Another spotting scope recommendation thread

[BigJ]

My specs:

-$700 or less
-able to identify 223 holes in paper out to 200yards
-good eye relief so I can see things while wearing safety glasses
-angled eye piece

I can be flexible on most/all other factors.

Thoughts?

[6mmintl]

""identify 223 holes in paper out to 600yards""

I don't think so.

[Merc1138]

I don't think you're going to be able to get the hubble space telescope even when it finally hits a government liquidation website for under $700.

[BigJ]

Sorry, typo. I meant to say I need to see the holes at 200yards, and clearly see where the markers are (at an NRA style high power match) at 600yards.

[OpenSightsOnly]

My specs:

-$700 or less
-able to identify 223 holes in paper out to 200yards
-good eye relief so I can see things while wearing safety glasses
-angled eye piece

I can be flexible on most/all other factors.

Thoughts?

Konus 80 will do but it does not have the LER.

I used Konus 80 for three years then upgraded to a Kowa 82SV with the 25x LER.

Show up to a XTC or Garand match. Why? So you can check out the equipment, get feedback about its pros/cons etc.

That's time well spent.

[BigJ]

Yessir been doing just that. Seems like lots of folks use the Kowa or similar quality, or use a sub $100 Barska as they "save their pennies".

This looks very interesting. Seems relatively new to the market: http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop...ting-scope-kit

[1CavScout]

For the money, I like my Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60x80. It has ED glass and can be found for about 500 bucks now. It really shines at 20-40, but still works well on 60x. I use it out to 300 on shoot N-C targets, and it works well (even in the heat in AZ with a lot of mirage). At 40x at 200 yards it works well.

http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/spotting-scopes/legend-ultra-hd/20-60x-80mm-%2845%C2%B0%29

[khw9mm]

I considered the Konus but went with the Kowa 82sv. With optics, buy once, cry once.

http://www.sportoptics.com/Kowa-Spotting-Scopes.aspx

[tonyxcom]

I have a version of this Vortex spotter. I don't think mine is HD but I can check the box when I get home. I can see holes at 200y no problem.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Viper-HD-Spotting-Scope-P48319.aspx

But keep this in mind. Even a $20000 spotting scope will have a hard time seeing through mirage or heat coming off the ground.

[ocabj]

Get on Creedmoor Sports' mailing list. They had a special deal for a Kowa 82SV + 25x LER eyepiece + Creedmoor scope cover for $880.

That offer will probably come up again since Creedmoor deals a lot in Kowa scopes.

[1CavScout]

I have a version of this Vortex spotter. I don't think mine is HD but I can check the box when I get home. I can see holes at 200y no problem.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Viper-HD-Spotting-Scope-P48319.aspx

But keep this in mind. Even a $20000 spotting scope will have a hard time seeing through mirage or heat coming off the ground.

Very true. This is where the Shoot N-C targets come in handy.

[OpenSightsOnly]

Yessir been doing just that. Seems like lots of folks use the Kowa or similar quality, or use a sub $100 Barska as they "save their pennies".

This looks very interesting. Seems relatively new to the market: http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop...ting-scope-kit

Really depends on your goals -

a) do you want a scope for a 200 yard Garand match so you can see the golf tees?

b) or do you plan to delve into highpower (XTC and mid range)?

I started off with a Konus 80 since it addresses a and b. For 600 yards, I leave it at 20x and focus at 300 yards for mirage. I can see the target frame from my left and right. With my prescription/eye protection, it works well - just have to practice/learn how to manage.

Since the Konus 80 has been knocked-over three times, it's time for retirement. So, I went to a Kowa 82SV.

If you plan to stay with the sport and get the most out of it, you will eventually buy a Kowa.

Your goals will determine how much you will or plan to spend on the equipment. By the way, this is the same deal with reloading.

good luck . . . .

[Erion929]

I just bought a Konus 20-60x80 after reading through the Calguns recommendation threads....hope it works as advertised for general range work to 200yds. Dvor had it for $165 shipped, could not turn that down