B&L Elite 20x60x80 Spotting Scope?

[hayseed]

I ran across a B&L Elite 20x60x80 spotting scope yesterday. Used, but in nice condition. It does have the ED glass. Looks like it could be had for $275-300.

I'm just getting into 600-1000 BR shooting. My first true custom is in the works now. Funds are definately not limitless, and there's lots to accumulate.

I understand this scope is a long way from cutting edge. Still, it did seem pretty decent. I hope to scope the rifle with real good glass,not sure if I can swing the NF 12x42, but I'm going to try).

You guys think this would be a reasonable way to go? I assume all the Elite are made in China, whether B&L or Bushnell, right?

Hope to get some response from you guys. Guess I'll wait a day or two to go back in.

Thanks, Dick

 

[SDWhirlwind]

I have its predecessor the Elite 77mm with the 20X, 30X and 20-60X eyepieces. Probably not a Zeiss or Swaro but I am satisfied with it. Don't know about the newer 80mm but mine is Jap made. Should be significantly better for $275-300 than anything else you could buy new in that price range. They wholesaled for $6-700 new. The 77mm's wholesaled for $699 plus up to $300 for the 20-60 eyepiece when they were made. Hope this gives you some idea and direction.

 

[DogBuster]

Upper end Elites,4200s) are made in Japan

 

[hayseed]

OK, I did go down and pick it up this morning after setting it up and looking through a bit. Really a pretty nice scope, and yep, it was made in Japan.

I can check one more item off the list. Now if I can make a good deal on a good sturdy tripod...

Thanks, Dick

 

[NateHaler]

What good is the spotting scope going to do you in 600y and 1,000y BR shooting?

You're not going to use it to spot/score your targets like in NRA Prone or F-Class, and it's not practical or necessary to peek through a spotter alongside your benchrest setup IMO, and you'll already have a very good riflescope to look through.

The spotter sounds like excess baggage to me, even though it's probably a pretty good deal. Use it for birdwatching maybe?

 

[hayseed]

Well gee, Nate, You may well be right about the 600-1000 shooting, although the gal-pal often seems to enjoy watching and spotting while I shoot. I didn't mean to imply that I would be long range bench shooting exclusively. I already use a spotting scope quite a bit. This was an opportunity to raise the quality of glass some, and I took it.

No reason to get snotty and call me a birdwatcher...