Cheap spotting scope

[Flogger23m]

I am looking for a cheap spotting scope, and found this one on sale at Big 5:

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2503823&rapid=0&listingid=-2085172965&offerid=

I see that most seem to go for $100 or more. I will only be looking out to 100 yards, would this be good enough?

[bombadillo]

I'll tell you first hand experience, getting a barska is just going to be throwing money away. Its virtually worthless at even a hundred yards past the 40x mark. I had the 20-60x60 and it was such a worthless pile. They're great for 25 yard pistol and smallbore shooting if you have a hard time seeing what you're hitting or not hitting, but if you're going to a hundred yards or further, take a look at the Redfield Rampage 20-60x60. Yes, its going to be a lot more than that one, but it isn't a pile that you'll give or throw away later. They're about $220 and worth every single penny. Learn from my mistakes, I tried to go cheapo optics for a while, but I've learned that everything you buy in the optics world needs to be quality.

[thai562]

You will get what you paid for with that one. Try to get a used Bushnell on ebay.

[Black Majik]

Rarely is there a free lunch with optics. Bump up a little more for either a Konuspot 80, or if you wanna go pretty nice the Bushnell Excursions are dang awesome for the price. Scott at Liberty Optics will get you a nice price.

It ain't fun spotting your shots if you gotta have eyeball touching your eyepiece and a FOV similar to looking through a straw.

[Vtec44]

I have a Barska 20-60x50. It works okay up to about 250 yards on a clear day. You can see the .223 holes. Beyond that, you'll need a better spotting scope. I got mine for $50 so it's good for what it is.

[joefreas]

Don’t. I have learned my lesson about cheap optics. You would be better off looking for a used higher quality product. I have seen some decent spotting scopes from Bass Pro Shops. I think their brand is RedHead or something similar. They come with a satisfaction guarantee and the people I know who own them are happy with them.

I made the mistake of buying some semi cheap Chinese optics. It turned out to be a waste of money. I now have three Chinese scopes sitting in my garage unused because they have been replaced by quality products. No savings there-

[ChrisTKHarris]

I got a cheapo Simmons from Sportsman's Warehouse for $80 and it works well enough for me since I'm only using a red dot on my AR.

[Flogger23m]

Thanks for the replies.

Any specific models that are decent that are around $80-100, or will I have to spend closer to 150-200?

I don't need anything very high end. I just need something that will let me see .223 or .308 sized holes to help me occasionally zero in rifles.

[stphnman20]

I have a Barska 20-60x50.

I have the same. Works well.

[Army]

Bushnell makes a number of inexpensive, but very serviceable spotters.

I regularly use a Bushy Sentry compact. Fits anywhere, decent optics, easy to carry.

[Never Convicted]

Do not go cheap. Listen to all those that have made that mistake. Its not always fun to wear the "I told you so" hat.

[Chris M]

My wife bought me the $99 Winchester 12-50x50mm spotting scope from Big 5. She meant well, but it really doesn't do the job. I can see the targets more clearly with my riflescope (Leopold VXII 4-12x40).

[wlltest]

I just ordered a Sentry spotting scope - Bushnell Sentry 18-36x5 - $104.00 with free shipping.
I can't wait to get it

Bushnell makes a number of inexpensive, but very serviceable spotters.

I regularly use a Bushy Sentry compact. Fits anywhere, decent optics, easy to carry.

[Mail Clerk]

I am looking for a cheap spotting scope, and found this one on sale at Big 5:

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2503823&rapid=0&listingid=-2085172965&offerid=

I see that most seem to go for $100 or more. I will only be looking out to 100 yards, would this be good enough?

Flogger23m,

For 100 yard bench rest shooting you'll need at least a 20-60 power version. I have a Barska brand and although a Bushnell is better in my opinion this version is good enough for range work and if it gets a little banged-up a bit no real loss cuz I can buy another from Big 5.

Mail Clerk

[SammyL]

I got this one from Big 5 and it works for over 100 yards.

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&flashbrowse=y&storeid=2503823&pagenumber=2&listingid=-2085191347&ref=/big5/default.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsepageflash%26storeid%3d2503823%26pagenumber%3d2%26promotioncode%3DBig5-101205