Spotting Scope - Need Advise

TPAW · December 13, 2008, 09:58 AM

Gents,

I'm looking for a decent spotting scope. I shoot 100 and 200 yards from a bench rest position. I would like something that I could also use for a further distance if I ever get the chance to shoot beyond 200 yards. My price range is about $150.00. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

wjkuleck · December 13, 2008, 11:29 AM

It's been too long since I surveyed the market, and I'm a real cheapskate anyway...but I do have one suggestion.

Whatever you get, get a spotting scope with an angled eyepiece. You'll be glad you did, every time you look through the scope by turning your head a little bit instead of having to move your whole body to get your head behind a straight eyepiece.

Regards,

Walt

sholling · December 13, 2008, 12:06 PM

There isn't a lot that's worth a darn in that price range. Probably the best bargain is just above you limit. A Bushnell Discoverer can be had for right at $200. It's really a birding scope and is not weather proof and the eye relief is pretty short, but the optical quality is head and shoulders better than most $200 and below spotters. For something at or below $150 I'd give eagle optics a call and see if they have anything from their floor samples in your price range. Their CSRs actually know their products.

ohen cepel · December 13, 2008, 12:17 PM

I can't vouch for any of them. However, these guys have many choices and are who I always my first choice for optics:

http://www.swfa.com/c-5-spotting-sco...elescopes.aspx

If nothing else, it's a good selection to compare.

The angled eye piece is a huge plus as mentioned above.

I looked around their site a bit and Tasco will get you an angle head for under $150
http://www.swfa.com/c-1167-tasco-wor...-spotters.aspx Three choice from them under that. I can't speak to the quality. However, if you're looking for a bullet hole on a range I think they will be fine. I have a cheap older Tasco and it works for that fine.

Wouldn't take it birding, but I'm not into that.

Capt. Charlie · December 13, 2008, 12:42 PM

Back in 2006, we had an interesting and somewhat lengthly discussion on spotting scopes in this thread.

You might find some helpful information there.

TPAW · December 13, 2008, 01:55 PM

Thank you guys, I'll follow through on your suggestions. Maybe I can bump up my budget a little over $200.

December 13, 2008, 09:58 AM	#1
TPAW Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Posts: 2,860	Spotting Scope - Need Advise Gents, I'm looking for a decent spotting scope. I shoot 100 and 200 yards from a bench rest position. I would like something that I could also use for a further distance if I ever get the chance to shoot beyond 200 yards. My price range is about $150.00. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

December 13, 2008, 11:29 AM	#2
wjkuleck Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 1,220	It's been too long since I surveyed the market, and I'm a real cheapskate anyway...but I do have one suggestion. Whatever you get, get a spotting scope with an angled eyepiece. You'll be glad you did, every time you look through the scope by turning your head a little bit instead of having to move your whole body to get your head behind a straight eyepiece. Regards, Walt __________________ Author, NEW! The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide The M14 and M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guides The M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guide The AR-15 Complete Assembly and (New 4th Edition) Owner's Guides Last edited by wjkuleck; December 13, 2008 at 11:29 AM. Reason: Typo

December 13, 2008, 12:06 PM	#3
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	There isn't a lot that's worth a darn in that price range. Probably the best bargain is just above you limit. A Bushnell Discoverer can be had for right at $200. It's really a birding scope and is not weather proof and the eye relief is pretty short, but the optical quality is head and shoulders better than most $200 and below spotters. For something at or below $150 I'd give eagle optics a call and see if they have anything from their floor samples in your price range. Their CSRs actually know their products. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

December 13, 2008, 12:17 PM	#4
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,013	I can't vouch for any of them. However, these guys have many choices and are who I always my first choice for optics: http://www.swfa.com/c-5-spotting-sco...elescopes.aspx If nothing else, it's a good selection to compare. The angled eye piece is a huge plus as mentioned above. I looked around their site a bit and Tasco will get you an angle head for under $150 http://www.swfa.com/c-1167-tasco-wor...-spotters.aspx Three choice from them under that. I can't speak to the quality. However, if you're looking for a bullet hole on a range I think they will be fine. I have a cheap older Tasco and it works for that fine. Wouldn't take it birding, but I'm not into that. __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member Last edited by ohen cepel; December 13, 2008 at 12:24 PM.

December 13, 2008, 12:42 PM	#5
Capt. Charlie Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 24, 2005 Location: Steubenville, OH Posts: 4,446	Back in 2006, we had an interesting and somewhat lengthly discussion on spotting scopes in this thread. You might find some helpful information there. __________________ TFL Members are ambassadors to the world for firearm owners. What kind of ambassador does *your* post make *you?* I train in earnest, to do the things that I pray in earnest, I'll never have to do. --Capt. Charlie

December 13, 2008, 01:55 PM	#6
TPAW Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Posts: 2,860	Thank you guys, I'll follow through on your suggestions. Maybe I can bump up my budget a little over $200.