In this blog post, I will provide a review of the Sightron SIII 10-50×60 long-range riflescope, which comes in four different configurations.
The user has the option to select either tactical or target turrets for the scope. Additionally, there are three reticles to choose from, and the adjustments can be made with either 1/4 or 1/8 MOA per click. The scope can also be ordered with or without the zero-stop function.
About the Sightron company
Sightron is an established company that has been in existence for nearly 30 years since its foundation in 1993. The company is based in North Carolina, United States, and still operates from its original headquarters.
Sightron’s parent company, Kenko Tokina, has been manufacturing optics since 1957 and is based in Japan. Sightron itself has two production facilities, one in Japan and one in the Philippines. In the Philippines, midrange and entry-level rifle scopes are produced, while in Japan, only premium products are made.
It’s important to note that all of their products are made in-house, with no manufacturing taking place outside of the company.
The SIII series of riflescopes
The Sightron brand offers high-quality riflescopes at a reasonable price, and the SIII series is their second most expensive line. This series includes both target and benchrest scopes, and despite the higher price point, they provide excellent value due to their advanced features and quality.
Riflescopes in the SIII series:
- Sightron SIIISS Competition 45×45 ED
- Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR
- Sightron SIII 10-50×60 FT
- Sightron SIII 3.5-10×44 LR
- Sightron SIII 6-24×50 LR
- Sightron SIII 8-32×56 LR
- Sightron SIII 36X45 ED
Physical properties
The Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR has a magnification range from 10x to 50x and a 60mm objective lens. The image remains fairly bright even in suboptimal conditions due to the 60mm objective lens. At high magnification, some rifle scopes tend to become dark, but with a bigger lens, the difference is noticeable.
The scope is mostly made of metal, with a small rubberized part on the ocular. It is shockproof and can handle strong recoiling calibers. It is also nitrogen purged, waterproof, and can be used in very cold environments without fogging up. Additionally, the scope is sealed, so it won’t let water in during rain.
The scope may have a long length of 430 millimeters, but it is surprisingly lightweight at only 853 grams. This makes it an ideal choice for F-class target rifle shooting, where there are weight restrictions. To determine the height of the scope mount, you must be aware of the objective’s outer diameter, which measures 69 millimeters.
European-style eyepiece
The scope is equipped with a European-style eyepiece that has a smooth yet slightly stiff adjustment, which in my opinion is ideal as it doesn’t require frequent adjustments. The magnification ring allows for a 180-degree turn from the highest to the lowest magnification.
Reticle
The target riflescope typically has the reticle placed in the second focal plane. It offers adjustments in either 1/4 MOA or 1/8 MOA depending on the type of reticle. In total, there are three different reticles that you can choose from:
- MOA-2
- Dot
- Fine Crosshair
It is common for a target riflescope to lack reticle illumination, and this scope is no exception.
Parallax adjustment
The scope has an adjustable parallax that can be found on the right-side turret. The parallax can be adjusted from 13 yards or 12 meters up to infinity. It takes nearly an entire rotation to adjust the parallax from the smallest to the largest level. This is great because it allows you to fine-tune the parallax to your target, which is particularly useful for long-range shooting where precise adjustments are necessary.
I find the parallax wheel to be smooth and slightly stiff, but this actually makes it easier to use.
Tactical model
The Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR is available with either tactical or target turrets. The tactical version has uncapped tactical turrets, enabling direct adjustment of elevation and windage. Additionally, the tactical version can be ordered with a zero-stop function.
Elevation turret on the tactical model
The tactical turrets have clicks of 1/4 MOA that provide positive and tactile feedback. The elevation turret can travel 10 MOA in one revolution and its total elevation range is 50 MOA. This elevation range should be sufficient if you’re using a .308 for shooting at distances between 600-700 meters.
If you plan to use the scope over longer distances or with a caliber that has a higher bullet drop, I recommend using a scope mount with inclination. A scope mount with 10, 15, or even 20 MOA of inclination would be ideal. Using the scope without inclination and normal rings will provide around 25 MOA of travel through the scope.
Turn indicator on the tactical model
Beneath the turret, there are sleek white lines that serve as a turn indicator. They are easily noticeable from the shooter’s point of view, and I believe that this is an excellent solution.
Resetting the tactical elevation turret to zero
Resetting the elevation turret to zero is a simple process that can be done in the shooting range. After making your adjustments, unscrew the upper screw on the top of the turret while holding the turret in place. The turret will then rotate freely. Rotate the turret until the zero is facing forward, then hold it in place and tighten the screw. Your turret is now set to zero. I find this solution straightforward and am pleased with it.
This riflescope follows the counterclockwise rotation convention, which is commonly used among non-European models. The turret allows for a maximum of five revolutions and is of the multi-turn type.
Windage turret on the tactical model
Resetting the windage turret to zero is identical to resetting the elevation turret. The windage turret features 5 MOA per travel in both directions, and it can revolve multiple times. It can make up to five complete revolutions, allowing for a maximum windage adjustment of 50 MOA.
Tactical model reticle
Please note that the tactical model can only be purchased with the MOA-2 reticle. This reticle features MOA marks inside it, however, it is important to note that these marks are only accurate at 24 times magnification due to the reticle being in the second focal plane. At this magnification, the MOA-2 reticle can be used for bullet drop compensation, distance calculation, and impact correction.
Target model
The Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR is offered with capped-target turrets as well. However, the target version doesn’t come with a zero-stop feature.
If you opt for the target version of the SIII 10-50×60 LR riflescope, all other features will remain unchanged. The only variation between the tactical and target models lies in their turrets.
Elevation turret on the target model
The target turrets under the caps are different from the tactical turrets. They offer more precise adjustments and produce softer clicking sounds. Additionally, they allow for adjustments of 1/8 MOA per click.
In my opinion, the clicks are pleasant. They produce a clear sound and have a tactile feel, so each individual click is easily noticeable.
Resetting the target elevation turret to zero
Resetting the elevation turret to zero on the target model is a straightforward process. First, unscrew the three screws holding the turret in place. Then, rotate the turret until the zero is facing forwards. Finally, bthe screws back in place to complete the process.
Windage turret on the target model
The windage turret is similar to the elevation turret, with clear and distinct clicks. The total windage adjustment range is 50 MOA. The turret is numbered from one to nine, providing 10 MOA of travel in a single rotation. This means that the windage turret, similar to the elevation turret, is also of a multi-turn type.
I find it inconvenient that the windage turret only has numbers that go in one direction. To adjust it in the opposite direction, you need to count the clicks. However, this is usually not an issue for target shooting.
Target model reticle
You can choose between a Fine Crosshair or Dot reticle for the target model.
The Sightron Dot reticle is perfect for target shooting as it features a fine crosshair with an extra fine dot in the center. The smaller dot is specifically designed for use with higher power. This reticle works well for short-range .22 rimfire competition, mid-range centerfire competition, and even long-range 1000-yard competition.
The Fine Crosshair reticle is a popular choice for target shooting at both short and long ranges. It features thin horizontal and vertical lines intersecting at the optical center. It is known for having the smallest aiming point among all reticles.
Optical performance
As I mentioned before, the Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR is a fantastic scope that is reasonably priced. It’s the ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a riflescope. Sightron riflescopes are well-known for their reliable tracking, and there’s no shift even when making the highest elevation or windage adjustments.
At 10 times magnification, the field of view is 3.2 meters at a distance of 100 meters. At the maximum magnification of 50 times, the field of view is 0.73 meters at a distance of 100 meters.
The scope has a forgiving eye relief that ranges from 96.5 to 114 millimeters depending on the magnification. This means that you can move your head around and still get a clear image. The eye box is also really good, so you won’t get any black shades in the image even when you move left or right behind the scope. While the optical quality may not be as good on the highest magnifications, it is still quite good overall.
I think that the image resolution and color accuracy are excellent. Moreover, the optical performance is comparable to that of more expensive riflescopes available in the market.
Mounting solution
To mount the SIII 10-50×60 LR scope to your rifle, you will require scope mount rings with a diameter of 30 millimeters, which matches that of the main tube on the scope.
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Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR price and warranty
In my opinion, the most interesting aspect of this riflescope is its price point of around 1,700 euros. This is a reasonable price for such a high-quality riflescope. Additionally, there is a version of the scope available with the zero-stop function for an extra 25 euros.
The SIII is a high-end product made entirely in Japan by Sightron. Sightron riflescopes come with a 10-year warranty, and only a small number of customers have needed repairs. Returns for reclamation are very uncommon.
Scope of delivery
What is included in the box along with the scope?
The scope comes with flip-up covers for both the objective and ocular lenses, a cleaning cloth, an instruction manual containing all necessary information about the scope and a zeroing tool. Additionally, there is an extra sheet of paper that provides information about the reticle, which varies depending on which one you choose.
Pros
To start with the positive aspects of the scope, its price is justified by its impressive build and optical quality. Both the tactical and target models have good tactile clicks, and the zeroing process is quick and straightforward. Overall, I am very pleased with this scope.
The SIII 10-50×60 LR scope’s tactical model can be ordered with a zero-stop function, which I appreciate. The zero stop is positioned at the bottom of the turret and can be screwed up onto it. While it has a simple design, it is highly effective.
The parallax adjustment is great because it covers a large range, allowing for precise adjustments when targeting objects from farther distances. Furthermore, as I have previously stated, the price-to-performance ratio is excellent.
Pros summary:
- great build and optical quality
- good clicks
- great tracking
- the tactical model can be ordered with zero-stop
- great parallax adjustment
- excellent price-to-performance ratio
Cons
Which areas require improvement? Currently, if you select a tactical-style turret, you are limited to 1/4 MOA clicks and cannot opt for finer clicks. My suggestion is to upgrade the tactical turret to also include 1/8 MOA clicks.
In my opinion, the scope could be improved by having a MIL version available as it would be helpful to have clicks in 0.05 MIL.
Finally, let’s consider the elevation range. If you plan to use the scope for shooting at long distances, it’s necessary to buy a mount with inclination. The maximum shooting range is around 800 meters or maybe 900 with high-quality bullets with good ballistic coefficients and great velocity, given the 50 MOA of travel.
Cons summary:
- tactical model doesn’t have 1/8 MOA clicks
- no MIL version is available
- only 50 MOA of travel
Sightron SIII 10-50×60 vs. Delta Optical Stryker HD 5-50×56
In this price range, the Delta Optical Stryker HD 5-50×56 is the only riflescope that can compete with Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR. In my opinion, the Delta has superior turrets and also comes with an illuminated MIL version. However, it is significantly heavier which may not be suitable for F-class target shooting because its weight might exceed the limits allowed for F-class shooting. The weight difference between the Delta and SIII is around 250-300 grams. Additionally, the Delta is slightly pricier for approximately 50 euros.
Final thoughts
In my opinion, the Sightron SIII 10-50×60 LR scope is ideal for F class, and precision shooting, and is reasonably priced. It has a robust build quality with good tactile clicks. The zero stop function on the tactical model is a great addition while the parallax adjustment allows you to target objects from farther distances accurately. However, it would be nice to have 1/8 MOA clicks on the tactical turret or MIL version of the scope available.
The Sightron is a great choice if you don’t want to spend more on a rifle scope. There are very few scopes in its price range that can match its quality, with Delta Optical being one of the only competitors. Overall, it’s a fantastic scope.
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