[rdm3797]

I am in the market for an new spotting scope that will permit me to see 50 caliber hits out to 250 yards. Does anyone have any advise

 

[Shawn Crea]

Depending upon target quality, I think good 10x or 12x binocs would be sufficient. If not, these I know are good for the task.

http://www.leupold.com/observation/products/spotting-scopes/

 

[broom_jm]

Perhaps even more so than with a rifle scope, you really get what you pay for when it comes to the glass in a spotting scope. (Ask me how I know... )

There is nothing more frustrating than to sit down with your new spotting scope and find that it is not clear enough to see the target as well as you can from your rifle. So, all I can tell you is, don't think you'll pay less than $100 and get a spotting scope that will help you see those holes at 250 yards. Maybe spotting scopes should be sold at $1/yard?

 

[unclepaddy]

Everyone I know that didn't buy an angled eyepiece (including myself) has regretted it. Another important factor is size and weight. If you are sure you'll only use it on the bench it won't matter, but pay attention to this if you think you'll ever carry it in your pack hunting. For a quick look at a target, you can probably get a useable unit for under 200.00. If you are going to use it, even occasionally to scan the wilderness for game get all the quality you can afford. I bought through Bear Basin Outfitters a couple of times and have done real well on value. Don't expect much from them on customer service though. A friend recently bought a Kowa spotting scope and swears by it. Other than that, I have not been up on the latest.

 

[Helix]

Midway USA has a Konus on sale for 197 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=466045

the reviews seems to point out that this scope may be pretty decent. I'm planning to buy one in the next month or so. I'll let you know if it turns out as good as the reviews say.

 

[tpv]

Depending upon target quality, I think good 10x or 12x binocs would be sufficient. If not, these I know are good for the task.

http://www.leupold.com/observation/products/spotting-scopes/

I have the Leupold gold ring 15-30x. They are small in size but excellent glass. Perfect for carrying around on a tripod.Makes those West Texas Mule Deer look bigger anyway-

 

[Shawn Crea]

IIRC, my brother's Leupold spotting scope is a 20-60x, 15+ yrs old. It works well for picking apart hillsides very far away at elk camp in the evenings. Above 40x, it's not much use, at least for miles away. Target shooting, it likely works just fine up to the max power. I suspect glass and coatings have improved since then.

 

[rdm3797]

Thanks for all the comments I suspect I will try the Leupold as the consensus seems to favor that brand.

 

[Big Bore]

Get the best scope you can afford to get. About 20 years ago I got a Leupold Wind River spotting scope (45x at max power). Pure junk. It will not see .22 caliber bullet holes at 200 yards and has a real hard time showing .50 cal bullet holes at 500. Holes that I can see clearly through my 25x Leupold VXIII are almost lost in the Wind River. If I had only spent a few more dollars on the Gold Ring scope I would have been much happier with it. I still have not upgraded for a variety of reasons, mostly laziness, but when I get around to getting another it will be a high end spotter that will let me see at least as well through it as I can through the scope. If you get Leupold, go Gold Ring or forgetaboutit.
There are many high end spotters that will run you over a grand and if you can afford them, get them instead. I have peeped through many of them when shooting NRA HP and they have no trouble seeing .308 caliber holes at 500/600 yards, but you pay dearly for that kind of resolution, and resolution is the key, not maximum power, and it is resolution that you pay for.

 

[45ACPete]

I agree with Big Bore. Am looking for a spotting scope myself for 200 yd shooting and was thinking of a Leupold Sequoia until I looked through one at some 100 yd targets the other day. The optics were worse than the old Bushnell Stalker I've had for at least 25 years. Used to own a Kowa when I was seriously into full course high power match shooting. Stupidly, I sold the Kowa when I got out of that game. Now, I won't consider anything LESS than a Kowa and would really prefer a Zeiss or Swarowsky.

 

[Spillard]

I'll piggy-back on the you get what you pay for comments. I ended up with a Kowa. Not cheap, but I'm not disappointed either.