Spotting scope purchase. 8X30 Binocular?

[doctorhumbert]

I've found out that it's very difficult to sight in rifle at 100 yards without aid of a spotting scope.

Obviously I need a decent spotting scope. I am willing to spend around $150. I do not care for the compactness, and want something that will able me to see .22 holes at 100 yards.

My candidates are:
-Bushnell Sentry 18-36X50 ($110), my first choice due to price.
-Leupold Wind River 15-45X60 ($230!!!), Why is this much more expensive?
-Steiner safari 8X30 binocular ($150). More versatile, especially for pistol shooting.

Will I able to see .22 holes at 100 yards with Steiner binoculars? If not I will probably have to go with Bushnell Sentry, unless Leupold or someother spotting scope has much clearer picture.

Your opnions will be appreciated!

 

[nhhillbilly]

Just look through them

Just look through them and you will save your money for the Leupold Wind River. Hands down the best for your use. I can not see .22 holes with an 8 power Bino. I have Steiner Bino's some of the best. I also had an inexpensive spotting scope and ended up purchasing a more expensive unit. Much clearer.

 

[Snorkel Bob]

Best advise I got when starting shooting and hunting:
"Never buy cheap glass"
Trust me on this.

 

[B27]

doc-
I doubt you will be able to see .22 holes at 100 yards with even quality 8x binoculars.
I have a set of 12x40 Steiners that I use for short range spotting and it would be a good trick for me to see them at 50.
But then....my eyes suck.

 

[doctorhumbert]

I just need to 'see' .22 holes at 100yards. I only need to be able to see what I hit at 100 yards. It doesn't have to be comfortable nor crystal clear.

If I were to invest in good spotting scope, wouldn't it be better to buy good scope (ZeissX15) for $500-600 instead than Kowa spotting scope, Since I need the scope anyway?

Thanks.

 

[Jim Watson]

I keep an ancient 20x50 Herter's in the truck for when I don't want to get out the Kowa. It is just adequate for 100 yards. The Leupold Wind River is OK. The Bushnell Spacemaster is also a good buy in the $250 range. Pass on the Burris Landmark, I ordered one and returned it before coughing up the money for the Kowa. There is a $110 scope once sold by the Adorama camera stores and now available from Swift that has gotten good reviews here, but I have NOT seen one in person.

You could get a Zeiss or Swartovski, but I doubt they would do better than a Kowa.

 

[308win]

I don't know if this is germane or not but I can see .22 holes at 100 yds when my rifle scope is set on 9 power if the light is good. The holes are harder to see if they are in black areas of the target.

 

[Gordon]

Another vote for the Wiind River, just starting to get into good optics at that price. I also saw a Burris Landmark sale at one of the big discount on line sellers. I think it was in Guns and Ammo - midsouth or midway or something. Seek and ye shall find! You need 20-30 power to resolve .22 bullet holes at 100 yards AND you need at least 50mm objective.

 

[STONER]

Does anyone know if the Wind River is waterproof?