Sightron SIII 10X42 MMD

I admit to not having a lot to do with Sightron optics, but compact quality best describes this model, and first impressions are very favourable. The fixed, 10-x42 spec is ideal for my favourite pursuit of Hunter Field Target (HFT) with several other features making it ideal for this discipline. As usual, what suits HFT is nearly always relevant for live quarry; so the spec makes for a rugged hunting scope too.

Visual Clarity

Looking though the MMD made it clear that it’s a cut above the average, although at around £560, the price doesn’t seem excessive. The image quality is stunning, and certainly one of the brightest and sharpest that I have encountered in a long while. Obviously that chunky 30mm body tube plays a vital part, allowing as it does, more light through the tube, but edge to edge clarity is also spot on, with no aberration or distortion of any kind detectable.

The MMD (Modified Mil Dot) reticule combines both round dots and hash marks with the former showing the full Milradian subtension and the latter ½-Mil. The confidence of the whole set-up would possibly have me deserting my beloved Zeiss, given the ultra-clean and user-friendly layout.

The one-piece body tube adds to the integrity of the design, whilst the model name picked out in gold adds to its all-round classy feel. Turrets are old-style target-types and are neither capped nor lockable, but offer firm operation, which is a bonus. However, this must be born in mind and a visual check on position is essential as accidental movement is a consideration. Click values are ¼” at 100yds, with 60-clicks per turn and 9.5 rotations in both planes. Markings are clear and picked out in gold, along with tracking lines to keep a check on how many revolutions have been used, which is vital.

Parallax

Parallax adjustment is via the collar to the rear, much like a magnification ring, which is different… It’s marked up for 10, 20, 30, 50 then 100 yds onwards. If careful technique was applied, then approximate range-finding could be undertaken, which shouldn’t normally be possible on such a relatively low magnification. This facility means you can set an accepted mid-point if shooting HFT, such as 25 or 30yds, effectively eliminating parallax at this range at least.

Zeroing was straight forward, with the crisp adjustments playing their part. A standard check exercise of clicking up, right, down and left in equal amounts confirmed the integrity of the mechanism as the original zero was returned to exactly. Reticule-wise, that Modified Mil Dot is extremely impressive, and whilst it may not possess quite such an extensive array of aim points as some of the more complex Christmas tree designs, for most situations, it’s perfect!

Subtensions and Kill Zones

As an example of proportion; when viewed at 30yds, a 15mm target kill area fits within half a Mil-Dot, whilst a 25mm fits within the centre zone. In addition, a standard 40mm fits within any four markers. All useful, and with the sheer crispness of the reticule functionality is on the whole excellent. All that is missing is perhaps a few extreme windage dots or bars, yet the additional clutter that the eyes and brain would have to deal with, can be a heavy price to pay for a feature which is rarely used. My Zeiss has only a simple 30/30 Duplex reticule, yet experience still allows for some significant windage to be factored in as and when required, all done without the privilege of specialized windage markers.

The comparison with my Zeiss is interesting and indeed flattering, since as a benchmark for quality, this little German beauty is rarely equalled. This Sightron really is one of the best scopes of its type that I have encountered to date. Of course the price tag reflects as much, yet with excellent build quality and a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturers, it must be regarded as a sound investment.

PRICE: £560

FOR - Ideal HFT and hunting spec
AGAINST - No turret caps or locks
VERDICT - For the money one hell of a scope