Spotting Scope Headache

[fireantresq]

Hey guys,
I was hoping that I might find some help here on the forum choosing a spotter. I've been researching now for weeks and frankly, my brain hurts. I'm trying to keep the cost below $500. I just don't have the money or ability to justify a large dollar/high quality scope. My goals are to spot .22 holes at 1-200yds. I'm just starting to get into longer distance shooting, so I'd like the ability to read conditions out to approx. 800-1000.
From what I've been reading most "spotting" is done in the 20's range of magnification.
I would prefer to spend money on better glass than magnification.
I've read that in my price range the konus is very popular. Then I found the alpen 788, then vortex, then celestron...every time I think I've found "it", some new option pops up. Ideally, I think I would have loved the bushnell excursion...discontinued...thanks bushnell...oh well.
So now, guess I'm leaning toward konus, but hesitant due to customer service.
Please help with suggestions and guidance.
TIA
ant

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

For 500, you can get a bushnell mildot spotter off of ebay, There are a few floating around out there, but you may need to pay more, if you are willing too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Bushnell-Ex...=item4ab4b681a1

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

You spoke of the Bushnell Excursion, so I take it you're wanting a spotting scope with a reticle?

If so, at the price range you've set. Your limited to a small product line.

If you can, pick up a used Bushy Excursion. I've looked through one before, and for the money they're not bad. Look in the FS section, every now and then, one will show up. Just need to be spot on when they hit, because they're gone in mins.

If you up your price range to a $1000. The market opens up quite a bit more. Used that is.

Hope this helps.

 

[fireantresq]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

shay,
thanks for the heads up...i'm gonna look into that ebay sale.
I wasn't sure if it was worth saving money and getting a 15-45 vs 20-60 for my needs. Or...spending the same money and getting a better 15-45. Or... just getting konus or alpen 788, because they're the best buy in that price range.
I'm also interested in durability and portability. (not sold on...just interested)

thanks again!

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

For the 15-45, I've never felt limited with 45, i mean, thats a lot of mag compared to what I'm used to. Im happy with my decision with the bushnell spotter, but I did replace the tripod with a Slik, since the bushnell ones arent the best.

 

[fireantresq]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

snype,
I think having the reticle would be ideal, but I'm not optimistic as I know that the options in my price range is non-existent. I will be keeping an eye out in the for sale forums. Being that they were priced lower when they were released...I'm having a hard time spending $500 for an flp now. Sellers market now i guess.
Any other recommendations?
thanks fellas

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

Keep an eye out for a used one, they pop up. I got mine, like new 300 to my door, just be persistent and you'll find one.

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireantresq</div><div class="ubbcode-body">snype,
I think having the reticle would be ideal, but I'm not optimistic as I know that the options in my price range is non-existent. I will be keeping an eye out in the for sale forums. Being that they were priced lower when they were released...I'm having a hard time spending $500 for an flp now. Sellers market now i guess.
Any other recommendations?
thanks fellas </div></div>

I understand completly. Another one that is just a shade over your price, and I currently own, is the USO spotting scope. I picked one up off here about a year ago for $700. Now they normally go for around $800 +/- used, but every now and then one will sneek up, like mine, for a good deal. For the money you can't beat it.

But as you said, it's the economy attacking right now, so the bushy sounds right up your alley. I just purchased one of the bushy excursion off here first of the week, and can't wait to get it and try it out. Good luck

 

[Bugaboo]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

In your original post you mention you want to read .22 holes at 100-200 yards. I looked through many spotters at the range, from Konus to Leicas and Zeiss and many in between. Under certain conditions we couldn't see .30 holes at 300 meters even through the best ones, the mirage was just that bad (sandy range). Under other conditions I can spot .30 holes with my rifle scope at 25 power (SB PMII) up to 300 meters.

For me the spotting scope is the last piece of gear I will buy. But if you want to see hits beyond 300 yards, you need magnification - I would say 60x at least and quality optics.

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

I totally disagree with the spotting scope be the last piece of equipment. Trace and splash can still be seen in the poorest conditions. And for me the spotter is a whole lot more stable than my rifle is.

