I’ve been on a low-power variable optic kick for a while now. I find them to be very useful for a great many purposes. Despite my focus on precision and long-range shooting, LPVOs still make up a good portion of my optics selection. Today, I want to take a look at a new-to-me LPVO, the Tango MSR from SIG Sauer.

I have had a couple of different experiences with SIG Sauer optics, starting with the Tango series of scopes as well as another LPVO, the Tango6T. I have really enjoyed these different scopes and, largely, have had few problems with them. So, when given the opportunity to check out this Tango MSR, I was very excited to get my hands on it.


Table of Contents

Features
Unboxing
Range Testing 
Pros & Cons
Conclusion

Features

 

SIG Sauer Tango MSR
The BDC6 reticle has built-in windage and holdover marks. (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)


Tango MSR features:

  • High-performance 6x optical system with low-dispersion glass
  • Integrated thread-in throw lever for quick magnification changes
  • Illuminated MSR BDC6 reticle with 11 brightness levels
  • Lay-flat flip-back lens covers included
  • Dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof performance
  • Includes Alpha-MSR one-piece aluminum cantilever mount
     

Unboxing
 

SIG Sauer Tango MSR
SIG added some nice extras that make the MSR ready to rock right out of the box, such as an included mount, throw lever, and caps. (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)


As I opened the box, I was glad to see that SIG even includes a quality Alpha-MSR scope mount in the box. That easily narrowed down my mounting decisions.

I will say I was surprised with everything included with the scope, and I’ll be honest that going in I had only a vague idea of the price of this optic. The mount, typical tools that come with it, battery for the illuminated reticle, and some quality flip caps were also included. They are branded SIG but look to be either Tenebraex or a really close knockoff. Either way, they are very nice and lay flat against the scope when open. The MSR also includes a throw lever or “cattail” as it's often called. This is handy for quick adjustments of the magnification.

The Tango MSR is a second-focal-plane scope. That means the reticle stays the same regardless of the magnification setting. The scope adjustment turrets are MOA and have .5 MOA clicks. The scope body has a centerline painted on the exterior of the tube to help ensure level mounting, I believe, and it surely did that. In a very short time, I had the scope married to its mount and ready to install on a rifle.
 

Range Testing

 

SIG Sauer Tango MSR
The Tango MSR seemed like it was made ready for the MCX rifle. (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)


I happened to have a SIG MCX rifle on hand at the time. It seemed like a perfect fit for the MSR. I was more correct than I could have known. I dropped the scope onto the Pic rail of the MCX, and off to the range we went. The MSR seemed to be made for the MCX as I didn’t even need to adjust the scope for a good zero, I just started shooting and everything lined up like they came from the factory that way.


RELATED: SIG Sauer MCX Review


I spent some time shooting the rifle at fairly close distances inside 200 yards, but I also utilized the reticle for a few extended distances. The reticle features a typical upside-down horseshoe-type reticle with several drop points and wind holds. The name suggests that the MSR is designed specifically for Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR), and the BDC6 reticle is calibrated for the most popular MSR cartridge – 5.56 NATO.

I spent the better part of an afternoon shooting the MSR/MCX combination. I really liked the built-in throw lever. It made rapid transitioning from up close to far away very easy. The subtensions of the BDC6 reticle were also very handy for holdovers on targets that were a little further out. 

As I mentioned earlier, I purposely didn’t look at the price of this scope before reviewing it. I was previously very pleased with the optical quality of the Tango6T. This Tango MSR is not quite as high quality, but it’s still very clean and clear. I was surprised to see the price point after playing with it, I would have expected it to come in the $600-$800 range. But for the MSRP of $422.99, I think this scope is a great value.
 

SIG Sauer Tango MSR
While not my favorite reticle, the BDC6 does have practical applications in an LPVO, and the Tango MSR offers nice clarity. (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)


I also bolted down the mounted scope to a bench and measured the turret values against the reticle values, which all checked out. The reticle values are handy to keep in mind, or you can refer to the owner’s manual where they are listed. It may not line up perfectly with the drop of your particular ammunition and atmosphere. This is why I typically don’t care for calibrated reticles. That said, if you know what value they represent, you can use them for all kinds of shots and holdovers.

I also like to test the actual value of the turret movement. You’d be surprised how often they can be off even by a little bit. If your turret is supposed to be .25-MOA clicks, but it’s actually .275 MOA clicks, you will find that things are particularly off when significant adjustments are made.
 

Pros & Cons

In my opinion, the Tango MSR is a great little scope for its intended purpose. The optical clarity is great, the magnification ring is quick to adjust, and its throw lever helps make it even better. The 1x power setting allows for easy aiming both eyes open and without straining to focus. The quality accessories that are included also greatly add to the value of this scope. The mount is a perfect match for the scope as are the scope caps.

The only thing I would change about the scope is probably the reticle, I’m not a big fan of the horseshoe-type reticles. Though it does have lots of detail to allow holdovers, windage, etc., which makes it certainly a very useable reticle. I also wouldn’t mind having an MRAD version of the MSR. But to be perfectly fair, it’s not the type of scope you’ll be dialing all over with, so it’s probably fine.

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Great optical clarity
  • Included mount, caps, and throw lever
  • Low price point
  • Variable power with fast adjustments
  • Easy to install and level
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Not my favorite reticle

Conclusion


The SIG Sauer Tango MSR is a great little scope. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for an LPVO in this price range. It has a great deal of value added as well as performance capability. If you are looking for something even better, I would also recommend the Tango6T. 

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