Riflescope as spotting scope

[277284]

Does anybody use a unmounted riflescope as a spotting scope, or use a riflescope as a finder scope on an astronomical telescope?  How much success can a riflescope have when used in these ways?

[woodchukhntr]

I've never done that, or tried to hand hold a small spotting scope, too wobbly.  I use 6 or 8 power binoculars.  You can get acceptably good binoculars for around $100. 

I've seen people using mounted riflescopes as spotting scopes!  Very stupid!  They should review the hunter safety course section on pointing a gun at something they are not going to shoot (as in other hunters).  I hope they do not mind other hunters pointing loaded guns at them!  Under some conditions, that is considered assault or threatening with a deadly weapon!

[cbshunter]

I would use binoculars. Variable power riflescope's viewing field is significantly less than fixed powered binoculars. Plus, you got 3-D image with binoculars.

[Graybeard]

Yes years ago we did that at my friend's range. He mounted a rifle scope to a tripod and left it at his range. It worked quite well really but his range was only a 50 meter range.

If you have a good quality high magnification rifle scope it can be used in that manner out to the max range it's magnification can get the job done. But be aware they are not as bright as a real spotting scope with a much larger objective lens and that can matter.

I solved the spotting scope at range problem using a Bushnell Elite 20-60x80mm scope. I've never ever looked thru a spotting scope owned by anyone at any range that can hold a candle to it.