Budget Spotting Scope for Range

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rmcda

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Super GunNutz
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I want to pick up a new or used, spotting scope, exclusively for the range. I understand that with optics you get what you pay for, but want one specifically for clearly spotting target hits out to 300 yards Budget $300 ish.

Can I get what I want for $300 or less? Suggestions in that price range, used or new, please.......
 
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but finding a $300 spotting scope capable of seeing bullet holes at 300 yards is a dream. Even higher end spotting scopes worth 4 times that amount will only allow you to see bullet holes at 300 yards under perfect conditions. Once the mirage picks up, all bets are off.
 
I agree, I bought a cheap spotting scope and even though it goes up 60X, the image quality is terrible. Any mirage even at 100 yards makes it difficult. This is why I built a portable camera system. Security camera, a couple of radios (directional router), power source for each one, and a tablet to view the live feed. Works awesome. There is also some companies that sell them with a cool software package.
 
Agree with the above comments. I've bought enough cheap optics in my past that I will never do it again. Buy once, cry once, and be happy for the rest of your life while using them.
 
I don't see it happening.

I am on my 3rd spotting scope. The two prior were Bausch & Lomb Elite 20-60x 60mm, and a Bushnell Elite 20-60x 80mm. Both were excellent scopes very clear, excellent glass and well built. The 60mm was barely adequate enough for 300 and the 80mm was ok under better conditions to 300. Beyond 300 it was barely adequate again for the longer range requirements.

My 3rd scope is a Kowa. There won't be a 4th scope. It's amazing! Way out of the $300 budget, but we can see bullet holes, and trace, and mirage, and yeah!

Whatever you decide, I would not go smaller than an 80mm objective lens, and spend as much as you can. You're right about optics, you do get what you pay for.
 
Spotting scope and budget dont go in the same sentence. Invest on good glass instead you'll get a better return ;)
 
Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your experience, and give your opinions.
I have bought a nib Bushnell trophy xlt 20-60x65 from a cgn member.
I can see 7mm holes clearly to 300 metres under average conditions, and that is good enough for what I need.... especially for the great deal a fellow cgn member gave me, and the negligible cost, compared to the glass I would love, but cannot justify.
 
peacefrog said:
My 3rd scope is a Kowa. There won't be a 4th scope. It's amazing! Way out of the $300 budget, but we can see bullet holes, and trace, and mirage, and yeah!
Click to expand...

I guess it depends how you calculate the $300 budget...
- $300 will get you a somewhat nice fix eyepiece
- $300 is a good monthly payment

-*-*-

On a more serious note, for that budget. I'd go Celestron Ultima 80mm ($ 262.98 & FREE Shipping on Amazon.ca).
They pretty darn nice nice, and they accept astro. eyepiece.
 
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