Hi all I was wondering if when any of you were starting out you used an inexpensive spotting scope for spotting bullet trace at long range (800-1200yds) if so was this easy to do with cheaper glass? Or what's the cheapest I can go and still get the job done? Also if anyone has any tips on spotting the trace I'm all up for it as I'm at the beginning of my long range adventure and haven't done this before. Thanks in advance!
Cheap spotting scope for bullet trace
- Thread starter Deercannon
- Start date
I have the bushnell tactical 15-45 with mil reticle. I think I got it for around $350, not sure what your budget is. It works well for shooting steel and I even use it in ground blinds when hunting. It’s a decent scope for the price but getting it focused can be a pain. Best way to see the trace is to get right behind whoever is shooting.
Cannon, A cheap Konus (200$) will get you there. You want the target in the lower 1/3 of field of view. Lining up dead center behind the shooter helps
I bought one of these cheap Athlon spotters last year:
https://www.scheels.com/p/athlon-talos-20-60x80-spotting-scope/81386902134.html
$150 and it's been a great little beater spotting scope. Glass is pretty decent too. I've had mine in and out of my main pack all year. It's been beat around, thrown, slung, dropped, knocked off benches, still kicking.
https://www.scheels.com/p/athlon-talos-20-60x80-spotting-scope/81386902134.html
$150 and it's been a great little beater spotting scope. Glass is pretty decent too. I've had mine in and out of my main pack all year. It's been beat around, thrown, slung, dropped, knocked off benches, still kicking.
I love Bushnell myself, LMSS 8-45. Forge 10x binos. Great stuff. But did use celeston spotter at match and was impressed. Around $300 on Amazon I'm told. Big bang for the buck if getting started out. Light conditions will effect your ability to see trace, and bring directly bey the shooter helps as already stated.
This is the first time I've heard of the athlon spotter, how is the glass? Can you see trace and holes at decent distance?
I guess I've never used a spotting scope for long range trace, my only experience with one is using the old man's Burris 60x and I remember spotting holes at 300 the trace is the more important part for me as I don't think any scope is going to let me see holes at 800+
The Konus is a good quality spotter priced way less than you'd think when you look through it. Call in, 516-217-1000, to get the Konus Optics KonuSpot-80 20x60x80 Spotting Scope #7120B for only $179.99
Includes a Table Top Tripod, Camera Adapter, Carrying Case, Lens Cleaning Cloth and Smart Phone Adapter.
Includes a Table Top Tripod, Camera Adapter, Carrying Case, Lens Cleaning Cloth and Smart Phone Adapter.
I used a pair of Athlon Midas 10x binoculars on a BogPod tripod mount at a match last Saturday. They were great for spotting trace and hits out to the 1034 target that was the farthest of the match. Less eye strain than a spotter. I had the Bushnell T series 15-45 with the mil reticle, sold them after I bought the binos. I will probably get a pair of 15x binos in the future.
Is there a trick to using the scope.
I've got pretty decent glass (Khales & March) and never seen trace on 223 or 6.5.
Thanks
Yes:
1. It is weather dependent, wind, sun angle dependent as far as trace quality.
2. You need to know what you are looking for.
3. You want to be in line with the bullet path for best results.. I often see my own trace in my scope when at 15x and the position stable, especially if the sun is low and the wind calm.
4. Focus in on the target, then rolling the focus back towards the shooter maybe 25% helps.
5. Good rifle glass (except for the FOV) is much better than cheap spotter glass
I’m still amazed at how well my Celestron ultimata 80 works for the < $200 I spent on it. On a good day (minimal mirage) I can even see 6mm bullet holes at 500 yards with it.
Eye relief isn’t great and at magnification beyond 50X it resolves somewhat poorly.
The absolute best tool I’ve ever used for watching trace was a pair of 15x Cannon image stabilized binoculars.
don't focus on the target with your eyes.. Look 2/3 - 1/3 back for the visual disturbance to be dropping in from near the top of your rifle scope (smaller FOV)
