Quality of spotting scopes?

[His lordship.]

Almost 20 years ago I bought a made in China spotting scope for around $60.00, it was ok for the shorter distances like 100 yards, sold it as it was not up to snuff for the 200 yard plus uses.  Tried an even cheaper one, I think it was a BSA that I got at a flea market, real bad, tossed it.
 
Looking to get another one and will spend more money, around $80.00 to $140.00.  The $300.00 plus units might be too much for my needs, and pocket book.  Checked some of the online reviews of the Burris and the Barska in my price range, overall decent comments.  Wanting it for use at the 300 yard range at my gun club, right now I cannot see the bullet hits from a .223 at that distance unless I walk up to it.  Anyone have any experience in the moderate price range units, and would I be wasting my money at the above price zone? 
 
Thanks.

[Empty Quiver]

Not likely to find what you want at anything aproaching reasonable prices. However, have you tried the splatter type targets combined with the scope? Another thing to consider is differing target colors to increase the contrast between the holes and the target itself.


I have to make do with what I have as well and have found that on some days the combination of the above as well as the lighting can save me some walking. At times it seems I can get the light to come through the holes and that is the best but it doesn't happen too often.

[Graybeard]

I'm not saying that for sure there are none out there but so far I've not seen one in the under $300 range that I felt was useful at all. I'd as soon use a rifle scope of 9X or more than any of the cheap spotting scopes I've seen folks using at the range.

I have a B&L Elite 20-60x80mm. It is crystal clear up to at least 30x maybe even 40x on a sunny day. Beyond that the exit pupil is just too dang small for me. I can see bullet holes even tiny ones further off than I have a range to shoot. I think the current price on the Elite is around $1000 perhaps more.

[Lloyd Smale]

under 300 dollars and 300 yards just dont go together. Ive got a leupold wind river and thought i was buying a quality unit and its actually pretty pour even at 200 yards. Around here there just not needed for hunting so I hate to buck up and buy something more expensive but someday im going to have to. It gets to be a pain when checking loads ive worked up out at 300 yards.

[His lordship.]

Thanks for the replys.  Lloyd Smale...I checked the cost of the Leupold Wind River and it is not cheap, too bad about it disappointing you. 


I bought several low end Simmons rifle scopes about 10 years ago and they worked out well for my needs, I still have one of them.  I would not buy one now, the new Simmons scopes are total junk.  I had purchased a binoculars back about 15 years ago from Gander Mountain that only cost $50.00, mechanically it is marginal, but man, the optics are fantastic.      It is marked "HFC 10X50, got a real bargain with that, I use it all the time, bench shooting, fishing, airshows, etc.


I suppose my good luck on the older cheapy optics made me tempt the possibility of getting a decent spotting scope for $100.00.  I should just wait and save for something more expensive.  My range officer recommended that I get white butchers wrapping paper and staple it up, then I might be able to see the holes, or use the special targets that show the hits. 

[oldandslow]

Is the Wind River scope still available? Leupold doesn't have it on their website anymore. I checked a couple of places that showed the scope when I did a search and they show it as not available. Leupold is showing a Ventana scope on their site that is about the same price as the Wind River was.

I have a Wind River that works at 200 yards. There is a barbed wire fence several yards behind the 200 yard berm and I can see the barbs on it against the mesquite bushes and weeds at 45X.

[Ranch13]

I use a Burris Landmark 20-60x80 for spotting to 1000 yds in the bpcr matches the wife and I shoot in.
 Another good scope at a decent price is the Konus.
Thing is tho even the best of scopes isn't any good unless you have a good stand, and a good stand will cost you the better part of 200 dollars.

[DANNY-L]

I have a burris landmark 15-45x60 that I use and it works for my 200yd and could go a bit further for my 223
they sell for around $210 new,I bought mine used for a little more than half price here on gbo and I'm well satisfied.

[DannoBoone]

Has anyone tried one of these?:


http://www.bulzeyepro.com/optical-boosters.php


The lens for the spotting scope is the bottom photo. They certainly are
proud of their lenses, but got a fantastic review from a reviewer over
at SavageShooters who used one of the scope models on his target
scope.


I'm wondering if it could turn a mediocre spotting scope into something
he could use at 300yds. For someone who already has a spotter, it
might be a pretty good deal. For someone looking to buy a spotter as
well, it would just add another hundred to get set up.

[eye shot]

Chris D
A couple years ago I was looking the same as you. In your price range I picked up a Tasco World Class 20x60x80 just for the range. It has fully coated lenses and is water, fog,and shock resistance. It also comes in a nice hard and soft case with tripod. I paid 129$ and as far as I shoot 200yds. it works good for me.