Vortex Viper HS vs. Sightron SII....or maybe Sightron SIII?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
177   0   1
Location
Ontario
Hey guys~question for you, especially if you have experience with all three. I'm considering a scope upgrade from my Vortex Viper HS to a Sightron. Unlike some Vortex threads on here, the Viper HS has served me extremely well on my .223, and I'd be content keeping it there. However, the eyes aren't getting better with time...so my recent experience with an SIII suggested that it might be a good idea to consider the options.

I'd be inclined to beat a bath right TO the SIII, but I actually own an SI on my 22 and think it's an absolute steal for the money. I'm wondering if an SII would be an improvement over the Vortex..or whether or not I should even bother with it.

On a related note, does anyone here know what level of glass (SII/SIII) is in the STAC series of Sightron scopes?

Thanks for taking a moment to reply.
 
SVSS on par with most every high dollar high mag scope on the market outside the TT's

SIIB and SIII are similar glass but the larger tube makes the SIII much nicer overall. SIIB are pretty much being discontinued so options are less and I prefer the optical view through a 30mm tube.

STAC new gen are just behind these. For the money, the 3-15 and 4-20 are home runs... think VXIII

SII is behind these

SIH a schnick behind these

If the budget will allow, go directly to the SIII's and enjoy your shooting experience.

Jerry
 
Siii are excellent scopes - I think the 8-32x56 is the pick of the litter for clarity but, having said that, I actually own more of the 10-50x60 as I find the extra magnification awesome for the kind of shooting I do.
 
Mystic Precision said:
SVSS on par with most every high dollar high mag scope on the market outside the TT's

SIIB and SIII are similar glass but the larger tube makes the SIII much nicer overall. SIIB are pretty much being discontinued so options are less and I prefer the optical view through a 30mm tube.

STAC new gen are just behind these. For the money, the 3-15 and 4-20 are home runs... think VXIII

SII is behind these

SIH a schnick behind these

If the budget will allow, go directly to the SIII's and enjoy your shooting experience.

Jerry
Click to expand...

What Jerry said above. I have multiple Vortex and purchased an SIII from Jerry last year in the 8-32x for long range. Great optics. Since then, I added the STAC 4-20 and its my go to optic from 100-600m. Amazing price/quality value. The only complaint I'd have regarding the STAC is that the finish is not very durable and will mark up very easily. The mechanics/optics continue to work well and have held up to several outdoor, run and gun matches in the rain.. I see no need to spend twice as much. If you don't need mil then Sightrons will serve you well at a much lower price.
 
Thanks for the input everyone~greatly appreciated. I should have stressed up front~this scope is for varmint hunting only, and while I'm a big guy able to lug around a big scope..my current Viper HS is a 4-16x and that's about all the magnification I need. I'm not super-familiar with the Sightron line, but at a glance..it looks like a 20x top end and a 50mm obj. is what I can expect. It will seldom be used in low-light conditions, but agreed...some merit in focussing on the SIII and the 30mm tube.

Back to the SII for a second...can anyone comment on whether or not it's any better than a Vortex Viper HS? It's glass quality/clarity I'm thinking of...
 
.22LRGUY said:
Back to the SII for a second...can anyone comment on whether or not it's any better than a Vortex Viper HS? It's glass quality/clarity I'm thinking of...
Click to expand...

I've owned both the Vortex HS and the Sightron II bigsky. The sightron gave a much clearer sight picture esp. at longer ranges and was much brighter than the HS as well. I currently own 3 sightron IIIs and they are a big step up form Vortex and Sightron II big sky.
 
Go for the SIII. I have had experience with Vortex and Sightron. out of 3 Vortex's 1 had to go back a few times to get fixed. None of my Sightron's ever needed warranty work.

Clarity is awesome, very low chromatic distortion, tracking is spot on. For the $ spent they are great value.

Nothing wrong with Vortex, but their QC is not up to par. And a lifetime warranty is great, but when I need my rifle, and I am waiting 3 weeks, it is VERY inconvenient.
 
r204 said:
I've owned both the Vortex HS and the Sightron II bigsky. The sightron gave a much clearer sight picture esp. at longer ranges and was much brighter than the HS as well. I currently own 3 sightron IIIs and they are a big step up form Vortex and Sightron II big sky.
Click to expand...

I compared a Viper HS to an SII Bigsky at 300 yds and the resolution was better for the SII Bigsky. I sold my Vortex for Sightrons, however I hunt in low light sometimes and needed a thicker reticle. Now I have one Sightron SII Bigsky on a ML, and I've gine back to another manufacturer for my hunting rifles.
 
I own 3 Sightrons but no Vortex for comparison. I love the SIII 8-32 clarity, but find it big and bulky even for a benchrest rifle, I can't imagine it would be practical on a hunting rifle. My SII 6-24 gives up a little in clarity but is a much more manageable size and weight, especically for a hunting rifle. I think an SIIB (Big Sky) would be ideal, but they seem to be scare as Jerry mentioned.
 
I have a nice Sightron SIIB (Big Sky) in 24x but if I had the money I would be looking at getting the STAC series 4-20x or trading for one. one thing I did notice the STAC scope body is on the short side
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom