Spotting scope setup

[Mike Casselton]

I know being directly behind the shooter is the best place for setup with a spotting scope.

Has anyone noticed if distance behind the shooter and or height of the spotter makes a noticeable difference?

Example:

Spotter 1 sets up just behind the shooter's feet and is sitting in a chair.

Spotter 2 is 6-8' behind the shooter, using a proper height tripod, while standing.

Spotter 3 is side by side, prone, using the rifle scope.

Is one position better or more consistent than another.
Why?

 

[Sheldon N]

Position 1 will be best, then 2, then 3.

Being on the same vertical axis (ie directly behind) shooter will be much better for seeing trace and accurately calling where the shot landed. . Being off axis you somewhat lose reference on the trace and you also get a slight angular error in calling the shot when it misses off plate. Position 1 and 2 are a lot better than being off axis side-by-side.

If you're in line with the shooter but significantly higher than their shooting position then the trace comes into view just a little bit later and is at a slightly different trajectory. Somewhat of a subtle difference between position 1 and 2 with position 1 being slightly preferred. If you're not watching trace and are just looking at bullet splash then I don't think there's any difference between 1 and 2.

Sometimes at matches I'll actually set up 20-30+ feet back from the shooter just so I can find an on-axis spotting position. I think if you're on-axis vertically and horizontally, then it's actually a bit better to be farther back from the shooter since you'll be able to see more of the initial bullet trace and path. Obviously that doesn't help with being able to communicate with the shooter though.

IMO, binos are better than a spotting scope for watching trace when shooting between 200 and 1000 yards. I'd take a set of Swaro 15's over any spotting scope on the market, except maybe the BTX or a big-eyes setup.

 

[ma smith]

Anyone have issues sitting re: obstructions. That's one thing that seems to keep alot of people on standing-height tripods.

 

[Mike Casselton]

No obstructions other than heavy gun competitors walking between me and my shooter.
They didn't like being told to go around.

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

I've never really found a huge difference with height of spotting scope/binos in reference to shooter's optic. As in, as long as directly behind them, distance above and distance behind shooter.....doesn't matter that much. The important part is being directly behind them.

I'm sure there's an optimal placement above and behind, however its likely too small of a difference to worry about.


I do find significant difference when not behind them.



The spotter being beside the shooter is generally a pass down from things like .mil where you have other considerations. As in, you likely don't want to be standing and making yourself easier to detect. So getting as close to them on their side is the best you can do. And even then, if you do it "properly" you're going to be a bit behind the shooter which allows you to slide closer and attempt to get as close to behind them as possible.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Thanks Dave. That seems to correlate to my experience.
We've done a lot of the side be side stuff simply trading shots back and forth on the same steel.

ELR shots of a mile or more seem to be harder to spot and stay on the trace simply because of the much higher trajectory.
We're trying to find that sweet spot, but I think it's a compromise of seeing initial trace or hoping to catch it downrange with better ability to spot impacts/misses.

One of my buddies is about to order the STR-80 with the reticle. I bet that will help some.

 

[ma smith]

Maybe worth a look. Discusses some additional issues applicable to ELR.