[hombre243]

Cannot spend over $300.00. I wondered if any of you shooters use a spotter and if so, which one? I need a new one. My old Gander Special made a better target than target spotter. I dispatched it with one through the lens at a couple hundred yards. I went back and collected the tripod. It fared well.

Back to the point: I need one that is better than the Gander but I do not know what is ok, which is good and which is a very good buy.

I have looked at a particular Redfield for a great price, and there is a Bushnell out there with 22x magnification that seems to be digital, has a camera and SG slot. But 22x does not seem like a lot for a 3-500 yard spotter.

All info-input is welcome.
Thanx
h

 

[FOUR4D4]

I don't know anything about spotting scopes. But as far as optics scopes I found some good deals at Gunbroker, Amazon And Optics Planet the last 3 scopes I have bought were online purchases.I think online purchases are going to start charging sales taxes on May 1,just a heads up, some do offer free shipping.Good Luck

 

[greyhawk50]

I don't know much about spotting scopes either.
I have a miniature 25X30mm Tasco that measures 8" in length. Really love it because it's clear and fits well in my range box.
Also have a 20X40mm Tasco that is less desirable. Not near as clear.
Iff'n I was looking for another, I might consider a Barska like this one?? I've heard good things about Barska and this price isn't too hateful.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/185778?cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Optics%20-%20Spotting%20Scopes-_-PriceCompListing-_-185778&gclid=CIPxrt-t_L0CFYhaMgodOFsAbA
Optic Planet will beat that price by $10 unless you want the scope with a carry case and tri-pod, then it's $10 more.
It's not an easy choice considering how much they cost. Especially if you put the cash out and then aren't satisfied.
If you're wanting to spot out to 500 yards, I would think that 36X would be the minimum requirement??
Good luck with your hunt. Be sure to let us know what you get and how it works for you.
Optic Planet has several Barska Scopes to chose from.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/barska-20-60x60-blackhawk-spotting-scopes.html

 

[SWO1]

Cannot spend over $300.00. I wondered if any of you shooters use a spotter and if so, which one? I need a new one. My old Gander Special made a better target than target spotter. I dispatched it with one through the lens at a couple hundred yards. I went back and collected the tripod. It fared well.

Back to the point: I need one that is better than the Gander but I do not know what is ok, which is good and which is a very good buy.

I have looked at a particular Redfield for a great price, and there is a Bushnell out there with 22x magnification that seems to be digital, has a camera and SG slot. But 22x does not seem like a lot for a 3-500 yard spotter.

All info-input is welcome.
Thanx
h

Used a 60X when I shot 500 yds. Good power if you are reading mirage and wind. bullet holes ( .30 cal.) no problem. One with an angled lens is real useful with an adjustable tripod. If you are looking at just holes then 40X might be OK. I would make sure it had an adjustable lens like a rifle scope for different ranges. I would think for under your budget of $300 you will be able to get desirable options. If you are just using it for target don't worry about FOV. For game spotting while hunting a wide FOV is desirable.

 

[hombre243]

Yeah Mon

Used a 60X when I shot 500 yds. Good power if you are reading mirage and wind. bullet holes ( .30 cal.) no problem. One with an angled lens is real useful with an adjustable tripod. If you are looking at just holes then 40X might be OK. I would make sure it had an adjustable lens like a rifle scope for different ranges. I would think for under your budget of $300 you will be able to get desirable options. If you are just using it for target don't worry about FOV. For game spotting while hunting a wide FOV is desirable.

Thanks SW. Just what I needed. 60x is what I figured would work and I have several links saved for just such an animal. it will be used for both target and occasionally hunting varmints. But I have a 24x scope on the rifle, or will have soon...and that will be my usual spotter for coyotes. Don't need much more around here. Hills and houses kinda make me feel like I am shooting inside a box.

 

[hombre243]

Used a 60X when I shot 500 yds. Good power if you are reading mirage and wind. bullet holes ( .30 cal.) no problem. One with an angled lens is real useful with an adjustable tripod. If you are looking at just holes then 40X might be OK. I would make sure it had an adjustable lens like a rifle scope for different ranges. I would think for under your budget of $300 you will be able to get desirable options. If you are just using it for target don't worry about FOV. For game spotting while hunting a wide FOV is desirable.

SW,
How does this look. It is a Redfield and under 200 bucks.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Redfield-Rampage-20-60-x-60-Spotting-Scope-Kit/21064354

 

[SWO1]

For the $$ looks to be a nice unit. Redfield gets pretty good reviews. Of course if ya read some reviews like all things I believe a lot has to do with the USER. One I read said couldn't see crap at 200. Another said can identify elk tracks at over 650 ...... so go figure.

Let us know how it (or what you decide on) works out.

 

[hombre243]

For the $$ looks to be a nice unit. Redfield gets pretty good reviews. Of course if ya read some reviews like all things I believe a lot has to do with the USER. One I read said couldn't see crap at 200. Another said can identify elk tracks at over 650 ...... so go figure.

Let us know how it (or what you decide on) works out.

I havent found any reviews but havent looked real hard. But I know redfield is reputable. I have looked at other off brand, or odd brand units for the same price at places like Gander Mtn and they just do not look very clear. But, that is all under fluorescent so the color will be off and because fluorescent is a pulsating type light, the focus may be funny also. So, as you said, how it works is probably in the eye and pocketbook of the beholder.

I had a Gander scope that was a 12-24 or 36, somewhere in that range. Not a great scope, and not clear at anything past 70 yards. And it was supposed to be a $129.00 scope marked down to $99.00. That was 2 years ago. Not worth the money.

I think if it is a Redfield it will be good for the price. I will let you know.

