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Sightron SIH 4-12x40 HFT

Sightron SIH 4-12x40 HFT

When I first tested a Sightron scope a good few years back now, I was mightily impressed with the overall package. It was a combination of the robust, yet precise build quality, superior finish, and all importantly, the crystal-clear glass. That was a model from the SIII range, and on test here is a slightly lowerspec model, which is made in the Philippines, and one which the new distributors, Optics Warehouse, have just started importing. Having spoken to them at length about the range, I can certainly vouch for their enthusiasm for the product. Having now spent time with it, I can see why!

Same but different

It’s the SIH 4-12X40 HFT model under the spotlight here, and the basic run-down confirms we have variable magnification between 4 to 12x, front parallax adjustment, included lens caps, low profile turrets, and Sightron’s MOA 20 reticle on-board.

First impressions are that it doesn’t quite have the slick looks of its more expensive stable mates. That said, the ultra matt finish applied to the one-inch monotube body, does look the part, and is highly practical, being non-reflective. In any case, get past my trivial comparisons to what I’ve experienced from this manufacturer before, and concentrate on the finer detail in front of us, and this HFT model starts to seriously stack up. Pick up this scope, and it feels every inch a Sightron. It’s weighty enough to enhance a premium feel, without being overly heavy, and there is undoubtedly still an air of quality, despite the RRP being way under Sightron’ s own comparable models from the SIII range.

 

Set-up

So, let’s start at the zeroing range. The low-profile turrets are just about perfect on this type of scope, and the all-metal construction is impressive. Just unscrew the finely threaded cap, and a sturdy, super rigid, well marked ¼ MOA turret lies beneath. The clicks are wonderfully positive and reassuringly noisy, and after my zero-tracking grid test, I was happy with the integrity of the mechanics.

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Front focus on the objective bell is becoming less common these days, with the side wheel the trendy option for parallax correction. That said, unless you’re a Field Target shooter, where side adjustment from the shooting position, is a real bonus, then it becomes largely irrelevant. With this HFT model, minimum focus is officially marked up on the front objective collar, as 8-yards, which is great for airgun use. In practice, the dial turns down even lower, and it’s a handy feature if you were hunting with this scope for example, and wanted to check something at close quarters. Given that this scope is being marketed for Hunter Field Target, then any real-world scenario means that the shooter wouldn’t be allowed to adjust focus during a shoot in any case. Handy for practice though.

After 8-yards, range markings on the objective collar are 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, infinity, and they came in a couple of yards out with my eyes on test, but close enough. If this is to be used for HFT competition, then more than likely, after some fine personal evaluation, the parallax correction will be set and left on around 26-30-yards; in order to gain maximum benefit of that all-important clarity through the target distances – 8- to 45-yards. Magnification, I would guess, would be set between 7-10x, again dependent upon eyesight and personal preference. Opt for any greater magnification, and the closer targets just appear too blurred to distinguish small kill zones, and take shots confidently. Go much lower, and you’re not taking best advantage of the optics on offer. Smooth operation of the parallax correction ring is extremely impressive, given the excellent grip and perfect amount of resistance, which is all you can ask. Likewise, the magnification ring at the rear, which gets that same ultrarefined knurled area to play with.

 

Visuals

As we have come to expect from Sightron as a brand, image quality is extremely good – a clean, sharp picture edge to edge, with no aberrations and distortion, can’t fail to impress. What lies at the heart of the image here is Sightron’s MOA 20 reticle, and this is an impressive design, since it offers plenty of proportional reference/aim points, set, (all-importantly in my book) within outer German style thick posts. Whilst the centre lines are fractionally thicker than I would like, the outer posts mean it is quite difficult to lose the reticle altogether in dull conditions; in a wood for example- a problem with a few rivals on occasions.

For the record, clarity through the different target distances, as viewed without any further adjustment, HFT style, has to be among the best I’ve experienced. Oh, and those lens caps are quality too, being truly flexible, which means that they grip and stay in place, doing their important job of protecting those fabulous fully multi-coated lenses. All the usual reassuring features are on offer from Sightron, with this model waterproof, shockproof, nitrogen gas-charged, along with the manufacturer’s Lifetime Guarantee, so it’s a good deal all round.

 

Conclusion

Quite a scope then, equally at home on hunting forays, or in the highly competitive HFT competition arena. Yes, I was indeed impressed. But I’d go further, as this has to be one of the best scopes I have tested in this price bracket, and a must for any shortlist.

  • Sightron SIH 4-12x40 HFT - image {image:count}

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  • Sightron SIH 4-12x40 HFT - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Sightron SIH 4-12x40 HFT - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Sightron SIH 4-12x40 HFT - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Model: Sightron SIH 4-12X40 HFT
  • Magnification: Variable 4-12x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
  • Reticle: MOA-20 design
  • Weight: 17.3oz
  • Length: 13-inches
  • Click Adjustment: ¼ MOA @100-yards
  • Field of View: 27.4 -7.7ft@100-yards
  • Clicks per rotation: 60
  • Number of Full Rotations: on windage and elevation 6
  • Price: £250 inc. lens covers
  • Contact: Optics Warehouse, www.opticswarehouse.co.uk
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