Spotting Scope

[zerobarrier]

Hello all,


I am looking to get a spotting scope. I have done a little research on the net and held one in my hands. It will be used primarily at the range 300-500yds. I want to get some opinions on the two I have narrow it down to. First is the Redfield Rampage Spotting Scope 20-60x 60mm which comes with tripe and case for $199.99 at midway might be able to find it a little cheaper on ebay. Has anyone used this spotting scope? If so how is it at 500yds looking for bullets holes on targets? Next is the Leupold SX-1 ventana 15-45x 60mm which comes with case and tripod at my LGS for $349.99. Has anyone used this one? Both are the straight versions. I want to keep the price below $400 but would really really like it to be below $250. Any advice or suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks

 

[gamestalker]

I have the Leupold SX1 Ventana. It's pretty good for hunting, but it doesn't do so well for long range target I.D., bullet holes. It's fair out to about 300 yds., but beyond that images get checkered.

Last year I bought a Vortex Diamondback 20x60x60 for like $400. They offer it with either the straight eye piece or angled. That spotting scope puts the SX-1 Vantana to shame! I am seriously impressed with my Vortex Diamondback, crystal clear. Believe me, I've been a hard core Leupold consumer for a very long time, so it was hard to say this. As far as Leupold is concerned, unless you step up into the high end offerings, you just won't get what your expecting, at least when trying to view target holes at long range. They make super good glass, but it's a lot more pricey if you desire the quality necessary for viewing bullet holes at 500 yds. and beyond.

Anyway, you won't be at all disappointed with what Vortex offers:

O- ring sealed, 100% water proof

Fog proof, multi coated and nitrogen purged

Also, Vortex has an absolutely no questions asked warranty, I've already used it, they sent me a new rifle scope. 10 day turn around for a scope that the rings were over tightened on, which crushed the tube, I didn't do it BTW.

And just to be fare, I've never had a problem with Leupold when it comes to warranty. They just replaced my RX-IV/TBR B&C that quit working with the top of the line RX-1000/TBR RF. So they're warranty has always been great as well.

GS

 

[zerobarrier]

Well my LGS let me borrow a Leupold SX-1 Ventana 15-45x 60mm today and I took it to the range. It was great. I was able to see my 308 bullet holes at 500yds on white paper, in the red bull was kind of hard to see, I think a green bull will be easier to see. I could even see my 223 holes at 500yds on white paper no other colors though. So I bought one, but upgraded to the 20-60x 80mm.

 

[loose noose]

I, with my aging eyes, prefer the Redfield Rampage 20-60X80, I can see my .223 at 400 yards just fine. I had a Leopold earlier but just couldn't see thru it as clear as the Redfield. In fact I gave it to my son who thinks it's the cats meow. Oh well different strokes, for different folks.

Zero, for $199.00 I would definitely get the Redfield, I paid over $300.00 for it at Mid South Shooting Supply over a year ago. Midway definitely has a great price on that!

 

[zerobarrier]

Losse Noose thanks for the reply but I already purchased the Leupold sx-1 ventana 20-60x 80mm for 459.99 at my local gun store, since he did let me borrow one for the day no questions asked I figured I should at least buy one from him. I took the new one to the range today and no problem seeing 308 bullets holes at 500. I can even read the target's name on the top.