Posted: 2/9/2005 2:52:18 PM EDT
|
What spotting scope do you use? The one I had was dark and didn't focus enough. Any suggestions for a good scope without breaking the bank? One thing I've like is a solid base because the shaking gives me a headache. |
|
I gots me a Winchester as well. You can see a .223 hole at 100 yards but thats about it. I have a friend with a Nikon and you can see the .223 hole at 300 yards. Spend the money and get a scope that will last you until you die. As an aside, get the straight through type. Not the one that has a 45 degree angle on the eye piece. You get more light to you eye and there is no distortion from reflections and such. My .02 cent. |
|
Kowa TSN-1 bought used from Jim Owens www.jarheadtop.com/kowa.html |
| I've got a bushnell but the model escapes me right now. It was about $150 give or take a little. It has the 45 degree, because I use it for competitions, and a 45 is easier to see through while in position. It is a decent scope, but if you want a good one then go with a Kowa |
This one looks good: KOWA TS-601 with 25 Power/Wide Angle Long Eye Relief * 60mm objective lens * 45 degree angle eye piece * FREE Cordura Cover * FREE Shipping & Handling ONLY $525.00++ Order Now with Jim's Order Form. |
Save a little longer and get the TSN-1. You won't be sorry!! 
|
Kowa 821 45 degree bought new from same. Yes expensive/ Yes saved for 2 years / Yes worth it. |
Light transmission and clarity, along with eye relief. I can clearly see a hole in the black with a NightForce 8-32x Riflescope at 200yds. (Same for a high end Nikon or mid end Kowa spotting scope) With a bushnell spotting scope, I can see that the target is still attached to the stand. After moving your head back and forth 30 times to find that one 1/32" where what image/clarity exists is in full view. Why do you think there are so many 3-9 and 4-12 riflescopes on the market for $100, and a fixed 4 power goes for over $1000 Until you have used the different varieties avaliable, you really can't understand what a Good Spotting scope is. (same goes for binoculars and riflescopes) |
|
Eye relief was never a problem on my $75 scope, darkness and clarity certainly was. My main question is how much brighter and clearer can a $600 scope get than a $250-350 scope? To be honest, I was amazed at how dark and unclear my spotting scope was. I remember when I was a kid I got a $60 telescope that allowed me to clearly read the numbers of a telephone pole 3 blocks away. I figured the spotting scope would atleast be that good. |
Thoow this question out to the Competitive and the accurate AR forum! |
| I wish there was somewhere around her that had these high quality scopes for me to look thru, but there is not hinking.gif |
Eye relief can be a problem if you wear glasses or protective lenses (for me, the safety is a must). I use a really old Kowa 601. The original one with the aluminum body. I use the 25X LER lens because I also wear Decot shooting glasses. I have come to believe that with optics, you get what you pay for. Clarity and light transmission may be compromised in the less-expensive scopes. Most highpower shooters use a fixed LER because you use the scope to read your score/spotting disks, and the wind/mirage. Also, scopes tend to get darker when you dial up the magnification. Because of this, for highpower (200/300/600 yards) I have not seen anyone use more than 30-32X. For a max distance of 100 yards, almost anything will work. But if you want to see spotting disks or mirage, you need some decent optics. At a minimum, I would recommend the Champion's Choice CC645. Its' 22X with decent eye relief and clarity/brightness. If convenient, try attending a highpower match and looking thru the competitors' scopes. You'll find them friendly and accommodating. |
|
Personally, I use a Kowa 821M. I have had a Kowa TSN-1, B&L Balscope and a Champions Choice brand. One thing about the Kowa TNS-1 (77MM), it has been discontinued for several years now and finding one can be difficult at times. Here are the things to look for in a good spotting scope. You want a fixed power. Variables have less resolution compared to fixed. You also want a LER eyepiece if at all possible. LER stands for Long Eye Relief. This will allow you to wear glasses and not have to get your eyeball right up on the scope in order to see anything. You also want as large an objective you can get. The larger the objective, the more light it gathers thus giving you much better resolution. If you do plan on shooting prone, you definately want the angled (45 degree) eyepiece. You also need a good solid scope stand as the flimsier the stand is, the worst the view will be from the scope. Another thing about scopes. The best glass costs as do most other things in life. However, be aware that seeing bullet holes is dependant on MANY things. Mirage, background lighting, target type, etc. all can make it easier/more difficult to see your holes. |
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.