Spotting Scope vs Target Camera

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Windy_Girl

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Hi, I'm just looking for some advice and suggestions on getting a spotting scope versus a target camera. My main focus is to use it at the range to check my targets without having to disrupt everyone and walk downrange. From what I've gathered the price of the (decent) scopes are comparable to the cameras. I don't think I will need anything past 200 yards and even then that might be a stretch.
I'm interested in hearing anyone's first hand experiences. :)
 
If I was of "deep pockets", I would buy both. Since I am a pensioner, I have a Leupold spotting scope able to see .22 holes at 100+ yards AND that I take on holidays, sporting events, etc. to entertain myself. Your money . . . your call.
 
200 is doable with an optic and targets like shoot-n-see. rf-linked camera can show you .22 holes up to a mile away.
 
One of the easiest ways to see your bullet holes is NOT to use black targets or use a black outter with a white inner. Lakers1138 has a good comment and I agree. I have a fairly decent spotter but I use it for things other than holes in paper. Lots of nature, birds, deer, moose, any animal or scenic items on the list make it easy to justify the spotter.
 
If you're only going to 200yds, a spotting scope is the better choice imho. You can get a quality one for less then a camera, and they are easier to use and more versatile.
 
I find that the range camera and love it: I set up one target and the software with the range camera allows me to identify each shot as it is fired and helps me determine groups and such. The ability to identify each shot as it's fired saves on trips downrange to inspect targets and patch. I've put up to 50 rounds on one target, without getting confused about the shot order. Awesome for practicing and load development and scope sighting in. Plus I do have a digital copy of the session, which can be useful for later analysis.

That said, I still want to get a spotting scope: A good spotting scope can help you with calling the wind, and will allow you to switch distances (or targets at the same distance) very quickly. Plus a good scope would handy for certain types of competition.

I don't think there is a "right" answer; I guess you have to figure out what kind of shooting you do. For me, the practice aspect of the range camera is more valuable at the moment. However, I do have a spotting scope on my shopping list.
 
Honestly, a decent rifle scope with 24x magnification or similar should be able to see .22lr holes at 200m. I would suggest you get a nice spice for a precision rifle that you can bring along and shoot then use to check your targets when you shoot with your other guns.
 
If you do go for a spotting scope, and depending on your budget, I settled on a Pentax after quite a bit of reading. They aren't cheap but they have excellent glass for the price (800$ish).
 
I have both. I hardly ever use the spotting scope. Usually too much mirage and I can see holes reasonably well with riflescope until past 200-300yds.

The camera is nice and doesn't have to deal with mirage but I don't use it at the public range as I have had benched shooters 2 benches down shoot my target and I can't afford a camera hit.
 
Windy_Girl said:
Hi, I'm just looking for some advice and suggestions on getting a spotting scope versus a target camera. My main focus is to use it at the range to check my targets without having to disrupt everyone and walk downrange. From what I've gathered the price of the (decent) scopes are comparable to the cameras. I don't think I will need anything past 200 yards and even then that might be a stretch.
I'm interested in hearing anyone's first hand experiences. :)
Click to expand...

Assuming you are needing an optic on your rifle anyways, get a better quality high mag scope.. problem solved. I spot my own shots with my Sightron target scopes so don't need a spotter or a target cam at 250yds.

BUT if you have multiple rifles with various optics, then the spotter becomes the more useful vs the target cam at short range. Lots of utility off the range too.

Saying that, as soon as you add mirage and distance beyond 200yds, the target cam becomes a very nice set up. As distance grows, you quickly loose the chance to see bullet holes in the white even with better optics. This is when the target cam really shines cause it will always show you the same quality image regardless of distance, mirage and even rain.

Target cams can also cost less then decent spotters so....

PM or email if I can help further.

Thanks

Jerry
 
Thanks. I guess what I've learned is I have to actually look at all angles. I get focused on right now and the trouble I'm having with a revolver with fixed sights and never thought of anything other than that. I might have to take a better look at all the angles and the applications a spotting scope has and start there. Sadly my pockets don't run deep enough for both at this time but I can always take another look at the target cam in a couple months.
 
A spotting scope is more versatile. Don't need to set up anything downrange, batteries don't go dead or need to be replaced or get weak if it's cold. If you're shooting past 200 yds, then think about the camera. If you're just shooting handguns then a spotter for sure.
 
I have the spotting scope, thought about the camera BUT it will have to be moved for each target (side by side) so passed on that idea. Using white paper and a bull I'm able to see 6mm holes at 300 mtrs most days.
Yes the spotter is much more versatile.
 
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