Sightron SII 36x or Weaver T36?

[Quinny]

I know that this has probably been covered 1000 times before, but I have sold off my Nightforce now, and looking for a cheaper scope that I can use mostly for benchrest out to 300m, and occasionally an F-Class match.

I am tossing up between the Sightron SII 36x and Weaver T36. I have heard great things about both scopes. My main concerns are decent optical quality and reliability. I am not expecting either of these to be up to the standard of the Nightforce, but I can no longer justify having a $2000 scope for the kind of shooting I do most (200m benchrest).

Also, if I go the Sightron route, is the SII Big Sky worth the extra cash?

[DannyS]

Hi Quinny,

I can't comment on the Sightron fixed power scope but I have 3 series 111 sightron variables, a 6-24, 8-32 and a 10-5 plus a series 11 6-24.

I'm sure you will be very satisfied if you go with a sightron.

recently a shooter challenged a shot near me, I was able to clearly see the black patch on the black aiming mark at 500 yds using the 10-50 set in the high 30s.

cheers
Danny

[johnk]

Quinny,

I have a 36X Big Sky which I use as a backup scope on all my rifles (including my match rifle tossing the 210 grainers - Geez, how did I do that typo). To date I have had no issues with it. I originally purchased an original 36x but upgraded when that one developed a tracking fault. Net chat suggests that the Big Sky is the technically superior scope of the two Sightrons.

It should be fine at a single distance. However, the Sightron only has 40MOA total adjustment, compared with 50 of the Weaver 36x.

Currently manufactured Weavers have a mixed reception. They can be variable optically, according to net reports & don't necessarily have a reliable service process in place.

Have you considered a second hand option. I have a soft spot for the Leupold 24x - mine has functioned impeccably & has great optics. You'll find them on Ebay for $400-$600, for example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leupold-BR-24x4 ... 1c29237524

John

[Quinny]

Ok SII Big Sky it is. Considering it is only an extra $150 US. I can order the SII Big Sky + Warne rings for $650 delivered from the US. Sounds good to me, for less than 1/3 the price of the Nightforce... and nearly half the price of buying the same scope locally.

The SII BS has 40MOA adjustments, but according to the Weaver website the T36 has 42MOA, so not much difference there. In any case, I have a 20MOA rail anyway.

I have heard that the Weavers have been a bit hit & miss recently, the Sightron is supposed to have better glass, and the SII BS has the lifetime warranty as well...