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Forum Index > Optics > Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)

Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)

15 May 2016
@ 08:42 pm (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Dear All,

Further stoking the fire, I've read all things Sightron in the forum and in the book series, the last book STRONGLY endorsing the brand.

Hunting rig and style:
- Dakota M97 .300 Win Mag
- Max range: 500 yds (550 tops), but close shots also likely (mostly predators)
- A lot of walking and climbing

I topped this rifle with a NF NXS 3-15x50 MOAR (pic attached) but just didn't do it for me, it was too heavy and the scope bell to big, I'm used to 40mm's and 44mm's. The exposed turrets gave me anxiety and I was always checking and re-checking with every kiss from a tree branch. The SIII6-24xLRMD looks great but it's also a very long scope (and high at 50mm) and my hunting does not need that magnification range.

Perusing the Bryan Webster's post I came across the S-TAC 3-16xMOA and immediately identified a lot of features that could work for me (I'm in bad for a LR scope), including generous eye relief. Is this scope the same quality as SIII? Tracking, returning to zero, etc? Do you all recommend??

Your advice greatly appreciated.

Saludos from Mexico!

Ricardo.




Replies

16 May 2016
@ 04:50 am (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
DEFINATELY take note of the price on these latest ones. The fellow I bought my Sightron STAC from has a short review of this scope online, but then he is the retailer. I do know however that he has yet to sell a Sightron that was faulty and he stated many times that they all track reliably if you need to dial in your shots. THese ones may be too new to find objective reviews on just yet perhaps, but I got mine two years ago now and it has not let me down. It is larger and that was the reason I pointed out these latest ones as they apparently track properly, are sturdy, shorter and lighter in weight. The one with the MOA-3 reticle is the one I prefer. One interesting note is that he says the glass is extremely good.

His link is here:
http://mysticprecision.com/2016/04/2016-sightron-stac-4-20x50-and-3-16x42-performancevalue-out-of-the-park/
16 May 2016
@ 08:30 am (GMT)

Thomas Kitchen

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
i have been having the same debate.
my plan was to put a 6-24 LR on my 308 norma mag.
i do a lot of bush stalking so i was worried the 6-24x50 wouldn't be ideal.
then some body mentioned the new s tacs.
i have a big sky 4-16 on my 270 its a good scope but i do wonder if more field of view would be handy for bush stalking.
i did think of putting the 3-16 s tac on the 270 and putting the bigsky on the norma mag.

think i finally decided ill put a 4-20 stac on the 308 norma mag and leave the big sky on the 270.
most of the newer s tacs are out of stock at the moment and on back order, hopefully they bring them out in mildot by the time they come available here
16 May 2016
@ 09:42 am (GMT)

Mike Davis

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Thomas...personally from this bush hobbits point of view...6x is too much for a bush scope..the ONLY and I mean only single 6x that would even come close was a kahles and then only because of extreme clarity and big thick x hairs...nothing more frustrating than trying to pick up an animal up close with too much power in scope....I learnt this really early on when failing to dial back down after checking out something in distance...9x and animal under 50 yards and you see brown hair......
once upon a time fixed power scopes came in 2-3 or 4 power and were just the ducks nuts for deer stalking both in bush and OK for the 3-400 yard tops which was a good shot back then.
up close you CANT beat low magnification and field of view, there is no getting around that.if animal is moving it becomes even more important.
16 May 2016
@ 10:31 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
1x for up close and cuddly! It's the only way to go. The Slll 1-7 x 24 IRMOA is probably a good choice.

Item Number: 25002
Sku Number: 793139-250025
Model Name: SIII1-7X24IRMOA
Magnification: 7x
Object Diameter: 24mm
Eye Relief: 3.9-4.8
Reticle Type: MOA-4
Click Value: 1/4 MOA
Fov: 91.9-13.0
Length: 12.2
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Windage Elevation Travel: 100
Weight: 20.0
Finish: Matte Black
Minutes Per Revolution: 18
Knob Type: Hunting
Sunshade Included: N/A
Lens Cover Included: Yes
Adjustment Objective: No
Exit Pupil: 3.42
Minimum Focus: 10 Yards
Waterproof: Yes
Windage Elevation Knobs: Finger Adjustable (Resettable)
Adjustable Objective: No (Parallax 100 Yards)
Fully Multi Coated: Yes (Zact-7 TM 7-Layer)
16 May 2016
@ 11:01 am (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Hi Ricardo
I have a 3.5-15x50 NXS Z/stop on my 30-06 I love it, I mainly use that rifle for stalk, sit, sniper style hunting. I've never had a turret bump of zero like my Sightron did.

