Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6x LPVO Rifle Scope Review

The Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6x LPVO is a scope that's been garnering attention for all the right reasons. With an enticing blend of functionality, durability, and affordability, this optic stands out in a crowded market.

It's designed to serve a wide array of shooters, from those new to the game to seasoned marksmen looking for a budget-friendly, yet high-quality magnified optic.

In this detailed review, we'll dissect every aspect of the Tango MSR, from its glass quality to its user-friendly interface, providing you with the insights needed to decide if this is the scope to elevate your shooting experience.

Review Summary:

Let's cut straight to the chase with a quick scorecard before delving deeper into the specifics. It's like seeing the aggregate rating on a product before reading customer reviews; it sets a baseline for our discussion.

• Glass (9/10): The Tango MSR's glass quality is impressive, offering clear and crisp images even at higher magnifications.

• Turrets/Tracking (7/10): The turrets provide half MOA adjustments per click, allowing for precise adjustments, though they could be a bit more tactile.
• Magnification (8/10): The 1-6x magnification range is versatile for various shooting scenarios, and the scope maintains clarity throughout its range.
• Value (9/10): Priced around $275, it offers excellent features for its price range, making it a great value for money.

Who is this scope for?

The Tango MSR hits a sweet spot for a broad demographic of shooters. Whether you're a competitive shooter on a tight budget, a hunter looking for an affordable yet reliable optic, or a tactical operator needing a versatile scope without sacrificing your entire gear budget, the Tango MSR has a lot to offer.

Beginners and Budget-Conscious Buyers

New shooters who want to delve into variable magnification optics can feel overwhelmed by the costs associated with high-quality scopes. The Tango MSR provides an opportunity to experience quality features—such as an intuitively designed reticle, a dependable mount, and clear optics—without financial strain.

Intermediate Shooters Seeking Upgrade

Intermediate shooters often reach a point where they require more from their optics without committing to professional-tier pricing. The Tango MSR allows these shooters to step up their game, providing the tools necessary for improved precision and reliable performance.

Reticle Design

The Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6x LPVO features a user-friendly reticle design, blending a 1 MOA central dot with intuitive BDC markings for various distances. This design is complemented by partially illuminated elements, enhancing visibility and precision, ideal for both stationary and moving targets.

• Type and Clarity: The Tango MSR features a second focal plane reticle. It has a 1 MOA central dot, suitable for precise aiming.
• Illumination: The reticle is partially illuminated, with only the central dot and surrounding ring lighting up, which aids in rapid target acquisition without overwhelming the user's sight picture.
• BDC and Holdovers: The reticle includes bullet drop compensation (BDC) markings for various distances, making it easier for shooters to estimate holdovers at different ranges.
• Lead Markers: Additional lead markers are present to assist in shooting at moving targets, providing reference points for lead calculation.

Adjustability and Usability

Adjustability in the Sig Sauer Tango MSR is top-notch, featuring a customizable diopter and a smooth magnification ring with a handy fiber optic indicator. The inclusion of a knurled throw lever further simplifies magnification adjustments, making this scope adaptable and user-friendly in various shooting scenarios.

• Diopter Adjustment: The adjustable diopter allows shooters to fine-tune the reticle focus to their specific vision requirements, ensuring a clear sight picture.
• Power Ring: The magnification adjustment is smooth, with a less than 180-degree rotation from 1x to 6x. The presence of a fiber optic indicator on the power ring makes it easy to see the current magnification setting without shifting the shooting position.
• Throw Lever: The inclusion of a knurled throw lever enhances the ease of magnification changes, beneficial in dynamic shooting situations.

Mount and Turrets

The Sig Sauer Tango MSR boasts a robust 30mm mount with detailed torque specifications and secure Loctite screws. Its turrets offer precise half MOA adjustments, ensuring accuracy and repeatability. The capped design signifies a focus on BDC reticle use, emphasizing intuitive shooting over manual adjustments.

• Mount Design: The 30mm mount is robust and includes torque specifications for proper installation. The factory-installed Loctite on the screws adds to the overall reliability.
• Turret Adjustments: The turrets offer half MOA adjustments per click, providing a balance between rapid adjustments and precision. They are capped, implying that the scope is designed primarily for use with the BDC reticle rather than for dialing in adjustments for each shot.
• Zeroing and Repeatability: The scope maintains zero effectively, a crucial aspect for reliable performance in various shooting conditions.

