Rifle Scopes Sightron SIII vs NIghtforce

[jkg]

I know there have been many discussions about glass quality of these two, but I am asking about repeated tracking with turrets.

I am up in the air between 12-42NXS or Sightron 10-50. both are one piece main tube, 30mm, high mag scopes. I am mostly doing target shooting. I dont think I can afford an FFP in high mag now (not ready to commit to $3000 for a scope). The sightron is at least $400 cheaper than nightforce, and has resettable turrets (not zero stop). Does anyone have any opinions? I love my NF 8-32 NXS. Are the turrets for elevation as accurate on the sightron? i can move the knobs and get a good return to zero on the nightforce consistently.

 

[jkg]

If anyone has any suggestions for a high mag scope (above 30 but variable power) that is in this price/quality range, please let me know.

I am drooling over some of the March, Schmidt, and IOR scopes, but they are all over $3000, and I cant yet justify that to myself.

tell me how much i would love one of those scopes, and maybe I will just do it and not tell the spouse. This hobby is like boating - there is always something better and more expensive that we convince ourselves we need - but really it is just fun (at least for me).

 

[jkg]

and any idea why IOR valdada has a 9-36 model scope that is so much less expensive than their other models? it is not FFP, but looks very nice

sorry for so many questions.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Just got my new Sightron 8-32. I have a NF 8-32{2200} and a 12-42,{1200,used} and a few Nikons. I'll let ya know how the sightron does[ $836, from Long range.] .BTWay I got my NF 12-42, here, for $1200, on the sale board. Look around.Schmidt and Bender: when I hit the lottery!AND, I'm "hearing Ya. I own a boat! This is more fun!

 

[BCP]

The sightron Siii I have seems to track exceptionally well and the clarity is great for the price. I wouldn't hesitate to get one for a BR rifle.

That said if NF is what you really want...save up and get NF.

 

[BobD]

Glad to hear your Sightron came in. Hope it serves you well.

I have the 8-32x56 SIII as well and have been very happy with it. I'd recommend without reservations.

Glass- very good clarity and natural color
Tracking- spot on
Turrets- positive and audible
LRMOA-2 reticle- simple, unobstructive and easy to use
Their FCH model is very thin i f that's of interest to you

*unless sightron has changed design recently, I'm pretty sure their 10-50x60 is actually a two piece design. I've never heard any issues regarding it. Its their best selling model.

Also, they opened a custom shop this year. Swap turrets, change parallax setting etc... They are continuing to make progress in their product line... started offering FFP and almost all models have turrets matching the reticle. Good company in my book



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[jkg]

*unless sightron has changed design recently, I'm pretty sure their 10-50x60 is actually a two piece design. I've never heard any issues regarding it. Its their best selling model.



According to their website, the SIII is one piece main tube. Unless they are giving us some kind of half truth. So the scope sounds as good as a night force at a bit more than half the cost... I really like my nightforce, but the resettable turrets, slightly increased elevation range, and reduced cost seem to make the sIII 12-50 a "no brainer" compared to the outgoing NXS 12-42. the NF NXS 8-32 has zero stop, but even more money...

 

[BobD]

The 30mm mounting area is one piece. Look where it begins to widen for the objective end. Theyre not shady, however their website has never been properly updated. Eg. Pictures of a scope with different turrets than the description. I assume its just an IT issue, or the lack of IT. Bushnell has had the same problem with their site and they're a much larger company.If you have questions about their products

I'd recommend giving them a call, they're very helpful and will clear things up. It's a good idea anyway, they have 8 different reticles in that magnification... Some illuminated, different turret configurations... Speaking with them will help make sure you get everything you're looking for

 

[Deerhunter 28]

I have the Signtron and it is a great scope.
No problems what so ever with it.
However,I had a problem with my Signtron binos and they "Signtron" would not make it good.
With that happening I will use Nightforce or Luppy"s for now on.
Just my $.02 worth.


