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noob question

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25 December 2007, 19:30
HeftyLefty
noob 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.


"The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to allow the subjected people to carry arms. History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subjected peoples to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by so doing. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that the underdog is a sine qua non ["something essential" lit. "without which not"] for the overthrow of any sovereignty. So let's not have any native militia or police."
---Adolph Hitler, Edict of March 18, 1938
27 December 2007, 21:35
Stonecreek
Hefty: 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
Esldude
I 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=3948
This 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=67-46-48-125-8332
This is the Celestron Ultima I have heard good things about recently from people who should know.
28 December 2007, 16:29
DMB
Now that you mention it, I've read some good things about the Celestron spotters too.

Don




29 December 2007, 19:37
Gerry
Hefty-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!

Big Grin


Cheers,

Number 10