I have my 15/22 and Mk III 22/45 setup got rimfire events. Hence, I am normally sighting in the red dots at short distances. Most of the discussion in the forum on spotting scopes want something for 100-200 yds. I need something for 50 yd or less. The "or less" distance seems to be an issue with the ones I have seen. Any suggestions - please. Old eyes ...

BINOCULARS.

Pick 'em up, put 'em down, repeat ...

I kinda figured that was my only real option but thought I would ask just in case ...

I guess I need to go to Dick's or Bass Pro Shop and try some out. The ones I have now are those that you do not need to focus. I probably need to get the ones that can be focused.

Thanks

I realise it is a UK site but it might give you some pointers.

What’s the Best Spotting Scope for Target Shooting? >> Target Crazy

I took a tripod picatinny rail adapter Tripod Picatinny Rail Adapter ‹ Tactical Night Vision Company and mounted it to a tripod quick release plate adapter. I then mounted a spare scope I had to the assembly. I use it (not often) on both a full size tripod and short desktop tripod. In the pic from bottom to top is:

Tripod qd plate

Rail adapter

Scope mount

Scope

7 or 8 power monocular is another option, easier to put in a pocket than binoculars. I got my dad a Vortex for traveling and was pretty impressed(and own many Zeiss and other glass)

If you want a truly tiny good quailty optic, check out a Docter 8x21 monocular.....I love mine

Thanks. Which Vortex? Do you happen to know the minimum focus distance of both?

20-60 x 60mm Spotting Scope with Tripod

With a 20% off coupon, this is about as inexpensive as you can get. The tripod isn't great, but it'll mount onto any tripod..

think it was this one

Vortex Optics - Solo 8x36

the Docter 8x21, which has even come down in price a bit. its tiny but the glass is great.
Docter Optic Compact 8x21 Monocular Gray 50328 For sale! - EuroOptic.com

The Vortex has a minimum focus distance of about 5 yards. That is impressive. I could not find the minimum for the Docter.

I have one of these: Tasco World Class 12-36x50mm Compact Spotting Scope WC123650 with Car Window Mount & Tripod . Tasco World Class Spotting Scopes, Tasco Spotting Scopes. just for what you're doing. It's long discontinued but you'll get an idea. It focuses close up enough and is usually used set on 12x. It doesn't have world class optics but is plenty good for the purpose. I got a small tripod for it that adjusts from ~6" - 15" high. IIRC that I found on a camping/RV site and it was being sold for bird watching.

Binoculars, monocular, suck. They're too hard to hold steady and you have to pick them up and fumble around every time you want to look thru them. A compact scope on a short tripod, or on a tall tripod if you're not at a bench, works real well.

The trick is finding a scope that is low enough powered and will focus close enough. I have another scope, an Alpen 18-36x60 for longer work.

Leupold SX-1 Ventana 2 Spotting Scope
SX-1 Ventana 2 15-45x60mm Straight Spotting Scope Spotting… | Leupold


Near focus down to 5 meters. A real deal around $400 for good quality

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Science plus Art

Get a set with the tripod attachment hole on the bottom, no more up and down. The Nikon ATB are very good and a good price and guaranteed for life even if you run them over.

OR, just use the bino's most everyone already has. Cost NOTHING. How much magnification & long a look do you need for < 50 yards? Come on now.

22LR holes can be rather small for me to see. Walking back and forth can waste a lot of time, especially on a shared range. Been there, done that -- looking for a better approach.

Thanks for the idea. I found a Bushnell Sentry 12-36 x 50 mm with a Close Focus: 12 ft. I have emailed the vendor to find out what they recommend. However, it is about $160 with rebate (with tripod) if purchased before 1 Apr. Sounds like a deal.

Splatter targets are great for seeing the tiny .22 hits if you have a place to use them.

That is a nice piece of glass. I had a little Midway credit. I got the angled one with the accessory kit at a clearance price of ~$322 less my credit. Cost a little bit more, but should serve future needs too. Thanks.