Inexpensive spotting scope not made in China

B

BiggyD

Private
Minuteman
Oct 11, 2020
10
2
#1
Can anyone recommend a good, inexpensive spotting scope not made in communist China? I'm a new shooter who just likes to target practice occasionally. I have an AR-15 rifle, and I hope to purchase a scope attachment someday but I currently just have a red dot. I think I want 20x-60x 80mm but not sure, and I'd like to spend less than $300 if possible. Any ideas? Thanks.
 
#4
What are you looking to do with the scope? Try to spot impacts on steel or misses/splash in dirt at 600+, spot bullet holes on paper at 100, hunting or general observation?

a good 20-60x80 scope is going to cost you a hell of a lot more than $300 unless you’re thinking one will fall off a truck for you. ESP if you want to see bullet holes at distance.

Also, what in the world are you talking about with this?
BiggyD said:
Plus I don't feel qualified to purchase this kind of used equipment.
Click to expand...
 
#5
If you look on Amazon, for example, you'll see plenty of scopes for less than $300. I realize they would probably not comport with your idea of a "good scope", but that's my budget.

I do not have the expertise to judge the quality of a used scope let alone buy one. If I buy one, how do I know it will meet 'your' standards. Will you come to my home and check it for me? Especially one that may be 50 years old. I simply don't have your expertise.
 
#6
BiggyD said:
If you look on Amazon, for example, you'll see plenty of scopes for less than $300. I realize they would probably not comport with your idea of a "good scope", but that's my budget.

I do not have the expertise to judge the quality of a used scope let alone buy one. If I buy one, how do I know it will meet 'your' standards. Will you come to my home and check it for me? Especially one that may be 50 years old. I simply don't have your expertise.
Click to expand...

Doesn’t matter if it meets my idea or standards of a “good” scope, it’s not my money being spent. As a rule, you get what you pay for with anything, especially optics.

Again, what do YOU want to do with it? If it’s general glassing or maybe calling hits/misses on reactive targets in front of berms you may find something with those mag requirements that works at $300 (at least for a while). If you want it for more demanding observation, I’d recommend you save up and buying once.

Since you didn’t answer my questions, I’ll give two uses cases which may or may not relate to your intentions with a spotting scope: I have two, Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60 and a Zeiss Diascope. If I’m spotting for buddies shooting at distance against berms, I’ll use the Mark 4 as it has a TMR reticle which allows me to call specific corrections based on what I see in the scope if/when a miss happens. I’ll also use it for night observation/spotting in conjunction with my PVS27....If I’m trying to spot .30 caliber bullet holes at 300 yards or so, or doing general observation where making out fine detail is important, I use the Zeiss.
 
#7
whatever you buy, make sure it's comfortable to you. I have a very expensive straight s. scope that is now a nice door stop. Never use it. next one will be the binocular angled one that you look down to use. my straight one strains my neck!
 
#8
Just a few ideas- Look into digiscoping, you can get devices that attach to your phone/binos/etc that are capable of very high magnification, while allowing photo and video as well. They are generally cheap. You'd have to find what is and isn't made in china.

You could also get a SWFA SS scope in 16x or 20x. Then you would have a rifle scope you could mount on your rifle or use for low power spotting.

Obviously, neither of these are actual spotting scopes.
 
#9
nn8734 said:
Doesn’t matter if it meets my idea or standards of a “good” scope, it’s not my money being spent. As a rule, you get what you pay for with anything, especially optics.

Again, what do YOU want to do with it? If it’s general glassing or maybe calling hits/misses on reactive targets in front of berms you may find something with those mag requirements that works at $300 (at least for a while). If you want it for more demanding observation, I’d recommend you save up and buying once.

Since you didn’t answer my questions, I’ll give two uses cases which may or may not relate to your intentions with a spotting scope: I have two, Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60 and a Zeiss Diascope. If I’m spotting for buddies shooting at distance against berms, I’ll use the Mark 4 as it has a TMR reticle which allows me to call specific corrections based on what I see in the scope if/when a miss happens. I’ll also use it for night observation/spotting in conjunction with my PVS27....If I’m trying to spot .30 caliber bullet holes at 300 yards or so, or doing general observation where making out fine detail is important, I use the Zeiss.
Click to expand...

