|
|
|
Discussion Forums
Forum Index
> Optics
> Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)
@ 08:42 pm (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinDear 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
|
@ 03:49 pm (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Gentlemen, just had time to pick up the equipment - pics attached. Now to the range to make it happen, will report back!Saludos. 
|
@ 07:48 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Looking good Ricardo!I don't know if Peter B from Denmark is following these forums lately but if you are Peter, note how this rifle has double gas escape ports at the receiver (see holes in side of action, both sides). This going on from my thoughts on the Mauser K98, which could have at least one drilled into it on the right hand side (standard rifle has none). Here we see venting taken to a more extreme level. Ricardo, the SF ammo will go over 3000fps. In an unbraked rifle of this configuration, it may be hard to control. Take your time at the range, plenty of time to relax, get your breathing right, then focus on form. Am not going to relay any book details here suffice to say, you will need to follow instructions to the letter but at the same time, not feel tense / performance anxiety (I wrote a progress post- now I have to do well) when shooting. Try to relax your whole body for a few minutes, all muscles, then move into the set up and isolated muscle work. Your brain and body will wire to this automatically as time passes, enabling faster field shots. This rifle may perform better (less human error) with slow heavy hand loaded cruise missiles, eg 208gr @ 2700fps. Will just have to see how it plays out. If you have any trouble with control, fire me an email or call me on our land line, NZ day hours. |
@ 06:33 am (GMT) |
Thomas KitchenRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)looks nice ricardo im looking forwards to hearing your opinion on the scope as im thinking of getting one myself.these scopes are only just little bit lighter then the 6-24 LR by about an ouce so should help a little with adding weight to your rifle |
|
@ 05:14 pm (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)NF thank you for the instructions and the availability! I have a couple of blue box Federal 180gr Hot-Cor's, will start with those. It's almost impossible to self load in Mexico, most gunsmiths do handload but at various qualities and, double gas ports aside, don't want to find out the hard way....Do you recommend the Precision Hunter 200 grainers over the SF SST's for a rig like this?? Saludos! |
|
@ 07:01 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Hi Riccardo. Blue box will be good to get you started. Not a good hunting bullet for your needs, but good for practice.The Hornady Precision hunter 200gr ELD-X will be good if you can get it. They have loaded around the normal sweet spot. Recoil will still be fairly stout. A slight down load would have suited your needs quite well with no noticeable change in performance at your intended ranges. The SF load runs at slightly higher pressures and a bit more recoil. The only way we will know for sure (as to how the rifle behaves), is when you test it. Felt recoil is not my main concern, try to put that out of your mind. The main concern here is accuracy, especially if you get into a situation as Lane did a couple of days ago when he had to shoot fairly quickly and from a less than ideal position. We need to make sure you are comfortable with whatever load you choose and can achieve repeatable results once you leave the range and go hunting. One day at a time. |
@ 03:38 am (GMT) |
Bryan WebsterRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)I have been waiting to see your report on this scope Ricardo. Hope that it turned out well for you. |
@ 09:14 am (GMT) |
Andrew MurrayRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Hey while we are at it, What is the difference between the SI, SII, SII Big SKy, SIII and the other series?I can tell that the price goes up with each series. My budget will only really allow me into the SII range at the moment... but if I wait I could go for an SIII but that's probably another 6months or so. Are the SII and SII Big Sky decent? Obviously there are some benefits with the SIII but are they worth the price jump? |
|
