Spotting scope recommendation

[bigbearbear]

I have a small Pentax binoculars rated at 8x, it works sort of ok for checking where my shots are on the 50yards range using 5.56mm/223rem at Glow Shot targets but doesn't work as nice when I use normal paper targets like one:

http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Redfield-Precision-Sight-In-Target/dp/B000KKER0Y/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405365468&sr=8-5&keywords=zeroing+targets

I'll like to get something that has variable zoom that will let me clearly see how good my groups are at both 50 yards and 100 yards, shooting 5.56mm/223rem and on normal paper targets. I'll like to keep the cost to around $100 if possible.

Will something like this Barska 18-36 x 50 work? Or should I be looking for higher magnification on the higher end? Thanks.

[duckman1]

You won't get much in that price range.

Skip the vari zoom and get a fixed power or buy a better pair of Bino's if $$ are short. Visit a store with a selection like a Bass Pro and try them all, see what works for you.

[bigbearbear]

You won't get much in that price range.

Skip the vari zoom and get a fixed power or buy a better pair of Bino's if $$ are short. Visit a store with a selection like a Bass Pro and try them all, see what works for you.

I guess I can live with a fixed magnification, what would be a good magnification power for seeing 223rem holes on paper target at 100 yards? Thanks.

[Tok36]

I picked up a Barska 20-60x60mm for around $69.00 at Big5 a while back for doing the same thing your talking about, works fine. Came with a functional case too.

[bigbearbear]

I picked up a Barska 20-60x60mm for around $69.00 at Big5 a while back for doing the same thing your talking about, works fine. Came with a functional case too.

Thanks! Just the info I'm looking for.

[Mail Clerk]

I have a small Pentax binoculars rated at 8x, it works sort of ok for checking where my shots are on the 50yards range using 5.56mm/223rem at Glow Shot targets but doesn't work as nice when I use normal paper targets like one:

http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Redfield-Precision-Sight-In-Target/dp/B000KKER0Y/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405365468&sr=8-5&keywords=zeroing+targets

I'll like to get something that has variable zoom that will let me clearly see how good my groups are at both 50 yards and 100 yards, shooting 5.56mm/223rem and on normal paper targets. I'll like to keep the cost to around $100 if possible.

Will something like this Barska 18-36 x 50 work? Or should I be looking for higher magnification on the higher end? Thanks.

bbb,

I think the Barska is a good choice for the range depending on what you need. I use the same version myself and it's good enough for out to 100 yards for the price. It's for sure NOT a Pentax cuz this version is way on the lower end.

I choose this cuz mine was stolen from the range long ago from my rear bench during my shooting secession and besides after back and forth from usage it can become a little beat up.

Mine is basically the same looking but I can't really say it's the exact model cuz mine is rubber coated I think and came in a nice carrying case.

Still though it's good enough for shooting range use but it isn't designed for bird watching either where you need high end optics.

I got mine from BIG 5 so if you don't want to pay for shipping charges then this is a good place to start.

Mail Clerk

[67Cuda]

Seen one at Harbor Freight that might be in your price range. Didn't catch the price.

[toro1]

I bought a Tasco at Big 5 for ~$90 and use it for .223 and 30-06 and have no problems seeing the holes at 150 yds and think it would be fine at 200yds. When zooming in, it is a bit difficult to keep it on target, but once it is centered, it stays there during my sessions. I am not sure of the model, but it is 20X-60X and looks very similar to the Barska straight thru viewer ( ie no 45 degree upward viewing port) Big5 has for sale. It also came with a ruggedized carrying case like the Barska has. Did Barska buy out Tasco?

[teflondog]

For only 50 yards, a cheap Barska is good enough. Once you get to 100 yards, that's when the inferior qualities start to become noticeable.

[klewan]

I have a 20 year old Simmons, 20-60x60. I was at the 100 yd. range and axed the guy next to me if I could look thru his Leopold. Also 20-60x60, noted what I could see and went back to my Simmons. No noticeable difference. Bought at Big 5 for $100, things were a LOT more expensive pre-internet....for some reason, anything with optics brings out some real gouging on price. Real boutique vibe with glass....