Your right, it's not your money. $300. That's it. Thank you for your help.
 
#10
Davo308 said:
Just a few ideas- Look into digiscoping, you can get devices that attach to your phone/binos/etc that are capable of very high magnification, while allowing photo and video as well. They are generally cheap. You'd have to find what is and isn't made in china.

You could also get a SWFA SS scope in 16x or 20x. Then you would have a rifle scope you could mount on your rifle or use for low power spotting.

Obviously, neither of these are actual spotting scopes.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll look into digiscoping. Sounds interesting. At the moment, I'd like something for less than 100 yards as I do not have a rifle scope yet. But I'd like to buy one later. Maybe 100-200 yards? I just want to see the holes I'm making.
 
#11
BiggyD said:
You’re right, it's not your money. $300. That's it.
Click to expand...

Lol, good luck.

Take that $300 and put it towards a half decent rifle rifle scope instead. At 200 and in, you can easily spot holes in paper with the rifle scope, esp if you use shoot-and-see type targets.
 
#12
BiggyD said:
Thanks. I'll look into digiscoping. Sounds interesting. At the moment, I'd like something for less than 100 yards as I do not have a rifle scope yet. But I'd like to buy one later. Maybe 100-200 yards? I just want to see the holes I'm making.
Click to expand...

Oh... digiscoping is what you attach to the eyepiece of a spotting scope to capture the image. I'll have to buy a scope first.
 
#13
nn8734 said:
Lol, good luck.

Take that $300 and put it towards a half decent rifle rifle scope instead. At 200 and in, you can easily spot holes in paper with the rifle scope, esp if you use shoot-and-see type targets.
Click to expand...

Really? Then I don't even need a spotting scope? Thanks. Now I feel like an idiot. Could you recommend one, or should I start a new thread?
 
#16
I have a relatively inexpensive AR-15. I think I paid about $400 total for it, so not sure how accurate it is. I was looking at a few scopes and they look significantly less expensive than the spotting scopes I was looking at, though. So maybe less than 200? I don't know where to start. But again, I'd like to try and avoid Chinese made products, if possible.
 
#17
this wooflu thing sucks, because they folks that make affordable shit don't have anything to do with it.
i have a leupold mk4 and a cheap $250 20-60x80mm spotter i got last year.
the mk4 is good, but in low light, the bigger scope is better.
 
#19
TxWelder35 said:
Maybe a vortex strike eagle in that price range.

at $300 all the scopes are going to be made in China, $750 can get you out of China
Click to expand...

That's a shame. I don't mind paying more for American made, but not double, thank you. I was thinking more like Malaysia, Philipines, India... something like that. I just don't want to help support communist China right now.
 
#20
BiggyD said:
I have a relatively inexpensive AR-15. I think I paid about $400 total for it, so not sure how accurate it is. I was looking at a few scopes and they look significantly less expensive than the spotting scopes I was looking at, though. So maybe less than 200? I don't know where to start. But again, I'd like to try and avoid Chinese made products, if possible.
Click to expand...

then spend 200+300 (spotting scope) and look at Leupold (mark AR, older Mark 4 or vari-x III, Athlon, Bushnell, Burris-there’s others but those come to mind now). You may find something not made in China that works for you.

And generally speaking, Fuck the goddamn Chinese...even if you need to increase your budget a little beyond your comfort level to buy American or Japanese, do it.

Your head is in the right place with respect to the Chinese. Last thing you want to do is anything that helps those fucks.

If China was drowning, I’d throw it a cinder block.
 
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#22
nn8734 said:
then spend 200+300 (spotting scope) and look at Leupold (mark AR, older Mark 4 or vari-x III, Athlon, Bushnell, Burris-there’s others but those come to mind now). You may find something not made in China that works for you.

And generally speaking, Fuck the goddamn Chinese...even if you need to increase your budget a little beyond your comfort level to buy American or Japanese, do it.

Your head is in the right place with respect to the Chinese. Last thing you want to do is anything that helps those fucks.

If China was drowning, I’d throw it a cinder block.
Click to expand...

Ha! My sentiments exactly. I'm an EE in Silicon Valley and I've been complaining about their possible spying and intellectual property theft for 20 years, and just now people are beginning to listen to me.