@ 07:34 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Hi Andrew, the SI and II series are budget models. The parts come from Japan and are assembled in the Philippines (used to be assembled in Japan) in the same manner as Burris and Vortex assemble (though all Vortex is Philippine).The SII Big sky is my preferred base / budget model. Optical clarity is noticeably higher. Thats the key factor. If you want to shoot long, you do not want eye strain. This is not a passing comment, please pay close attention to this, even if it shatters dreams of a non Big Sky half price unit. My favorite models within this line include the BS SII 4-16 x 42 MD (1/8 clicks) and the 6.5-20 x 50 (1/4 clicks). Of the latter, we have three. The SII series also has controlled tracking within the turrets (Exactrack). I have busted many scopes over the years, simply because they lacked a fixed travel mechanism. The 'premium' Euro brands can also suffer from wandering zero when LR shooting, losing their marbles when dialed up which allows their opposing spring to 'let go' of control over the reticle. The Shooting book explains more. The SIII, S-Tac and SV are the highest quality with stouter 30mm bodies. Assembly is Japanese with absolute precision. These are robust, locked tracking and large audiable clicks (SII has very small and fine clicks). I cannot rate these highly enough and have put mine through hell over the years. The sightrons (SII up) MOA adjustments are true to their clicks, something you have to be careful of when buying. Fixes for other brands are given in the shooting book. |
|
@ 09:47 pm (GMT) |
Andrew MurrayRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)So much help as always. I'll be keeping my eye out for the better series. |
|
@ 04:57 am (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Guys, apologies for not coming back with info. Went to an "improvised" range since recently we moved locations within Mexico. I wasn't steady or comfortable enough but the STAC is a dandy! Balanced the .300 very well, and felt better than the NF NXS as well.Will come back soon with more. Cheers. |
|
@ 04:50 pm (GMT) |
Bryan WebsterRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Thanks Ricardo, I am looking forward to your thoughts and experience with that scope. |
|
@ 04:29 am (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Gentlemen! This silent time was not an intentional creation of suspense....The STAC is a piece of work, tracks perfectly and it's not your typical "long-range optic" as defined in the book series, it's more of a beefed up sporter, an equivalent of the #4 contour barrel, if you may...Spent the afternoon at the range, and these words from Nathan came back to haunt me: "Ricardo, the SF ammo will go over 3000fps. In an unbraked rifle of this configuration, it may be hard to control. Take your time at the range, plenty of time to relax, get your breathing right, then focus on form. Am not going to relay any book details here suffice to say, you will need to follow instructions to the letter but at the same time, not feel tense / performance anxiety (I wrote a progress post- now I have to do well) when shooting. Try to relax your whole body for a few minutes, all muscles, then move into the set up and isolated muscle work. Your brain and body will wire to this automatically as time passes, enabling faster field shots." My session was an exercise in experience , humility and patience (i.e. shitty) - 2.5" @ 100yds kind of patience. These are the tools I have and I'll try to make good use of it, but in all honesty I miss my .270 bad (I know, no weeping allowed). Will go back to it next week and report to the group. Also, trying to get a hold of some 208's to handload at lower speeds... Saludos!! |
@ 03:49 am (GMT) |
Hamish GibbsRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Hi Ricardo thanks for posting this info, have been having a very long hard look at this model stac myself but there's not alot out there on them as yet. What's yours or anyone's for that matter opinions on a scope of this power for a light carry rifle for bush to 600, perhaps 800 max if conditions are perfect and I'm feeling confident that my skills are up to it(later on)? Please keep us posted on further thoughts of this scope. |
|
@ 09:39 pm (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Hey Guys, that Dakota Arms .300 received an offer it couldn't refuse, and will shortly leave my roster of rifles...I'll have to think hard about where to place the STAC next... |
|
@ 02:14 am (GMT) |
Ricardo LaborinRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Voila!!! Honestly, I couldn't control the big .300 in the midweight package, my ego took an ELD-M to the lungs, but so be it....It now sits atop the .270 with strong results.Saludos from Mexico. 
|
@ 09:41 pm (GMT) |
Mark WhitakerRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Ricardo,Gidday from Australia, I too am interested in the stac 3-16 for my 7mm-08 Any update would be appreciated Regards Mark |
|
@ 04:27 pm (GMT) |
Andrew MurrayRe: Sigthron Debate (S-TAC3-16xMOA vs. SIII6-24xLRMD)Here is a view from my Sightron SIII 6-24x50 LRMD/CM. I'm really impressed with it. The photo does not do it justice but the point is still made.Photo was taken through a fly screen mind you, plus it was on a camera phone, not a DSLR. On the horizontal plane you will see there a high tension transmission tower behind the mildot left of centre. I have also attached a screen shot from google earth to show the distance. Nearly 22km away (Roughly 17 miles). Very clear and tidy through a fly screen and mirage, not that I could ever shoot that far. 
|
Please wait
ABOUT USWe are a small, family run business, based out of Taranaki, New Zealand, who specialize in cartridge research and testing, and rifle accurizing.
|
KNOWLEDGEBASE |
KNOWLEDGEBASE |