Sig Sauer is well known in the shooting world for their finely crafted handguns, rifles and all things that goes BANG. Recently, I was given the opportunity to test a new offering from the renowned firearms manufacturer that makes no noise whatsoever, the Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope. Sig Sauer has opened a separate optics branch headquartered in Portland Oregon and is quietly breaking into the electro optics segment with some very interesting products. They now offer a full line of optics including; red dot sights, hunting & tactical scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders and even a thermal reflex sight. I also heard rumors that Sig Optics has acquired some of Leupold engineers which may explain why they set up shop 7.5 miles from Leupolds headquarters.
I recently wrote an article on the Ruger Precision Rifle as well as an upgrade path to that platform. While building this affordable platform, I was researching and shopping for a suitable optic to place atop this precision rifle. Many hours were spent researching the current offerings like Nightforce, Vortex, Leupold, etc. I also tapped into my network of long distance shooters and snipers to see what they thought. When I came across Sig Optics new line of scopes, I was intrigued. It turns out, they design the scope in Oregon but build the Tango 6 in Japan, which is actually a good thing. The Japanese are world renowned “glass-smiths.” I’m not sure, but I may have just invented that word. I’ve spent a lot of money over the years on photography equipment and the Japanese “L” glass found in the Cannon lenses are trusted by top photographers worldwide. The Japanese know how to grind the glass with ridiculous precision.
The Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope in 5-30x56mm is what I settled on based on my requirements for the rifle and what I wanted to achieve with it. My initial intent with the Ruger Precision Rifle build was to keep it affordable. So before you bust my balls for putting an optic that retails for $2400 on a $1000 rifle, hear me out. The Sig Optics Tango 6 has every feature and specification that I was looking for, no compromises at all. The input I was receiving from “real-world” precision shooters was to never skimp on the optics. The surprisingly low price of the budget friendly Ruger Precision Rifle allowed me to spend a little more than I originally planned on the optics. There’s an old saying, “buy once, cry once” and I’m now a subscriber to that line of thinking.
My experience as a shooter was fine tuned while a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment but the majority of my time in Regiment was behind the M-4 Carbine. What I never had a chance to do, aside from a few weapons familiarization days with the sniper section, was to learn the craft of long range shooting. Now that I’m a civilian, I decided to enroll in long range classes at the Marksmanship Training Center in Michigan. And I can say after completing several days of classes in various weather and lighting conditions, I’m glad I went with the Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope. I’m currently working on a review of those classes for those interested so stay tuned.
The complete features and specs of the Sig Optics Tango 6 can be found on their website but I’ll highlight a few of my favorites. I like to keep things simple and the less math I have to do, the better chance I have of success. For that reason, a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle was a requirement for me. The first focal plane allows me to use the reticle to measure targets at unknown distances at any power magnification due to the reticle enlarging as you increase power magnification. This maintains the size relationship between the target and reticle. Second focal plane scopes require you to set the power at the manufacturers preset magnification for measuring a target using the reticle. Secondly, the MIL turrets and MIL reticle require no conversion like the old military MIL/MOA reticle/turrets further simplifying adjustments to elevation or windage. Less math required equals happy Ranger.
The large 56mm objective lens and 34mm main tube let in the maximum amount of light allowing the shooter to not only see the targets more clearly, but extends how far you can push into low light shooting situations. Think of it like a funnel for light rather than fluid. Rifle scopes using 30mm tubes and 44mm objective lenses equate to a more restrictive funnel so less light will fill the shooters eye. The quality of the glass and the large objective lens are what set apart high end optics from their lower cost counterparts. The 34mm main tube also allow an impressive 23.3MIL or 80 MOA of elevation adjustment depending on which reticle you choose. This level of adjustment is a must as you push out past the 1000 yard mark.
The “zero-stop” feature, although not a necessity, is really nice to have. While shooting at Marksmanship Training Center, the blocks of instruction were held in the classroom as well as the range. Being able to just spin the elevation turret until it stops at your designated 100 yard zero was nice as we headed back to the classroom after shooting. Knowing your rifle and optics starting point is critical and the Sig Optics Tango 6Â make it fool proof with the zero-stop feature. Other students were referencing data books for the zero settings on their scopes or counting clicks until they returned to zero.
The Hellfire illuminated reticle uses fiber optic technology for illumination in low light shooting situations. The Sig Optics Tango 6 is equipped with a MRAD reticle that can be illuminated at 9 different visible intensities and 2 NV settings featuring “off” positions between each setting. In addition, Sig Optics uses a motion sensing technology called MOTAC. If you leave the reticle in the “on” position, it will power down after idle for 2 minutes to conserve the battery. Once the sensor detects the slightest movement, MOTAC immediately powers up the reticle allowing you to get on target without the need to turn on the power dial.
Sig Ballistic Turrets (SBT) is another innovative feature that may appeal to certain shooters. The SBT is a custom, laser etched elevation turret that perfectly matches the ballistics of your shooting system. You provide SIG with your bullet specifications, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, elevation, and other environmental factors and they’ll build a custom turret for you to install on your scope. This allows the shooter to dial the scope quickly for correct bullet drop compensation at any range. Sig Optics will provide the purchaser 1 SBT for their Tango series scope once you provide the necessary ballistic information. I have yet to receive my SBT and will post an update to this article once I do.
The overall construction of the Sig Optics Tango 6 is on par with high end Nightforce scopes and Sig stands behind their new line of rifle scopes with their Infinite Guarantee:
“We will repair or replace your SIG SAUER product in the event it becomes damaged or defective, at no charge to you. If we cannot repair your product, we will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition. It doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it.”
SIG SAUER® INFINITE GUARANTEE™
- Unlimited Lifetime Guarantee
- Fully Transferable
- No Warranty Card Required
- No Receipt Required
- No Time Limit Applies
- No Charge
warranty info courtesy of Sigoptics.com
Bottom line: The Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope is a welcome addition to the high end tactical scope segment. With it’s unique gray durable outer skin and a line-up of features sure to satisfy the most discriminating shooter, it’s well worth the price. The positive feel of the turrets and the smooth rotation of all the controls on the Tango 6 are good indicators of the high quality construction and materials used in this rifle scope. While at Marksmanship Training Center, both instructors and other students had a chance to look through the Sig Optics Tango 6 and nothing but praise. Take a good look at Sig Optics and their complete line of products. I’m certain they’ll have just what you’re looking for in an attractive, functional, price friendly option.
This article appeared on loadoutroom.com
About the author: Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment for 4+ years as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. I’m a licensed pilot and SCUBA diver and enjoy Alpine skiing, shooting, camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in military family, I’ve had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. I’m now living in beautiful Northern Michigan with my wife and 2 sons enjoying the outdoors as much as possible.
