Need to get a spotter scope, I'm a total NOOB

[Last Resort]

I will admit, I'm a complete NOOB to optics. I have no scopes on any of my guns, but have recently developed a love of shooting my mosin at the local range (50-200 yards/iron sights). I have also realized that without a spotting scope, shooting 50 yards and beyond is a waste of time since you can't see what the heck your hitting. I want to get a decent spotting scope that will do a good job out to 200 yards, at least. I would also like to stay under $100.00 if possible. Do you guys have any suggestions for me? I don't even know what kind of magnification I should be looking for.

[jtwalker]

I have been looking too, and can't seem to find any in my price range that have good reviews. $240-$250 seems to be the minimum that I can find where people have some good things to say about the scope. I'm just not sure if I want one for $240 yet.

[Hawk]

For 50-100 yards a cheap $100 and under scope will do. For 200 yards you'll need to spend $200-250 and even then you'll need good light and/or good eyes to pick up .22 -.30 cal holes in the black (if there is no mirage to deal with).

Read this:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/howtosespsc.html

One of the best SS for around $200.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CCwQ8wIwAQ#

[thefirstndsecond]

Sorry to tell you this, but optics are not a place where you want to go cheap.

There really is a difference between optics that cost more.

That being said you shoudl be able to spend 250 to 300 and get a nice spotting scope.

Spending 100 on a Bushnell spotting scope will not be a good idea.

Go with Leupold (American Made) or the Redfield (American Made). Nikon is good as well.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...233&hasJS=true

This Cabelas version isn't bad.
If you go cheap you will not be happy.

Same goes for a scope. There is a difference between rifle scope, shot gun scope, hunting versus target.

Lens coatings make the world of difference.

Look through a bushnell then a Zeiss or Swarovski, it is unbelievable.


As something to help you with targets, shoot en see work pretty good.

[dk99358]

3-4 years ago, I bought a Burris Landmark 15-45X60 from Bear Basin Outfitters for my Dad. Their current price is about $155.

We take it to the range (100yds) and he takes it to Benezette looking for elk. He's been happy with it.

Dale

[Last Resort]

Thanks for the advice so far. How about binoculars? Are good binoculars cheaper than a good spotting scope, or are they comparable?

[SCBaldr]

I bought one of these Barska 20-60 power 60mm scopes off the sportsman's guide and I have had pretty good luck with it. Its rugged, waterproof and its $55, I can even see my bullet holes at 300 meters if I squint hard. They even make one that comes in 125x magnification power

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...2&kwtid=283308

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=556286

[Bravo Whiskey]

I was given a sub $100 spotting scope and to be honest it is not worth carrying. I try using for various tasks and it doesn,t get the job done.
My Nikon Binos are far superior but when shooting @ the range or field the spotter is the better method.
For $199 you can pick up a Vortec Impact 25-75x70. Really nice glass ,bridges the gap between junk and Expensive and comes w/ Padded case caps and a table top tripod. Lifetime transferable warranty so you are covered .

[PSUfan1]

I'd go for the Konus 20-60x80mm linked above. They are on sale at midway for $200... better glass than pretty much everything in it's price range (really even double it's price range).