Spotting scope decision: Vortex Viper HD 20-60 vs. Celestron M2 20-60

[mr fox]

These spotters have made my top spotters list, just deciding which one to go with. Purely for spotting .223 holes in targets at the range (will use splatter targets to make life easier.)

Similar price, Vortex is perhaps 10% more expensive but has the lifetime warranty.

Really just after the one with better glass so I can see splatter hits at 300 or 400 yards if possible. Thanks to anyone who has an educated opinion on this.

 

[mr fox]

Another successful fact finding mission complete.

 

[Alienta]

This one is priced well and would do you fine for hits on steel to 400 yards. https://www.sportsmans.com/hunting-...hd-20-60-x-85-spotting-scope-angled/p/1232811

 

[NukeMMC]

I used to shoot NRA/DCM highpower rifle, which is shot at 200, 300 and 600 yds. We used spotters mostly to spot the scoring done on the targets with orange-painted golf tees and to dope wind/mirage at 600. I would use the spotter during the reload on the sitting rapid at 200 and prone rapid at 300 also.
I used a couple high-end spotters, a Kowa TSN-1 25x 77mm, a Kowa TSN-821M 27x 82mm and a Leica Televid 20-60x 77mm. These scopes have angled eyepieces that allowed use while in prone at 300 or 600 without breaking position. Spotting the .30 holes at 300 with the M14 was normal, lighting had to be just right to see .30 holes at 600. Spotting .22 holes from the M16 at 300 was normal with backlit targets (shooting into the sun). With Shoot-N-See targets, you may be able to see hits at 400, but don't depend on it, even with high-end glass, it is not my experience.

 

[mr fox]

Cheers Alienta, that is a good price. Tempting. Nuke that's a good insight, the .223 holes will definitely add to the difficulty of observation.

 

[gopherslayer]

I had a Viper HD for 2 days and returned it. I called CameralandNY and ordered a Cronus 20-60. Huge difference for the price increase. Very happy with the scope.