• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Spotting scope

SmimL7

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 22, 2012
332
3
OH River Valley
I am trying to decide on a spotting scope for looking at hits on paper when I am playing at the range. I was considering either the leupold 12-40x60 HD or 20-60x80 Mark 4. Which scope would allowe to see holes the furthest? is the HD glass that big of an advantage over the Mark 4s maginification for this purpose? My range goes out to 1000 yards however I realize that I will not be able to see hits out that far with either scope.
 
Last edited:
I just received this mark 4 20-60 from scott at liberty optics for a great price. Got to try it out at the range this weekend and thought it did quite well. Had a few compliments from some fellow shooters on its crispness. Due to range limitations the farthest targets were at about 370 yard but we coukd easily see 308 bullet holes at that distance. From what i understand the mark 4 in the 20-60 is using a type of HD glass which isnt used on the 12-40 version. Someone please correct me if i am incorrect.
The 60x is pretty helpful at distance. Out past 400y would be pretty low yield with the 40x for detail. This scope also comes with a nice fitted case. Some pics of the set up:

Crappy pic not well focused through iphone
3ca4a3fbb32cbaba8cce73d4d1e36547_zps045ba5f1.jpg


Case

c4f5d0bef41ad2d4f267d45416f77c36_zps88d0b3ac.jpg


Set up

74919ae855a0fc84775ac6fd2171edd2_zpsbe681aec.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info. I was not aware that the Mark4 used an HD lense. I really like that the 20-60 has a reticle.
 
well, dont quote me on that but I tried to find out from leupold and it SEEMS that is the case but....
theres another thread on it here somewhere
 
I just ordered a Vortex Razor HD spotting scope 20-60x85 and the 30x extra eyepiece with MILRAD reticle from Liberty Optics. I ordered it because what I read on Gunwerks Long Range Hunting how he was able to give quick adjustments on steel targets out at 1000 yards. That was at a long range competition. He said, "he did it for eight hours without any eye strain." That and what Scoot at Liberty Optics had to say about the Vortex Razor HD spotting scope made my decision. I have a Vortex Razor EBR-2B on my Crusader and my GAP-10.
 
My Nikon 15-45 goes out to 600, beyond that - won't see bullet holes.
Nikon Earth and Sky, IMHO the best budget scope out there...
 
I always really liked the Kowa spotting scopes over any other I ever used at a range, but they ain't cheap, especially not with the high end eyepiece. It isn't suitable for carrying around, too big, but awesome for the range. Best for a buddy spotting trace though, as you won't be seeing the holes like you say at that range, not unless it's a KD range with a pit crew marking hits.

What you can get to see holes at ranges even farther than 1000m, and it may sound silly but it'll work, is a small, cheap astronomy telescope w/ tripod. Maybe look on CL for a used one, even a decent child's version would be fine --you don't need the best optics to see the holes, and you sure as shit don't need the higher end magnifications or models. You may wanna look through a few, I couldn't tell you what magnification would be best for seeing bullet holes to a mile and under, but I can say it doesn't take much. I lost a white rocket as a kid in a strong gust and we had an idea where it went, so my dad pulled out our telescope (an old 60's or 70's Bushnell?) on the deck and we scanned the cotton fields over a mile out and it zoomed in real close, no different from standing there in front of it. I'd see no reason why you couldn't use that to see the hits. If you shoot from a bench or table usually, you'll like that the tripods generally are good for seated positions. You may have to make modifications if you want to use it in the prone. Be damn careful not to get sunlight focused through it.

But they have cheap wireless cameras now and all you need is a phone or laptop and that camera and you're good to go too. I'll probably go that route when I get my .50 provided I can find ones that will work to the range I need. If not or if they're too expensive, I'll go the telescope route as I know that'll work.
 
I am trying to decide on a spotting scope for looking at hits on paper when I am playing at the range. I was considering either the leupold 12-40x60 HD or 20-60x80 Mark 4. Which scope would allowe to see holes the furthest? is the HD glass that big of an advantage over the Mark 4s maginification for this purpose? My range goes out to 1000 yards however I realize that I will not be able to see hits out that far with either scope.

Hey Smim...forgive me while I make the proverbial "shameless plug" for our TargetCam system. If you are looking to see shots on targets at distances past 400 or 500 yards you should take a look at our system. We designed the TargetCam to allow you to see shots out past 1000 yards. I've actually tested our system out at ridiculous ranges over 3 miles and can clearly see 22 caliber holes. Our system starts to make sense at around 400 yards or so where spotting scopes loose clear enough view of the target.

Our system is for sale here on The Hide and some of your purchase also goes to support this great site. You can read more about our product by clicking the "Shop Sniper's Hide" link on the top of the page. Feel free to call me directly with questions.

Keith Averill - owner of TargetCam.net
 
Wow. No affiliation. Wish i had seen this mark 4 20-60 on ebay before i got mine.
Anyone interested this one is going for $1300. Thats crazy. Looks to be new. Not sure which reticle but damn thats a good price. Seller looks to have all positive feedback too
 
Samplelist.com has a demo Kowa TSN664 straight body spotter (ED glass, 66mm Flourite objective lens) with a 30mm wide angle eyepiece plus the $120 fitted case, for $719.
That's about half price.
Until recently, its big brother with the 82mm objective was considered the best spotter out there.
I've been trying to find some excuse to buy it but I just can't part with the money right now.
It's fairly compact, around 13" and 2-1/2 pounds.
Kowa 30x66mm Spotting Scope DEMO-C

Thought I'd pass it on.

Joe