Spotting scope for the range?

[BRL]

I have recently begun shooting more and more. I would like to start shooting on regular basis and start learning about the various shooting sports, other than hunting which I already do. My questions is what power does one need to see holes in paper at 100 yards and 200 yards? Also, due to magnification, how bright and clear are spotting scopes? I''ve never looked through one before and don't really know what to look for when I start comparing different models.

Thanks!!

[ihuntbucks]

I use a Bushnell 20 x 60 x 60,which works very well.A friend of mine has a 18 powered (Simmons) I think.His also works very well.Don't think I would go any lower in power than 16 or 18 IMHO.The only thing I don't like on my scope is the fact,the eyepiece is straight in line so you have to bend down to look thru.Would much prefer an eyepiece set at 90,so you only look down into it.......Rick

[BRL]

I've been hearing decent things about the Bushnell spotting scopes.

Thanks

[Nobade]

For a low priced spotter, it's hard to beat the Celestrons. At the top end the Zeiss Diascope it REALLY nice, but you can buy 10 Celestrons for the price of one Zeiss. Just depends on your needs.

[klong]

I have seen 30cal holes at 600 yards when the light is right with my Kowa spotting scope. This ability is rare though.  I believe it is 25 power wide angle long eye relief. They are not cheap, but used ones can be found on some of the highpower forums from time to time.

I mostly shoot 223 caliber and can (most of the time) see them at 200 on a black background. When mirage is heavy it becomes very difficult to see at 200 yards with any spotting scope.  If you shoot paper target, the orange on white makes it easier to see bullet holes.  Good luck.

[northjdr]

I use an Alpen 18x36 60mm when I'm shooting at 200yds. That range is at it's limit though. Excellant value for the $. Around $100 if you shop around.

[BRL]

Thanks for the added input. I'll be getting something here in the next month of so.

[Arc Angel]

I got my spotting scope from Cabela's.  It's about 7 years old, now; and originally cost $300.00.  It was whatever, 'house brand' they had at the time.  I'm quite impressed with the optics - very clear.  I'm sorry I didn't get something stronger than 60 power, though.  80 would have been a better choice for my older eyes.    

Here's something I like right now: 

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?id=0024301&navCount=1&parentId=cat20762&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat602006-cat20762&parentType=index&indexId=cat20762&rid=

A good spotting scope can really spoil ya.  It's difficult to do serious long range shooting without a good scope.  I use a high quality camera tripod with mine; I misplaced it awhile back, and went to Wal-Mart to pick up a cheapie tripod.  Funny, but Wally World had some really excellent tripods for no more than $50.00.  Now I've got two tripods!    

[The Sodbuster]

I was shooting at 200 yards a week or two ago.  Brought my spotting scope but didn't really need it.  At 14X on the rifle's scope I could see my shots on light colored paper.  Although it was a lot harder to see them if I put holes in the little, black squares on the target.

I've got a 20-60X60mm Redhead spotting scope.  Not exactly top-of-the-line; I think it cost about $150.  Last March I was at a range where you could shoot as far as 500 yards.  I shot out to 400 and couldn't see most of my hits with the spotting scope at that distance.  Maybe a 60 power scope with a larger objective and/or better quality glass would've made them jump off the page.  I don't know.  What I do know is that I seldom use the spotter above 48 or 50 power.  Above that and the image darkens considerably (even on sunny days) and it becomes easier to see detail at a lower power setting.

[Charliemac]

I think you should buy the best scope you can afford with a 60 mm or greater objective lens in the 25x to 30x. Check out Champion's Choice, Champion Shooters Supply and some of the other target shooter suppliers. Also there are some camera/optics dealers (Adorama sp?), they have good prices too.