PSE EVO 60 Lbs.
Blacked out

 

[motobie]

For those who likes Sightron SIII but also want zero stop, you can make your own zero stop for the SIII. I have done this. I simply bought nylon washers/cylinders that fit the elevation tube then then grind the nylon to the make a washer/shim of the proper height for my zero for my particular load. Then remove the elevation turret and put the washer/shim under the turret. Viola zero stop. I have been using this for a while now. It works great and does no damage to the tracking system.

 

[slm9s]

I have a couple SIII 10-50s and NXS and BR 12-42. I compared the ability to discern bullet holes at a 600 yard benchrest match side by side and the NF at 42 was slightly better, but it was close.

I've never had a tracking problem with either brand, but I run a NXS 8-32 on my tactical comp gun.

 

[motobie]

Here is a picture of the zero stop I made for the SIII with target turret. It works very well. I have different "washers" or zero stops for different loads devs or different rifles.
Being just plain white nylons, I can mark them any way I want. I used to put a drop of nail polish under the zero stop to hold it so it wouldn't twist around. It's not necessary because it doesn't move so I don't do that anymore. I hope this help.

As far as the quality of the optics, I have some reservations. At 20X or above, any dark or black object would have this blue or purple shade instead of "black" as it should be. This also happens to white edges as in target paper edges. It's worse at 32 magnification.

I have sent my scope in for service. It still has the same problem. Sightron says the scope is fine; its optics are fine. It is definitely NOT fine. It strains my eyes. I am talking to a manager at Sightron about it. He says it might be the coating they use on the optics; the coating is blue. I thought being blue the coating filters or reflects the incoming blue light so I should see less blue light in the scope. It doesn't make sense to me. Anyone here has this problem? Anyone notices this blue on black hue in the image in your SIII?

 

[BobD]

Here is a picture of the zero stop I made for the SIII with target turret. It works very well. I have different "washers" or zero stops for different loads devs or different rifles.
Being just plain white nylons, I can mark them any way I want. I used to put a drop of nail polish under the zero stop to hold it so it wouldn't twist around. It's not necessary because it doesn't move so I don't do that anymore. I hope this help.

As far as the quality of the optics, I have some reservations. At 20X or above, any dark or black object would have this blue or purple shade instead of "black" as it should be. This also happens to white edges as in target paper edges. It's worse at 32 magnification.

I have sent my scope in for service. It still has the same problem. Sightron says the scope is fine; its optics are fine. It is definitely NOT fine. It strains my eyes. I am talking to a manager at Sightron about it. He says it might be the coating they use on the optics; the coating is blue. I thought being blue the coating filters or reflects the incoming blue light so I should see less blue light in the scope. It doesn't make sense to me. Anyone here has this problem? Anyone notices this blue on black hue in the image in your SIII?

I have the same scope and I think I know what you're referring to...
Aside from minimal abberations that can be seen against a bright white target there is distortion on higher magnifications if your head is not center and/or you're straining. Bright light on the target makes it worse.

Try taking a look at the same power removed from the gun or altering you head position. I think it can be deceiving because on low-medium power as the eye box is pretty forgiving. You can get a pretty decent sight picture without being properly aligned. Have to make sure cheek piece is correct height throughout the scopes mag range. If the image is straining your eye to look at I'm almost certain its positioning...I've encountered it even with correct height set when not using enough pressure on my cheekweld. 24-32x makes for a small sweet spot but it should be nice looking when you there. Its even more crucial if you've dialed a lot of elevation.

Hope that helps-

- Nice idea with the zero stop


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[lonely_wolf]

My first scope was a Sightron SIII. I upgraded to a Nightforce NXS. I honestly found the Sightron's glass distinguished colors better and was maybe brighter too. The Sightron had great turrets and was reliable. That being said, I could see what I needed to see just as well with the NF. The NF was also clearly built better and simply felt more solid. The fit and finish of the Sightron was rough.

When in the woods or at the range I was 'careful' with the Sightron. Not so with the Nightforce.

 

[FN in MT]

I've got a lone Sightron III a 6-24X my only bitch is that the adjustment knob for focus, on the left of the tube,.......... is way too hard to turn.

I have probably turned it back and forth through it's range 100 or more times, trying to wear it in. No dice. Other than that minor issue. it's been a good scope.

