Must spend $500 or more Spotting Scope?

8481 Views 19 Replies 14 Participants Last post by PandM, Mar 20, 2012

Ransom

Discussion Starter · Mar 20, 2012

I Must spend $500 or more to get a spotting scope to see bullet holes up to 200-300 yards is this true??
I'm not rich but need one decent spotting scope for our ranges around here on Long Island. The most is Calverton 200 yards. I really would like to keep it in the $200's if posible..Its my first spotting scope so I could use some feed back..
Redfield has this one with some decent reviews from Bass pro and riflescope websites here's Optics planet price and reviews any thoughts or suggestions. I'd rather not waste the money if its garbage. I could use so help here thanks..

http://www.opticsplanet.net/redfield-rampage-20-60x60mm-spotting-scope-kit.html

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

Gary_Hungerford

· #2 · Mar 20, 2012

Ransom:
Try the Winchester, model WT-831, 20~60x80mm spotting scope. It's olive drab in color, has no serial number, comes with a with black, Winchester, model QS-05, adjustable tripod, all housed in a lockable, twin-latched, Winchester, steel, hard, internally-padded case, with internal, green, cloth, custom-fitted case, for the scope, plus a padded section, in the base of the hard case, for the tripod. The external Winchester hard case and the Winchester, internal, soft case each have a separate shoulder strap, both housed, in a pouch, on the inside of the top portion of the hard case.
This is a great scope, for about $225.
Gary

heartlessmcfly

· #3 · Mar 20, 2012

I have a cheap ncstar one that I can see my 223 holes at 200 yards

hawkeye

· #4 · Mar 20, 2012

I am using my Mead 125 telescope and it works great
I can set it to go back and forth between targets and change out eyepieces.

PaPaBear

· #5 · Mar 20, 2012

I just talked to some one who got his from Harbor fright he paid $40 for it with a bi-pod he used a 20% off coupon said it works grate give it a try if you don't like it return it
papabear

PGNHAWK

· #6 · Mar 20, 2012

My other hobby is birdwatcher. Birdwatchers (or "birders") know optical equipment like scopes and binoculars like no others. The only reason to spend top dollars on a scope is either to make sure the color fidelity is true, and also low-light performance. For standard range use (not long-range hunting), most scopes with an objective lens (the big one in front) with 50 or 60mm (60mm preferred) will suit you. Cabelas brand, Nikon, Bushnell, whatever.
Do not get a crazy zoom, usually 15-45x is good. 60x might be ok. The higher the zoom, the darker and shakier the image becomes.

Whatever scope you buy - but a GOOD tripod. a HEAVY tripod. The biggest problem you are going to have is the scope shaking. If you're driving to the range, it doesn't matter how heavy the tripod is. but the better tripods wil keep your scope more solid, improving the view.

Best bet is to ask one of your friends or family members who are photographers. chances are they have three or four tripods (like I do) gathering dust in the basement, because they have upgraded for better pan and tilt heads, better leg extensions, etc - stuff that doesn't matter to range shooters. Offer them a case of beer or a couple bottles of wine for their old Bogen or Slik tripod and everyone is happy.

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Ransom

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 20, 2012

Harbor fright $40 works great ?? after all I've read with so many opinions on spotting scopes and a $40 scope wins it I'd be shocked but thanks I will take a peak ..
The Winchester, model WT-831, 20~60x80mm spotting scope seems hard to get.. out of stock maybe its discontinued??? It lists as WT8

Ransom

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 20, 2012

friends or family members who are photographers can't think of any. But I can get you all the beer you want if you have one laying around. ;D

Ransom

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 20, 2012

Try the Winchester, model WT-831, 20~60x80mm spotting scope. It's olive drab in color, has no serial number, comes with a with black, Winchester, model QS-05, adjustable tripod, all housed in a lockable, twin-latched, Winchester, steel, hard, internally-padded case, with internal, green, cloth, custom-fitted case, for the scope, plus a padded section, in the base of the hard case, for the tripod. The external Winchester hard case and the Winchester, internal, soft case each have a separate shoulder strap, both housed, in a pouch, on the inside of the top portion of the hard case.
This is a great scope, for about $225.
Gary

The item Has been discontinued as Vangaurd is not using the Winchester name anymore but will be coming out with a new line in the future... The scope I was told is a very good scope with a great package thats hard to come by for this price range..
Anyway I did find a store that had one left and ordered it for $199 free shipping. Thanks Gary and when I get it I will certainly give a true Review on the site..

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cjj

· #10 · Mar 20, 2012

I have a Barska 25-75x spotting scope. After you replace the cheap tripod the scope comes with you can easily see .223 holes at 200 yards. I actually bought it as a gamble, $80-$90 was too good to be true. I haven't been disappointed. There is a haze around the outer edges at 75x but for the money what do you expect?

