Best spotting scope for around $100?

[Mark-Smith]

For range use (paper targets) at 100 yards, are there any decent spotting scopes to be had for around $100?

 

[R.W.Dale]

For range use (paper targets) at 100 yards, are there any decent spotting scopes to be had for around $100?

for picking out bullet holes particularly small ones.

NO

Without exception all the entry level spotting scopes I've had the misfortune of looking through were far too dim and poorly defined (even when focused) to be useful for spotting bullet holes at any distance beyond what you can see with a decent riflescope

 

[Walkalong]

http://www.championshooters.com/store/product.php?productid=652&cat=286&page=1

Well thought of, and just under $100. I have not used one.

 

[Mark-Smith]

for picking out bullet holes particularly small ones.

NO

Without exception all the entry level spotting scopes I've had the misfortune of looking through were far too dim and poorly defined (even when focused) to be useful for spotting bullet holes at any distance beyond what you can see with a decent riflescope

What's the minimum you can expect to pay for one that's actually useful?

 

[DanTheFarmer]

Good Evening,

I got the Barska Blackhawk for $107 or something like that on e-bay. It does the job, barely. The eye relief is awful. I have to take my glasses off and jam my face into the thing. The tripod is flimsy. The optics aren't real good. It does not stay focused as I zoom and I can see distortions near the edge of the image compared to the center. I am hardly an expert and I'm not very picky so these flaws must be pretty obvious.

Having said all those lousy things, the bottom line is that it works. At 100 yards I can easily see the 25 - 30 caliber bullet holes I'm putting in black on my paper targets. That's exactly what I bought it for.

The spec sheet says it is shock resistant and waterproof. It hasn't fallen apart or fogged up yet so, pending evidence to the contrary, I'll accept their claim.

In short. I paid about $100 and got a piece of equipment that does exactly what I need it to do, and nothing more. I don't feel cheated.

Good Luck.

Dan

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I dont own one of these, but I looked thru a Cabelas Trekker spotting scope in the $100 range and was impressed. dont know who makes Cabelas optics, heard they were Bushnell, also heard they were Simmons, dont get me to lyin, but like I said, good eye relief, very clear etc.I should buy one for that price.

 

[smokey262]

If you are patient, the best $100 spotting scope is a used one that originally sold for $250, and is 3-5 years old

 

[Mark-Smith]

If you are patient, the best $100 spotting scope is a used one that originally sold for $250, and is 3-5 years old

Any particular models to keep an eye out for?

 

[taliv]

check samplelist.com

 

[Walkalong]

http://www.samplelist.com/Spotting-Scopes-C6.aspx

Yep. Good deals sometimes.

 

[Mark-Smith]

http://www.samplelist.com/Spotting-Scopes-C6.aspx

Yep. Good deals sometimes.

Nothing under $300 :/

For that price, I could get a 500mm reflex lens for my camera that'd be a hell of a lot sharper and cheaper lol. Of course, that is 500mm w/ no zoom :/

 

[HOOfan_1]

I dont own one of these, but I looked thru a Cabelas Trekker spotting scope in the $100 range and was impressed. .

Bought a Trekker for 50% off. It is easily good enough for 100 Yards. Although it is easier to see the holes at 50 power than at it's full 75 power. It also has terrible vignetting at 75 power.