Spotting scope

[Islandboy]

I'm just getting into HP Service Rifle, so I know I'll need a scope. As all new shooters, ism going to whine about the cost of glass. I was looking at a couple of scopes from Redfield, Bushnell, Leupold, etc for under $300. At this point in the game I really would have a hard time justifying a whole lot more than that. Am I wasting my time and money? I tried to search the site, but didn't find much. Well, I lie. I found the article on high end scopes, but $800-1200 is not gona happen right now. I'd love to hear your experience with different scopes you've used or owned, what you liked, what you hated, and if the lower cost scopes worked well enough. I don't need perfection. I've got 20/20 vision, so for a few years I am hoping to be able to manage with a well priced 20-60 x 55mm scope.

 

[jonbearman]

Look for a used one as they pop up now and then for reasonable prices.What scope are you using on your rifle?

 

[Erud]

Look into the offerings from Konus and Celestron in that price range. Lots of Konus scopes can be seen on Highpower firing lines and can be had for under $300. Look at. They are not the top of the line, but they don't cost top-of-the-line money either. They get the job done. For this type of shooting, make sure to go with an angled eye piece as it will make looking through the scope while in position infinitely easier.

Good luck,
Erik

 

[Road_Clam]

I have an inexpensive Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x 80mm objective lens. Got it for $249 with a full tripod. What I've learned by looking through $1000 scopes and my $250 scope is that for shorter distances they all seem the same. What I eventually found out what can cause huge frustrations is a flimsy cheap bipod. When the wind acts up you won't see diddly out of either. I ended up finding my dad's vintage 60's heavy cast aluminum camera tripod and it uses the same 1/4-20 stud mount, so my scope mounted right up to the old camera tripod. With a beefy quality tripod even my $250 low end scope ultimately clarifies hits better than a far more expensive scope with respect to holding still. I can pick up .223 holes @ 200 meters with relative ease. So my advice is if your going to be shooting in wind, spend money on a beefy tripod, or don't bother. Here's my scope :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Celestron-Ultima-80-3-1-80mm-Spotting-Scope-Kit-/310897614902?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4862f12036

 

[NateHaler]

Look for a used one as they pop up now and then for reasonable prices.What scope are you using on your rifle?

I'm just getting into HP Service Rifle, so I know I'll need a scope.

Service Rifle, i.e. iron sights.

 

[letronshootit]

If you are on a budget look on e-bay for an older Bushnell Spacemaster, the green metal bodied rugged scope with Japanese glass and interchangeable lenses. Google the scope and read the reviews they are very impressive. I picked up a nice one for $150. with a zoom lens then later added a straight 20x new for $20.

 

[MK 19]

Great advice listed above, as far as the new spotters you asked about:
The Leupold Ventana line is one of the worst scopes that you can buy for the money their charging, the Redfield Rampage is a much better scope for $100 less (you would also be under $300 on a Rampage 20-60X80 Angled). Bushnell also has nothing in that range that would be worth the money. Remember, as also stated above, the tripod is just as important as the scope, it would be better to use a $200 scope and a $300 Manfrotto Tripod then to use a $500 Scope and a $50 Tripod.

 

[NateHaler]

The OP is going to want a scope stand -- whether tripod style or otherwise -- for Highpower shooting, which involves standing, sitting, and prone. The stand needs to be designed to hold the scope close to the shooter's eye so it can be easily used without breaking position. Meaning, the best Manfrotto money can buy will likely be inadequate for this application.

The OP might also have a look at the US Rifle Teams website forums, aka National Match and Long Range. You need to register, but it's simple and free: http://www.usrifleteams.com/

 

[Islandboy]

Thanks for all the pointers guys. I actually have a really good Bogen tripod that can have the center stem mounted horizontally. The legs will open up all the way flat, so I honk it should work fine even in the prone.i have shot bags, so that should be take. Care of as well. I'm encouraged that the Konus scopes around the $200-300 are used a lot. Thanks guys.

 

[Road_Clam]

Thanks for all the pointers guys. I actually have a really good Bogen tripod that can have the center stem mounted horizontally. The legs will open up all the way flat, so I honk it should work fine even in the prone.i have shot bags, so that should be take. Care of as well. I'm encouraged that the Konus scopes around the $200-300 are used a lot. Thanks guys.

I also hang a 8lb chunk of lead in the center of the tripod for additional stability on windy days.

 

[MNFinn]

I got my konus 15-45 for under $200. yes, my scope on my rifle is higher power, but for reading conditions, it is great, and for the price I got it, I'll never complain

 

[Judd]

Midway had a sale a couple years ago on Barska spotting scope that had the ED glass. No it's not as clear as a 1k dollar scope but it cost a 1/4 of what they did and it works perfect for spotting at most matches. Mirage will screw us all long before scope clarity will.

 

[kcomeau10x]

Thanks for all the pointers guys. I actually have a really good Bogen tripod that can have the center stem mounted horizontally. The legs will open up all the way flat, so I honk it should work fine even in the prone.i have shot bags, so that should be take. Care of as well. I'm encouraged that the Konus scopes around the $200-300 are used a lot. Thanks guys.

I think you would be better served using a scope stand rather than a tripod. When you have to get your gear on the line, you can set it up a lot quicker than your tripod. The most important thing you can do in a match is stay relaxed through the whole set-up process on the line. When you find yourself falling behind on time during set-up and prep time, then your mental aspect is thrown off and you start to feel rushed. A scope stand is quick to set up and allows you to carry some gear with it, namely the mat and ear muffs. Less time spent setting up means more time for establishing your natural point of aim and dry firing. I know this means more money up front, but it will pay off if you are ambitious to improve your performance. Especially if you intend to attend larger regional or the National Matches.

 

[akajun]

Go with a Konus, they have a lifetime warranty. We supply our juniors with them. If it breaks, send it in, you get a new scope.
DItch the tripod, if you go to nationals you will not have the room to set that up. Plus with a tripod, I dont see how you can use the scope to read mirage/wind in prone. Buy a Rayvin or Giraud scope stand with a 1" pole.