Spotting Scopes

[danprkr]

Not my thing, but my wife has expressed an interest in long range shooting, and I'm working on a gun for her. I was also thinking that this means I'll need a decent spotting scope. I did a search, but all the threads were from 2003. So I was wondering about a decent spotting scope for a decent price that will work for the 300 yards that is our max at our range.

All input welcome.

Thanks
Dan

 

[esheato]

Spotting scope has been on my list for a few years now...personally I'm waiting for a deal on a Leica but I've always heard good things about Kowa.

I'd keep my eye on the Sample List...don't forget you need an eyepiece also.

Ed

 

[52grain]

What's your budget? A spotting scope is one of those things where you can spend as little or as much as you want. Like all other optics, I would recommend buying the very best that you can buy. If there is something that you only want to buy once, this is it.

What would you define as "long range?"

 

[danprkr]

Our home range only goes to 300 yards. As to budget one of the things I'm doing here is trying to get a feel for what one is going to cost me so I can start setting aside the bucks. I'm sure I'll try to get the best deal I can for what I'm willing to spend, but since I know so little about them that I'm not sure I can even ask intelligent questions I'm a bit stuck.

 

[cavman]

Konus (or get the Kowa)

Jim Owens sells the Konus at very good prices. (as well as the Kowa)
But he also has a nice offer should you wish to upgrade at a later date, as well helping out Junior shooters.

http://www.jarheadtop.com/default.htm




"Rent-A-Scope

When you buy this scope from me, I will make you an offer. You put down a $100.00 deposit, then pay $160.00 for the scope and $10.00 shipping for a total of $270.00. At any later date you decide to up-grade to a Kowa or just plain decide to quite shooting and you no longer want or need the scope, I will refund your $100.00 deposit (The optics must be in good condition.) I will then donate it to a Junior Team.

You can keep it for as long as you like and I will buy it back for $100.00 and donate it to a Junior Team. That is like you have rented it for $160.00 for the time you have had it. If you can find a better deal, I would be interested in knowing.

There is one catch; this offer expires when I do."

 

[ms6852]

If you want to distinguish bullet holes at 300 yds you will require a minimum of an 80 mm objective. Also depending on enviromental conditions this may not be enough if mirage is real bad on a hot day. To counteract and correct for mirage it is preferred to purchase a scope with ED or HD glass. The cheapest scope that I would recommend personally would be the 20-60x80 made by bushnell, or the brunton. I personally have the Nikon fieldscope in 25-75X82 with ED glass. I think those go for $1200 plus now. Any high end scope will get you there. The top five high end scopes are as follows but in no sequential order as which is better, this is purely personal. Swaroski, Leica, Zeiss, Kowa and Nikon Fieldscope.

 

[cuervo]

I like mine:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/628045.html

There is also a straight-through if you're shooting more off of a bench.

 

[SwampWolf]

For range use, I'd insist on an offset eye-piece. And don't skimp on the stand. At 100 to 200 yard distances, looking for .22 cal. holes, I'd say a 20-60X80 is the absolute minimum and that recommendation presupposes glass with a better than decent resolution factor. 300 yards and further, again looking for .22 cal. holes, will always be hard to do and will generally require premium (read almost always pricey) optics.

 

[Al LaVodka]

Kowa. Then anything big with a SERIOUS name brand. Used if ya can do it and test it. Offset eyepiece preferred by far.
Al

 

[Rembrandt]

Three basic price and quality categories.....

- Cheapies...($0-300)
Barska
Burris
BSA
Bushnell
Konus
NcStar
Simmons
Tasco
Yukon
Vortex

- Midrange....($300-600)
Bushnell
Leupold (green ring/some gold ring)
Nikon
Vortex
Konus

- Good stuff....($600-up)
Ziess
Swarovski
Lieca
Leupold (Gold and Tactical)
Kowa