Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!
I just posted this on another thread that was asking a similar question. I apologize in advance if the double posting is an inconvenience or causes anyone heartburn:
If you can find one, the old M49 US military spotting scopes are superb.
Optics were the best your tax dollars could buy c. 1970's and early '80s. Built like tanks. Cases. bags, tripods, etc. all intended for rugged field use and beautifully made.
They can be had for a few $hundred and the lower cost units will require refurb. But even with rebuild (there are specialists), they can stack up to the best modern units for a lot less $. No milling reticles or fancy stuff. Just the absolute best in glass and tough enough to use as tread chocks for tanks.
M49 is my scope of choice and my un-refurbed unit, though ugly, has seen a boatload of field use in all conditions, mainly reading license plates to amazing distances. The Swaro, Leupie, Zeiss, and other units are very up to date and fantastic quality w. great ranging reticles. Have not seen a USO unit, but bet it's superb. But most of these are 4 - 8x price of M49...
Watch for one on eBay or GB and happy bidding. You won't be disappointed.
Cheers,
Sirhr