Spotting Scope Question

Forgalspop · Mar 1, 2021

I’ve been contemplating purchasing a spotting scope. I would like to find a fairly inexpensive one that would allow me to see shot groupings out to 300 yards. That may not be a realistic expectation. Finding a quality and inexpensive spotting scope may be an oxymoron.

I have a relatively good quality set of binoculars and decent scopes, but being 65 my eyes aren’t what they used to be, and often I have to walk about half way to the targets to before I can get a clear view depending on how my eyes are working on any given day.

Any suggestions based on real experiences?

Thanks!

Aries · Mar 1, 2021

I think I spent about $170 on a decent, not great, Redfield scope, and I'm not sure I could see .30 caliber holes at 300 yards with it. Don't cheap out on a spotting scope, you'll be disappointed. If you were talking max 100 yards you could probably find something around 150 ish, but much beyond that.... uh, I dunno.

Forgalspop · Mar 1, 2021

Aries said:
I think I spent about $170 on a decent, not great, Redfield scope, and I'm not sure I could see .30 caliber holes at 300 yards with it. Don't cheap out on a spotting scope, you'll be disappointed. If you were talking max 100 yards you could probably find something around 150 ish, but much beyond that.... uh, I dunno.

Thanks!

Found this on Amazon. I've never heard of this brand, but has good reviews.

Gosky 20-60x80 Dual Focusing ED Spotting Scope - Ultra High Definition Optics Scope with Carrying Case and Smartphone Adapter for Target Shooting Hunting Bird Watching Wildlife Astronomy Scenery

Visit the Gosky Store

4.5 out of 5 stars 117 ratings

| 34 answered questions

Price: $369.98 & FREE Returns
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chuter · Mar 1, 2021

I bought one of these and I'm pretty happy with it.
I've used on targets at 300 yards and I can see my 6.5 creedmoor holes at that range.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H31QLNN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

mr ed · Mar 5, 2021

scope doesn't matter so much as the tripod get the sturdiest you can find.

swampratt · Mar 5, 2021

I see people shooting black targets and it is difficult to find the bullet holes.
I hand them a plain white piece of paper with an X on it drawn with a sharpie.
You can see your bullet holes very easy with a 4x scope to 100 and 300 yards on 9 power if the glass is good and your eyes are not shot.
That 300 yard distance is less with .223 bullet holes.
16 power scopes I have had could see the groups to 300 from a .223 pretty easy.
White paper though.
Some people get a cheap high power scope and use it on a tripod.
My son had a telescope that would have been perfect as a spotting scope.

MacFromOK · Mar 5, 2021

swampratt said:
White paper though.

This is why I like really cheap paper plates, and they're rigid enough to not flap in a breeze.
:drunk2:

doug1949 · Mar 5, 2021

Try the Shoot'n See type of targets before you buy a spotting scope or replace your rifle scope

TeamTomlyn · Mar 5, 2021

I had the same question a few years ago and was told a good rule of thumb is $1.00 a yard. If you want to be able to see a sub moa group at 300 yards; you'd better spend at least $300. From there just do your research and make sure the spotting scope is worth every dang penny.

HoLeChit · Mar 5, 2021

I'm a big fan of the white paper deal. Or the "Shoot n' C" targets. Canadian ranges used to use white cardstock with pink for their targets and they were great. They recently switched to white on black and they're garbage. It was difficult seeing 100yd groups with 12x binos and my 20/18 combined vision.

If you buy the Shoot n C targets in bulk it costs about as much as buying paper targets from the range anyways, and amazon has lots of cheaper knock offs floating around that work just fine too. I just shove a dozen under my seat and I always have them with me, whether I'm at a commercial range or a WMA range with no amenities.

On the subject of Spotting scopes, I do think the dollar per yard is a good rule, but I would honestly keep my minimum price around $400. Ive used a few $80-200 spotting scopes and they were practically useless. Hence why I don't have a spotting scope and rely upon good targets and my binos.

Spotting Scope Question

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