spotting scope ?

rebs · September 12, 2016, 01:04 PM

Can you guys recommend a spotting scope that will enable me to see 223 holes at 300 to 400 yds ? I have a budget of about $250.00 to $300.00

firewrench044 · September 12, 2016, 04:39 PM

My KOWA spotting scope has a 82mm front lens with a variable
power eye piece ( 20 to 60 magnification ) and I can see a
223 hole at 200 yards

KOWA has an 88mm that should see better
and there are other brands ( they cost a lot more )

I have shot HI Power rifle competition and most of the competitors
are using the 82 mm KOWA

But none of them can see a 223 hole at 300. or farther
even with the 88mm or the 90mm lenses

You are about to spend ( for the scope, eye piece and a good stand )
about $ 2300.00 to $ 2700.00 and even more for a German scope
with the 90 mm lens

jmhyer · September 12, 2016, 10:42 PM

I'd also say that, at those distances (or at any distance for that matter), a hole in a Shoot-N-See type target would be much easier to pick up than a hole in plain paper.

handlerer2 · September 13, 2016, 03:00 PM

The closest decent spotting scope anywhere near that price is the Nikon Prostaff, the 60x versions is over $500. Not a premium scope by any means, but servicable. I can see 30cal and 6.5mm at 200yds. A premium scope can cost $3000+. I have heard some good things about the Vortex budget scope. I do use a Vortex PST and it has glass comparable to the Nikon and Leupold scopes that I use. Not that it applies to spotting scopes.

rebs · September 13, 2016, 04:39 PM

While doing some research, I found that the Redfield and Leupold spotting scopes are made in China. Wow I had a hard time believing that, but it is right on their websites. Does anyone know why they are being made in China and not Japan ? I had thought Japan made the best glass lenses for camera's and scopes. Is there any quality in the spotting scopes made in China ?

bedlamite · September 13, 2016, 05:02 PM

Konus.

Pahoo · September 14, 2016, 02:46 PM

Quote:

that will enable me to see 223 holes at 300 to 400 yds ?

Well, how about 500 to 1000 or less. ......

Not trying to smart but recently saw a program where some guys set up a CCTV camera for long range shooting. The camera was focused at the target and the wireless image was transmitted to a monitor on the bench. I would think you could save a bunch of money by going this way and also used for other applications. Sorry but I cannot remember the name of the manufacturer

Be Safe !!!

ms6852 · September 14, 2016, 09:14 PM

There is no scope at the budget you mention that will allow you to see bullet holes at the distance you mentioned. Atmospherics conditions prevent you from seeing them and with the low end scopes all it will do is magnify the problem.

Distortion from atmospheric conditions can be minimized but only with the very high end premium scopes and even than on a good cool clear day distance at best is limited to maybe 400 yards.

I own a Nikon Full Field scope and in west Texas during the summer months heat is my enemy and I have to cut back on magnification by 50% of its potential since mirage is very bad.

JD_in_CO · September 20, 2016, 02:11 PM

I use a Leupold I got in a kit a few years back. As far as seeing the holes, get some light blue construction paper and use stickup dots for aiming point. Hole will just stand out for ya.

rebs · September 21, 2016, 06:18 AM

Thank you, I will try the light blue paper backer

September 12, 2016, 01:04 PM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	spotting scope ? Can you guys recommend a spotting scope that will enable me to see 223 holes at 300 to 400 yds ? I have a budget of about $250.00 to $300.00

September 13, 2016, 05:02 PM	#6
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	Konus. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

September 14, 2016, 09:14 PM	#8
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	There is no scope at the budget you mention that will allow you to see bullet holes at the distance you mentioned. Atmospherics conditions prevent you from seeing them and with the low end scopes all it will do is magnify the problem. Distortion from atmospheric conditions can be minimized but only with the very high end premium scopes and even than on a good cool clear day distance at best is limited to maybe 400 yards. I own a Nikon Full Field scope and in west Texas during the summer months heat is my enemy and I have to cut back on magnification by 50% of its potential since mirage is very bad. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

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September 12, 2016, 04:39 PM	#2
firewrench044 Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 381	My KOWA spotting scope has a 82mm front lens with a variable power eye piece ( 20 to 60 magnification ) and I can see a 223 hole at 200 yards KOWA has an 88mm that should see better and there are other brands ( they cost a lot more ) I have shot HI Power rifle competition and most of the competitors are using the 82 mm KOWA But none of them can see a 223 hole at 300. or farther even with the 88mm or the 90mm lenses You are about to spend ( for the scope, eye piece and a good stand ) about $ 2300.00 to $ 2700.00 and even more for a German scope with the 90 mm lens

September 12, 2016, 10:42 PM	#3
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	I'd also say that, at those distances (or at any distance for that matter), a hole in a Shoot-N-See type target would be much easier to pick up than a hole in plain paper.

September 13, 2016, 03:00 PM	#4
handlerer2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2010 Location: Yellowstone Co, MT Posts: 489	The closest decent spotting scope anywhere near that price is the Nikon Prostaff, the 60x versions is over $500. Not a premium scope by any means, but servicable. I can see 30cal and 6.5mm at 200yds. A premium scope can cost $3000+. I have heard some good things about the Vortex budget scope. I do use a Vortex PST and it has glass comparable to the Nikon and Leupold scopes that I use. Not that it applies to spotting scopes.

September 13, 2016, 04:39 PM	#5
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	While doing some research, I found that the Redfield and Leupold spotting scopes are made in China. Wow I had a hard time believing that, but it is right on their websites. Does anyone know why they are being made in China and not Japan ? I had thought Japan made the best glass lenses for camera's and scopes. Is there any quality in the spotting scopes made in China ?

September 20, 2016, 02:11 PM	#9
JD_in_CO Junior Member Join Date: September 17, 2016 Location: Colo foothills Posts: 3	I use a Leupold I got in a kit a few years back. As far as seeing the holes, get some light blue construction paper and use stickup dots for aiming point. Hole will just stand out for ya.

September 21, 2016, 06:18 AM	#10
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Thank you, I will try the light blue paper backer