Spotting scope ?

waukazoo

I am looking to purchase a spotting scope that would enable me to actually SEE my bullet holes at 50, 100 & 150 yards on the rifle target range----I'm a recreational shooter - not an expert.
My head is swimming with data & Intel gathered on the Internet, but the obvious place to look for good data is right here----with the gun experts.
My eyesight isn't the best and my budget is no more than $125. Secondary use would be to take in the field hunting - but this is not a requirement- just a desire.

Suggestions on optics? Brand names? Other thoughts and/or suggestions?

Thanks,
Randy aka waukazoo

rufe-snow

My personal experience with the inexpensive=cheep, spotting scopes has been disappointing to say the least. My 2?, don't be wasting your money on these scopes. Save up over a period of time so that you will be able to buy one with quality optics, i.e. able to clearly see .22 caliber bullet holes at 100 yards+.

swearengine

I agree with Rufe-snow. Save your money for the best you can afford, and then add $300.00

waukazoo

Thanks guys......I respect your opinions and to be honest, I was expecting these responses. After all, I have Leupold scopes on my rifles (2 of them at least) and I have to ask myself---WHY would I bother wasting my money on a cheap scope. (Like a lot of things in life---I have to learn the hard way---but not THIS time...:):):)
Having said that, besides Leupold----any GOOD brands I should be looking for and save up?
Thx again,
Randy

ggb3

Hi Randy:
I agree with the others sentiments. However, I am introducing my 8 year old to the range and I needed something reasonable quickly that I did not spend a lot on. I was looking through the Chuck Hawks web site and found a review of the Burris compact spotting scope. They gave it decent reviews for what it is. I searched the net and found they regularly sell on ebay for $75 - $86 bucks and many sites sell them for $150 - $200 + dollars. I search some more and found a company selling them new for $59.00 + $8.99 shipping new in the box. I bought the bench stand (the higher quality model) and the whole thing made it to my door for $106.00. I have not yet used it at the range as of yet. This weekend I will put it on the table and look down the yard. If it works like they say at the CHuck Hawks site, it will be hard to beet for the price. I would like for it to work on the longer ranges. Hopefully it will do well for 50 yrds with an 8 yr old.

Your mileage may vary,
George

jamiegshooter

Greetings!
Check out Jim Owens website. He offers a pretty decent KONUS scope for a reasonable price. I bought one when I first started shooting Highpower matches and couldn't afford the $1,000 scope used by the big boys, and it has served me well. He has an unusual money back offer on the unit as well.

Mikein

Waukazoo,

You may want to investigate Yukon Advanced Optics. I just acquired one of their 15-45X60 spotting scopes for around $120, and although I've not been able to use it a lot, because of the bad weather we're having, what little peeping tom work I've done around the neighborhood has me believing that this is a price performer. Try to find one at a dealer and let the dealer allow you to take it outside and work with it for a few minutes; I think you'll be impressed.

He Dog

If I had to go cheap I would go with a Bushnell Spacemaster or an Egle Optics Denali. Better is the sage suggestion from the snow-man to save your nickles and go better quality. Burris and Leupold make nice scopes as do others. Avoid anything made in China.

md1634

You also have to pay attention to the base or stand, any kind of wobble will drive you crazy at 100 yds.

waukazoo

Thanks to all for your help & advice!
I've been checking out the KRONUS 20-60 xx 80 scope jamiegshooter suggested below. Looks & sounds like a great deal & a good price. Plus, it's made in Italy---not sure if that's good or bad---but it's not China.
Anyone have aany real time experience with the KRONUS?
Thx again,
Randy

jtmarine0831

I agree with the others about saving up some coins and getting some real good glass, but if that isn't an option or are desiring one real soon, look at the Barska Blackhawk 20x-60x spotter. Yes it is made in China, but I have had mine for 2 years now and it is a very decent scope for the price. It has a built-in extendable sunshade and a decent little tripod for casual use on a bench. Clarity is very good and focus is easy and crisp. I paid $80 through SportsmanGuide, but I believe they want $100 for them now. I use mine all the time to spot .30cal holes all the way out to 500yds with out a problem, but it does severely lack in low light and on severely overcast days. Like I said, try and save the money and get some real good glass, but if it is for occasional use or you just want something inexpensive check out the Blackhawk.

Good Luck and Good Shooting![;)]

Jeremy