Spotting scopes

[Outdoorsman]

I'm looking to buy a inexpensive spotting scope. I most likely wont need it for distances past 100-150 yards. Does anybody have any experience with Winchester brand? I've seen them for under a $100. Any sugestions are appriciated, since I have no experience with them. Thanks

[Dave Edwards]

Be careful.

I've seen a number of people buy inexpensive spotting scopes only to buy a "slightly better" scope and then another "slightly better" scope further on down the line since they weren't quite happy with the results.

You get what you pay for with scopes, and sometimes it's better to spend a little extra up front to be happy, get good results, and not be disappointed.

Good luck.

Dave Edwards

[45 acp]

I have a Winchester Spotting Scope
It works well for seeing holes in the target at 100 yds but I havent used it for much more than that. I guess it depends on what you want to use a spotting scope for.
Dave Edwards is right you need to get a scope that will do what you want or else you will end up spending more for a better one.

The winchester works well at 100 yards but I havent used it any farther than that.

[enfield]

I also have a Winchester scope and it also works well out to 100 yards, which is just as far as I can shoot well. It saves me a lot of steps and time, as I can now see those .30 caliber holes without hiking down to the target. :hick:

[jmoser]

I own several different types of binoculars and scpotting scopes. To see .22 caliber holes on a black target at 100 yards requires fairly high magnification - maybe 40X. To see .30 caliber holes at 200 yards on a white target is much easier.

As range officer I have spotted for a shooter with a .223 at 200 Meters (almost 220 yards) and could see his shots 'OK' on a white/orange sight in target using a good 45X Kowa scope. With a smaller 20X scope I can pinpoint .22s in the black at 50 Meters with good clarity.

Remember that the size of the objective lens should match the magnification - this determines the size of the exit pupil, which makes it easier to find the image. Divide the objective by the magnification power - the bigger this ratio the better. In general I would not want any scope less than a 50 mm objective lens, 60mm is a lot better. If you have a 30 or 40 mm objective and a 40 X magnification you can have a lot of trouble trying to see the image. Don't forget a mount or tripod of some sort, at high magnification you can really have a lot of wobble. Use a small sandbag on top of the scope to help steady it. Tripod mounts are usually 1/4"-20 threads so you can make your own mounting system and clamp it to the bench if you want. I have seen people weld threaded studs to c-clamps or vice grips, even professional photographers use homemade clamps like this when they can't take the full size tripod with them.

I can't comment on the Winchester brand other to say that they do not make it themselves, probably made by Bushnell or one of the other big optics firms.

[Smokepole]

Good advice jeff,I learned something with it.

I recently got a Burris 20x60 (50mm) with hard cover carrying case from Natchess.
It is very bright, and smooth to use.
I use it from 50 yards for the .22 out to 200 yds for the .223.
I think I paid about $183.00
Just be careful, sometimes they include the tripod, sometimes they don't.
Call when you order, not online.
Get the name of the guy you talk to and write it down.
And have him verify whether or not a tripod is included.

[Outdoorsman]

Thanks for the input and suggestions.