Spotting Scope for F-CLASS ???

[dawgmaster]

I'd like to buy a spotting scope for spotting bullet holes while practising f-class.

What's a spotter that would work and not break the bank?

 

[Scott Harris]

Go spend $3K on the best spotting scope in the world: maybe you'll be able to see your holes some of the time at shorter distances: mirage and weather permitting. Personally, I think attending matches and having someone mark your target is a better way to "practice" F-Class. I do have a very expensive Swarovski HD scope. I don't think it provides any value add over my $400 Kowa(for target shooting....hunting is a little different) and no, I can't see bullet holes at 500+ yards. Heck, I have trouble seeing them at 200 yards. I'd get those practice targets that glow when a bullet hole is made if you are determined to see them while practicing.

 

[memilanuk]

I'll agree that trying to find a scope that will reliably resolve small black holes in a black target face under anything other than optimal conditions is going to be pretty iffy, regardless of how much you spend. You're better off getting some Shoot-N-C or Dirty Bird targets for practice - the scoring rings will not be correct, but you will have better luck seeing your bullet holes if shooting solo and without pit service.

I would disagree about getting a low-end spotting scope if you can avoid it. Not so much for seeing bullet holes, but for seeing the mirage out on the range - better glass = better resolution, and better resolution = better wind calls.

Almost anything is better than nothing - focus the spotter back a ways (roughly mid-ways to the target, or near a significant terrain feature like a gully or break in the tree line) while keeping your rifle scope focused on the target. Then you can see the mirage both at the target (rifle scope) and closer to where your bullet is at its highest point off the ground and the wind speed is likely higher as well...

 

[fdshuster]

I would agree to the suggestion you try the "splatter" type of targets. I use them out to 500 yds. and in all but the worst mirage conditions, am able to spot 6mm holes with the NF and/or my Nikon Fieldscope 82mm. Choose the available diameter that is is close as possible to your score targets. Or, use plain white or beige colored paper and the Birchwood Casey day-glo orange target dots. I avoid using longer distance targets with any black for sight-in and practice. Trying to find small caliber holes, in the black, at 300 yds. and beyond has always been a crap shoot for me, no matter how high the quality of the optics.

 

[dawgmaster]

With my Weaver T36 I can occaisionally see bullet holes at 500. Defenitely, with a white or orange target I'd see most of them, but its fun to practise on the official targets.

I'd like the spotting scope (if it would do the job) Solely, because without driving back and forth to the target a whole lot of times....chances are your score wont be very accurate if you cant be adjusting for the wind properly.

I'll drive down to the target after 10 shots and have a decent size group, but unfortunately its in the 8 and 9 rings just because a guy couldn't see to make proper adjustments!

 

[FroggyOne2]

Get a partner that you can practice with..

 

[effendude]

You need a spotting scope to perform scoring duties anyway as most matches require you to perform scoring and pit duties, so get the best you can afford. I will set up my spotting scope/stand just like if I was shooting with open sights. Look for mirage with left eye, and look through the rifle with the right eye. I find it easier to rest the shooting eye by using the spotting scope.
Scott

 

[Gman]

Go spend $3K on the best spotting scope in the world: maybe you'll be able to see your holes some of the time at shorter distances: mirage and weather permitting. Personally, I think attending matches and having someone mark your target is a better way to "practice" F-Class. I do have a very expensive Swarovski HD scope. I don't think it provides any value add over my $400 Kowa(for target shooting....hunting is a little different) and no, I can't see bullet holes at 500+ yards. Heck, I have trouble seeing them at 200 yards. I'd get those practice targets that glow when a bullet hole is made if you are determined to see them while practicing.

Well I can see 6mm bullet holes in the white 99% of the time at 300 yards with my Pentax PF80 ED, and XW-14 eyepiece. (36x) At 500 yards, I'd bet that I can see 6mm holes in the white 6 out of 10 times with this same set-up..

 

[Erik Cortina]

Put a piece of flourecent orage cloth behind the target frame, about 6"-12" behind target, when the bullet punches a hole in the black target, then the orange will show through and you will be able to see the orange holes on the black paper very clearly.

 

[dawgmaster]

I came up with a solution today!!!

I'm using the MR65 replacement centers (which gives about the 8 ring and in). I took photocopy paper (8.5X11) put a black X-ring in the center of it (with a marker) and then taped it over the official taget. This pretty well covered the 9 ring and in...which is where you want to be anyhow!

I was able to spot all 6MM holes and as long as I paid real close attention could see all the 22cal holes as well @ 500.

As far as I'm concerned problem solved!

I've just been shooting and practising F-Class for about a month now and with the aid of the white paper...today I shot my first 10 shot 100 6X @ 500yds.

 

[fdshuster]

Goes back to what I said: "I avoid using longer distance targets with any black for sight-in and practice".