Are spotting scopes necessary for benchrest?

[DngBat7]

I was just wondering, Are spotting scopes necessary for benchrest shooting? Especially when the rifle scopes usually zoom to 60x??

 

[ShootDots]

I do not shoot benchrest, however, maybe the same principle would apply. When the heat waves (mirage) are so slight it's hard to tell what direction they are moving, a spotting scope can be of great assistance. By turning the focus just slightly OUT OF FOCUS, you can plainly see the heat waves. Get it a bit more out of focus and they (the heat waves) are so clear that they look like waves of grain in a Nebraska wheat field! This can only help, I would imagine in any shooting discipline!

 

[jamesh]

I have never used one for Benchrest. If I did set one up at the bench it would be for reading the mirage somewhere around midrange, not to try to see the target.

 

[Spaz]

I don't compete, so I am not familiar with the rules. That said, if you have a spotter, they could use one. You can use the scope for reading wind (as mentioned by others). Also, some spotting scopes have reticles to use for ranging targets.

 

[Greyfox]

For short range benchrest, either group or Varmint For Score, I have never seen anyone use one during a match. For Hunter Class a spotting scope in necessary as you are only allowed a 6X scope on the rifle. For long range I don't see the necessity as the rifle scope is as or more powerful than most spotting scopes. But maybe I'm missing something.

Rick

 

[Terry]

600 & 1,000 yards. Not for me.

 

[ttfreestyle]

No, not necessary in my opinion. Just something else to carry.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

In common use? No. However they sure could give some extra data. During the sighter period you could learn something about wind at other ranges than the target and benches. During record string you will not have time to use it. But I think its an un tapped area of wind data that a guy could use to learn a range.

 

[DngBat7]

Thanks everyone. This certainly answers my question

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Not necessary but it's nice to be able to watch as other relays are shooting.

 

[243Lapua]

Not for me either. Tends to get in the way.

 

[Just Dave]

Yes for me. It watches everything but the target. . As mentioned, you can pick up mirage easy, focus in on distances other than to Target

 

[johara1]

Flags are direction and mirage is speed, with proper use of a spotting scope you see both. Looking at the mirage on the target it is to late.... jim

 

[gunnermhr]

Flags are direction and mirage is speed, with proper use of a spotting scope you see both. Looking at the mirage on the target it is to late.... jim

Jim, At what approximate yardage do you focus your spotter to

 

[CaptainMal]

Target Vision camera. That's what works for benchrest, until you actually compete where they are not allowed.

 

[rjtfroggy]

For SR if your eyes are old and tired and you shoot Hunter class (6x) then yes , other classes not so much the scope is usually powerful enough to see bullet holes.

 

[fultonbig9]

There always several at every 600 and 1000 match I’ve attended but it’s people spotting for the shooters and then at 600 there looking to see how they done on target.

 

[johara1]

Jim, At what approximate yardage do you focus your spotter to

Depends on what range. you need to know where the condition that has the greatest, effect focus on a point and back off till you see the mirage. do this at different yardage, till you find the one that dominate. One other thing do not discount flag up close make sure it is the same all the time..... jim