I do however agree with you on seeing the bullet holes. They are hard to see at distances. But I never look for holes being I shoot ar500. Nothing there but bullet splatter.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

I just bought a Konus that everyone seems to rave about for about $150. I finally decided that a cheaper spotting scope was better than no spotting scope or using my rifle scope. After buying good rifle scopes, I just couldn't afford a good spotter. And since my spotter doesn't deliver any bullets, I'm sure it'll work just fine for now.

 

[pistolpacknpete]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

i seen one go for 350 on here last week. it was a bushnell. i am also looking for something around 500 to 1000 with a reticle. i would like it in moa since my system and just about everyone that i shoot with is moa. that possible?

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: midkansasguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i seen one go for 350 on here last week. it was a bushnell. i am also looking for something around 500 to 1000 with a reticle. i would like it in moa since my system and just about everyone that i shoot with is moa. that possible? </div></div>


The USO spotting scope has one with the MOA reticle. For the price there hard to beat. Awesome glass like all USO scopes.

 

[Bugaboo]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: snyper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I totally disagree with the spotting scope be the last piece of equipment. Trace and splash can still be seen in the poorest conditions. And for me the spotter is a whole lot more stable than my rifle is.

I do however agree with you on seeing the bullet holes. They are hard to see at distances. But I never look for holes being I shoot ar500. Nothing there but bullet splatter. </div></div>

When I shoot, I can't spot. I am not saying spotter is not a good piece of kit. I just wanted to say better to save for some quality optics, if you want to see .22 caliber holes and even if you buy quality optics, you may not see the holes.

I am looking for a spotter myself and I already have some favorites.

 

[-Snyper-]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bugaboo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: snyper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I totally disagree with the spotting scope be the last piece of equipment. Trace and splash can still be seen in the poorest conditions. And for me the spotter is a whole lot more stable than my rifle is.

I do however agree with you on seeing the bullet holes. They are hard to see at distances. But I never look for holes being I shoot ar500. Nothing there but bullet splatter. </div></div>

When I shoot, I can't spot. I am not saying spotter is not a good piece of kit. I just wanted to say better to save for some quality optics, if you want to see .22 caliber holes and even if you buy quality optics, you may not see the holes.

I am looking for a spotter myself and I already have some favorites. </div></div>

Which spotter are you leaning more to? Or whats your favorite? I'm just curious.

 

[Bugaboo]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

A guy I meet at matches works for Meopta and their new spotting scope is very nice and the guy might get me an interesting price. So my option No. 1 is MeoStar S2 80 HD (http://www.meoptasportsoptics.com/prod.php?prod=821&nav1=1&nav2=2)

I may have a chance to get Zeiss for a nice price, so my option No. 2 is Zeiss-Hensoldt Spotter 60. But only if the price is very, very nice. I really don't need all the military features, it just would be nice to read the corrections on a MIL reticle.

 

[A14]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

Don't leave out the celestron regal 80mm F-ED

 

[tango6]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just bought a Konus that everyone seems to rave about for about $150. I finally decided that a cheaper spotting scope was better than no spotting scope or using my rifle scope. After buying good rifle scopes, I just couldn't afford a good spotter. And since my spotter doesn't deliver any bullets, I'm sure it'll work just fine for now. </div></div>

what kind for that price I am looking at shooting out to 1000 yards eventually.

 

[scott7339]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

I just picked up the Alpen 786, 20-60x80, just around $350.
Works great, spots 30 cal. holes at 300m plus.

 

[pmclaine]

Re: Spotting Scope Headache

I bought a 80mm Kowa with high power rifle stand from Creedmore when they were on sale. It came with a 25X LER eyepiece and I added a 20-60X eyepiece. Kowa is the standard for CMP/NRA match shooting. Its a great scope but my expectation of what would be visible does not match reality.

At 200 yards the other day shooting 30 cal mirage and atmosphere only allowed for seeing shotholes outside the black and I really wasnt wanting to see those. Raising the scope from my prone setup on to the bench helped some but I had to break position and leave my mat to see where my shots were.

Conditions are a major factor that glass and money can only mitigate so much. If your scope is manned by a spotter while you fire you can get good feedback but hoping to get good info moving from the rifle sight to the scope may not always be possible.

I'm starting to see the value in steel targets.