Rifle Scopes The little spotter that could.

ms6852

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 16, 2008
412
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San Antonio Texas
After getting tired of lugging by big Nikon Field scope with Manfrotto bipod I decided I needed a compact scope since the max distance I would need it for was about 100yds. for 22lr scoring. After several months of researching and looking through several brands, I decided on the Leupold goldring in 15-30X50. Here's the link:

http://www.leupold.com/observation/produ...0x50mm-compact/

This little scope is $399 and worth every penny. The scope measures less than 12 inches and weighs less than 1 1/2 lbs. After looking at other scopes with larger ojective lenses measuring 65mm and those claiming to have HD or ED glass for the same price as the Leupold, they still were cheap and did not hold up to the clarity and brightness that the smaller objective lens Leupold had. As with any product that one purchases there will always be pros and cons but in this case the pros out weigh the con on this spotter. For the specific application of seeing bullet holes of 22lr at 100 yds, the performance of the scope surpassed my expectations and was surprised that I could see .22 cal, and .30 cal bullet holes at 200 yds on regular targets as well as the shoot n c targets at dusk. The glass is truly exceptional for such a small objective lens.

Mounted on the Vanguard VS-82 table top tripod total weight combined for both the spotter and tripod is under 3lbs. This little spotter is always my companion now in my truck. It is great for hiking and backpacking as you will not mind the less than 3lbs that you carry and is great to use on the window of your truck with the window mount. In some instances some binoculars could weigh as much and are not as stable, especially if using high power binocs.

http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/detail-1-4-130-134.html

Eye relief is a little on the short side and since it is light it may shake a little if its is breezy but hey it is difficult to have your cake and eat it too.
I thought I would write a little about this and pass my personal experience in case some one was looking for a compact scope but was undecided.
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Re: The little spotter that could.

I've gotta agree... I've been packing the same spotter around for 2-3 years and love it! Great combination of optical clarity, size, weight and performance!
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

How do you like it for glassing when hunting. Have not had to opportunity to take out to the davis mountains yet for aoudad. Just got the spotter a couple of weeks ago and am excited as much as a kid in a candy store.
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

For the size and weight, as well as the price, the little 15-30 gives terrific performance. Used a friend's almost all summer a couple of years ago, when he deployed to Iraq, it sucked to see the thing go, as well as him, of course!
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

Used it again yesterday at the range and every one was surprised I had down sized from the big Nikon Fieldscope to the Leupold 15-30X50. But once everyone took a chance looking through it, they realized I had not given up on performance. They were throroughly surprised!!
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

I agree the Leupold Gold ring 15-30x50 is a geat spotter which is not to be confused with their Green Ring Sequoia made in Korea scope which has horrible resolution. I could not make out 22 caliber holes even on white paper at 100 yards. When I sent it back to Leupold they offered me an upgrade to the Gold Ring for $30. Never been happier.
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

It really is a great little scope. I've got one and it is fantastic for throwing in the pack while out hunting.
Lee
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

You got me sold!
I was looking for something compact that I could take out to the range.
When I get out to shoot I have enough equipment to drag along without having to also have a bulky spotter in the lineup.
Was out shooting at the 200yrd mark with my 16" LMT AR with a 3.5x ACOG for the first time
Still couldn't see where I was at even with Shoot*N*C sticker.
Sure wore me out walking back and forth in 97* weather.
This little gem will be a lifesaver.
 
Re: The little spotter that could.

You won't be disappointed at 200 yds. At max power I did not notice any darkening or graying of the image. Leupold did a great job with the glass on this scope. I compared them to the Sequoia which was lousy,the bushnell Nature view which is larger a 15-45X60, it was better than the bushnell tropy, and sentry. The only one that beat it for the SAME PRICE WAS the Nikon Prostaff, in 16-48X65 and it is really not a fair comparison since the objective lens is quite larger.