1000yard Spotting Scope

[PistolPete75]

What are the good ones out there that won't break the bank.

Budget is $500-$900. Preferbably closer to $500-$600. $700-$900 if it's well worth it.

need the focus feature which is a must.

[Mute]

In that price range I'd look at used Nikons and Kowas. If you're lucky, you might find some used Pentax scopes around the $900 mark which would be my top choice in that price range. Keep in mind you're not going to see bullet holes.

[rksimple]

For the money, I think the Kowa is hard to beat. The ones I've seen are fantastic. I've only got to look through them @ 200 yards at some local high power matches, but they are very clear and bright. Haven't had a chance to spend some time with the Nikons, but if they're anything like their cameras, they should be awesome.

[Jicko]

What are the good ones out there that won't break the bank.

Budget is $500-$900. Preferbably closer to $500-$600. $700-$900 if it's well worth it.

need the focus feature which is a must.

Is there are spotting scope that allow you to see "bullet holes" (.308 or .223) at 1000yds!?!?!?!

I truely DOUBT that!!!

Or are you just talking about seeing "spotter disc"?

[ocabj]

The Kowa 821 is still the go to for most High Power shooting. Kowa just came out with the 881, but it's insanely expensive compared to the 821 ($1400 vs $650, bodies only). If you are just shooting Across the Course, then I'd say go with the 661 which is lighter. I had the 661 with the 25x LER eyepiece, and the only reason I sold it is because I got an incredible deal on an 821 through the For Sale section on Calguns.

But since you appear to be shooting 1000 yard long range High Power, you'll want the 821 over the 661. The extra diameter on the objective lens will give you better overall image so you'll be able to pick up the mirage and bullet trace a lot better.

I've seen a lot of Zeiss scopes used by 'tactical' shooters, but given what my friend told me about Zeiss's strict warranty (non-transferable, scope must have been purchased from an authorized dealer, warranty service subject to Zeiss discretion), I would vote against spending $1k on a Zeiss scope.

You should be able to swing a Kowa 881 with the 27x LER eyepiece for under $900 new. If you want the 20-60x zoom eyepiece, it's going to set you back at least $100 more (and I don't think it's going to be very useful).

[Nile]

spotting scope

I have a Kowa 823. Works really well for high power 200,300,600 and 1000yd competition, but as far as seeing bullet holes past 300 yards is doubtful. Maybe 400 yards if the light is right. Kowa's have various eye pieces which can help as well, such as 20x60 zoom etc...

[Timberwolf]

For your price range either a Nikon, Kowa or Leupold. At 1K you're not going to see your bullet holes you'll be looking for either splash or movement if hitting steel or the disc if on paper. I've used Nikons, Leupys and Ziess before but never a Kowa so can't comment on the quality of the Kowa. Of the three I've used I liked the Ziess but alas not in my budget.

All that said though I have a old Bushnell 20X that I've had for over 10 years that still serves me well. If and whenever mine goes south (if it ever does) I'll probably go with a Leupy or if I can afford it a U.S. Optics.

[rksimple]

All that said though I have a old Bushnell 20X that I've had for over 10 years that still serves me well. If and whenever mine goes south (if it ever does) I'll probably go with a Leupy or if I can afford it a U.S. Optics.

At the USO open house, they had one of their spotter prototypes out. Very compact and excellent glass with a GAP reticle too. They expect the price to be in the $700 range so it should be a viable contender with other similarly priced spotters.

[PistolPete75]

For the money, I think the Kowa is hard to beat. The ones I've seen are fantastic. I've only got to look through them @ 200 yards at some local high power matches, but they are very clear and bright. Haven't had a chance to spend some time with the Nikons, but if they're anything like their cameras, they should be awesome.

nevermind, i got it messed up with a konus.

[PistolPete75]

At the USO open house, they had one of their spotter prototypes out. Very compact and excellent glass with a GAP reticle too. They expect the price to be in the $700 range so it should be a viable contender with other similarly priced spotters.

is it out yet?

[PistolPete75]

hmm which one should i get? this is getting confusing.

[PistolPete75]

how is this spotting scope?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-green-ring-sequoia-20-60x80mm-angled-spotting-scope-with-45-eyepiece.html

Green Ring Sequoia 20-60x80 Angled Scope & Tripod Kit

[ocabj]

The Sequoia line is produced in foreign factories. Not sure where the glass is coming from. I believe the scope is made in Southeast Asia (if that is a concern to you). What should be a concern is the very minimal eye relief (non existent, you'll need to take off eye protection to view through the eyepiece properly) and medicore image quality. I've looked through a couple since quite a few people bought them during a period when Turners was advertising them in their weekly ad. All of them were fine for 100 yards, but 200 yard image quality wasn't anything to write home about. My straight body Bushnell Spacemaster 20-45x60 from 2001 was far better than the Sequioa.

[ocabj]

BTW, go here: http://www.lasc.us/IHMSANewsArticles.htm

On the left side there should be a bunch of articles on sporting optics. Some are fairly dated, but it gives you an idea of what is out there. They're written by Todd Spotti who is a shooting buddy of mine at IFG. He gets his hands on most of the Leupold stuff and a lot of the mid priced spotting scopes and can give a decent opinion on a spotting scope as far as image quality is concerned.

[Forestboy]

Which spotting scope do you reccomend if money is not an object. Top 5 in a list?
Thanks