Hey there, fellow hunters and night vision enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another deep dive into the world of hunting gear. Today, we’re zeroing in on the best scopes for the SIG 716 in 2024. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field, I can tell you that pairing this powerhouse rifle with the right scope can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating miss.
The SIG 716 is a beast of a rifle, known for its reliability and impressive firepower. But let’s face it, even the best rifle is only as good as the glass you put on top of it. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top 10 scopes that’ll help you squeeze every ounce of performance out of your SIG 716. Whether you’re a long-range precision shooter or someone who needs quick target acquisition in the thick of the woods, I’ve got you covered.
1. Nightforce BEAST F1 5-25x56mm
Kicking off our list is the Nightforce BEAST F1, and let me tell you, this scope lives up to its name. I had the chance to test this bad boy out on a recent elk hunting trip, and it blew me away.
Key Features:
– First focal plane reticle
– 5-25x magnification range
– 56mm objective lens
– ZeroStop elevation adjustment
What I love about the BEAST F1 is its versatility. The wide magnification range means you can easily switch from scanning a field at 5x to zeroing in on a target at 25x. The first focal plane reticle is a game-changer for long-range shooting, allowing for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
During my trip, I was able to spot a bull elk at nearly 800 yards and make a clean shot, thanks to the crystal-clear glass and precise adjustments. The ZeroStop feature is also a lifesaver when you need to quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments.
The only downside? It’s not exactly light on the wallet. But if you’re serious about getting the most out of your SIG 716, this scope is worth every penny.
2. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 2-10×32 FFP
Next up is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II, a scope that offers incredible value for money without skimping on features.
Key Features:
– First focal plane EBR-4 MOA reticle
– 2-10x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Illuminated reticle with 10 intensity levels
What impresses me most about this scope is how well it performs in low-light conditions. The illuminated reticle is a godsend during those crucial dawn and dusk hours when game is most active. I’ve used this scope for whitetail hunting in dense forests, and the clarity at 2x magnification made target acquisition a breeze in thick cover.
The robust construction means it can handle the recoil of the SIG 716 without losing zero, even after hundreds of rounds. And let’s not forget the lifetime warranty – always a nice peace of mind when investing in optics.
3. Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35
If you’re looking for a battle-proven optic that can take a beating, look no further than the Trijicon ACOG.
Key Features:
– Fixed 3.5x magnification
– 35mm objective lens
– Illuminated reticle (no batteries required)
– Extremely durable construction
I’ve put this scope through its paces in some pretty rough conditions, and it’s never let me down. The fixed magnification might seem limiting, but for most hunting scenarios within 300 yards, it’s more than adequate. The real star of the show is the fiber optic and tritium illuminated reticle, which provides a clear aiming point in any lighting condition without relying on batteries.
The ACOG’s legendary durability means you can confidently take your SIG 716 into the harshest environments without worrying about your optic failing. It’s not the most versatile scope on this list, but for reliability and simplicity, it’s hard to beat.
4. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm
Leupold has been a staple in the hunting world for decades, and the VX-3HD shows why they’ve stayed at the top of their game.
Key Features:
– 3.5-10x magnification
– 40mm objective lens
– CDS-ZL2 elevation dial
– Twilight Max HD Light Management System
What sets the VX-3HD apart is its incredible light-gathering capability. I’ve used this scope in the fading light of dusk and been amazed at how bright and clear the image remains. The CDS-ZL2 elevation dial is a nice touch, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly without losing your zero.
The scope’s lightweight design is a welcome feature when you’re lugging your SIG 716 through rough terrain all day. And as always with Leupold, the glass quality is top-notch, providing edge-to-edge clarity that’ll help you spot game even in challenging conditions.
5. Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm
It wouldn’t be right to talk about scopes for the SIG 716 without mentioning an offering from Sig Sauer themselves. The Tango-MSR is a versatile option that’s perfect for shooters who need flexibility.
Key Features:
– 1-6x magnification
– 24mm objective lens
– Illuminated reticle
– Includes throw lever and flip-back lens covers
What I appreciate about the Tango-MSR is its true 1x magnification at the low end, which allows for both-eyes-open shooting at close range. This is invaluable in situations where you need to quickly engage targets at varying distances. The included throw lever makes it easy to quickly adjust magnification on the fly.
