Spotting Scope for 100 Yards

novalty

novalty

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After my last range session it has become apparent that a spotting scope would be a useful tool in my range bag. I'd like to get a decent scope, that will give me a good picture at 100 yards--since I don't have access to any longer distance ranges for rifle shooting. My budget will be around $250-$300. I've been researching and narrowed it down to either a Redfield Rampage 20-60x80 angle, or a Konus 80 20-60x80. Wondering what others are using at the range, and if anyone else has experience with either of these scopes?
 
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I have a Leupold Gold Ring (my Dillon):D
But I stole it at a Pawn Shop.

Redfield is good stuff. As mentioned a good pair of Binocs is just as good and easy. I use some Bushnell from Wal Mart most of the time.
 
I had that exact same revelation at the rimfire range last Thursday.
It's not that I mind the little stroll to check groups and P O I, in fact on a nice day it is pleasant, (and useful to health).

There were two other shooters that day, both with scopes, and while sighting in two rifles, I was constantly having to "clear-range". They were good humored about it, but I felt bad and finally packed up without finishing.

One of the guys asked if I had a brand of scope in mind when I stated I was getting one.
He suggested the most inexpensive W-mart or "Ollie's" I could find; until I concluded what I needed for my type of rifle target shooting. (very informal and not often. )

While my local Wally has none in stock, their web site shows many, some starting at 30 bucks or so. Cheapest one of the four at Dunham's started at $249.00

I'm going the mid-pack 50 buck route till I get a feel for my usage. Also, the mention by some of Binocs, brings to mind the nice old Cannon with the 400 mag lens I have, and a tripod.
 
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I use the Leupold conveniently installed on the rifle at those ranges.
If shooting irons, binoculars work well and are more convenient than a spotting scope.

Yet another tactic .... get a 45-70.
big holes are easier to see
 
Don't waste your money on a cheap $30 to $50 scope. The Konus is well respected by rifle shooters shooting up to 600 yards. Watch your paper for any "sporting goods/gun" auctions in your area, and see what is available. I bought a 36X Bushnell on bench stand for $25 (30 years ago it would have been a $100 scope) and last month my buddy purchased a Bushnell 15-45X on a Bogen tripod for $40. (He got the tripod for 1/4 it's worth and the scope for free).
 
If you have a large sporting goods store near you.......
they usually let you test the optics in or outside the store.

You can see the quality of the glass and workmanship and focus, before putting down a lot of money for any top grade equipment.

Usually under $100 will just have average glass but will work for 100 yards. Lens care is a must for best vision. Learn how to clean and take care of them.

Good shooting.
 
I see quite a few of the Konus spotters at the range and have looked thru a few. They are able to easily resolve 22caliber hold @ 100 yards. A cheap 50$-$100 scope may have a large magnification range but the ones I looked thru were unable to resolve 22 caliber holes at 100 yards. The most recent one of that type I looked thru was a $100 Winchester spotter I think it was 15X-45 but not sure. Could barely resolve 30 caliber holes at 100 yards.
 
I have been pretty happy with the optics I have from Nikon. They are not a high end European brand, but they are a great value for what you pay. They have a spotting scope that is around $500 that is quite nice. I know that is out of your stated price range, but you won't be sorry if you spend a few extra $$.

I personally have the 82mm Nikon Field scope, and it is phenomenal. I bought mine quite a few years ago on sale at Cabela's. I think I paid around $1,000 for it. I think they are quite a bit more than that now. I can see 30 caliber holes at 200 yards with mine. Maybe even at 300 if there is not much mirage going on.

My dream is to have a Leica, but that will probably never happen.

This is the scope I have:

Fieldscope 25-75x82 ED Straight


This is the scope I would recommend for you:

PROSTAFF 5 16-48x60mm Angled Body

Mike
 
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I have a Simmons I got at Cabela's on a great sale for about 60 bucks. One of their Saturday morning sale type things. I can see 22 holes at over 100 yds. Darn thing even has a tripod and a case.
 
get with the times!
you don't need a stinking spotting scope

get a BULLSEYE CAMERA SYSTEM
Bullseye Camera Systems AmmoCam Sight-In Edition 300 Yard Target

or something like it
watch the holes on the target LIVE on your cell phone or tablet

the one in the link above is $331
a little above your range - but for a few dollars more....:D

but I'm sure you could rig up a cheaper set-up
 
forestswin said:
get with the times!
you don't need a stinking spotting scope

get a BULLSEYE CAMERA SYSTEM
Bullseye Camera Systems AmmoCam Sight-In Edition 300 Yard Target

or something like it
watch the holes on the target LIVE on your cell phone or tablet

the one in the link above is $331
a little above your range - but for a few dollars more....:D

but I'm sure you could rig up a cheaper set-up
Click to expand...

Linky not worky for me?

Bullseye Camera Systems - The Ultimate Target Camera, Shooting Camera and Long Range Shooting Camera
 
Without getting into the name game, I'll just offer a couple of thoughts on features based on my experience and regression through several disappointing purchases (before getting it right.).
First, Objective lens on any scope that you actually want to gather good light should be no less than 60 mm and preferably 80mm. This is especially true on less expensive scopes where glass quality may not be up to snuff. Even then, there is no substitute for size when it comes to a good objective lenses.
Second, consider a 45 deg eyepiece. Coupled with the right base/mount it will allow you to lean over and use the scope without breaking shooting position. This type type of scope seems to have favor with competition rifle shooters.

Lastly, consider the mount/stand. A rotating band mount on the scope allows infinite positioning. It's a feature well worth pursuing. Additionally, mini/camera type tripods work but are hard to adjust and take up ALLOT of space when set up. Hard to beat a solid competition type mount with gooseneck as made by Freeland, Champions Choice etc. Not cheap but it puts the scope right where you want it regardless of your shooting position.

Unfortunately, the above mentioned features can limit choices and drive the cost up. However, they will save money in upgrades in the end.
 
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The Konus is a great value !! Also see a lot of Vortex on the line

Randy
 
Thanks for the information and suggestions. I had considered a pair of binoculars, but I am not extremely steady free handed. Figure a large objective, and sturdy mounting platform would be more beneficial to me.

Another consideration that is weighing in my decision is the warranty. I will probably only use the scope a handful of times each year. Don't want a scope that fails after a couple years, and left holding the bag on a scope that got used very little.

I had looked at the Vortex Diamondback line, but at the current pricing is out of my budget. The Redfield is in my range and has the Limited Lifetime Warranty. The Konus is less expensive, but has the shorter warranty coverage. Given my budget I fully expect the image to drop off with higher magnification, but at the limited range I will be shooting at either of the options should provide ample resolution no matter what caliber I am shooting.
 
I have a BSA that would treat you very well at 100, they're inexpensive, but don't have the optics for anything past 200....

I also have a Barska That is VERY clear, again, not real expensive... was just doing some 500yd shooting with it and a 7mag, that was about its limit....
 
I have more then 1 where an expensive scope just wasn't necessary.

You wanna waist money on a scope that costs more then the short range firearm it hangs on .... well.... :rolleyes:

PS: they work just fine
 
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