spotting scope or improved scope

[richard_123]

retired and starting into some local shooting contest within a three county area. the distances will be 100-600yds. Looking information on spotting scopes or rifle scopes that would allow seeing 30cal holes at those distances. Unfortunately money is an issue. I presently am using a used 8-32 burris black diamond target scope on the rifle. Not overly pleased with the clarity, but that what I have. What to do, a better scope or a spotting scope? Need real world thought, from experienced shooters. Thanks

 

[Doosky]

I own a Burris 20-80x ( I think) spotting scope, and I am not impressed with the clarity, and I cannot turn it all the way up because of this. I recently purchased a sightron 10-50x60mm rifle scope, and I am very happy with this purchase. I can almost always see 22. Cal holes at 200 yds. Plus in the black

 

[fdshuster]

Richard: Like with most things, the price of the optics is a major factor. You won't get any scope (spotting or rifle) for $200 that has the optical quality of one that costs $800+.

You did not list a Dollar limit or even an approximate minimum/maximum that you can spend, so it's very difficult to come up with an answer to your question.

My Nightforce Benchrest 12-42x's easily meet your requirements for a rifle scope, and my Nikon Fieldscope 111 with an 82mm objective, ED glass & 25 to 75x eyepiece can also, but the cost is far from the $200 to $500 range.

For me, if I had to make a choice, I'd go with the highest quality rifle scope I could afford. Unfortunately, cheap and high quality are not 2 words that go together when they invlove optics of any kind.

To make it even more frustrating is the fact that no matter how high the quality of the optics, it can be wiped out by mirage, rain, heavy overcast, etc.

 

[wmdron]

If you are not happy with the burris I would suggest selling it and putting the money toward a Nightforce 12x42 Benchrest scope. I personally believe that you would be better served by first getting a really good riflescope. If you are having clarity issues with the Burris this will affect your plans to compete, so If it were me I would replace the scope first.

 

[NateHaler]

Unless conditions are nearly perfect and you have superb optics and very good vision, forget about seeing bullet holes at 600y. Furthermore, you don't need to see them, regardless of what competition category you're in. Targets at 600y are pulled and spotted. You'll only need to see the spotters, which is easy enough even with mediocre optics.

A spotting scope won't be any help unless you're going to use it to spot another shooter's target at long range, like in prone matches. But, most shooters with irons will already have their own spotting scopes, so why bother.

Save your money, and spend it on ammo and practice. Use the gear you already have. That's my advice and it's worth what you paid for it.

 

[Texas Solo]

Logically, get the new scope. A better spotting scope would be nice, but it's the rifle scope that scores points.
I have a really cheap old BSA spotter, but I can easily see my target at 600yd. when the target is marked by the pit crew.
Forget seeing the holes without anything other than high dollar stuff, and even those won't go 600yds.

 

[treeman]

I would go with the adviceto go with a good quality rifle scope I have 2 kowa spotting scopes one a 60mm and the other a 77 mm and my night force 8-32 x56 br scope has better optics/glass than either one. I am tempted to use it as a spotting scope in iron sight matches. If you can't afford around $1000 for a rifle scope wait untill you can don't settle for less.
just my opinion
treeman

 

[JRS]

Unless conditions are nearly perfect and you have superb optics and very good vision, forget about seeing bullet holes at 600y. Furthermore, you don't need to see them, regardless of what competition category you're in. Targets at 600y are pulled and spotted. You'll only need to see the spotters, which is easy enough even with mediocre optics.

A spotting scope won't be any help unless you're going to use it to spot another shooter's target at long range, like in prone matches. But, most shooters with irons will already have their own spotting scopes, so why bother.

Save your money, and spend it on ammo and practice. Use the gear you already have. That's my advice and it's worth what you paid for it.

+1

 

[chevytruck_83]

he said money is of concern and his suggestions are sightron siii and nightforce ...?? both $1000 plus.. I don't compete at all, let alone 600 yards. so take it however you like. I have great luck with my Weaver t-36 which if you look into several 1000yd shooters on budgets use and for spotting Scopes for the money I'd say at least look at vortex nomad and konus pro. not high end, but great buys. if its one or the other go with thethe scope hands down. like they stated. the high magnification that you get going to a spotting scope will be negated by mirage unless Conditions are perfect.

 

[doc gordon]

a 12-42x56 nightforce will see as well as a 900.00 spotting scope !there is one listed on scopes for sale for 1200.you will have best scope you can buy and it will serve as spotter also.