Spotting scope

[Gliden07]

Are there any decent spotting scopes that don't cost a fortune!! I have no where near 600 bucks for a middle of the road scope!! I want it for my local range they have a 200 yard rifle range so if its good to a little better than that it would be GREAT!! Any recomendations would be GREAT!!

Thanks!!

[abunaitoo]

Try looking into a bird watcher scope.
I got a bird watchers Vortex from Camera Land.
They don't make it any more.
It works as good as anything else I've looked through.

[WILCO]

I want it for my local range they have a 200 yard rifle range so if its good to a little better than that it would be GREAT!! Any recomendations would be GREAT!!

Hey Gliden07,

Take a look at the Bushnell Sentry 18x36x50mm spotting scope:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/Bushnell-Sentry-18-36x50-mm-Spotting-Scope.aspx?a=816793&pm2d=CSE-SPG-15-PLA&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&gclid=CIeNssKFybICFcne4AodOUcA2g

I have an earlier version that I purchased way back in 1998 for $135.00 and have used it for everything from 50ft. indoor shooting to looking at craters on the moon!
I've lost track of boolit holes at 300yds. when they are in the black, but that's most likely a defect on my end of the process. Other than that, I have no complaints. :mrgreen:

[DCM]

Some tips on spotting scopes.
If you can go to Sportsmans Warehouse or Cabelas, just someplace BIG and look at stuff as far away as possible with any model you are considering. Some of the worse models will have a grainy look through them.
For magnification higher is not always better especially on hot days all you will see is the mirage. My very pricey spotting scope uses a 27X eyepiece that is great for most stuff, I have tried and sold the variable eyepiece as I thought I wanted more magnification.

Please let us know what you get and how it works out, many folks could use a spotting scope and really do not need to spend a small fortune to see holes at 100 yards or so.

[Kraschenbirn]

A couple years ago, I purchased a BSA Spectre Optivue (20x-60x) for under $100...some kind of 'special' from Graf's, as I recall. While the optics aren't up to the standards of my Meade and Orion (astronomical) scopes, I can easily 'read' .30 cal. holes in the black at 200M, even with a moderate mirage. On the downside, though, the plastic tripod that came with the BSA absolutely sucked. (I replaced mine with a 'tabletop' camera tripod)

Bill

[Doc Highwall]

I have expensive ones like Kowa with the floruite lens and my eye piece is 27X. You only need about 25X -27X with long eye relief.

[blackthorn]

Watch the "for sale" adds in your local paper and/or "bargin hunter"type paper. I picked up an old Royal spoting scope with 20, 30, 40 and 60 power lenses mounted on a turret for under a hundred dollars a few years ago. The Royal came with a table-top camera type tripod and I found a heavey duty camera tripod at a yard sale that has the capacity to extend to seven feet for when I am shooting from the standing position.

[fecmech]

You might take a look at this thread http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=161288 and post #10. Randy gives pretty good info there. I recently went through what you are now and bought a 12 X 36 X 50 Barska with ED glass and BAK4 prism. I wanted something more compact than the 20 X 60 x 60 and with a wider field of view. I can see .30 and .35 caliber holes in the black at 200 yds with this scope and the tripod that comes with it ,while not height adjustable is solid. Also go to optics planet and they have some good info on what makes up a spotter. http://www.opticsplanet.com/what-is-a-spotting-scope.html
Good luck with your quest.

[montana_charlie]

The Konus 80 millimeter is surprisingly good considering it's ~$200 price.
CM

[1Shirt]

Dont overlook a Simmons! Have been using one for about 4 years now, and find it excellent!
1shirt!

[Gliden07]

You might take a look at this thread http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=161288 and post #10. Randy gives pretty good info there. I recently went through what you are now and bought a 12 X 36 X 50 Barska with ED glass and BAK4 prism. I wanted something more compact than the 20 X 60 x 60 and with a wider field of view. I can see .30 and .35 caliber holes in the black at 200 yds with this scope and the tripod that comes with it ,while not height adjustable is solid. Also go to optics planet and they have some good info on what makes up a spotter. http://www.opticsplanet.com/what-is-a-spotting-scope.html
Good luck with your quest.

Well you were right GREAT info in that post!! Thanks everyone I have some Homework to do!!

[MtGun44]

+1 on Konus 20-60x80. SURPRISINGLY good optics for the $299 price.

http://www.amazon.com/Konus-KONUS-KONUSPOT-20-60X80-GREEN/dp/B004FB0JU6

I have had one for years. I have several hi dollar scopes (2 to 5 X new price) that are a bit better
optically, but for everyday use where it may get damaged - I use the Konus. Works very well.

Bill

[Oreo]

I have the Konus 20-60x 100. I can count nail heads on a telephone pole that Google says is some 400yds away. Its a great scope. Big though. Its not heavy but you need a good tripod to hold it steady.

[higgins]

I'm satisfied with the Bushnell Spacemaster I've used for several years now. When I bought mine they were made in Japan, now I believe they're made in China or somewhere else in Asia beside Japan. They're a good moderately-priced scope.