Kowa 50mm spotting scope

[FW]

Does anyone have any experience with the 50mm Kowa spotting scope or has anyone actually seen one? The model number is
TS-501 and is available in fixed 20x or zoom in either angled or straight eye piece. The price is around $200.

Would this be adequate for high power? Out of all the <$300 spotting scopes I have actually seen in stores, the Leupold Wind River with the angled eye piece seems to be the best buy. I have not, however, been able to look through one at the range. Would the 50mm Kowa be better than the 60mm Leupold?

If the 50mm Kowa would be adequate, would the 20x or zoom model be better?

I know there will be many suggestions about getting what you pay for. I'd like to know what the next best thing might be.

 

[Steve Smith]

That's the scope I started with (TS-501 zoom) and it is absolutely horrible for the game. Eye relief is practically non-existant. I felt like I had to get inside the scope to see the target. No thanks.

Try to find one with a nice long eye relief so you don't have to hug the scope to see through it. Some of the guys here have bought some spotting scopes lately in that price range...maybe they have some advice. Too bad that Pro-Optic is out now.

 

[rick_reno]

Kowa 50 mm spotting scope

I have one of these, it's a great little scope for 25 years and under. I like it because it fits nicely into my range box. Price it from Gil Hebard, I got mine there with no shipping and it was just over $100. Mine is fixed power, a fellow shooter on our pistol team uses the variable. I'd rather have the fixed for what we're doing. I've spotted 22 caliber shooters out to 50 yards and it works fine.
I wouldn't use it for anything past 50 yards. I have a Leica 77mm scope for long distance.

 

[Steve Smith]

pistol team

Key words.


I sold mine to a pistol shooter.