What is a decent entry-level spotting scope for high power rifle competition?
April 2, 2010 by
Filed under spotting scopes
I shot through a CMP high-power training course this weekend. I enjoyed it, but was a little intimidated by the cost. Outside of the gun, it appeared the spotting scope would be the highest cost. I would probably be shooting mostly 2-300 yards, maybe the occasional 600 yards, with an AR. What’s good to start with? Surely I don’t need these thousand dollar spotting scopes these guys had?
Thanks!
Expect to be disappointed in the +/- $100 price range for spotting scopes.
The old adage “You get what you pay for” was never more true than with optics.
Granted, there are some surprising budget deals, but you need to look very carefully because even different models from one brand will differ greatly in quality.
I have found or seen just about every example branded ‘Winchester’ to be junky. Bushnell low end ones are junk, their higher end lines are better but not great. Barska and NC Star are Russian and Chinese respectively and while they do make some quality optics some of their stuff is notr worth it, so be careful and read reviews on individual models and look through them yourself.
OK, you are spending what, one or two grand on a match rifle? Spend a little on a Scope and be happy for years……
Leupold Wind River Sequoia, $264.99
http://www.amazon.com/Leupold-Wind-River-Sequoia-waterproof/dp/B00020604I/ref=sr_1_14/102-2103894-9634531?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1190054783&sr=8-14
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-wind-river-sequoia-15-45×60mm-angled-spotting-rifle-scope.html
One of my spotting scopes is made by NcStar, for a scope that never has to endure recoil, they work just fine, their rifle scopes suck tho. It was fairly inexpensive too, If I remember right I paid 65 bucks for it 3 years ago. 36 power magnification, came with tripod, sun shade and soft carrying case.
No..You don’t need to spend that kind of money to get a quality scope to fit your needs. I’ll suggest one for you that I see on the competition circuit on a regular basis and it’s a good entry level scope that will fit your needs perfectly.
Burris 20-60X 80 mm “Landmark” Model Variable -Power Spotting Scope. The Scope alone Retails for $325, but you can easily find them available on line running about
$215. This Scope doesn’t come with a tripod. You purchase one separately. For about $40 extra, you get a Professional Micro-adjustable tripod and a quality hard-shell Range case to transport and keep it in.
As a Competition Shooter myself who shoots NRA sanctioned matches at 200,400 and 600 yard matches with a custom AR-15, I can assure you that this is a good quality scope that will last and do everything you need it to do. Clear, crisp optics’s,quality construction and a great warranty. It will meet or beat many more expensive scopes I’ve seen used in competition without breaking the bank or your wallet. Do yourself a favor and check it out before you buy one.It will be worth the effort……..
Like JD was talking about – the Burris spotting scopes – I have one in 15-45X60, and I have that micro-adjust tripod and case. Got it from MidwayUSA – wanting to say in the $150 – $200 range. I like it a lot, but wish I would have bought the larger size. Its clear to see from, but I can’t touch it at all or its all over the place, so I just keep my eye back about 1/2 inch and its fine. Its my first spotting scope so I can’t compare to others, but for the money I am pleased with it.