I know this isn't exactly a question about AR optics but I wasn't sure where else to post it.

Can anyone recommend a cheap (<$50) monocular, spotting scope, binoculars that would serve the simple purpose of seeing where shots are on paper at 100yds max?


Thanks

if you want a nice pair of binoculars go on eBay and look for Pentax binoculars in 16x50mm or 20x50mm that are made in japan. i have a pair that i got on eBay for around $79.00 with shipping and they are fantastic. just look at the pictures and look between the eyepieces at the end of the adjustment cap and make sure it says made in japan. they start at around $50.00 to $100.00 and be patient to get the deal you want they are on there all the time. also search for used spotting scopes and look for older made in japan ones there too. try to stay 20x or more on magnification and try to stay with a 60mm or larger lens. i have an old herters 40x 80mm spotting scope i got of eBay and it is very nice. herters use to make some top of the line scopes until cabelas bought them out years ago.

here is a pair of bino's: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pentax-16x50-PCF-Binoculars-with-case-/282040171634?hash=item41aae77c72:g:jWoAAOSw74FXOeOD

here is a herters 20-50x 60mm spotting scope: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Herters-Inc-20-50-Spotting-Scope-Tripod-and-Case-/182136022343?hash=item2a68272547:g:q0EAAOSwZetXO7BW

I've got a cheap spotting scope, Gander mountain brand and it's gtg at 100 and under.  I think it's a 20-50.  I don't think you need anything overly crazy for those distances.  But it makes seeing .22 caliber holes a heck of a lot easier than binocs or the scope on my gun.  

There's a few cheaper ones on here too:

http://www.midwayusa.com/s?targetLocation=%2F_%2FN-0%3FNo%3D0%26Np%3D2%26Nr%3DAND%2528p_visible%253A1%252Ccustomertypeid%253A1%2529%26Nrpp%3D120%26Ntpc%3D1%26Ntpr%3D1%26Ntt%3Dspotting%2Bscope

For another $30 you can have a really good spotting scope.  I have the barska 20-60X60 from amazon and it looks really good next to the Viper HD we compared it to last week.  Spent 4 hours looking through both of them until the barska stopped working when the sun started to go down.  We were all suprised at how well the cheapy did next to a higher end SS.

I've got a barska that is difficult to use.  It was a gift and I don't bother bringing it to the range.  It's easier to see all my .22 holes through my scopes.