Spotting scope that won't break the bank for 1K yards?

tobnpr · November 20, 2014, 09:10 AM

I'd like to upgrade to some clearer glass from what I'm using currently, a fairly inexpensive Winchester.

Suggestions? Big Vortex optics fan, anyone have their spotting scopes?

wogpotter · November 20, 2014, 11:26 AM

Check out used astronomy scopes.

Those guys are into high tech computer guidance nowadays & are always selling of perfectly good optics to upgrade to the computer aided ones.
I found this one for a song & even after getting a couple of accessories to make it suitable for terrestrial use I had change from $300.00. I can change the power just by swapping the 3 eyepieces it came with from 32X to 64X or even 94X. It's sharp enough to show 30 cal holes at 300 yds & clear enough to read mirage.

Bart B. · November 20, 2014, 02:15 PM

I have a Celestron Ultima 80 with a 20-60X eyepiece that's very good. At 20-25X, it'll resolve most 30 caliber bullet holes in the black at 1K when the air is cool and calm with the sun at decent angles.

I could be talked into selling it. Comes with a Celestron T-Ring Nikon SLR camera adapter for digiscoping.

tobnpr · November 20, 2014, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Check out used astronomy scopes.

Never thought of that...
Coincidentally, there's a nice Meade "backpack" telescope (relatively small, programmable, electronic tracking, etc.) that I never did learn how to use looking pretty on it's tripod in the family room. Think I'll see if I can re-purpose it...thanks!

wogpotter · November 20, 2014, 05:12 PM

Winner, Winner......

Just remember to get an erecting prism for it before you go nuts doing the left=right & up=down conversions in your head. Look about & you should find one for between $50~90, depending on eyepiece diameter.

4runnerman · November 20, 2014, 05:37 PM

I just use my scope. If I am using a splatter target I can see the mark at 1000 yards. This is with a 32 power scope

November 20, 2014, 09:10 AM	#1
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Spotting scope that won't break the bank for 1K yards? I'd like to upgrade to some clearer glass from what I'm using currently, a fairly inexpensive Winchester. Suggestions? Big Vortex optics fan, anyone have their spotting scopes? __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

November 20, 2014, 11:26 AM	#2
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Check out used astronomy scopes. Those guys are into high tech computer guidance nowadays & are always selling of perfectly good optics to upgrade to the computer aided ones. I found this one for a song & even after getting a couple of accessories to make it suitable for terrestrial use I had change from $300.00. I can change the power just by swapping the 3 eyepieces it came with from 32X to 64X or even 94X. It's sharp enough to show 30 cal holes at 300 yds & clear enough to read mirage. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

November 20, 2014, 05:12 PM	#5
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Winner, Winner...... Just remember to get an erecting prism for it before you go nuts doing the left=right & up=down conversions in your head. Look about & you should find one for between $50~90, depending on eyepiece diameter. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

November 20, 2014, 05:37 PM	#6
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	I just use my scope. If I am using a splatter target I can see the mark at 1000 yards. This is with a 32 power scope __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

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November 20, 2014, 02:15 PM	#3
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	I have a Celestron Ultima 80 with a 20-60X eyepiece that's very good. At 20-25X, it'll resolve most 30 caliber bullet holes in the black at 1K when the air is cool and calm with the sun at decent angles. I could be talked into selling it. Comes with a Celestron T-Ring Nikon SLR camera adapter for digiscoping.