Spotting scope

[Hoss]

My poor, tired eyes ain't what the used to be!

 

I'm going to be looking for a spotting scope, nothing fancy or expensive. Need to see 45-70 size holes in paper at 2-400 yards. What's a good, reasonably priced scope for that purpose? What "power" should I be looking for?

[Sedalia Dave]

Spotting Scope Guide

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Not a bad deal for the money.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/konus-konuspot-80-80mm-3-1-spotting-scope.html

 

It's not a Celestron or Kowa. I have look'd through a few of'em, and for the price, not bad.

OLG

[Yul Lose]

Abou 8 years ago a friend of mine just up and gave me a Celestron spotting scope with tripod. Pretty nice scope for the price. I leave it set up in my shop sometimes and watch the wildlife on the hill across the street. Very nice scope.

[Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L]

I've purchased 3 spotting scopes in the last 3 years, always trying to balance cost with performance,DON'T buy a BSA, they no longer support them and they were not very good to start. I now have a Celestron 20x60x60. The power is all you need, but a larger objective lens would be better, at least 80mm. Count on the tripod to be junk no matter how much you spend.Good Luck.

[Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118]

I recently bought a Vortex Diamondback, 20-60 power angled eyepiece, 80mm front objective. Great scope for the money, with a no BS lifetime warranty.

 

TB

[Nate Kiowa Jones #6765]

Whatever you decide on make sure the tripod has a fine elevation adjustment .

 

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fmgm-content%2Fsites%2Farmslist%2Fuploads%2Fposts%2F2013%2F06%2F04%2F1716641_01_unertl_spotting_scope_640.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armslist.com%2Fposts%2F1716641%2Fidaho-optics-for-sale--unertl-spotting-scope&docid=mW07_Z5cj5CyXM&tbnid=JEn11KIJeVsLzM%3A&w=640&h=480&bih=714&biw=1024&ved=0ahUKEwjXoufpyfLOAhVC0GMKHQRkBPgQMwjAASg8MDw&iact=mrc&uact=8

 

Or this one;

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icollector.com%2FBushnell-Spacemaster-fixed-20X-spotting-scope-and-tripod-The-spotting-scope-is-in-overall-fine-c_i21090796&psig=AFQjCNGEymiNzlf_EEJXLxEiBzVhsrRM7w&ust=1472970763012465

 

Notice the large thumb screw instead of the tiller handle. It is much easier to adjust at high magnification.

[Blackey Cole]

I used a hundred dollar scope for several years until I got my Ruger Presision rifle in .308 and put a $600 vortex on it and it put the spotting scope to shame the spotter went in to the trash. I went looking for a good scope and found out that short of $500 plus it wasn't going to happen I found a target camera setup for a half that. Used t several times since getting it and prefer it to any scope. I use it with my iPad. I really want to use it with my laptop as it will keep the info.

[Ambush]

Vortex gives a generous discount to veterans (http://partners.vortexoptics.com/?request=mille) and one cannot beat their VIP Warranty (http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty).

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Hoss-You will most likely want an angled eyepiece also.

What is your budget, just for this scope?

OLG

[Seamus McGillicuddy]

Think about the tripod too. If you plan to shoot standing you may want a tall tripod or pole mount.

 

Seamus

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Thanks for the info AMBUSH.

 

I will probably contact Vortex next week and check into getting a Diamondback spotting scope.

 

 

..........Widder

[SlicLee SASS #16638 Life]

It all depends how serious you are and what your future intent is.

You picked 400 yds with 45/70 ??? if thats all your going to go you don't need a expensive more powerful scope, however, if your going to go further $$$$

[Attica Jack #23953]

I have a Barska 60 power. It works fine for me seeing 45/70 holes at 200yds. no problem. 223 are another thing, the sun has to be just right to see them. The Barska is cheap and it works for me.

[Chili Ron]

good luck.

[Chief Rick]

Thanks for the info AMBUSH.

 

I will probably contact Vortex next week and check into getting a Diamondback spotting scope.

 

 

..........Widder

Widder,

 

Might want to check Bushnell as well. I know they extend special pricing to law enforcement and military (active, retired & reserves), but I'm not sure about veterans.

 

Colleen M. Cain

Bushnell Outdoor Products

Military, LE and Outdoor Professional VIP Program

 

dmcain2@comcast.net

(866) 543-0833 (toll free)

(303) 955-8590 (office)

(303) 955-8903 (fax)

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Try'n to see 45 cal holes at 400 yds is iffy even with the best glass and eyes.

Mirage, is not your friend........

OLG

[Happy Jack, SASS #20451]

I agree with Lumpy. 45 cal holes at 400yds are iffy even with the finest scopes. I use a 6" Celestron for our really long range. Even with the new Swaro 45 holes in paper at 400 depends more on the mirage than anything else.

[Hoss]

The majority will be < 400 yds. That would be my extreme distance.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

You will be at the unforgiving mercy of 'Miss Mirage' from 300 yds on. Miss Mirage is a vengeful witch, in all forums of shooting.

One of the reasons I like to shoot steel past 400 yds. The silver splats are easy to see on black steel.

OLG