My little 308win has a SHV 2.5-10x42 compact on it, caped turrets, very good glass, excellent scope.
16 May 2016
@ 01:41 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Interesting points.

I did note that this new STACS have turret covers if this is your concern. They also have a focus of 9 yards out to as far as you want.
Lower power on this one is 3x with decent field of view as well.

Here are the details:

Item Number: 26012
Sku Number: 793139-260123
Model Name: S-TAC3-16x42
Magnification: 3-16X
Object Diameter (mm): 42
Fov (ft@100 Yds.): 32.3-6.1
Eye Relief (in.): 3.8-4.1
Reticle Type: Duplex (other models have the MOA-3
Click Value (@100 Yds.):: 1/4 MOA
Minutes Per Revolution: 15 MOA
W/E Travel (@100 Yds.): 70 MOA
Knob Style: Target (Resettable)
Parallax: Side Focus: 9yds to Infinity
Finish: Matte Black
Waterproof: Yes
Fully Multi Coated: Yes (Zact-7 TM 7-Layer)
Weight (oz.): 23.3
Length (in.): 12.9
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Sunshade Included: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
16 May 2016
@ 01:53 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Here are the details for the one with the MOA-3 reticle, otherwise not much difference from the above. I have used my .308 with the 2.5-17x56 out to 700 yards and it works fine. I just hope that these lower cost versions are as good. Another point is the dot on mine can be illuminated for lower light shots but these two lower cost ones cannot.


Item Number: 26013
Sku Number: 793139-260130
Model Name: S-TAC3-16x42MOA
Magnification: 3-16X
Object Diameter (mm): 42
Fov (ft@100 Yds.): 32.3-6.1
Eye Relief (in.): 3.8-4.1
Reticle Type: MOA-3
Click Value (@100 Yds.):: 1/4 MOA
Minutes Per Revolution: 15 MOA
W/E Travel (@100 Yds.): 70 MOA
Knob Style: Target (Resettable)
Parallax: Side Focus
: 9yds to Infinity
Finish: Matte Black
Waterproof: Yes
Fully Multi Coated: Yes (Zact-7 TM 7-Layer)
Weight (oz.): 23.5
Length (in.): 12.9
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Sunshade Included: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
16 May 2016
@ 02:07 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Just to show I am not a total Sightron nut, here is my favourite scope in a review done by Sniper Central. It is the Nightforce compact scope 2.5-10x42 and for Ricardo's hunting out to 550 maximum, this would be the best in my opinion, albeit more costly:

http://www.snipercentral.com/nightforce-nxs-2-5-10x42mm-compact/
16 May 2016
@ 10:59 pm (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Hi Bryan
I have the same scope but in the SHV version Love it, equally as good as my NXS scopes. It come with the best lense covers & turret covers too, you'll see the rubber lens covers in this link.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/nightforce-shv-3-10x42mm-review-tim-titus-153023/
17 May 2016
@ 02:41 am (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
They are pretty nice. For some time I was not sure about the SHV line, but recently was talking to a fellow at our local gun range and he invited me out to his farm where he has a range set up to 800 yards.

We shot pretty much all day and his shv scope was definitely up to doing some longer range shots. Good glass and tracked reliably as do any of the NF scopes I have had a chance to use also do.
17 May 2016
@ 02:39 pm (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
That NF SHV is sweet. The NXS is a piece of art but the Digilum is just too complicated, and unnecessary.

On the SHV:

- Is 3.5" of Eye Relief suitable for the .300WM
- Will the 10x suffice for 500yds max?
- How would this one compare to the above mentioned S-TAC?

Saludos!
17 May 2016
@ 03:45 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
I have always stayed away from scopes with an eye relief under 3.8 to 4 inches for hunting. For target/competition shooters it does not seem to matter a whole lot though.

Recall that even most SII Sightron 6-24x scopes have 3.5 inched eye relief at high power. Most of us do not use high powers while hunting unless it is needed for a long shot and one has time.

