Rifle Scopes Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

K

KurtM

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Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 9, 2009
2
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Oregon
#1
I am in the market for a spotting scope for the range with some field application. I have a 40X Nikon today but it just does not allow use beyond 200-300 yds (see bullet holes on paper)and I am shooting to 600 yds and beyond.

Does anybody have any recommendations? I don't mind paying for performance.

Thanks
 
#3
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I am willing to pay to get a top tier spotting scope but if I could find the performance cheaper I would certainly be happy.

I guess I'm wondering if the top line Nikon would compete with the Zeiss or the "swore off whiskey" but for less dollars. But I want the performance of top spotting scope.

Thanks
 
#6
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I have a Konus. It's certainly a great scope for the money. However, keep in mind that the Konus has a composite body and doesn't seem to be as rugged as the more expensive brands. I figure one day I'll buy a Kowa or a Nikon ED but until then the Konus is fine for light duty use.
 
#10
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

Pentax. I have the 100mm ED Pentax spotter. It gives highest end alpha scope views for a bit less than highest end alpha scope price. It allows the use of regular 1.25" astronomical eyepieces so your choices are vast. I got a 13mm Televue Ethos eyepiece coming in tomorrow so I'll see how well it works.

Celestron also recently came out with the Regal which has been well reviewed as well and won't cost you an arm and an leg.
 
#11
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

They have a good write up on the Pentax spotting scopes on 6mmbr site.
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#12
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I would suggest a Zeiss spotting scope if you have a need to roll your head & spot the target while in position. If you need it for scanning long range real estate of just seeing bullets holes in paper then I suggest checking out the Rogue River Super Scope.
Semper Fi
 
#13
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I am very happy with my Nikon Tactical Fieldscope 3 ED, however I'm not sure if they're still in production.? But for what it's worth, I can see trace much better than with the Navy "big eyes" with a 25X eye piece. It also served me well in the sandbox.
 
#15
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

Seeing bullet holes past 400-500 yds is not too easy (no matter what scope). It has more to do with weather conditions than the scope. That said I went from a Konus to a Pentax 80mm ED. For a "cheap" scope the Konus is good but its not a Kowa. The Pentax is great but it was $1,000 more. After looking through numerous scopes (including Kowa and Swarov at matches) it seems there are under $300 scopes and over $1000 scopes - sad but you get what you pay for. I was actually very happy with a $50 Bushnell that I just used for 100 yd range work (until it was stolen).
 
#16
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

There are some nice Unertl's floating around. I have Zeiss and do not like it. Tried a special 30X fixed eyepiece and no better. Poor at picking up bullet holes and focus is prone to break. I am now using a Hensoldt and a Schmidt and Bender. Both are very scarce.I also use a Unertl team scope, when I want to set it up. I think only 25 S&B's were made. It is compact and great. Weather will be a big factor in seeing bullet holes past 400 yd.
 
#17
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I currently have a Bushnell Elite 20-60x80 with the "ED" glass.Very, very happy with it, it's incredibly clear, solid, and sharp.I have compared it to several scopes costing much more and I think compares favorably.No problem seeing holes on paper 300 yds, I have been able to see .50 holes at 665 yds before the mirage comes up.(After mirage it's nearly impossible for ANY scope).
 
#18
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

As always I really appreciate your thoughts and input. I'm going to go take a look at a few this weekend but now I have a good place to start.

Thanks again!
 
#19
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I run a Kowa 612 with 27X long eye relief lens. Works great, is not huge, and can be found used for $300-400.

Just think how you will use the scope most, and get a straight body if you will be finding targets and spotting downrange or an angled body if you will be checking target from the prone position.
I prefer straight, as I use my scope when I'm on the rifle, and when spotting for others or switching target to target I can spot with both eyes open, my "off" eye gets general direction and can see wind indicators all the way downrange, and my "scope" eye can read mirage and watch splash...
 
#21
Re: Suggestions for a Spotting Scope?

I spotted out of a buddy's Leupold Mark 4 with a mildot reticle and didn't like it. It may just be my personal preferance, but I felt like the mil ret cluttered my observation field too much and made it harder for me to see trace. I like to let my eye "float" just above the target when looking for trace, and I kept having to fight from instictively focusing on the reticle. On the other hand, they are good for giving quick, accurate corrections, providing the scope and spotting scope are the same scale.
 
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