Description
The Sightmark Citadel SM13038CR1 is a 1-6x x 24mm low power variable optic from Sightmark built on a 30mm tube with a Illuminated Red CR1 reticle in the second focal plane.
Sightmark Citadel SM13038CR1 Overview
A low power variable optic, or LPVO, starts at true or near-true 1x for fast, both-eyes-open shooting up close and zooms in for precise shots at longer range. It is a popular choice for AR-15s, carbines and patrol or competition rifles.
At 1x an LPVO is not quite as fast as an open red dot, and it is heavier, but it covers far more distance with a single optic and no magnifier to flip.
Optics and Reticle
Magnification runs 1-6x with a 24mm objective lens. The distributor lists a field of view of 106.70 – 18 ft @ 100 yds. The reticle is listed as Illuminated Red CR1. Lens coating: Fully Multi Coated.
In a second focal plane scope the reticle stays the same size as you zoom, which keeps it easy to see at low power. Holdover or ranging marks are only exact at the magnification the maker specifies, usually the highest setting.
Turrets and Adjustments
Adjustments move 10.70″ per click with 16.20 oz of total elevation and 120 MOA of windage. Parallax: 100 yds. Zero the turrets at your chosen distance and note how many clicks you need for longer shots.
Mounting and Fit
The 30mm main tube needs matching 30mm scope rings or a one-piece mount. Eye relief is listed as 3.10″ – 3.70″, so set the scope far enough forward that recoil cannot drive the eyepiece into your brow, then level the reticle and confirm you get a full sight picture with a natural cheek weld. Listed length is 11.26″.
Build and Durability
The tube is aluminum, finished in matte black. Listed weight is 17.50 oz. Check ring screw torque after the first range session and again before hunting season.
Honest Limitations
Every scope involves trade-offs. More magnification brings a narrower field of view, more visible shake and more heat mirage on warm days, and a larger objective adds weight and height over the bore. Budget and mid-priced scopes can be excellent values, but their adjustments and low-light performance do not match premium glass, so match the scope to how and where you hunt or shoot.
Low-light performance depends on the objective size, coatings and your own eyes as much as the spec sheet, so compare scopes at dusk if you can.
Sighting In
Bore sight first, then fire a three-shot group at 25 yards to get on paper and move to 100 yards to refine. A 100-yard zero is the common starting point for centerfire hunting rifles, 50 yards for rimfires, and the distance your ballistic data assumes for long-range work. Confirm the zero with the exact ammunition you plan to use.
Care and Storage
Keep lens caps on in the field, clean the glass with a lens brush and microfiber cloth instead of a shirt tail, and store the rifle where temperature swings will not fog the optics. Recheck zero after any hard knock or after travel.
Before You Buy
Confirm the ring size, mounting height and the distances you shoot most. Riflescopes are not firearms and ship without an FFL transfer.
Specifications
- Brand: Sightmark
- Model: Citadel
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective: 24mm
- Tube: 30mm
- Reticle: Illuminated Red CR1
- Focal plane: second focal plane
- Click value: 10.70″
- Elevation: 16.20 oz
- Windage: 120 MOA
- Field of view: 106.70 – 18 ft @ 100 yds
- Eye relief: 3.10″ – 3.70″
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Finish: Matte Black
- Length: 11.26″
- Weight: 17.50 oz
- UPC: 812495024795
Who It Is For
The Sightmark Citadel SM13038CR1 is a great fit for AR and carbine owners who want one optic for close and mid-range work.
Buy the Sightmark Citadel SM13038CR1 at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Sightmark Citadel SM13038CR1 online, or browse our riflescopes and scope mounting for rings and bases. For factory details, visit Sightmark.
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