Spotting scope recommendations

[2ndovc]

I'd taken a Gander Mtn. brand spotting scope out to the range yesterday that I hadn't had out for several years and remembered why I'd put it away in the first place. Total thing. I'd gotten it as a gift years ago it's about useless beyond 35 yds.

Soo, this side of spending Big $, what are you guys using? Like to keep it under $500, if possible.

jb

[harry]

I bought one of these and really like it but it is only good for range work. In your price range I have a Burris that works good and is easy on your eye


https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/pr ... 0/inline/1

[marlinman93]

Under $500 I'd buy the Leupold SX-1 at $429. The finest under $500 scope around.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _BwE&smp=y

[Tycer]

I bought one of these and really like it but it is only good for range work.

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/pr ... 0/inline/1

Wow! On my Christmas list!

[2ndovc]

Under $500 I'd buy the Leupold SX-1 at $429. The finest under $500 scope around.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _BwE&smp=y

That's one I've been looking at. Big fan of Leupold.

jb

[Blaine]

I have a Celestron that is very clear and bright out to the edges. The Leupold Wind River scope I had SUCKED.

[Bill in Oregon]

Vall, thanks for that suggestion. My scope is a cheap Cabelas house brand bought maybe 10-15 years ago, that I occasionally use to look at the moon. I can't afford a Kowa or a Swaro ...

[mickbr]

My scope is a Pentax 65Ed II which is about $100 above your price range but my second choice would have been the Leupold Ventana , which also ticked a lot of boxes for me. That being waterproof, nitrogen purged meaning also fog proof and angled eye piece.

[2ndovc]

Looks like the Leopold is it, B&H has a great price and free shipping as well.


Thanks Guys!!


jb

[marlinman93]

Vall, thanks for that suggestion. My scope is a cheap Cabelas house brand bought maybe 10-15 years ago, that I occasionally use to look at the moon. I can't afford a Kowa or a Swaro ...

Bill I stumbled into a Kowa at our gun club 20 years ago. They have a "swap meet" once a year and as I was perusing tables a guy had a 20x Kowa for $20. I snatched it up, even though I thought 20x might be too low powered. But the optics are so clear that it easily locates bullet holes in paper at up to 250 yds. After that distance I have to use my higher powered Leupold for long range work. But I still use the little Kowa often because it's so small and compact to haul around. I toss it in the glove box with my window clamp mount to look at things when we are traveling.

[Sixgun]

Like rifle scopes, you get what you pay for in spotting scopes. Just about any $99.95 spotting scope will work for 100 yard and maybe 200 yard work if.....your shooting big caliber bullets. Try looking for that .257 bullet hole at 500 meters in a black target with that Walmart special. Been there...done that.......

It's better to wait and save the bucks instead of giving in to "instant gratification" and buy that Leupold or other quality scope.

I paid 12 for this Leupold but I can see a knat on a flys azz with this. Also, as we age you will need a better quality scope to see bullet holes that you once were able to see with that $99 Walmart special.

Or..you can do what my buddy Gunny does......he just puts $2,000 Nightforce scopes on his long range rifles and leaves the spotting scope at home. ----6

[2ndovc]

Thanks Jack.

Not going cheap, the Leupold is on the way. Did the cheap thing with the lousy Gander Mtn. special. If I remember right, I had a gift card and couldn't find anything else I wanted. I have an ancient Bushnell that I had been using but my dad repo'd it, and still uses it. Probably 50 yrs old as still nice and clear.

jb