As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test out numerous scopes over the years. When I first got my hands on the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x50mm riflescope, I was eager to see how it would perform in the field. After putting it through its paces, I can confidently say this scope offers excellent value for hunters and shooters looking for quality optics without breaking the bank.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Whiskey3 has a solid, well-built feel. The 1-inch tube is constructed from durable aluminum alloy, giving it a sturdy yet lightweight design. The matte black finish looks sleek and professional – this isn’t some cheap-looking scope.
The large 50mm objective lens immediately caught my eye. Compared to the more common 40mm objectives in this price range, the extra light-gathering ability of the 50mm lens is a big plus for low-light hunting scenarios.
Optical Performance
The optical quality of the Whiskey3 really impressed me, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. Sig Sauer uses low dispersion (LD) glass in the lenses, which helps minimize color fringing and provides excellent clarity and sharpness across the entire field of view.
The fully multi-coated lenses do a great job of maximizing light transmission. Even in dim early morning and late evening conditions, I found the sight picture to be bright and clear. The extra-large 50mm objective lens definitely helps in this department as well.
At 100 yards, the field of view ranges from 35 feet at 3x magnification down to 11.9 feet at 9x. This gives you a nice wide view at lower powers for scanning, while still providing enough magnification for precise shot placement at longer ranges.
Reticle and Adjustments
The Whiskey3 I tested came with Sig’s QuadPlex reticle, which is essentially a standard duplex crosshair. It’s simple and uncluttered, making for fast target acquisition. The thick outer posts draw your eye naturally to the center, while the fine crosshairs allow for precise aiming.
One thing to note is that this is a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, meaning it remains the same size as you zoom in and out. This is common for hunting scopes in this price range. Personally, I find SFP reticles work great for most hunting applications inside 300 yards.
The windage and elevation turrets provide crisp, positive clicks in 1/4 MOA increments. With 80 MOA of total adjustment range, there’s plenty of room to dial in your zero and make longer range shots. The turrets are capped to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Whiskey3 tracked and returned to zero during testing. Even after deliberately dialing large adjustments, it consistently came right back to my original zero.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Sig Sauer didn’t skimp on the weather-proofing with this scope. It’s fully sealed and nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging. The o-ring seals provide waterproof protection – I had no issues after dunking it in a stream and leaving it submerged for several minutes.
The lenses are coated with Sig’s proprietary “LensArmor” abrasion-resistant coating. This gives some added protection against scratches and scuffs that can happen in the field. After a season of hard use, my test scope still looks great.
Practical Performance
I mounted the Whiskey3 on my trusty .30-06 hunting rifle and spent a full season putting it through its paces. From early season whitetails to late season elk, this scope never let me down.
The 3-9x magnification range proved extremely versatile. At 3x, I had no issues quickly acquiring targets for close shots in thick cover. Cranking it up to 9x gave me the extra reach I needed for precise shot placement on a big bull elk at 300 yards.
Low light performance was impressive thanks to the big 50mm objective. I was able to clearly see and make ethical shots during those critical last few minutes of legal shooting light when many other scopes start to dim.
The eye relief is generous at 3.6 inches, allowing for comfortable viewing even with heavy recoiling calibers. I never experienced any issues with scope bite, even when shooting from awkward positions.
Extras and Warranty
One really cool feature Sig offers is a free custom laser-etched ballistic turret. You simply provide them with your specific rifle and load data, and they’ll send you a elevation turret calibrated for your exact setup. This takes the guesswork out of holdovers for longer range shots.
The Whiskey3 is backed by Sig Sauer’s “Infinite Guarantee.” This transferable lifetime warranty covers the scope against defects for life, no questions asked. It’s always reassuring to have that kind of support behind a product.
Final Thoughts
After extensive field testing, I can confidently recommend the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x50mm riflescope to any hunter looking for a high-quality, versatile optic that won’t break the bank. It offers optical performance and features that rival scopes costing significantly more.
The combination of clear glass, generous eye relief, and excellent low light performance make it a joy to use in the field. Add in the durable weatherproof construction and lifetime warranty, and you’ve got a scope that will serve you well for many seasons to come.
Whether you’re chasing whitetails in heavy timber or taking longer shots on open country mule deer, the Whiskey3 has the optical quality and versatility to get the job done. For the price, it’s hard to beat the value this scope offers. If you’re in the market for a do-it-all hunting scope under $300, the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x50mm should be at the top of your list.