Hoss Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 Been dipping my toes in LR shooting. Likely going to need a spotting scope. Not going to spend big bucks, but what is about the least I can get away with? Anticipate out to 500 yds. Quote
Bugler Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 One of the best values for the money is the Konus 20x60x80 spotting scope. Many of my smallbore and NRA High power rifle shooters are VERY pleased with the results. You can see bullet holes (.30 caliber) at 200 yards if you are using the black bull. In the white I can see .22 holes..... Might work out for you as well. Bugler Quote
Chili Ron Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 Howdy, I suggest going to an event where folks have scopes and ask to try some. I have a Burris 24x scope that I bought for varminting. It is not a zoom. It was recommended by the Burris folks as zoom scopes are not quite as good as straight ones. I could let go of this. Best CR Quote
Attica Jack #23953 Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 I have a cheap Barska zoom 20x60. I am shooting a 45/40 at 200yds. works for me...don't know how it would be at 500yds. Quote
Sagebrush Burns, SASS # 14226 Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 Burris builds some very clear scopes at very reasonable prices. Quote
Lazy Eeyour Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 While it has been awhile, from DCM shoots the guys that were doing good were using Kowa, Leica, or Swarovski. If you look at these remember that for some, the scope price does not includes the eyepiece which is sold separately. And yes a friend claims the Konus, as mentioned above, is good for the price! Again unless something changed, the Konus is kind of weighted forward which should not be a problem but something to keep in mind. I'd only worry about setting it up on a cheap, short tripod on a concrete table. Quote
Cat Brules Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 At 500 yards, I would invest in a GOOD scope AND tripod. Otherwise, I'd find myself ultimately buying the scope and tripod I should have purchased to start with. And, I wouldn't loan it to the club, either. 2 Quote
Lost Trail Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 Another vote for the Konus here. But the right tripod will make even a mediocre scope improve. My brother has this one: http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=159284&CAT=4099 and a lot of people that shoot the Quigley in Forsyth, MT (windy!) use and love these. I need to get one, should have bought when they were still $150. Quote
Maddog Maxwell SASS#31604 Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 If you have a birdwatching supply store near you, go there. They usually have a variety of spotting scopes and tripods that you can check out. Then you can look online and find the best price. Quote
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 Remember one thing, you get what you pay for...especially in optics. When you are at the range ask other shooters to look thru their spotting scopes. Better there than in a store...natural light, heat waves, etc. I have a Leupold that I have been using for 6 or 7 years. I also use it for hunting, packing it on my quad or in a small day pack. Weight was a factor for me. One thing about Leupold Optics, when it has a gold ring on it , it is warranty for life. They stand behind their product, no questions asked. Quote
Lunger Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 Try to spend at leat a hundred on the tripod, more if you can afford it. A gentle breeze will make the whole outfit jitter enough to really frustrate you. On a hot day with mirage, you will be set on 20 power for a clear picture. I even turn my swarovski down on 20 or 25 power to clear the picture up. Anyway, try to get a really good, and heavily built tripod. Lunger Quote
Attica Jack #23953 Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 I think some of you guys missing the part where Hoss didn't want to spend a lot of money on a scope. Kowa and Swarovski are $1500 scopes. Quote
Hoss Posted January 24, 2017 Author Posted January 24, 2017 I think some of you guys missing the part where Hoss didn't want to spend a lot of money on a scope. Kowa and Swarovski are $1500 scopes. yea, I ain't Jim No Horse with mountains of money to spend! I guess my question is can I get a usable scope for <200? Quote
Don Jorge Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 If I were getting a spotting scope for long range, I would be considering one of the camera type set-ups. Quote
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 (edited) One of the best values for the money is the Konus 20x60x80 spotting scope. Many of my smallbore and NRA High power rifle shooters are VERY pleased with the results. You can see bullet holes (.30 caliber) at 200 yards if you are using the black bull. In the white I can see .22 holes..... Might work out for you as well. Bugler If you are only going out to 500 yds. This is a good starter scope. When you want to step up. Look hard at Celestron.. Make sure to get a sturdy stand that holds the scope solid. OLG Edited January 24, 2017 by The Original Lumpy Gritz Quote
Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L Posted January 24, 2017 Posted January 24, 2017 If you're interested I've got a Celestron 20-60x60 I'm selling for $50 plus shipping. Here's a link to it. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761248-REG/Celestron_52223_20_60x_60mm_45_Zoom.html Quote
Black Mike Posted January 25, 2017 Posted January 25, 2017 Try this out. On sale at less than $150. I have one and with a few different power eye pieces you can cover even small calibers out to 600 yards. The tripod is not sturdy enough, especially at high magnification but the scope is great and also great for looking at the moon and other planets and stars with the kids. Celestron 90mm Maksutov Spotting Scope Telescope Package 52268-OP - Celestron 90 Spotting Scope w/Tripod 93606 Quote
Church Key, SASS # 33713 Posted January 25, 2017 Posted January 25, 2017 Boulder Canyon Bob - I'll buy your scope. Sent a pm with details. Quote
Blackey Cole Posted January 25, 2017 Posted January 25, 2017 I gave up on a spotting scope when I got my vortex scope for my ruger Presision rifle. I looked and to get one better than my scope was going to run several grand. I looked into alternatives and went with the bullseye long range target camera system Quote
Reuben McCoy Rankin # 34239 Posted January 25, 2017 Posted January 25, 2017 A friend and I both have this one, We like it out to 500 yards. http://www.opticsplanet.com/celestron-ultima-80-angled-45-degree-spotting-scope-package-52250-op-ultima-80-spotti.html Quote
Hoss Posted January 26, 2017 Author Posted January 26, 2017 Thanks guys. Looks like I have some affordable (read cheap!) options. Quote
Frontier Lone Rider Posted January 26, 2017 Posted January 26, 2017 You can buy an el cheapo tripod for almost nothing, I carry one with me to lend. One of my degrees is in Photography. You can spend more on the tripod than a camera, then you have to purchase a head. Here at our 1000 yd club, some have bought surveyors tripods, which are very sturdy and strong. You buy an adaptor for under $20 which will fit the scopes' threads and you are ready to go. The surveyors tripod does not fold down into as small a bundle as camera tripods, but they will hold almost any size scope. Quote
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 27, 2017 Posted January 27, 2017 If you are shooting from the bench. This is the best scope stand you'll ever find. http://www.sinclairintl.com/optics/spotting-scopes/sinclair-bench-mount-scope-stand-prod37923.aspx Love mine! OLG Quote
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