25 December 2007, 19:30
HeftyLeftynoob question
I'm looking to get a cheap spotting scope for my .22 rifle shooting. 50 and 100 yards and nothing serious. I'm looking for more of a low end item that i wont have feel guilty about getting rid of when i decide to upgrade to better glass. Any suggestions for a good entry level cost piece of glass. Thanks in advance.
27 December 2007, 21:35
StonecreekHefty: Almost anyones FIXED power scope will do fine on a .22 LR. Stay away from the variables (which always have trouble with focus, zero shift, and fogging in a cheap variable).
My suggestion would be to go to ebay or some similar place and pick up a used scope that fits your budget. Even a Bushnell Sportview or similar scope usually does fine on a .22, but if you can come across a Leupold M-8 4x (or compact), a Weaver K-4, or an old Redfield, you'll be set up. I even haved a cheap Chinese 4x made for an SKS on a kid's .22 and it works beautifully.
When you are ready to upgrade, there are none better than the Leupold line of Compacts, particularly those made for a Rimfire. They are available in both fixed and variable up to 3-9X.
28 December 2007, 02:03
LWD+1
Fixed power scopes are grossly underappreciated. samplelist.com has some Nikon Prostaff rimfires that would be a good choice.
If you are talking about a spotting scope, then look at the low end Burris. They make a fixed 20x and a 12-24x variable that aren't bad at all for the $$$. I have the 20x. My only complaint for what it is is the eye relief, but wait I only paid $50 can I complain about that?
LWD
28 December 2007, 11:34
EsldudeI think the fellow wanted a spotting scope here.
Stay away from most $100 or less scopes. They won't do it for you. Bushnell Spacemasters will work and used are something less than $200.
I haven't used them, but Celestron makes one based upon a telescope for a bit over a $100 that is getting good comments. The cheaper Burris is another that is supposed to do the trick. The one with a fixed power. Again I haven't used either.
I own a Spacemaster that works. The cheaper Bushnells won't do what you need and will give you a headache. As will most other real cheap spotters.
I really wish there was more good info on spotters at the low end. If I had to take a gamble it would be on that Celestron.
http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=3948This is the Burris I have been told is surprisingly good. 20x is enough if the optics are good.
http://www.optbinoculars.com/product.aspx?pid=67-46-48-125-8332This is the Celestron Ultima I have heard good things about recently from people who should know.
28 December 2007, 16:29
DMBNow that you mention it, I've read some good things about the Celestron spotters too.
Don
29 December 2007, 19:37
GerryHefty-Lefty,
I just purchased a 10-30x60 "Cheap-O", No Name Zoom Binocular for $15.99 at a Discount Store for the exact same purpose - they work fantastic - so much so, that I sold the "Winchester" Cheap-O Spotting Scope (forget the power) for $100.00 to re-coup my "Loss".
I mounted them on a small tripod for the Shooting Bench and can now see the bullet holes in Stereo instead of attempting to scrunch my eyeball to the single ocular on a Dirt-Cheap Spotting Scope.
Couldn't be prouder of myself for the ingenuity but handle them like the fragile, inexpensive POS they actually are!
