Rifle Scopes Spotting scope suggestions

[Triggerhappy]

I am looking for a spotting scope for range work. I have a budget of up to $350. I mainly shoot steel (out to 1000yds)but want something for all around use. I would prefer advice from hands on experience with the scope but any would be helpful.

Vortex Skyline -$300
Vortex Sandpiper-$329
Bushnell Elite -$338
Bushnell Excursion-$349
or others???

 

[Sapper524]

Re: Spotting scope suggestions

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-15-45x60-Excursion-FLP-Spotting-Scope-P44540.aspx

thats what I use ... Im a SWFA supporter because they are good people to work with in my opinion. that being you can get that scope for $320 at Optics Planet but you can do a price compare through SWFA and they will match.

Now ... with THAT aside I like the scope and will advise the tripod that comes with it is junk ... spend the money on a good tripod ... worth it. Now if all your going to use this for is to sit on a bench at the range you might find more bang for your buck in a longer more conventional scope. The eye relief is fine but kinda touchy when cranked up to high power ... but what scope isn't. I like the compact size of this scope for my uses. If you are looking for nothing more than a Bench Rest scope a bigger 20x60 model might be more suited. I however like being able to walk to the firing line in one trip and not require 3 trips to the truck and 4 bags to carry all my gear. I am very happy with the FLP ... for the money its great glass and I have the Mil Dot model as Im not a fan of all the battery powered lazer range finders and gizmos that will fail at the worst time. Im a big fan of the Mil Dot system ... Once you train with something in the Army its hard to "change your ways"

 

[gtriever]

Re: Spotting scope suggestions

If you can add 60 bucks to that, <span style="color: #3366FF">EAGLE OPTICS</span> has the Kowa TSN 602 (straight) and TSN 601 (angled) on sale right now for 410.00, which is a heck of a deal on some very nice scopes. I looked at and strongly considered the Kowas before I bought my Zeiss T*FL.

If you can't, the Celestron brand offers good value, as do their house-brand Denali scopes. BTW, the "old standby" Bushnell Spacemaster is also on sale for 319.00 right now. For rifle scopes I go to SWFA when possible, but for binos and spotting scopes the guys at Eagle are hard to beat.