Level Indicator

Unique to the Sig Sauer Tango MSR is the level indicator on its mount, a feature that simplifies the scope leveling process. This small but crucial detail ensures accuracy in long-range shots by preventing canting, thereby enhancing the shooter's confidence in windage and elevation adjustments.

• Utility: A unique feature is the line on the mount that helps ensure the scope is level when mounted. This is especially useful for long-range shooting, where even a slight cant can lead to significant accuracy errors.
• Impact on Performance: Ensuring a level scope also aids in accurate windage adjustments, as an unlevel scope can throw off windage estimations.

Magnification Range

The Sig Sauer Tango MSR's 1-6x magnification range offers versatility for various shooting distances. From true 1x for close-range targets to 6x for mid-range precision, this scope adapts seamlessly, providing clear views and reliable performance whether in competitive shooting or hunting scenarios

• Versatility: The 1-6x magnification range is versatile, suitable for both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. This makes the scope a good option for a variety of rifles and shooting disciplines.
• Optical Performance: At 1x, the scope offers a true, distortion-free view, essential for rapid target engagement at close range. At 6x, the scope provides enough magnification for clear target identification and precision shooting at moderate distances.

What I Like:

• Affordable Quality: The scope offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers features and performance typically found in more expensive scopes, making it accessible to a broader range of shooters.
• Adjustable Diopter: The inclusion of an adjustable diopter caters to shooters with different visual requirements, ensuring that the reticle remains clear and sharp for each user.
• Smooth Power Adjustment: The power adjustment ring is designed for ease and accuracy, featuring a less-than-180-degree throw with a fiber optic indicator. This allows for quick and easy magnification adjustments.
• Quality Mount: The scope comes with a robust 30mm mount, featuring built-in torque specs and pre-applied Loctite on the screws, ensuring stability and reliability.
• Precise Turret Adjustments: Half MOA adjustments per click on the turrets provide finer control compared to many other scopes, enhancing precision for dialing in shots.
• Selective Illumination: The illumination of only the central dot and ring of the reticle aids in quick target acquisition without overwhelming the user with too much light.
• Generous Eye Relief: The scope offers substantial eye relief, making it comfortable for viewing at various magnifications and reducing scope shadow.
• True 1x Magnification: Provides a distortion-free view at 1x magnification, crucial for quick target acquisition.

What I DON'T Like:

• Restrictive Eye Box: The eye box is not as forgiving as some might prefer, requiring precise head placement for a clear view, which can be a limitation for some shooting positions or rapid target acquisition.

• Comparatively Less Clarity at Higher Magnification: When compared with higher-end scopes, the Tango MSR's glass clarity is slightly less superior at higher magnifications, with some vignetting and edge distortion.

• Size and Weight: The scope is a bit larger and heavier compared to some other 1-6x optics in the market. This might be a consideration for shooters who prefer a more compact and lightweight setup.

• Limited in Extreme Long-Range Shooting: While excellent for mid-range distances, the 1-6x magnification range may not be sufficient for extreme long-range shooting.

• BDC Compatibility: The Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle may not align perfectly with all types of ammunition and barrel lengths, requiring shooters to know their specific gun and ammo for accurate distance estimation.

Final Considerations

The real star of the show is the perceived value—the idea that you're getting far more than what you’re paying for. When examining the Sig Sauer Tango MSR's pros and cons, it's clear that the pros overwhelmingly take the spotlight. With its generous eye relief, robust build, intuitively designed reticle, and overall usability, it offers much to the practical shooter.

Matching Expectations with Reality

It is important to remember that this is not a high-end, military-grade optic, and adjusting expectations accordingly is key. While there is mild edge distortion at maximum magnification and an eye box that could be more forgiving, these minor gripes are dwarfed by the scope's positive attributes and affordability.

A Verdict for the Practical Shooter

In conclusion, for those looking to expand their shooting capabilities without financial hardship, the Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6x LPVO scope is a standout choice. Offering an amalgamation of features that cater to practicality, reliability, and efficiency, this scope earns its place atop many shooters' rifles, delivering on its promises without the pomp and price of premium scopes.

Happy shooting, and remember, the right scope can make all the difference without necessitating the sacrifice of your budget. The Sig Sauer Tango MSR is a testament to that philosophy.

Conclusion:

The Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6x LPVO scope stands out for its excellent value, offering features often reserved for higher-priced scopes. Its clarity, ease of use, and thoughtful design make it a strong contender for shooters looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank.

While it may not match the top-tier scopes in every aspect, its performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat. Ideal for budget-conscious shooters, it's a practical choice for both beginners and seasoned shooters alike.