Thanks. Now I'm going to look into rifle scopes. If I find something I like, I might come back here and ask for your opinion on it. Thanks again.
 
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#23
BiggyD said:
That's a shame. I don't mind paying more for American made, but not double, thank you. I was thinking more like Malaysia, Philipines, India... something like that. I just don't want to help support communist China right now.
Click to expand...
some bushnell (and others) are made in south korea, but the glass might still come from china.
 
#24
BiggyD said:
Ha! My sentiments exactly. I'm an EE in Silicon Valley and I've been complaining about their possible spying and intellectual property theft for 20 years, and just now people are beginning to listen to me.

Thanks. Now I'm going to look into rifle scopes. If I find something I like, I might come back here and ask for your opinion on it. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

anytime, man.
 
#26
BiggyD said:
That's a shame. I don't mind paying more for American made, but not double, thank you. I was thinking more like Malaysia, Philipines, India... something like that. I just don't want to help support communist China right now.
Click to expand...
$750 got you into the Philippines.

good jap, German, or us made is $1700 minimum
 
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#27
yeah Id spend the money on a rifle scope, you wont be finding any high dollar glass in your price range and frankly everything else is made in china.

SWFA scope have been consistent, there are a few bushnells that are in that price range. theres even the Arken SH4 thats at $399. its amazing what you can get these days for so cheap. if you really hate the idea of china made products, just stick to buying black rifle coffee or something. you just can't have it both ways in this game.
 
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#28
BiggyD said:
I was hoping for more than 20x. Plus I don't feel qualified to purchase this kind of used equipment. Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...

if you spend time talking about optics on various forums . You will read about skilled observers That find 20-30x to be optimal. Since higher magnification increases the effect of mirage, so you see no greater detail and sometimes you are dealing with an uncomfortable exit pupil at higher magnification as well. Plus in your price range, higher magnification is often more blurry, once again giving you no greater detail then 20-30x.

the military have been using the m49 spotting scope for decades with success, on ranges over 1000 yards. If you want new. The Nikon ed50 has many glowing reviews and is a proven top performer. You can find them for $300 from japanese dealers on eBay. But even those, many will tell you that the 20x or 27x eyepiece are optimal.

even if you spend thousands on a alpha glass spotting scope, you will find yourself using 30x more then the higher magnification range

with all that said, many PRS matches are moving away from spotting scopes and moving to 15x bino's. Maybe that’s a consideration for you. The new vortex diamondback 15x56 are in your price range. Although I have no experience with the diamondbacks, I have used other 15/16x binos and I definitely prefer them over higher magnification spotting scopes. My spotting scopes only comes out every other month when I doubt myself that the Binoculars aren’t capable enough, only to remind myself again that two eyed viewing is superior
 
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#29
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#31
I have a Athlon Argos 20-60x85 HD - Have not been to the range with it yet - used to check out Saturn, Jupiter , Moon and Mars. Took it the nearest Forest Preserve - I was impressed with the quality, not as good as 500 and up spotters but it's good enough for what I want it for. Purchased it at Camera Land and had in a couple of days... comes with a nice case as well..
 
#32
BiggyD said:
That's a shame. I don't mind paying more for American made, but not double, thank you. I was thinking more like Malaysia, Philipines, India... something like that. I just don't want to help support communist China right now.
Click to expand...
Nikon FX1000 made in Philippines and have really good glass for the money. I own two and they’re similar to my Leupold VXIII. Used you can find a 6-24x50 for $450. You don’t need illumination and that will save some money. Look on Europtic to get started and then on eBay or Gunbroker.
www.snipershide.com

Optics - Nikon Black FX1000 IL-MRAD 6-24 w/ ARC M10 QD-L

Scope is like new new, only taken to the range once its mounted in an ARC M10 QD-L 20moa mount (used in good condition)... I have original boxes, manuals, tools etc for both the mount and scope. Asking $700 together, $500 for the scope. Will not sell the mount unless the scope sells first.
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
 
#37
Find a used Bushnell LMSS. Made for a SOCOM contract, Adorama was blowing these out for $400 a pop earlier this year.

Nothing comes close for under $1500. Have tried them all. Its built like a 70's linebacker, you can drive tent stakes with them.