I really prefer the NF 2.5-10x42 Compact scope above others as a hunting scope, and have shot 300 WM as well as 300 Weatherby Mags using this scope out far with no issues. They track perfectly, and are simply one of the best.
17 May 2016
@ 09:29 pm (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Hi guys
I head shot two pigs at 530yds last trip with my 3-10x42 SHV on 10x, using the mil dots for hold over.
I prefer the SHV over the NXS for hunting as its turrets are compact & covered. I have it on a 308win had no problems with eye relief
18 May 2016
@ 02:49 am (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Another point I like to make on hunting scopes is that depending on where you are hunting, a high power at the ready can get one into a lot of trouble.

I had a wounded grizzly shot by a hunter come at me through thick stuff while I was holding a 30/06 with a 6x Leupold on her. The bear was too close to even use the scope by the time I could see her.

I hate to think of stuff like that...
22 May 2016
@ 02:47 pm (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Going back to the original Sightrons listed in the subject, what say ye? (10 to 550yds).

Saludos!
23 May 2016
@ 12:31 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Quote:
Going back to the original Sightrons listed in the subject, what say ye? (10 to 550yds).

Saludos!


As I said ! Here's a review....... SIGHTRON 1-7X24 IRMR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTWcHKNcnRw



If I didnt have my NF 1-4x24 NXS I wouldn't hesitate to get the Sightron



http://info.sightron.com/Riflescopes/S-TAC-Series/S-TAC1-7x24IRMOA/

REMEMBER The only thing worse than good advice! Is not listening to it?

Think lifetime purchase buy it to use for the rest of your life .....

23 May 2016
@ 05:01 am (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Quote:
Going back to the original Sightrons listed in the subject, what say ye? (10 to 550yds).

Saludos!


I have done well using my .308 out to 500 on ten inch steel gongs using the
NF 2.5-10x42 Compact scope on a realy calm cool day where wind was not so much an issue. A friend was using his 10x42 Bushnell as we were both shooting together. He was on a 30/06 and had no problem with the magnification of the scope. Out there or more however the 15 or 16 power might be handier.

On my 7x57 I have used a 3.5-14 x50 scope out to 500 and have taken some darned nice shots at paper with it using 162 grain A-Max out there cranked right to 14.

Check this video series out on YouTube regarding how this shooter feels about 10X scopes used out to long range. It is part of a series of videos giving people an idea how to shoot long and as always he has some decent advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRpBxLbxhAo
23 May 2016
@ 01:36 pm (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Thank you both Warwick and Bryan.

Any SIII 3.5-10x44mm users in the forum??
23 May 2016
@ 02:26 pm (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Hi Ricardo
I had one, a very nice scope, accurate turrets, but I found mine very easy to bump the turrets off zero. I had to check the turrets every time and as I needed my reading glasses to check I sold it to my Grandson & bought a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50, love it, very stiff turrets. I also have a SHV 3-10x42 its a great compact scope with turret caps.
Bob
14 Jun 2016
@ 04:00 pm (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Thank you all Gentlemen (and I do use that term loosely..jeje).

I'm gonna go with the S-TAC 3-16x (duplex) and report back, topping a Dakota M97 Alaskan Guide .300WM and TPS Weaver rings.

Saludos!!
16 Jun 2016
@ 03:20 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
It appears like the turrets on this one are covered which will help.
16 Jun 2016
@ 09:17 pm (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Cheers Ricardo. Great choice. I'm sure you'll get a lifetime of use, freezer filled with meat and memories of good clean kills .
02 Jul 2016
@ 12:14 am (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Guys, what's your opinion of outfitting the S-TAC with TPS rings instead of the Burris Signature Zee?? I have a pair of 1-inchers and they're great, but do not have the inserts.

Attached pic of the 30mm.

Saludos!!

02 Jul 2016
@ 02:43 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
I have not used the fps rigns myself, however I did read a very positive review on them at SniperCentral.com written by Mel Ewing, their main man there.
02 Jul 2016
@ 02:53 pm (GMT)

Paul Leverman

Re: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Ricardo - if you are having trouble finding inserts for the Burris rings, call their customer service number, tell them your problem, and they will send you inserts, in the mail, free of charge. You can't get better service than that.
 

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