(Michael Anschuetz photo)
November 28, 2023
By Sam Wolfenberger
Three things jumped out at me when I first heard about Sightron’s new SVIII 5-40X 56mm ED riflescope . First, its zoom ratio is eight times (5X to 40X). That’s the highest zoom ratio I have used, and while I have heard of a couple of scopes that have a 10-times zoom ratio, I can’t imagine what using one of them is like. Second, the scope’s objective lens diameter is a whopping 56mm. Third, the scope’s main tube has a diameter of 40mm! To say this scope is unusual is putting it mildly. Obviously, it’s an extremely high-performance optic.
Designed for long-range shooting and competition—in addition to making a fine hunting scope if you don’t mind the bulk—the SVIII 5-40X 56mm ED scope features extra-low dispersion glass, an all-new zero-stop mechanism with audible and tactile positive stops, a generous adjustment range of 20 MRADs (MILs) (windage) and 40 MRADs (MILs) (elevation) graduated in 0.1-MRAD (MIL) increments, exclusive MC-777 seven-layer multi-coated lens coating, and Sightron’s illuminated FFP LRM MIL-based reticle.
I used this scope for my report on the new 6.5 PRC Franchi Momentum Elite rifle beginning on page 46, and I found it to be easy to use and very precise. The LRM reticle features a floating center dot with hash marks at 0.2 MRAD (MIL) spacing. There also are full- and half-MRAD (MIL) marks as well, and the reticle has 11 illumination settings. The dial is located on the left side, and power is provided by a standard CR2032 battery. The resettable tactical turrets provide 0.1 MRAD (MIL) adjustments at 100 meters.
The SVIII 5-40X 56mm ED scope weighs 49 ounces and is 16.8 inches long. The eye relief ranges from 3.7 to 3.8 inches. A set of 40mm Picatinny-style rings, a 3-inch-long sunshade, screw-in aluminum lens covers, an Allen adjustment wrench, a T-15 wrench for the rings, and a lens cloth are included.
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MSRP: $2,899.99
sightron.com
SVIII 5-40X 56MM ED SPECIFICATIONS MANUFACTURER: SightronMAGNIFICATION: 5X to 40XOBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 56mmTUBE DIAMETER: 40mmEYE RELIEF: 3.7 to 3.8 in.FIELD OF VIEW: 23.7 ft. (5X) to 2.9 ft. (40X) @ 100 yds.ELEVATION ADJUSTMENT RANGE: 40 MRAD (MIL)WINDAGE ADJUSTMENT RANGE: 20 MRAD (MIL)LENGTH: 16.8 in.WEIGHT: 49 oz.FINISH: Matte blackMSRP: $2,899.99