What makes the new Sightron special? Well, for a start, it demonstrates that Sightron listen to their customers and this latest version of the popular 8-32 model incorporates all the features we asked for – like bigger turrets, finer ‘stadia’ type reticle, more adjustment and whilst you’re at it, ditch the illumination please – we don’t shoot in the dark! (OK - you can still get an illuminated reticle if you wish!)
But who are these ‘customers’? Before F Class came along, there was little need for powerful optics, let alone
zooms. After all, what long-range target shooting disciplines did we have in the UK a decade ago? Yes, the small band of Bisley-based Match Rifle shooters have always explored shooting at extreme ranges, as have the 1000 yard benchrest guys but beyond that, there was little ‘need’ for powerful scopes.
Hakko - ZOS - Sightron Triple Scope shoot-out!
By Vince Bottomley
(Main Picture) The ZOS markings are nice and neat and clear. The central turret- housing is a bit ugly...
But why 8-32? Don’t we always say “You can’t have too much magnification with a rested rifle.” Yes, true but I’ve noticed that many shooters using for example the 12-42 Nightforce, invariably seem to prefer them in the 32-36 power range. Similarly, I much preferred the 8-32 Sightron to their 10-50 model. 8-32 seems a nice compromise for a scope which will be used out to 1000 yards in daylight conditions on regular, high-contrast targets. For the record, the Hakko is actually an 8-34 but for the test, we will run it at 32 power.
John handed me the scope at one of our F Class shoots, where Aimfield Sports usually have a presence and, the very same day Foxy – that’s Brian Fox of Fox Firearms – gave me one of his latest Hakkos to try. That’s great, we can compare these two very similar scopes - even though one is substantially more expensive than the other. But, why not make it really interesting and chuck one of Fox’s cheap ‘n’ cheerful Chinese jobbies into the mix. The ZOS scopes are made by the Nantong Universal Optical Instrument Company of China and, for the money, they are remarkable and have launched many a shooter’s career. The money? Just £105!
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The ZOS 8-32 SF Let’s stay with the ZOS and have a closer look at it. It’s very similar to the other two both in size and general specification, having a 30mm body tube finished in a satin-black anodising, large, chunky exposed ‘target’ turrets, side-focus and European-style focussing for the reticle – by rotating the eyepiece.
Our ZOS weighs a substantial 31 ounces, with an overall length of 16 inches. Its large turrets are tastefully incised in fine, clear white lettering giving one-eighth MOA adjustment. Originally, the scope was branded ‘ZOS’ but, as a valued customer, Mr Fox may now have his own name on the scope and this is displayed on the eyepiece.
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