Because of multiple other interests of mine, I am constantly exposed to certain types of optics and camera lenses. Good quality spotting scopes are not inexpensive items, and they are one of the tools that make range time a lot more productive and easy. I have no stake in this, but I am going to tell you that Meade makes great optics, they are a top shelf leader in telescope design and quality for the backyard astronomer (one who doesn't want to build or have the knowledge to build their own 'scope).
They are closing out their remaining zooming spotting scopes, a 12-36X zoom range scope for only $49. I own a fixed Nikon 20X spotting scope, which cost me $130 more several years ago, but I think one of these Meade's will find it's way to me. 36X is a LOT of magnification, more than enough for the 100 yard line, for many or most of us 36X will render targets 200 yards away close enough to see and count/score bullet holes easily. As I said, no stake in this, but as a topic spotting scopes come up fairly often here, and so if you're looking/waiting for a great deal on one, it'd be tough to beat this one.
Note: you'll still need legs for this (a tripod in other words) if you want to set it up on the ground, though it does come with the table top tripod pictured.

Meade Instruments Corporation - Meade 12-36x50 Spotting Scope #04095

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Geoff. Since 1960.

Geoff,

I have a tripod on which I mount my chronograph; I'm wondering if it would work for this scope. It has a threaded bolt which protrudes a little ways from the little platform on top. Do you know if there is a threaded hole, or even just a hole, on the bottom side of the scope? I'm interested, but don't really want to buy another tripod if I don't have to. Thanks.

F Y I general 'geezer eye' members:

I have long had a 12-36x50 Bushnell Trophy, that looks very similar to this model.

During the decades of my own use, that magnification worked very well at 100 yards & beyond. 22 holes were always a bit iffy for my own eyes to pick up, and gradually I was unable to see the 22 group well enough with the resolution power of this set up.

I remain highly pleased with the 12-36x50 as a handy and very useful spotter for larger calibers. I have to rely on the clarity of a 20-60x80 Swarovski for the 22 holes at 50 yards or the 30 cal sizes at 100 +.

While perhaps 'more' than really needed, the larger scope serves a lot of other purposes very well too.

A decent tripod will be well worth the expense.

The Meade price is excellent, and I have had a number of their astronomic scopes that worked well.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

Thanks for the information. I ordered a 20-60 zoom because those 22 cal. holes are hard to see past 200 yds with my old 36x scope.

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6/23/2022

Looks like a good deal. Ordered one, thanks!

The US standard for tripod screws is 1/4-20 thread. Nearly every scope you buy will be this thread size, as well as every camera mount.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks for the heads-up!

Thanks for the info. Just ordered one.

Thank you, sir!
Andy

Yesterday I ordered a scope & was quoted $8.00 shipping.

Just now I got an Email that said there was an additional charge. They changed the shipping to $64.00.

$49.00 for the spotting scope sounds good. From $57.00 to $113.00 total (to me) is more than a minor adjustment. I cancelled the order.

Thanks for the tip Geoff. I'm considering one, but was wondering what your experience is with the horizontal eyepiece compared to the 45 degree ones. I think the angled ones are just $20 or so more, but I can't quite figure out which one would be more convenient, without trying them. I definitely would like the zoom feature. Thx,

Josh P

Was this because of shipping to you in Alaska? I was also quoted the $8 shipping charge and it looks like that is what my credit card has been billed.

There are many who think Alaska is outside the U.S.

UPS (pronounced OOPS) requires 'next day air' for all Alaska addresses. I have had co.s ship UPS, them send the package to Anchorage (1000 miles in the wrong direction) & keep it on a delivery truck for 2 weeks, then eventually return to sender because it's undeliverable. I should note that about half my packages from UPS were lost & not delivered/returned (prolly kept/thrown away by the driver)

FedEX will require similar premium service & pricing. They route all Alaska packages thru their Anchorage hub, there they will put the package in the mail (what should have been done in the first place) & then they pocket the profit from their exorbent fee.

Even though they require pay for 'next day service' neither co. will guarentee it.

I called their service phone & found they had none. The kind lady explained they 'had to' ship those other guys, they could'nt use U.S Post Office because I was outside the country. I asked to speak with a supervisor & they hung up.

And that boys & girls is when I cancelled the order!

Jim

I just don't know?? Meade had good optics back in the day. Lots of Japanese Glass. They are not the company they used to be. Plant is moved to Mexico, lots of financial problems. Use to make Simmons and was part of Redfield Weaver. The scope is plastic body. For $50? What can you get? Having never seen or used one I can't say for sure. One (1) year warranty.

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Still Running Against the Wind

A quick question before I pull the trigger on this one: Is it standard procedure with all online ordering for the outfit taking the order to keep your credit card information in their system indefinitely? I called Shopatron, the company through which the scope is ordered, and they indicated that that is what they do. The lady said she wasn't sure how long they keep it, but it sounded as though it was indefinite.

Pardon my ignorance; I have very little experience ordering from a website.

Thanks,
Andy

The one time I ordered something online direct, my card # got hacked. Luckily the 3 digit security code on the back kept it from being used, and the card company called me, and we cancelled the card.

Now, I'll only order from websites via their 800 phone number, or via paypal online, which is what I use for ebay. I'll never put my full credit card number onto an online ordering site again.

Josh P

Josh,

That's kind of the way I've felt for a long time. But it appears that this site which features the scope in question is an 'online ordering site', unless I've missed something(which wouldn't be surprising).

Andy

Mine arrived yesterday and I'm quite pleased with it. It's perfect for my needs. Thanks a bunch jeoff40.

Ed

Mine came in a couple of days ago. It seems like the optics are real good and the size is just right for my range bag. It will easily replace the Bushnell that was stolen a while back. Thanks jeof40

just ordered mine...i dont need this a lot so i dont need the very best...this looks like a good deal..thanks!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Plastic tube bodies don't bother me, plastic lenses do. Are these lenses coated glass of some kind?

Bumped, holding off tell pension day.