UPDATE ** Spotting scope recommendations from real users!

[cmansguns]

Update 01/28/24: A couple weeks ago I posted the need for a spotting scope recommendation from real users so I can join an outdoor range. I have to say...like ALWAYS.. the recommendations from the Forum members are spot on. I thank everyone who responded to that post and the best recommendation from multiple users seemed to be vintage Bushnell Spacemaster II.

The other recommendation was to get a decent quality tripod and not a flimsy el cheapo.

So fast forward to yesterday.....my Bushnell Spacemaster II, with 15X - 45X - 60mm, with eyepiece car and objective lens cap arrived from Flea Bay seller. Grabbed my quality, sturdy, fully adjustable tripod that I use with my DSLR camera (heavy dude with 300 mm zoom lense attached), and an extra 43mm x 43 mm Quick Release mount with 1/4" mounting stud and set it up.

Dang....this scope is simply great, EXACTLY what I needed for outdoor spotting!

With the tripod I can use for the offhand, standing only at 15 and 25 yard handgun range and either full height or (probably) collapsed to 17" at the shooters bench/chair lanes for rifles at 50 and 100 yards. I was wrong about needing a 200 yard scope...the outdoor range I'm joining does indeed shoot M1 matches but with REDUCED size NRA targets that simulate 200 yards but fired at 100 yards.

I set it up yesterday in my back yard and it is clear as anything at 100 yards and this is with the lowest (15X) setting! Of course the field narrows as magnification is increased but I could still read tire size on neighbors jeep sitting about 200 yards away.

Again..........many thanks to all who made recommendations, this scope was just under $100...and I found absolutely nothing in the new equipment searches I had made for $400 or even a little more that had any good reviews.

You guys are great!

 

[Imissedagain]

Great to have a nice scope.

As the USAF team shooters and the team shooters from the
other branches of the Military, that were almost as good,
taught us, tight groups are great, but having the group
at POA, gets a cold Beer.
Shoot five and move to another spot on the target.

Pic from the Web at 100yds.

 

[Imissedagain]

Targets fired at 100 yards, that are reduced versions
of 200 to 1000 yards have merit, but the wind and
bullet drop variables are absent.
Good practice for tight groups at point of aim.
Now shooting a Glock at 100 yards is fun.
Aim for the little thing attached to the trigger.

 

[Ethang]

OP I blame you for this... Flea Bay got me for a Bushnell Spacemaster II, with 15X - 45X - 60mm.. I tried a Winchester cheapie some years ago and it was junk.. spent almost as much on that one as I did on this Bushnell. Hoping it is as good as everybody says it is. Got mine as new old stock in the box.

 

[cmansguns]

I'll take the blame but betting you enjoy your Bushnell too!

Ethang, yep....I'll gladly take the blame and I am happy with my flea-bay grab. With the great recommendations from all the REAL users I went right to the first recommendation for a flea-bay Bushnell and dang if it hadn't just sold...maybe that's the one you got!

Anyway....just don't forget a quality, sturdy, fully adjustable tri-pod (pan, swivel, tilt) AND a Quick Release mount to screw right onto your Bushnell. The QR tabs can be had for $5 off Amazon, you just have to know your tripod mounting size (mine is 43mm x 43mm square by 1.7" w/ 1/4" thread).

I did the flashlight test for haze when my scope arrived and it is clear like the day it shipped from the factory.

PS: Some posters recommended using binoculars but I have a good quality 10x50 old binocs and just can't hold them steady enough to see small objects at distance, but this Spotting scope on tri-pod is the bees knees. I don't have to touch it..just look and see!

I'm happy seeing very small stuff at distance and really can't wait for the weather to cooperate so I can get to the outdoor range and really see those M1 holes at 100 yards, and the 32-20 WCF holes at 15 yards..WITHOUT having to call for a cold range after each shot!

 

[Imissedagain]

Back in the '80s, Fiji came out with gyro stabilized
binocs.
Retail was about 5K.
After an electronics install, on the seatrial, we would take two
with us.
As soon as the owner/Captain tried one, most often they would
buy it and ask if we had anymore.
Never tried them on land/shooting, but great for the Ocean.
Marker buoys and bikinis on the beach.
I can sea clearly now.....

When asked if there was anything else to add to the
yacht, I would always say, "can we shoot trap off the
aft deck?"
Broaching the topic of safety/firearms on board, led
to a hidden compartment discussion.