Spotting scope under $200?

[Firehand]

Looking for a spotting scope, something capable of showing .30-caliber bullet holes in paper at 300 yards. And have a hard ceiling on price of ~$200. Any suggestions?

 

[Teachu2]

http://www.opticsplanet.com/tasco-20-60x60-world-class-ep-45-spotting-scope-wc20606045.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...d_VS_82_VS_82_2_Section_Table_Top_Tripod.html

Those comprise my "budget" setup, and do a great job. To get noticably better, the price jumps to a grand or more. I like the 45 on the eyepiece, it allows me to use it from the side, lowering my profile - handy with coyotes.

All the inexpensive spotting scopes have junk tripods. The Vangard is rock-solid, and built to last.

 

[Firehand]

I'll take a look, thanks!

Have a Winchester marked one that works great out to 150 or so; beyond that, unless the hole is in a light area of the target you can't pick it out.

 

[DurangoKid]

Use the Shoot and see targets. This helps when using any spotting scope. Hits in a Black Bull are about impossible to see at 300 yds. unless the light is just right.

 

[CApighunter]

+1 on the shoot n see. Out to 300 yards all you need is your riflescope or a good pair of binos.
CApighunter

 

[Sav .250]

Lots of decent spotting scopes available. Plus there are under your $200 price. Go google and look them up.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Don't forget the classifieds here (as well as other used marketplaces) you may be able to find a better scope for your budget.

 

[tahoe2]

Picked up a Tasco 20-40 x 60 for $120 bucks on sale (regular $199) a couple years ago from Big-5 sporting goods. Seems to be fine for the range (steady & plenty of light).
Tried to use it hunting but it wouldn't gather enough light early & late, need to step up to about $300-$400 for that kind of quality.
worked fine at the range, we could see .270 holes out to 350 yards on neon yellow/orange & shoot-n-c targets.