spotting scope

[simonp]

I am just getting into rifles and distance shooting, its become painfully obvious I need a spotting scope to see what / where I hit though. Looking for information and recommendations please.

[billped]

Probably 100 similar posts in the last few years. Search is your friend.

[HK Dave]

I suggest a Kowa TSN 883 88mm Prominar or a Swarovski ATX 30-70x95mm.

If budget does not allow for those two, go with a Vortex Razor 20-60x85mm.

[TripleThreat]

The cheapest scope listed here is over $1,100? That's freakin' nuts!

Triple

[simonp]

Digging through prior threads for ideas but opinions change obviously
So far so the Bushnell legend 20-60x80 for around 400
Leupold 15-45x60 for around 250

Mostly will be used at a 200yd range but if I move up to a 600yd range no idea how these 2 will perform


Sent from an undisclosed secure location

[JMP]

Commonly used spotting scopes range from $100 to $4500. You get what you pay for except there are rapidly diminishing marginal returns with each dollar spent. If you simply need to see bullet holes on paper at a few hundred yards, you can get along with a relatively cheap one. Then, increment up in quality and features as you need. If you are starting out, I'd first invest the money in a high quality riflescope. A premium riflescope can often function for most of your spotting needs.

[ocabj]

I still use a Kowa 821M with a 27x long eye relief eyepiece. It has since been discontinued, but it still works fine. Although it does suffer at 1000 yards with mid-day mirage.

I recommend the successor to the 821M, the Kowa 82SV. The body can be found for under $700 new, then add another $200-300 for the eyepiece of your choice.

Several years back I acquired a Konus spotting scope just to try out and I thought it was quite decent, and was surprisingly good for it's $200 cost.

Anyway, no matter what scope you go with, get a decent scope stand. If you want to run a solid camera tripod like a Manfrotto, Giottos, or go top shelf with Really Right Stuff, that's fine. But you'll be better served with a scope stand specifically designed for shooting (from position). The Creedmoor Sports Pole-Cat and Ray-Vin stand are solid.

[smoothy8500]

I agree the Konus 20-60x80 being a very good scope for $200. I later upgraded to an older Kowa TSN 663 with the 27X LER eyepiece.

[JMP]

Anyway, no matter what scope you go with, get a decent scope stand.

http://www.eurooptic.com/hensoldt-tripod-mod-331060-9031-000.aspx

I have used this one, and I thought it was a very good tripod for a spotting scope, but since the OP hasn't really revealed a budget, there's really no boundaries.

[SonofWWIIDI]

I'm gonna buy an adapter so an iPhone will fit on the spotting scope. Then you just look at the screen. For a couple hundred yards or so, it should work just fine. Whatever spotter you have.

[JMP]

I'm gonna buy an adapter so an iPhone will fit on the spotting scope. Then you just look at the screen. For a couple hundred yards or so, it should work just fine. Whatever spotter you have.

That may work for recording some stuff, but the picture will be worse through the iPhone.

[RussG1]

Has anyone purchased a Targetvision Hawk that mounts to spotting scope and supports a pad via usb?

[FishnHunt]

minox MD 50 15-30.

https://www.botach.com/minox-62225-md-50-wide-spotting-scope/

I bought it for light weigh hunting, but use it at the range. using shoot n c targets you can spot holes at 400 yards. Ive used it up to 500 but its pushing it..
all for around 200 bucks. try to find a deal or a coupon.
All you'll need a tripod. amazon has entry level for 40 bucks or so.

[Rusty_Shackleferd]

Buy once and cry once. Get a Swarovski ATX and be set for life. I can't recall which model I have, but it's at least 10 years old, so it's not a ATX. Regardless, you won't be disappointed with the glass clarity and ruggedness of the scope.

[gargodude]

You will be severely disappointed if you spend less than $500 on a spotting scope and, depending on your environment and how far away your target is, you might still be disappointed. Cheap spotting scopes are simply garbage. Don't waste your money. I use a wireless video camera setup that I made, but since then these came out:

http://www.bullseyecamera.com/shop.html

My best friend bought one and we finally had the chance to check it out a few months back. For all the money and time I put into making mine, I would have bought one of these in a heartbeat. The cool thing about these, is you can use a laptop, tablet or a phone for a display as long as it has wi-fi. Also, the software keeps track of the holes in the paper and the last shot location blinks on and off (actually, the previous image is alternated with the current image to give this effect). It really works well. Even the entry level unit (300 yard range) will give you a much higher quality image than a spotting scope at the same price point and you won't have to go back and forth between your rifle and your spotting scope to see your shots when shooting alone. If you are shooting long distance, even a great quality spotting scope is not immune to mirage, whereas this is not affected by the problem. Save your money and buy one of these.

The only thing you will want next is a robot that goes out and changes the target for you.