You will have to spend more than $300 but anything in this range is disposable chicom junk. The LMSS is the exception. It usually sold for $14-1800.
 
#39
It’s made in China but one of the best range spotting scopes I’ve ever used and it is inexpensive as hell. Wouldn’t take it out in the field for observation but at the range it is perfect.

www.bhphotovideo.com

Celestron C70 Mini Mak 2.7"/70mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Spotting Scope Kit (Angled Viewing)

Buy Celestron C70 Mini Mak 2.7"/70mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Spotting Scope Kit (Angled Viewing) featuring Angled Viewing, 32-52.5° Apparent Angle of View, Includes: 25-75x Zoom Eyepiece, Tabletop Tripod, Soft Carrying Case. Review Celestron C70
www.bhphotovideo.com www.bhphotovideo.com
 
#40
TxWelder35 said:
$750 got you into the Philippines.

good jap, German, or us made is $1700 minimum
Click to expand...



I beg to differ. I picked up 2 Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 duplex scopes from Sportsman's Guide on sale for $700/ea 2 years ago. Scopelist also runs some pretty good sales from time to time, as well as a few other companies. You just have to keep your radar up and know a deal when you see one.

Here's some info on that particular scope. Good luck with your search.

www.zeiss.com

ZEISS Conquest V4 4-16x44 | High-quality optics for rugged hunting use

The balance between its wide field of view and magnification range make this compact riflescope ideal for all types of hunting.
www.zeiss.com www.zeiss.com
 
#41
Expectations vs reality. The Army's M24 sniper scope was just 10X , ample magnification for seeing impacts on steel, and splashes in the dirt at 800 yards. Seeing impacts from a AR 15 on a black paper target at 200 yards will be much harder to see if not impossible even with a budget spotting scope . Use reactive targets past 100 yards for the best results. Good luck
 
#42
Sightron S1H
will be a decent scope for the time being and likely do everything you want it to.
To the best of my knowledge, Sightron doesn't manufacture anything in China, their high end stuff is Japanese, the middle to low end stuff is Philippines.
They have a very good warranty in the unlikely event you have to use it.

www.ebay.com

Sightron SI Series Spotting Scope 1545x60 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Sightron SI Series Spotting Scope 1545x60 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
 
#45
vf171ohio said:
It’s made in China but one of the best range spotting scopes I’ve ever used and it is inexpensive as hell. Wouldn’t take it out in the field for observation but at the range it is perfect.

www.bhphotovideo.com

Celestron C70 Mini Mak 2.7"/70mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Spotting Scope Kit (Angled Viewing)

Buy Celestron C70 Mini Mak 2.7"/70mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Spotting Scope Kit (Angled Viewing) featuring Angled Viewing, 32-52.5° Apparent Angle of View, Includes: 25-75x Zoom Eyepiece, Tabletop Tripod, Soft Carrying Case. Review Celestron C70
www.bhphotovideo.com www.bhphotovideo.com
Click to expand...

I was wondering how some of the lower end astronomy bino's would do.

Don't know how close up they can focus.
 
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#46
www.ebay.com

Vintage Bausch & Lomb WWII US Navy 36.5X Spotting Telescope Mark VII Mod. 1 USA | eBay

SEE PICTURES FOR MORE DETAILS. Liberty Pawn & Gold is owned and operated by Dave and Tammy Munsee. Dave is from Richmond and Tammy was born in Fredericksburg, VA. They have been married for 35 years and have a son that attended Fredericksburg Christian School, Riverbend High School and recently...
www.ebay.com

US Navy B&L 36x

299. Free shipping.

They are out there.
 
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#47
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#48
slothlacrosse said:
If you paid $250 for one, sell it on eBay right now for $600!

Disclaimer: my eBay search provides anecdotal evidence and should not be considered scientific
Click to expand...

I bought mine new in the box, complete.

So for the satisfaction of unwrapping the foil panties on that virgin and getting to fondle its desiccant paper bra I paid significantly more.

Quick ebay search shows a couple M49 at $600 with the seller referencing Vietnam MAC/SOG, like they had ever been out of the armory.

I'd buy anything off this page....

www.ebay.com

Vintage Spotting Scope for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for Vintage Spotting Scope at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!
www.ebay.com

Before I bought Chineseium.
 
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