Spotting scope - 60x?

[Tomcat088]

Others here are telling you exactly what they should, magnification isn't always the most important factor. Especially on cheaper scopes (not just spotting scopes), as you zoom in the quality will get worse and hazy or dark (due to smaller exit pupil). Even with a very good spotting scope (between $1k-2K), it can be hard to resolve .30 caliber bullet holes at 300 yards. You also have to realize that mirage, lighting angle, contrast of the target, and things like that will have an effect on how well you can see. I don't know what the cost of the wireless system is, but it is definitely an option, although they're usually expensive.

I think if you're trying to keep things a bit on the cheap side, but still be able to see your hits, you might try this. Go with a cheaper scope, but get the better of the cheap ones that you can afford; I hate to break it to you guys, but if you purchase a $100 spotting scope, you'll probably hate it and regret it. When you compare it to something a little more higher end (even $300), you'll be disappointed, and be trying to sell it and get a different one. If you're using shoot n-c targets, orange peel, etc, WITH your spotting scope at 200 yards, you should be able to see your hits, even with a .223. That's kind of the cheap ticket to getting by with one of the cheaper scopes at this distance.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by Tomcat088

Others here are telling you exactly what they should, magnification isn't always the most important factor. Especially on cheaper scopes (not just spotting scopes), as you zoom in the quality will get worse and hazy or dark (due to smaller exit pupil). Even with a very good spotting scope (between $1k-2K), it can be hard to resolve .30 caliber bullet holes at 300 yards. You also have to realize that mirage, lighting angle, contrast of the target, and things like that will have an effect on how well you can see. I don't know what the cost of the wireless system is, but it is definitely an option, although they're usually expensive.

These are actually pretty cheap compared to a good spotting scope, I was thinking of getting one for bird watching and watching my pup around the yard...

MPEG-4 Pan Tilt 802.11g Wireless Camera

Item #: vPT7137
Retail Price: $440.00
You Save: 32%
Read Reviews
Write a Review

Sale Price: $299.00

[Chunky Monkey]

That's pretty coll Frenchy but way too high tech for me!!

[BerksCountyDave]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

These are actually pretty cheap compared to a good spotting scope, I was thinking of getting one for bird watching and watching my pup around the yard...

MPEG-4 Pan Tilt 802.11g Wireless Camera

Item #: vPT7137
Retail Price: $440.00
You Save: 32%
Read Reviews
Write a Review

Sale Price: $299.00

Question is, is it Mac compatible? If not I can't use it. But I want it. That would be a kickass way to watch my hits on target!

[Ronnies111]

Originally Posted by BerksCountyDave

I need to get a spotting scope for checking my targets and long range. Walking 200 yards every time I shoot a group is getting REALLY old.

Would a 20-60x be sufficient for checking targets out to 300 yards?

Bushnell.. real good for the money

[S&W 10mm]

I vote the hole idea bout getting a 4-wheeler...thats what i do. heck actually its not hard to even shoot off the 4-wheeler to give you extra support. so what i do when shooting a few guns gun is put the guns on the gun rack and put my ammo and targets on the front rack and take off where i wanna shoot. park the 4-wheeler sideways take a few shots then drive the 4-wheeler to go look at em. then after you see what you did you get a sharpie and outline the bullet whole, readjust your gun and shoot a few more shots then repeat until your where you wanna be. but i just shoot a couple 20 rounds or so when i go rifle shooting making sure i can stay with in 2 inches and thats all i need to know.

[jim-analog]

Greetings all,

I can tell you my experience with the same issue. Started off with a cheap, junk Russian spotting scope 20-40x 50mm from SG. Really didn't work too well at 50 yards. Then went to a Bushnell 20-60x 60mm with side focus (important feature IMO). This was a huge improvement (in detail and clarity), but finding .223 holes at 100 yards was difficult depending on background and light. Recently, picked up a second hand Konus 20-60x 80mm with side focus . This was the ticket! No problem at 200 yards.

Keep in mind that it's not all about magnification. The larger the objective lens, more light gets in, contrast goes up and the easier it is to see small holes. I think Konus is made in Italy; very nice for the price (list is about $225 or so, IRRC). The viewfinder is on a 45 degree angle and can rotate 360 degrees. This makes it very easy to set up for comfortable spotting. It came with a small tripod that would work ok on a bench, a carry bag and a camera adapter that I haven't figured out yet. There are much nicer scopes, but the price goes way up as well. If you have a chance, try one of these and see how it looks to you.

Regards, Jim

[Chunky Monkey]

I recently got a Winchester 15-45 X 60mm. I haven't had it out yet but I hope it'll be good enough for seeing 223 to 30-06 at 100 yards. If not I'll peddle it off and get another.

[Pukindog]

I have a Kowa with a fixed 25X eyepiece and a varible power eyepiece. I hardly ever use the variable, not needed. The 25X is good for me to see .22 holes at 500 yards without much difficulty.
Remember, the sweetness of low price never equals the bitterness of poor quality. You get what you pay for, especially with optics.

Jeff

[Tomcat088]

Dang pukin, Where do you shoot at man? What kind of targets were you using too? In the black, at 25x, I have trouble seeing .22 caliber holes at 100 yards sometimes. When I throw in mirage at 300, even .30 caliber holes in the black can get hard to see, on white, ok, sometimes. Mirage at 500 yards, and .22 holes, I'm gonna have to check a Kowa out I guess. You must have some good eyes too.