Budget Spotting scope

Hits on paper, at what range with what caliber? The cheap 60x aren't good past 150y or so. I don't think anything under $500 is even worth having in the closet.
 
I use Celestron Ultima 80. I also suggest getting one of those phone mounts as well. I got the straight version of the scope because I was always going to use it with a phone. I have a universal phone mount and they are a bit funky to set up but I got used to it now. It’s a lot easier to see your targets through a large screen than through the ocular. It also allows you to get a bit extra zoom and record video. Video really helps when you can’t hit the paper due to skill issue or bad zero on your rifle. You can playback your shot can usually see the bullet path. Get a decent tripod unless you rather save a few dollars instead of your nerves like me. I got cheap Amazon basics tripod and I wouldn’t recommend it. I have an iPhone 11 and This set up worked for me up to 300-400m but that’s about the limit to see holes on paper.
 
Look online there are lots of very good quality older Bushnells out there, some were even made by Kowa back in the day. Just like Fujinon made binoculars for Bushnell at times.
 
I have an older (10+) Celestron 'Cavalry' model 45*, 25-75x70. I bought it from orig owner for $60 when they 'moved up'. They were sold by CT back then for ca $190. My range only reaches 175-yds and I can see .22LR & .223 holes just fine, if on White poster-board. And I use a good 'Full-size' Camera Tripod.
This model is no longer avail in the CDN market, unless some small Camera/LGS might have one. Too Bad cause at the price point they are great. The Optima and Trailseeker are good replacements, but have LESS mag but larger Objective options. Up to 100mm, but you're around $4-500.
 
From my experience 'budget' and 'spotting scope' don't mix... I had an older used Bushnell Elite 15-45x60 straight and the eye relief was horrible, went to an older used Nikon field scope 15-45x60mm and it was pretty decent to 200m, decent size and great colour for birding, now I have a Sightron S2 20-60x85 and I would venture that it is the best you would find for under $1k, but an 85mm is a large scope. In perfect conditions I can see .22 holes at 300m. Note, I have also looked through loads of different ones at rimfire PRS matches.
 
kamlooky said:
Well do tell?
Did he leave a mess?
Click to expand...

no one reached out yet to snatch that one, the guy is even open to offers to hey, weird bunch. reminds me of the I am hungry but I don't know what I want to eat so I am just going to starve......
 
That Nikon is budget, but what size b-holes can you see at what Distance. My Celestron is good for .22 at 175yds. - 25-75 x70, and ca $200 on A-world.
 
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