What does the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope have to offer?
Well the folks over at Sightmark sent over a sample for a test and evaluation. This is what I found while testing the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope out.
Sightmark has become a well recognized name in weapon optics in the past few years. With many products offered they try to offer the sportsman or target shooter the best bang for their buck.
I received the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope and took a look into what comes with this rather large riflescope.
Right out of the box I realized this scope is quite large. This is especially the case when the supplied sunshade is attached. I have been accustomed to firing from standard one inch scope diameters and not the larger 30mm size. With no 30mm mounts supplied I went to the local sporting goods store and picked up a set. Supplied were flip-up lens covers, a sunshade and one CR2032 battery. A clamp on throw lever is supplied for easier adjustment of the tight magnification adjustment ring.
A personal remark on the size and weight of this scope. Rifles have generally gotten lighter and more compact over the years. The trend now in riflescopes has been big, heavy and bulky. This monolithic scope would be at home on a heavy barreled benchrest rifle but a bit on the heavy side for a sporting rifle you will lug around in the woods with. As a fan of lighter one inch diameter scopes I was interested to see what benefits 30mm tubes could offer. I mounted and tested the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope on several rifles. The following is what the testing proved to me.
First off the first focal plane reticle can range targets at any magnification along with holdovers. The red reticle illumination can be turned on or off and is very helpful in low light conditions. The darker 100 yard targets placed way out are easier to target with the illuminated reticle. Powered by one CR2032 battery this little addition to the scope is well appreciated.
Sightmark has an overview video that has quite helpful product info in their own words.
Lets examine what the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope has been made for. It is specified for medium to long-range hunting and competition shooting. This type shooting from a rest would bring out the best in such a beefy riflescope.
How does it do? I found the the exposed pop-up locking turrets make adjustment easy. Pull up, make your elevation adjustment and likewise windage adjustment, and push down. Beats unscrewing threaded caps (and cross threading them back on occasionally on other scopes). Professional shooters can certainly appreciate that feature. In the scope variable power department 3-18 power is not too bad. I would vastly preferred for medium to long range shooting anything over the 3 power to start. That is a short range power on a large riflescope. The 5-30 power model would certainly be a better pick for long range enthusiasts. The pop up scope caps are great but they do make a pop sound when opened and let spring open. If a coyote is coming in fast be aware of this noise factor. The fully multi-coated optics were crisp and clear and the IP67 waterproof Citadel 3-18x LR2 performed well for holding zero on even the heavy recoiling rifles. The 50mm lens diameter sure picks up light well and the sunshade helps on a bright sunlit rifle range.
In summary I found the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope quite a nice scope. It performed admirably on the myriad of rifles it found a temporary home on. The larger tube diameter might not be my favorite but the trend to 30mm over one inch appears to be catching on. Check the Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope and all of the other Sightmark products on their website.
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