 

[hombre243]

For the $$ looks to be a nice unit. Redfield gets pretty good reviews. Of course if ya read some reviews like all things I believe a lot has to do with the USER. One I read said couldn't see crap at 200. Another said can identify elk tracks at over 650 ...... so go figure.

Let us know how it (or what you decide on) works out.

One thing I learned was that my initial opinion of the Gander Mountain Special was not too far wrong, even though I got it before I got my eyes worked on. It was not as bad after I had the surgery but I could tell it was a 99 dollar scope.

What I am hoping now is that i am not just going to be paying for the name. One thing though...if it does not live up to its specs and ads, i will send it back pronto.

And it looks like that may be the one I get. The reviews I found were overall good enough for me. And, Depending how my finances run I may do an AR 5.56 build.

 

[FOUR4D4]

Leupold & Stevens, Inc.purchased Redfield in April 2008 and has a lifetime warranty

 

[hombre243]

Leupold & Stevens, Inc.purchased Redfield in April 2008 and has a lifetime warranty

Limited Lifetime. Yep

I think it will be good enough.

5/3/14: Found another description (I think...) on the Redfield site and it is a full lifetime warranty. Getting better all the time.

 

[KS95B40]

Barska Blackhawk Spotting Scope

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...ase-rubber-armored-green?cm_vc=ProductFinding

I don't typically recommend Barska optics but...

I was looking for a spotting scope to read some 2"x4" data plates on pole mounted electric transformers from the ground. Didn't want to spend a lot of money, bought one of these "on sale" at Midway. It really worked well, the scope still gets some use at the range. The little tripod wasn't that great but the scope sure is clear.

They are currently selling for $190, I think mine was on sale for $120 or so. I probably wouldn't have paid the $190 but it is worth the sale price.

My wife has a similarly sized Bushnell Spacemaster (for birding), we paid less than $300 for it but that has been a few years ago. It is a nice, clear scope, brighter than the Barska. I would have used it instead of buying the Barska but she didn't want me to take it to work.

If possible, look through a scope before you buy, good luck!

 

[hombre243]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...ase-rubber-armored-green?cm_vc=ProductFinding

I don't typically recommend Barska optics but...

I was looking for a spotting scope to read some 2"x4" data plates on pole mounted electric transformers from the ground. Didn't want to spend a lot of money, bought one of these "on sale" at Midway. It really worked well, the scope still gets some use at the range. The little tripod wasn't that great but the scope sure is clear.

They are currently selling for $190, I think mine was on sale for $120 or so. I probably wouldn't have paid the $190 but it is worth the sale price.

My wife has a similarly sized Bushnell Spacemaster (for birding), we paid less than $300 for it but that has been a few years ago. It is a nice, clear scope, brighter than the Barska. I would have used it instead of buying the Barska but she didn't want me to take it to work.

If possible, look through a scope before you buy, good luck!

I think this one from Wally World is the same scope, is about $15 less and has a hard case. I like the larger objective lens. But I have settled on the Redfield.
Thnx
h

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Barska-20...s-with-Tripod-Soft-CC-and-Premium-HC/13447602

 

[KS95B40]

Spotting Scopes

I think this one from Wally World is the same scope, is about $15 less and has a hard case. I like the larger objective lens. But I have settled on the Redfield.
Thnx
h

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Barska-20...s-with-Tripod-Soft-CC-and-Premium-HC/13447602

I think that you made a good choice. As I said, I don't usually recommend Barska optics but I was pleased with the spotting scope for the price that I paid. I do like both the original and the new Redfield optics and would have chosen as you did, if given the chance again.

 

[hombre243]

I think that you made a good choice. As I said, I don't usually recommend Barska optics but I was pleased with the spotting scope for the price that I paid. I do like both the original and the new Redfield optics and would have chosen as you did, if given the chance again.

It is going to be just a bit longer before I can get it, and I am a very impatient person...so that may change. Until I do get it though, I found a set of Binocs I thought I lost...10-30 x 50...and I will use them if I need a closer look. BTW...they are the best of 4 sets I have. Barska wouldntchaknow it? : )

 

[FOUR4D4]

I think you already had your mind made up before you started this thread...

 

[hombre243]

I think you already had your mind made up before you started this thread...

Only a little. I needed some input and the Barska could have worked. But the specs did not change my mind. I have used Redfield scopes (not spotting scopes) and rings and they are top shelf. I have a couple Barska items (one was the Gander Mountain Spotting Scope (or so I was told by a GM Employee) which was only good enough for target practice...so I put a bullet through it, and saved the tripod and carry case.)) and I did not want to pay that much for something I may have had before.

I guess you could say, yep my mind was made up...unless someone changed my mind. If I want better quality I need to have a couple hundred bucks available for the new scope but since I don't and this fits my preferences...so far the Redfield wins.

 

[greyhawk50]

I wish you much success. Let us know what you think of the Redfield. Curious minds want to know. I might even follow your lead.

 

[hombre243]

I wish you much success. Let us know what you think of the Redfield. Curious minds want to know. I might even follow your lead.

Will do. I think I will order it this weekend. I have 7 days off work after Tuesday and it should be delivered on one of those days. If I can hook a camera to it I will try to get some thru-scope photos.

I saw a ?? Bushnell electronic that does take photos and can (upload?) to a computer.But it is only 20x. I had a 20x. Not enough. Besides I have a 10-30x set of binocs and I need more than that for a spotter for over 200 yards. Know what I mean?

Update: Ordered tonight. Should be here by Thursday May 8.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/60941/Redfield+67600+Rampage+20-60x+60mm+114-51+ft+%40+1000+yd+17-14

(Ordered from Wally World, but this is a better stock photo.)