Recommendations for a decent spotting scope

[moog5050]

Not looking to break the bank, but want something I can clearly see small caliber holes at 100yds at the range.  Any suggestions based on experience are much appreciated.  Thinking $300 or less if possible.  Being compact would be a plus.  Thanks

[mac]

i use the Leupold Ventana 15-45x60, should be out there around 249. the tripod isnt top notch but the glass has been perfect for the range shooting 100-200 yrd

[moog5050]

Thanks Mac.  I was looking at the ventana as an option. I figured you can't go too wrong with leupold.  Easy to see .22s at 100yds?

[Setters4life]

Konus

[mac]

havent shot 22's out to 100yrds with it yet.  Mostly 308, 30-06. I would hope you would be ok with it. depends on where you buy from, you may get free return shipping that optics planet often has or wait for their special sales

[ny hunter]

I get all my glass from swfa..........prices are decent...

[Mr VJP]

Moog, I see .22 holes @ 100 yds just fine the way I do it.

Get some white 8 1/2 x 11" paper and put an orange dot on it in the center, or use a colored marker. Make the dot about the size of a nickel. Staple 2 or 3 of them to your target board.

When you shoot, aim for the dot (which is easy to see) you will easily be able to see all of the black bullet holes in the paper with your rifle scope. No spotting scope is needed.

Try it, you'll like it.

[dbHunterNY]

I was looking through a Swarovski scoop the other day. Man was that thing sweet! Not applicable to this convo though. Lol

[moog5050]

Thanks for the ideas guys.  Tried a bushnell elite scope but hated the eye relief after using it a while.  I sent it back.  I am now planning to try vortex 10x binos (which will be used in the field) and a doubler at the range.  I think that will suffice, especially if I try Mr. VJP's method.

[thphm]

Most any spotting scope will work at 100 yards,even .17 caliber.

More important is what it is sitting on, a flimsey tri pod will drive you nuts.Get something that holds it rock solid.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Go to the cameraland website and pick up Vortex glass. Best prices out there

[Lawdwaz]

Go to the cameraland website and pick up Vortex glass. Best prices out there

 

+1

[moog5050]

To follow up, I purchased a bushnell elite spotting scope 15-45.  It was nice, but after testing it for a while, the short eye relief drove me nuts.  I returned it.  My next move was to upgrade my binos and get a tripod mount.  That was probably a much better move for me.  I went with vortex viper hd 10x42.  The glass is great and I really don't need more for the range, especially with the mount.   I will use them during hunting season, so they will serve dual purpose. That said, for $150, I also picked up a doubler and while I haven't tested it with actual range work, I think the doubler would work even at 200 plus yards for target shooting based on some testing in the field behind my house.  Not as bright as without the doubler, but not really needed for target shooting as I don't shoot targets in low light.

 

I absolutely love the viper HDs. 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

love my Vortex glass!