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The Sightron SII series of scopes is also built on a 1-inch tube and utilizes slightly better-quality glass with a 4 level coating (versus the 3 levels found on the SIH Hunter and SIH Field Target series). The SII scope series also offers slightly better eye relief compared to the SIH models and features a more expanded offering of magnification ranges that go up to 6X24 variable and a 36X fixed.
For the longest time, the SII series was the most popular series for Sightron (most likely due to it’s lower price point), but that slowly began to change with the introduction of the SII Big Sky series. At one point in time, the Sightron SII series consisted of 16 models, but Sightron started reducing the SII scope line a bit over the years. In the SII series, any scope with a power magnification of 10X or up utilizes an adjustable objective.
And one thing that I really like about this line, is the fact that, depending on the model and power range, the adjustable objective on these models will focus down as low as 12 yards. In my experience, you don’t see a scope line in this price range offer that level of focus adjustability.
Like the SIH series, the SII models are also produced in the Philippines by the parent company. The 36X fixed power SII is quite popular as an entry level scope for benchrest or silhouette shooting as it offers the necessary clarity at the high 36X power and features an affordable price point in comparison with other 36X models.
The SII series offering currently features the following models:
- 3X9X42 (offered in 2 different reticles)
- 4X16X42 (3 different reticles)
- 4.5X14X50
- 6X24X42 (comes in 3 different reticles)
- 36X42 (fixed power)
The SII is an excellent option if you are shopping for above-average glass with good features at reasonable prices. I’ve had 3 different SII scope models in different power ranges, and I’ve been pleased with all 3.
Here are some common questions that I’ve seen asked about the Sightron SII scope models:
How would you rate the glass quality and clarity on the SII models?
It’s important to have realistic expectations of scope glass as you typically get what you pay for (at least, to a point). Now, while the glass on the SII models is definitely better than the glass on the SIH series, it’s still somewhat of an entry level type scope offering. Now, I will say that when you move up from the basic SII glass to the glass used on the SII Big Sky scope models, there is a very noticeable difference in better glass clarity and quality.
Do you have any personal experience with this scope line?
Yes. Like I mentioned above, I’ve owned a few of the standard SII line of scopes including one of the SII 6.5-20X42 models with a duplex reticle, one of the SII 4.5-14X50 models with a duplex, and a 4-16X42 model with a duplex reticle. I still have the 6.5-20X42 model mounted on a .22, and the 4-14X42 MD model, but I sold the 4.5-14X50 model as part of a rifle/scope package. Come to think of it, the images on this page are my SII 6.5-20X42 scope mounted on one of my CZ 452 .22 rifles.
Now, that being said, I personally much prefer the SII Big Sky scope series over the standard SII scope models as the glass is significantly better (IMHO). Unfortunately, Sightron opted to discontinue the SII Big Sky series of scopes.
Anything you don’t like with the SII line of scopes?
If I had to pick something that I didn’t really like about the SII series it would be just a few very small things:
- The adjustable objective configuration – The adjustable objective (which I’m going to shorten to AO) on most of the SII models is located on the ocular bell of the scope and will focus down (depending on the model) to a range between 12-15 yards. Now, I’m a huge fan of that level of focus as I’ve always thought not focusing down far enough (say sub 25 yards) was a major shortcoming on higher powered scopes.
- My minor issue involves the way that Sightron has the AO configured. In order to drop the AO down below the 25-yard mark, you have to rotate the AO adjustment one full revolution around past the 25-yard mark. It’s a minor thing but annoys the crap out of me as it seems like a waste of motion and time.
- Sightron includes a set of flip-up scope covers in the box with almost all the SII models. While I certainly appreciate the gesture, I’ve found these scope covers to be the cheapest, most flimsy flip-up scope covers that I’ve ever seen. The ones on my SII models barely made it past 2 months or so before the spring that powers the flip-up functionality broke like a dry twig. And this has happened on literally, every set that I’ve received from Sightron. Again, I appreciate the gesture, but once the spring breaks and they no longer “flip-up”, they are nearly worthless.
UPDATE – According to the 2019 and 2020 Sightron catalog, the SII scope series has been renamed the SII Competition series, and the number of scope models has been reduced down to only 1 model, which is their fixed 36X42 model with a dot reticle. All the other SII scope models appear to have been phased out.
However, there are still a few of the new in box discontinued SII scope models available in the market, and here are a few that I could find:
Here are a few other Sightron SII scope models that I could find that are a mix of used and pre-owned models:
I’ve been working in the firearms and sporting optics industry for over 20 years, with a personal and professional interest in all things related to rifle scopes, Through a combination of work experience, formal training, and personal experiences, I have extensive experience mounting, testing, and evaluating different rifle scope models across most major optical brands.