The illuminated reticle is bright and clear, even in broad daylight. And the fact that it comes with flip-back lens covers and a mount right out of the box makes it an excellent value proposition.
6. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24
Another fantastic option from Vortex, the Strike Eagle offers a wide magnification range in a compact package.
Key Features:
– 1-8x magnification
– 24mm objective lens
– Illuminated BDC3 reticle
– Includes throw lever
The Strike Eagle has become one of my go-to scopes for 3-gun competitions with my SIG 716. The 1-8x range gives you the flexibility to engage targets from point-blank out to several hundred yards. The illuminated BDC3 reticle is intuitive to use and provides holdover points for shooting at different distances.
What really stands out is the edge-to-edge clarity of the glass. Even at 8x magnification, the image remains sharp and clear. The included throw lever is a nice touch, making it easy to quickly adjust magnification in the heat of competition.
7. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP
Primary Arms has been making waves in the optics world with their high-quality, affordable scopes, and the SLx 1-6x24mm FFP is no exception.
Key Features:
– 1-6x magnification
– First focal plane ACSS Raptor reticle
– 24mm objective lens
– Partial red illumination
What sets this scope apart is the ACSS Raptor reticle. It’s designed to provide quick range estimation, moving target leads, and wind holds all in one package. I’ve found it to be incredibly intuitive to use, even under pressure.
The first focal plane design means the reticle scales with the magnification, allowing for consistent holdovers at any power setting. While the glass quality might not quite match some of the higher-end options on this list, it’s more than adequate for most shooting situations and represents excellent value for money.
8. Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30x56mm
For those looking to really stretch the legs of their SIG 716, the Athlon Ares ETR is a fantastic option.
Key Features:
– 4.5-30x magnification
– 56mm objective lens
– First focal plane reticle
– ED glass
I had the chance to use this scope during a prairie dog hunt, and I was impressed by its performance at extreme ranges. The high magnification range allows you to clearly see targets at distances where most scopes would struggle.
The ED glass provides excellent color fidelity and contrast, which can be crucial when trying to spot small targets at long range. The first focal plane reticle is a must-have for long-range shooting, and the zero stop feature makes it easy to return to your zero after making elevation adjustments.
9. Burris XTR III 5-30x56mm
Another excellent option for long-range shooters, the Burris XTR III offers premium features at a competitive price point.
Key Features:
– 5-30x magnification
– 56mm objective lens
– Zero Click Stop adjustment system
– High-grade optical glass
What impresses me most about the XTR III is the clarity of the glass. Even at 30x magnification, the image remains sharp and clear. The Zero Click Stop system is intuitive to use and allows for quick, precise adjustments.
The scope’s robust construction means it can handle the recoil of the SIG 716 without issue, even during extended shooting sessions. While it might be overkill for some hunting situations, for those who want to push their rifle to its limits, the XTR III is a fantastic choice.
10. Monstrum Banshee ED 1-10×24 LPVO
Rounding out our list is the Monstrum Banshee ED, a scope that offers a lot of features at a budget-friendly price point.
Key Features:
– 1-10x magnification
– 24mm objective lens
– Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass
– Illuminated reticle with 5 brightness levels
Don’t let the lower price fool you – the Banshee ED is a capable scope that can hold its own against more expensive options. The ED glass provides excellent clarity and color fidelity, while the wide magnification range makes it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios.
I’ve found the illuminated reticle to be bright and clear, even in challenging lighting conditions. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end scopes, for shooters on a budget who still want quality glass, the Banshee ED is well worth considering.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – my top 10 picks for the best scopes to pair with your SIG 716 in 2024. Whether you’re a long-range precision shooter, a competitive 3-gunner, or a hunter who needs versatility in the field, there’s a scope on this list that’ll meet your needs.
Remember, the best scope for you will depend on your specific shooting needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality glass – it can make all the difference in your shooting experience.
Have you tried any of these scopes with your SIG 716? Or do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And as always, if you have any questions about these scopes or need advice on choosing the right one for you, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy shooting, and I’ll see you out in the field!