these reports lack a fundamental understanding of just what can go wrong with FFP and most information is based on theory. The independent nature of my research allows me to stay very much ahead of the game with regards to this subject. So put all of this out of your minds. Lane, I have used the 3.5-10 LRMD to 700 yards. It sits well on any hunting rifle. You could use it further if need be, but more zoom is ideal. I often have to shoot much further to push a rifle and cartridge to its limits, so if possible, I now stick with 6-24. The SIII series is very clear and can be used at 6x in close. I spend a lot of time behind these optics, sometimes recording performance at 5 minute intervals at dusk to test limits. There was a time when I stocked and sold Sightron on this site, but then another retailer in NZ bought big and I could not compete. I was a bit annoyed at the time but then realized that this would allow me to remain independent. If there is something I don't agree with, it allows me to say something. I also send reports to Sightron and they listen to what I have to say and are respectful of my field time. They study the videos I post, just as you guys do along with private footage and are constantly checking to see what and how improvements can be made. Regarding your needs Lane, if we take your .25-06 as an example, I would not hesitate to fit a 6-24. Why? because I have used the .25's at long ranges and I know what can go wrong. For example, high zoom allows me to study grasses / ferns and gain a deeper insight into exact winds. This is doubly important with the .25's because they can produce both stellar and abysmal performance at long ranges. You cannot unfortunately achieve this level of detail at 10 power. However, final decisions need to based on exactly how you intend to use your rifle or any future builds. I am glad you asked about this Lane. I have put a lot of effort into studying optics and the Sightron brand. It is a pleasure to be able to pass on this information to somebody who appreciates it. |
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@ 02:11 am (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoRe: Sightron Siii QuestionThanks Nathan! That's great information. I have noticed that the eyes appreciate great optics a bit more than they did when I was in my '20's. Have a good one. |
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@ 02:11 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sightron Siii QuestionFYI, I know this does not answer your low power question and is of no help to the dedicated bush hunter, but I am sure that after your last hunt, the info is relevant.Also keep in mind, I have a sun shade fitted to my Practical scope which makes the optic appear extremely long. These days I prefer the sun shade just to keep rubbish off the objective, including rain. |
@ 03:08 am (GMT) |
Andrew MurrayRe: Sightron Siii QuestionI'm glad you asked Lane, and thank you also Nathan as I'm prepping to buy and set up my rifle. All this information is great. |
@ 02:11 pm (GMT) |
Bryan WebsterRe: Sightron Siii QuestionQuote from Nathan's postMany of you may have read expert sniper reports about first focal plane. Be utterly clear that 99.9 of these reports lack a fundamental understanding of just what can go wrong with FFP and most information is based on theory. End Quote One of the reasons I do not do FFP is how tiny the reticle becomes at low power settings, however many people around here will argue in its favour. Perhaps you could list your points agains FFP here for us Nathan? As to FFP and ranging advantages, those who argue using that as a support point are missing the real point...use a good range finder for long shots or do not shoot at game! If you must you can also set the Sightron to high power and range with it anyway...or just use their chart of sub tensions at any power (like I have time for that...) |
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@ 07:05 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sightron Siii QuestionYou pretty much nailed it Bryan.If you have to dial down to 6x because of failing light, you cannot shoot long due to that same failing light. When light is poor, we find ourselves confined to 300 yards, then 200, then 100 etc, until we can no longer see. The point I would like to make, is that if you do not know how to shoot your cartridge to 300 yards, then you have not memorized the very basics of its trajectory. There should be no need to use reticle hash marks or dials or charts or an iphone balls up. The load should be ingrained in the shooter / sniper's (or is that youtube sniper's) mind, out to 300 yards. I believe one of the true goals of FFP, is to overcome mistakes. This I can understand, a situation where the operator is under high nervous arousal / pressure and may have his scope set to mid zoom but is unaware of this or has no time to make changes. FFP can be useful in such high pressure shooting situations. About the only exception would be if using subsonic loads which produce far more drop. FFP certainly has some merit, but there is also a great deal of bull surrounding this subject. |
@ 08:57 pm (GMT) |
Martin TaylorRe: Sightron Siii QuestionI can wade into this one a bit as we shoot with a Sightron SII at bush ranges (over hounds & stalking) and LR with SIII.With our Sambar deer hound hunting/stalking quick site picture is critical, you just don't have time to stuff around. Its a big animal going past in tight bush and if the power is to high on your scope all you will see is bits of brown making good shot placement extremely hard. My son uses a SII 3-12 mil dot in this role & maintains the ability to take longer shoots if presented. The optical clarity of this model is well below the SIII becoming quite fish-eyed on the edges though it has performed flawlessly for 3 years fitted to a 308 & now 06. Eye relief is excellent. As a direct comparison the Leupold VXR 3-9 on my main rifle has better clarity & they both site as fast as each other. Haven't compared low light between them, l expect mine may come out on top with the 30mm tube..........wouldn't be much in it though if any. I do prefer the VXR out of the 2. I stalk into LR shooting areas with my SIII 6-24 and picking out an animal in tight bush with any sort of speed is more difficult and not my preferred setup. The S-Tacs weren't around when l set that rig up and would like to have a go with one in the bush, looking at them in the shop just doesn't cut it l reckon! |
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@ 12:13 am (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoRe: Sightron Siii QuestionQuote: FYI, I know this does not answer your low power question and is of no help to the dedicated bush hunter, but I am sure that after your last hunt, the info is relevant.
Also keep in mind, I have a sun shade fitted to my Practical scope which makes the optic appear extremely long. These days I prefer the sun shade just to keep rubbish off the objective, including rain. It is very relevant. I've come to realize that if a fellow has the skill at shooting, there isn't anything wrong with saving the aging knees a few hundred yards of crawling. I may put it on my 338-06 if I get serious about long range hunting because with the Rocky Mountain bullets and the SST's I can stretch it out to some serious distance. Lots of work to do before that point. |
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