 

[BobD]

I've got a lone Sightron III a 6-24X my only bitch is that the adjustment knob for focus, on the left of the tube,.......... is way too hard to turn.

I have probably turned it back and forth through it's range 100 or more times, trying to wear it in. No dice. Other than that minor issue. it's been a good scope.

I agree. When I first got mine I called and spoke with CS about the parallax. They said it was done on purpose to prevent lash and accidental movement. It should loosen up over time... A lot of time.

I've actually thought about putting a small switch or cat tail on it. At the very least maybe some tape for additional purchase area

If it really bothers you Sightron will loosen it up. I figured if they intended it that way I would keep it. But something to speed things up would be nice.

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[motobie]

BobD, thanks for the info. I was suspecting this when I looked at some scopes in local stores yesterday. I looked at the latest scopes from Bushnell tactical line. They didn't have this issue with my Sightron SIII. I tried to line my eyes behind the scope and it seemed to lessen the blue shade on black. I think you're right.

 

[FN in MT]

Here is a picture of the zero stop I made for the SIII with target turret. It works very well. I have different "washers" or zero stops for different loads devs or different rifles.
Being just plain white nylons, I can mark them any way I want. I used to put a drop of nail polish under the zero stop to hold it so it wouldn't twist around. It's not necessary because it doesn't move so I don't do that anymore. I hope this help.

Just wanted to mention that I took your idea of a "washer zero stop" and it works perfectly. I know my ACE Hardware probably has suitable nylon washers but a 90+ mile round trip to down didn't appeal.
So I found some 1" PVC water pipe. I ended up with a piece .160" thick, but did have to sand about .030" from the ID to allow it to fit over the turret body. Works perfectly!

Thanks Motobie!

 

[motobie]

I'm glad that works for out for you, FN. I think Sightron can easily modify its scopes to add zero stops. If Sightron threads the elevation tube/stanchion, then use two thin nuts to lock themselves under the elevation dial. Sightron may have to cut the elevation dial shorter to accommodate thicker lock nuts. Anyway it seems a very simple solution that would work really well. What I don't get is why companies don't use these cheap but effective solutions. I think other scopes can have this kind of zero stop are SWFA scopes. Anyway with a little work you can have zero stops on your scopes.

 

[RugerSlinger]

I had 2 Sightrons and both we very clear and tracked as well as my NF.

I don't use my guns the way some people use theirs and one day my AR fell off my bed with the Sightron on it and the retical turned inside of the tube, So that one had to go back. I don't think that it should have from falling off a 2 foot bed onto a padded and carpeted floor. Then My other one was leaning against the safe with another gun and they both decided to fall over. The one with the NF had a couple of scuffs on the body of the scope and when I took it out it held zero but the Sightron had shifted 10moa to the left! I couldn't believe it when I took them to the range. I sent both scopes back to Sightron and they fixed them at no charge, took about 5 weeks to get them back. I sold one and the other is still on one of my rifles. While I know it isn't a tough scope it works great for light range work.

Just keep this is mind if it is a field rifle, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one for a bench gun or a light duty rifle.

 

[tacsniper0888]

Motobie, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get your nylon washers and how did you measure to find out how thick they needed to be? Also how did you "machine" them down to the proper height and keep them concentric? I have been debating between the vortex viper pst and the sightron S3 and been wanting the S3 for the better glass but the pst for the zerostop. Now it's a no-brainer!

 

[motobie]

Motobie, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get your nylon washers and how did you measure to find out how thick they needed to be? Also how did you "machine" them down to the proper height and keep them concentric? I have been debating between the vortex viper pst and the sightron S3 and been wanting the S3 for the better glass but the pst for the zerostop. Now it's a no-brainer!

I use a caliper to measure. I still have the box. It says it is from V2 Supplly. I had to buy them in bulk, 50 pieces. Just PM me your address. I will mail you three pieces.

I use a hand saw to cut them down and then use a twist-lock sanding pad in a 1/4" drill to sand it down to fit. So once piece can be made in to three or four stops easily. Take a bit of patience sanding and check to see how it fits.

