Swarovski 15x56 as PRS Spotting Scope

My first PRS match I brought a Athlon Ares G2 spotting scope. Although I could zoom in good, it was awful at seeing trace and uncomfortable to use all day.

My next match I used a pair of SLC 15x56 I bought used and it was a much better experience! Trace was vivid, could see impacts well and spent the match comfortably being main spotter for my squad. So glad I made the switch.

As for you the part about recording, not sure. Have not tried it yet.

Side note, my first match before all that I went as an observer with only Sig Zulu 8x42 binos. It was rough with that low of power even with decent glass. The 15x56 Swarovski is night and day difference.

MMH said:

Just getting I to PRS and having issues with target acquisition. Have had some serious eye issues in the last year which does not help. Couple of guys suggested me getting Swaro 15x56. I currently have vortex fury 10x42 and they suggested getting a dual tripod mount and use the fury for initial glassing and then the Swaros to hone in and find landmarks, etc.

Would I be able to use the Swaros for a spotting scope? Would like to mount my phone & record the bullet trace and impact. Would they work for this?

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Target acquisition is something everyone struggles with when they start. I have terrible eyes and don't even shoot with glasses, but have gotten to the point where I can lay the gun down and generally be on target or close enough. It's a skill you need to hone. It comes with practice. Don't scan for targets in scope...pull your head off the gun and look over the elevation turret to line it up. Then back on glass.

You don't need a LRF for PRS. While there are sometimes ranges you want to check there will be half a dozen guys in your squad with one. The only real benefit of a laser is to verify the targets based on range when they aren't numbered.

Very few people use spotting scopes for PRS
, especially shooters. Overwhelmingly people use binos as it gives them a bigger fov and let's you pan to targets much easier/faster. Spotters at matches may use them on a static target and a few guys will lug around a mk4, hensdoldt or Swaro...but the vast majority will use binos.

The best current binos are the 14x Swaro Pures. Followed by the 12x pures. Then you get into the 15x swap slcs and down the list. The new vectronix LRF binos with a reticle are becoming more popular. You can add eyepieces to increase magnification and there is a reticle to measure target size which helps with formulating a plan. The rangefinder is the least valuable part for PRS. I carry a little vortex razor 4000 on my match mag just in case I need to verify something.

If it was me, I would pick up a set of 14x Pures and glue your ass to those the entire match. Practice panning and finding targets. Visualize what you are going to do before you shoot. Finding the targets then will become subconscious as you have done it 5-10 times on glass and in your mind before you actually shoot.

If you aren't running the stage or prepping for the stage, you should be on glass. You will learn a ton just watching other shooters, their corrections, their mistakes,ect.

I have Swaro 15 x 56 binos. They are incredible. If you are looking for good enough bucks, you don't need a spotter. If you are looking at judging animals, nothing replaces a good spotter.

100% you can use the Swaro 15x56 as a spotting scope for the whole PRS match. They are the gold standard and you don't need a second set of binos to find targets, it's very easy with the Swaro's alone. I wouldn't worry about a rangefinder, you can totally get by without one. Put the Swaros on a sturdy tripod. Also recommend using the Outdoorsman's mount with a stud for a mounting system.

The newest Swaro NL Pure 14x52 are super nice and one step above the Swaro 15's, but are expensive. I think it's a toss up between the NL Pure 12's versus the Swaro SLC 15's. The image quality of the NL pures is better, but the extra magnification of the 15's offsets that. Going back to back I thought I could see 6mm impacts on steel a tiny bit better with the 15's.

Phoneskope does make a mount that can clip onto the SLC 15's if you want to video through one of the eyepieces.

MMH said:

So spend the bucks on the NL 14x or settle for the 15x56?

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First world problems...

MMH said:

So spend the bucks on the NL 14x or settle for the 15x56?

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Well if you buy the pures you wont be standing around thinking or wondering if you should have bought the 15X SLCS instead.

@NiteQwill has had all 3 of them plus the new vectronix. His recommendation would be worth a listen (Sheldon as well)

MMH said:

So spend the bucks on the NL 14x or settle for the 15x56?

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If you have the money, you WILL NOT be disappointed by the NL 14x. They are a magical piece of glass.

The advantage over the 15x SLC is weight and clarity and resolution.

The 15x, for the price, is no slouch. In the price range, you won't find anything better.

I debated between the 14 Pures and the 15 SLC. The pures are better but the Slc is definitely good enough and figured I’d rather put that $1200-1400 difference into a good auto tricker system. Better way to spend the money me.