Spotting scopes

[JamesnTN]

It's been a while but is a spotting scope a necessity item for shooting 600/1000 yard benchrest? I'm considering the purchase but really unsure if I want to sink 2500.00 into a spotter or use this to build a new rifle.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I bought a Burris-Landmark 20X-60X-80mm Spotting scope. I like it for the money and can't find much reason for a $2500+ spotting scope.. I'm sure I will get attacked from the crowd with high dollar scopes but if you can follow trace with your scope then to me you are all set.. I have found a heavy tripod to be ideal and think a transit tripod (need to swap my camera tripod in) is best and less expensive.. I don't think it is a must if someone will assist you when you need to get on paper, but it will speed up getting on target..You can sit back and watch what the conditions is doing on other shooters sighters..



Ray

 

[JamesnTN]

The thing with better glass is being able to see at higher magnification when the conditions get tough (aka, mirage) I chose 2500.00 as a mid range price point for value for the dollar, sure I can spend 4-5 k on a scope but the true justification isn't there in my eyes. Maybe if I were a birder of some sort then yes. But to spot hits and possibly see bullet holes once or twice a month is what I'm after.
If conditions are right I can spot holes at 500 with my march but they really have to be perfect. 300 is good even in heavy mirage. I guess I could go cheaper and just buy a target camera setup.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Spotting holes at 1k is a tall task.




Ray

 

[johara1]

James, i use a spotting scope for 1K, not for seeing holes but for watching certain flags and conditions. Mine goes down to 16 but i could use a little less……….. jim

 

[snakepit]

It's been a while but is a spotting scope a necessity item for shooting 600/1000 yard benchrest?

Another thing to consider is the caliber you are shooting. Such as the difference in hole size between a larger caliber such as a .308 as compared to a 6mm/.243.