[Loach]

I'm in the market for a spotting scope. Here's what I'm looking for:

- MUST be under $200 with tripod and case. I realize you get what you pay for, but I simply cannot afford a Leupold or Swarovski.

- I'll be using it almost exclusively at the range and not in the field. I need to see .264 -.308 holes at 200 yards.

- Must have a decent warranty. If it breaks, I don't want to have to buy a new one.

I had a Simmons scope on a package-deal deer-rifle I bought and absolutely hated it, so they are out. I've seen what appears to be good deals on the Winchester WT series, specifically the WT5 and WT6. Are they any good? Says they have a lifetime warranty on the scope, comes with a hard case and tripod and can be found for $120-$160.

But are they any good?? Has anyone here bought one?

How about BSA, Coleman, Vanguard or some of the other moderately priced scopes?

I eagerly await your replies!

[jem375]

I bought one about 2 years ago, and wasn't satisfied at the 200 yard range..........went on the internet and a competition shooter brought up the ProOptic spotting scope with the 45 degree eyepiece for $109.95........I bought one and it is really a lot better than the Winchester, and now the wife uses the Winchester on her bird watching trips... the ProOptic is the 4th spotting scope I have and the best.....for the money, can't be beat...........
I think this is the website......www.andorama.com.......

[Loach]

Aha! It's http://www.adorama.com/ and the scope is now $94.95!

Did it include a tripod or case when you bought one?

I just did a search on TFL and I see athread where someone(you?) talked about it. Seems like a pretty good deal.

I'll look into it.

Thanks!

[Dan Shapiro]

I have one that I picked up for about $150 from fsguns.com (http://www.fsguns.com/fsg_accessories.html). It's pretty good out to 100 yards, but that's it.

I've been looking for something better. I just can't seem to get myself to spend the $$ for a Kowa (http://www.kowascope.com/). I know they're good, but I didn't even spent that much on my rifle :D Of course after a couple cheapies I will have spent the same amount as the Kowa

[jem375]

whoops.....wrong website.........you can see the scope at:
www.epinions.com.........

[LeadPumper]

Looked into the Winchester line myself last year in looking for something to see .308 holes at 100 yards and .22 holes at 50 yards. Winchesters looked like a good thing on the net, decent priceing too.

Then I happened on a new one at a local show and gave it a hard look. It's really much smaller and not nearly as well built as the pictures make out. (table top model, straight eyepiece) I was not at all happy with the field of view (too narrow) or tight focusing knob. The objective felt too small (40 mm) and the barrel was too short.

Overall, it didn't look like it could handle field use or even hard range use.

I picked up a used Tasco 3-9X 50mm scope on ebay for $25 and have been happy since.

If you can't get really good new gear, get used.

-LeadPumper

[jem375]

Thanks, Loach, that's where I bought mine and couldn't even remember the website............oh, well, getting old I guess......

[jem375]

Loach......yes, it comes with a case and a tripod......the 45 degree angle is really nice, and it works great at 200 for 223 and 308 holes in the target..........

[Loach]

jem375, sounds like what I need. Looks like they have a 14 day money-back guarantee so if I don't like it I'm just out the shipping.

Leadpumper, I too thought the Winchesters looked pretty good online. Looks can be deceiving, though. Thanks for the info.

[Loach]

I picked up the ProOptic and it arrived last week. I got out to the range with it on Saturday and was not disappointed. I wanted to see 6.5mm holes on paper at 200 yards and I could certainly do that, even with the late afternoon glare. I had trouble picking out the individual holes against the dull brown cardboard, though, but anything on paper was clearly visible.

Did I just say that? No...really...they were deliberate, I shot the cardboard backer on purpose just to see if the holes would be visible :uhoh:

Anyhow, thanks all, it was the best $100 I've spent in a while.

[jem375]

Loach......yeah, I was surprised it was better than the Winchester and at half the price..........I am also satisfied with mine........