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[groundhogbuster]

NF

 

[tacsniper0888]

Hey man. Thanks. Fixing to send PM now!

 

[leadbullet]

I have had a SIII 8-32 fine reticule for a hair over three years, been to many F class match at different location with dif yardage, the scope always repeated from day one till now, haven't shot matches in 2 years but this rig almost always comes with me to the hills and made hits up to 1150 yds. I have bought another SIII since and very happy with it too.
The dif in cost with a Nightforce is worth a lot of reloaded ammo.
Hope this helps

 

[lennyo3034]

I have a 6-24X50 SIII and a 3-15 F1. Sightron has better edge to edge clarity, but they are very close at the center on 15X. When turned to higher magnification the SIII obviously wins.

 

[tacsniper0888]

Thanks guys. Y'all are great! I had "heard" sightron before. Seen a couple on eBay and here and there but never paid them any mind cuz all I've ever heard anybody shoot is mainly nightforce, S&B, luepold, or vortex and while the vortex viper series is probably the best scope on the market for $600 with its features for another $400 I can get a sightron S3 which is, as everyone here has told me, equal to a nightforce for $800 less! I'm glad I found the real scoop out on these sightron's before I bought a vortex or broke down and spent money on a nightforce I could definitely use for something else like finishing my .338 Edge custom build! I do however have a question about the S3. I try to "baby" my gear but occasionally bumps and bruises happen when "using" things! I am TOTALLY sold on the sightron cuz it has twice better glass more elevation and windage travel and I can make my own zerostop, however, how rugged is this scope in all honesty?! It will be on a general purpose rifle which means it will go anywhere from the bench at the range to the fields and woods deer hunting with me and probably ride in the passenger seat of my truck muzzle down in the floorboard. Currently I'm toting my 700 5R in .308 around like that and it has a millet LRS on it and it is nowhere near the quality of the S3 I presume and I have had no issues with it holding zero. The S3 is actually intended to replace it until my custom rig is finished when it will in turn go on the big gun and I will purchase another S3 6-24 in FFP w/illuminated reticle for the .308. Again, in all honesty, how rugged would you guys rate the S3 scopes? Mainly the 8-32/56 and 6-24/50 FFP w/illuminated reticle( if it makes a difference between models)??? Thanks guys.

 

[selfbowhunter]

i think until you get into some of the real tanks, the sightron SIII is as robust as any scope less expensive than a nightforce. that's the only area i thought the nighforce excelled was in "ruggedness". i never did plan on using them for hammers so i have been TOTALLY satisfied with the sightron. going to Africa this summer and a sightron sIII will be on my rifle. i guess i have a little faith in them!

chuck

 

[tacsniper0888]

Thanks chuck and good luck on your upcoming safari!!! All I needed to know. I'm not going to use mine as a hammer either nor will it be in a combat zone where ruggedness could mean coming home or coming home in a box! Accidents do happen but I more than believe I will be totally happy with my new S3 not to mention a big upgrade over the millet!

 

[GentleBen]

I own an SIII 6-24x50 on my JP-15 (.223 AR) and it does well in the 14x to 20x range, has really good clarity and a very nice reticle. However, the stiff focus knob is indeed annoying and the weakest aspect of the Sightron is the unforgiving eye-box at higher magnifications. You really have to have a perfect cheek weld to not get a lot of movement in the sight picture, if that makes sense. I'll keep the SIII on my JP-15 for 100-200 yard work, but I'm going with the 5.5-22 NXS for my long-range 6.5 Creedmoor, just trying to decide between 50mm and 56mm occular.

 

[xphunter]

I have two Sightron S-III's in 8-32 and four S-III 6-24's Good scopes for the money. I compete with both 8-32's and one of the 6-24's.

 

[CSTactical]

Nightforce all the way!!! I see Nightforce on Military rifles and on tactical competition rifles I have not seen Sightron. I'm sure Sightron make a very good scope but I recommend Nightforce. If you would like a Nightforce or a Sightron we can be of help.


I used a Nightforce 3-15x50mm in this match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxMlOyt0wOY

Mike @ CSTACTICAL