Here is a link to Overstock.com
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Barska-25-75-x-75-Spotting-Scope/3298195/product.html

Dodgy

· #11 · Mar 20, 2012

What are you shooting ? Are you looking to spot bullet holes from an AR for example or a bolt action rifle ? The reason i ask is if you are spending $500 to see bullet holes at 200-300 yrds with a bolt action then i'd have to ask why you don't just upgrade you rifle scope. A decent scope can easily see holes at 300-yrds. If it is an AR / red-dot then you might have to i guess.

Ransom

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 20, 2012

bolt action rifle 30-06 / shotgun / pistol and I'm not spending $500 no way. A decent scope can easily see holes at 300-yards????? Not with my eyes.. Without messing around with rifle scope I'd like to just lean over and look threw a spotting scope at the range and see very clearly holes up to 200 yards and possibly 300 or slightly more when upstate. It would be nice to get a nice tripod to also use for pistol as its hard for me to see holes at more then 10 yards..I'm hoping getting a spotting scope will give me more enjoyment at the range and help me see exactly where i'm hitting making me a better shooter..shooting paper it gets to hard to see.

Mad Russian

· #13 · Mar 20, 2012

Just upgrade to shoot-n-see targets. If you can't see the shot, you missed.

Seriously, whatever you buy, check the return policy. Some places charge restock fees, and those can cost you.

Ransom

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 20, 2012

I use shoot-n-see targets sure I see hits after twenty shots it becomes a strain to see.. When I was younger I wouldn't even think about any of this but my eyes just are not the same as they used to be..

Adirondack state of mind

· #15 · Mar 20, 2012

The Sportsmans Guide has a large selection of models...they have this 30-90x at 90mm that is nicely priced at $126 - $140. I think I have a $10 off certificate around, and they do free shipping on most holidays. And no restocking fee if you so decide to return it. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/ncstar-30-90x90mm-spotting-scope-with-tripod-black.aspx?a=615446

cjj

· #16 · Mar 20, 2012

Ransom said:
bolt action rifle 30-06 / shotgun / pistol and I'm not spending $500 no way. A decent scope can easily see holes at 300-yards????? Not with my eyes.. Without messing around with rifle scope I'd like to just lean over and look threw a spotting scope at the range and see very clearly holes up to 200 yards and possibly 300 or slightly more when upstate. It would be nice to get a nice tripod to also use for pistol as its hard for me to see holes at more then 10 yards..I'm hoping getting a spotting scope will give me more enjoyment at the range and help me see exactly where i'm hitting making me a better shooter..shooting paper it gets to hard to see.

You might need to buy two different "things". A spotting scope will not be fun to use at pistol ranges. For that you are better off buying binoculars. Even cheap ones will serve that purpose.

ajoe59

· #17 · Mar 20, 2012

Ransom said:
bolt action rifle 30-06 / shotgun / pistol and I'm not spending $500 no way. A decent scope can easily see holes at 300-yards????? Not with my eyes.. Without messing around with rifle scope I'd like to just lean over and look threw a spotting scope at the range and see very clearly holes up to 200 yards and possibly 300 or slightly more when upstate. It would be nice to get a nice tripod to also use for pistol as its hard for me to see holes at more then 10 yards..I'm hoping getting a spotting scope will give me more enjoyment at the range and help me see exactly where i'm hitting making me a better shooter..shooting paper it gets to hard to see.

You might have a hard time seeing holes at 200 yards with any spotting scope, even the $800 Kowa's. One trick we use when were shooting our High Power matches is to cut a circle on the backing then hang our target. Then line up the black circle of your target with the hole. When you shoot thru the black you can usally see light coming thru making it easier to see. I would stay away from tripods and get a good High Power type stand to hold your scope, if your shooting sitting or prone you can get closer to the scope to see your shots.good luck.

deathsythe

· #18 · Mar 20, 2012

Personally - I just use a pair of cheap binoculars, or another one of my scopes or my buddy's acog.

But I rarely shoot > 200y /shrug/

Pat M

· #19 · Mar 20, 2012

A lot of guys are shooting highpower matches with the Konus 20-60X80. It is about the best "cheap" scope adequate for the sport.

http://www.amazon.com/Konus-7120-20x-60x80mm-Spotting-Tripod/dp/B001DX7Q8W

Shop around online. You might be able to find it for less than $200.

PandM

· #20 · Mar 20, 2012

PGNHAWK said:
Whatever scope you buy - but a GOOD tripod. a HEAVY tripod. The biggest problem you are going to have is the scope shaking. If you're driving to the range, it doesn't matter how heavy the tripod is. but the better tripods wil keep your scope more solid, improving the view.

Hands down the best spotting scope mount I've ever used.
Not in my kit bag yet, but have used a friends. Everything else is a PITA after using this.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=37923/Product/Sinclair-Bench-mount-Scope-Stand

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