I need a spotting scope under $300

[Pete D.]

I have two of the Standard 12x50 spotting scopes from Champions Choice. Satisfied with both out to 300 yards. For the longer courses, their 77mm objective is a relatively inexpensive way to go.
About high power match shooting.......the least expensive way to go is to use an AR that meets the match standards for "Service Rifle" competition. Understand that, when you are on the line, there are basically two matches taking place at the same time...one is for Service Rifles (used to be mostly M14s and Garands, now mostly ARs). If a rifle does not meet the Service Rifle description, you can still use it but will be shooting in the "Match Rifle" competition....that's where those 40Xs and Tubb rifles show up. Iron sights only for both. A good set of Match Rifle irons costs more than I paid for my Colt HBar. Lots of bolt guns....very smooth...bolt gun shooters don't like to have to wait for the semiauto mechanism to function)
There is also an "Any Rifle" division in which any sights are allowed.
The NRA Highpower Rule Book is available online, downloadable and free. Google is your friend.
pete

 

[Litlratt]

I agree the Konus has great optics I had one but I found it needed a lot of care toting it around during a match because the build quality isn't like a Kowa. Of course the Kowa costs alot more money.

You might check http://www.jarheadtop.com/ He has deals sometimes and he knows something about shooting. He sells the Konus.

+1
The Konus scopes are very tough to beat in that price range.

 

[Offfhand]

Attached is a photo of a 1970's era American made Bausch & Lomb 15X-60X Balscope with 45 degree eyepiece. They occasionally sell on eBay for as little $300. if you're lucky enough to find one. I've seen well used ones sell for upwards of $1000. at swap nite at Camp Perry and well worth the money because of their superb optics. Savvy high power and smallbore shooters grab then every time they find one for sale. It's amazing to see how good they are even when compared to the most expensive imports like Zeiss and Swarovski. If you can buy one for under $400. you've got a steal. The one shown here is mounted in a Freeland bipod, making it a perfect rig for rifle competition at any range.

 

[cacoltguy]

I'd go with the Konus in that price range. Amongst the Highpower community these are becoming widely known as the best bang for your buck. It won't have the heavy duty build quality or quite as good optical clarity as a $1000+ Kowa, but it will get the job done for sure. I've been using the Konuspot 80 for my Highpower and F-Class matches (about $250) for about seven months now and have been pleased. The Konuspot 100 would be an even better option with its larger objective lens if you feel like going $30 over your budget. I bought mine from these guys:

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/KONUSPOT-80_SPOTTING_SCOPE.html

 

[ArchAngelCD]

there are so many good spotting scopes out there but there aren't many that are clear enough to see very small holes in paper @300 yards.

I was amazed at how clear a fairly inexpensive scope did @200 yards, especially since it was only $129. The scope is a 20-60X60 Barska Blackhawk. The Blackhawk series is even more suited for seeing bullet holes than some of the more expensive scopes. For 300 yards I would up the lens size to 70mm or better yet, 80mm. They sell a Blackhawk 20-60X80 that has a list price of $299.99 and a street price that's probably lower.

The Barska Blackhawk line.
The Blackhawk 20-60X80 Scope.

I can only speak to the Blackhawk line of Barska scopes for sure but like I said, I can easily see 30 cal holes from my M1 Garand @200 yards with the 20-60X60 scope. (and I have old eyes) They are truly amazing for such a low price. It must be a mistake! lol

 

[dc.fireman]

I use the Konus-spot 20-60. At 25-30X, it's bright, and it comes with the angled eyepiece I find critical to prone shooting. I was able to purchase an older used Freeland bipod mount for the scope for around $100. Champion Shooters has them for anywhere from $140 - $175 depending on the options you want for HPR.

I'm with Ken though - see if other competitors have any advice for you, and learn from their mistakes before making one of your own. Competition rifle shooters are a pretty friendly bunch, and will offer up enough advice to make your head spin.

 

[Speedgoat]

For budget optics, I'm a true beliver of the Redfield brand. I have a Revolution 4-12x40 on my 300 WM and have nothing but good things to say about it. I also have a set of Rebel Binoculars in 10x42. Compared to my Dad's similar Sowarski's he got for $1200, my little pair of Redfields sure hold their own for $150. One of their spotting scopes is on my list of things to buy.

 

[Savage99]

Konus spotter compared.

I used a new Konus 20-60X80 angled spotting scope today.

I have had spotters for decades and have used a good Leupold Windriver 15-45-60 for quite a while and wanted one that had better resolution to see small bullet holes in the black at 200 yds.

The Konus does that. I can see better with it and it's easy to use.

I was concerned that the Konus 80mm would be too big or heavy but it's excellent. Now I am thinking the 100mm might have been ok also. I am keeping this Konus.

It cost only about $206 from Optics Planet. (#7120 Konuspot-80)