Rifle Scopes Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

[Wicked Weapons]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Is there a company or service that will modify optics/eyepieces so I can have mil-dots in my spotting scope? </span>

I have a Kowa TSN-821 with the 27x wide angle EER eyepiece. It's sitting on a Ray-Vin scope stand. I used this for rig for competitive shooting, but think I've pretty puch given up on across the course High Power. Simply lost interest.

Fortunately, I've discovered shooting long range steel. There are a number of relatively close places to shoot at 1000+ on steel targets and I'm building at least 1 or 2 rifles with that in mind. After some research, I think I've decided to go with mil/mil optics. I think my learning curve will be faster not having to convert mils to moa. I don't have a lot of scope experience, but mil/mil seems pretty straight forward - dial in exactly what the call is and you're done. The short range gun would probably get a straight 10x and for the longer range gun I'm thinking 5.5-22x.

Now, back to the spotting scope. I recently went to observe and watch some guys shoot. Most shooters simply spotted for their partners thru their rifles. Some partners had mil/moa issues as not everyone was using the same system. Spotter would call out corrections in moa but shooter had to convert to mils or vice versa. Only 1 person had a ranging spotting scope. I'm thinking I would benefit from having my spotter use my spotting scope if his optic is not graduated in mils.

Obviously, the first thing I noticed was that without a marked reticle, it is impossible to judge distance thru the Kowa. I have searched and not found any eyepiece for Kowa scopes that has a graduated reticle. Is it worth the time and trouble to have a spotting scope that will also range for my rifle? I'm not into buying another one, so converting my Kowa is my option. If so, where can I have this done? What should it cost?

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

I called Kowa a few months back and suggested they offer an eye piece with ranging reticle. They told be they have thought about it, but have no plans to manufacture or offer it in the near future.

I also called Nightforce and talked to them about making something for the Kowa scopes, and they said they would look into it.

 

[CanPopper]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

You can try Siebert Optics:
http://www.siebertoptics.com/

Harry Siebert is the only American maker of custom optics and he often puts together custom optics for me. He machines his own eyepieces and may put one together for you if the price is right.

You may need to send him your scope and eyepiece for him to test and pattern.

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

A Kowa factory reticled eyepiece is likely not ever going to happen. It's too bad, but that's the reality.

Scott

 

[Wicked Weapons]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

Scott,

I had figured as much for Kowa. Is there anyone that would build/or modify one for me? I'm going to try Seibert, see what he says. Anywhere else who might do it?

I don't know beans about optics, except to spend a bunch and you won't be sorry later. Is it difficult to modify an eyepiece? What's involved? Just wondering why nobody will touch it.

 

[CanPopper]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

A modification or custom eyepiece will pretty much be a reticle eyepiece such as this one:
http://www.telescope.com/control/accesso...escope-eyepiece

The problem with putting in a mildot for ranging is that the eyepiece will be very scope specific. The reticle will only range properly at a certain mag on a certain focal length of scope. Plus it needs to be aligned so the crosshairs are up and down, left and right when the eyepiece is fully inserted.

Basically, it is a messy procedure and very scope specific thus limiting its market.

Another alternative is to buy the picatinny to tripod adapter base from Platypus (of Precision Rifle Solutions) who is a member of the Hide. This will allow you to attach rifle scopes to tripods for use as spotters. I have a 72mm Big Zeiss Victory riflescope with the mildot reticle that I attach to the base Platypus made for me which I then use as a ranging spotter from time to time. This would by far be the cheapest and most versatile ranging spotter solution.

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wicked Weapons</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Scott,

I had figured as much for Kowa. Is there anyone that would build/or modify one for me? I'm going to try Seibert, see what he says. Anywhere else who might do it?

I don't know beans about optics, except to spend a bunch and you won't be sorry later. Is it difficult to modify an eyepiece? What's involved? Just wondering why nobody will touch it. </div></div>

I just don't have an answer to your question, but I'd love to know what you find out!

Scott

 

[david777]

Re: Kowa Spotting Scope w/ Mil-Dot?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LibertyOptics</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wicked Weapons</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Scott,

I had figured as much for Kowa. Is there anyone that would build/or modify one for me? I'm going to try Seibert, see what he says. Anywhere else who might do it?

I don't know beans about optics, except to spend a bunch and you won't be sorry later. Is it difficult to modify an eyepiece? What's involved? Just wondering why nobody will touch it. </div></div>

I just don't have an answer to your question, but I'd love to know what you find out!

Scott </div></div>

Any one have any more info on this?