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Looking for a spotting scope and there are so many choices.

Not looking to break the bank.

Need to see .223 shots at 300 yards.

Have been looking at Barska and a low end leupold.

Suggestions needed.

Thanks

Get this one: http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Legend-U ... B001MYESEC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I purchased a Vortex Viper 15-45x65 HD several months ago and I have been very pleased. Wonderful glass and good construction. These are a lot of bang for the buck (retail in the $500-600 range).

Word to the wise. Stay away from anything with the name Barska stamped on it.

I just recently bought my first spotting scope. I got a Redfield Rampage from BassPro. It looked like a pretty good deal at $240 and comes with a little tripod, carrying case, and cover. I haven't gotten it out to the range yet, I just got it a few days ago, but tried it out in my back yard and I think it will be just fine. It's 20-60x60. The focus knob is easy to work and the power ring isn't too bad either.

I have a low end Leupold. It's Korean and not all that clear and sharp. I was a little surprised Leupold put their name on it.

I also have the redfield and I am quite happy with it. I've only used it for shots @ 100 yds. but 300 yds doesn't seem out of its' range.

C-dub wrote:I just recently bought my first spotting scope. I got a Redfield Rampage from BassPro. It looked like a pretty good deal at $240 and comes with a little tripod, carrying case, and cover. I haven't gotten it out to the range yet, I just got it a few days ago, but tried it out in my back yard and I think it will be just fine. It's 20-60x60. The focus knob is easy to work and the power ring isn't too bad either.

Longshot38 wrote:I purchased a Vortex Viper 15-45x65 HD several months ago and I have been very pleased. Wonderful glass and good construction. These are a lot of bang for the buck (retail in the $500-600 range).

Word to the wise. Stay away from anything with the name Barska stamped on it.

I've got a Barska 20-60x60. Not a great optic by any stretch of the imagination, but works just fine out to 100 yds. And I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it. I think in some cases you do get what you pay for. If folks want nice optics, they are probably going to have to pony up some cash. For the student's budget I've been on the last couple of years, the Barska works.

In purchasing optical glass you get what you pay for. I have an older upper end Leupold 20-60x80 that suits my needs. Depending on the distances you intend to shoot, clarity/resolution and power are the main qualities to consider. Larger objectives are nice but if you are just bench shooting you won't need the improved FOV a larger Obj bell offers. If you use them for hunting the larger objective is a plus. After getting frustrated with just a swivel head tripod I got an Alpen table top tripod with micro elevation and windage adjustments for fine tuning. For about 40-45 bucks it is a wonderful improvement over a simple swivel head mount. If you aren't in a hurry you may want to check Adorama used equipment. I've seen some good deals there and I purchased an open box Bausch & Lomb Elite 8x42 Binoculars for $99. They are top of the line and sold for 400-600 normally. Since B&L is officially out of business and have been for several years I was suspicious but they were listed E+ and B&L is covered by Bushnell warranty so I took a chance. They were as stated - very nice. Good luck

well i can tell you the harbor freight 50 dollar special is a total piece of junk.my father bought one last weekend just to try out. well it wasnt even worth taking out of the box.lol

alvins wrote:well i can tell you the harbor freight 50 dollar special is a total piece of junk.my father bought one last weekend just to try out. well it wasnt even worth taking out of the box.lol

So that's what happened to all the old coke bottles!

FYI, Leupold owns Redfield and both are manufactured in OR. Both carry lifetime warranties. Please correct me if my facts are wrong.

puma guy wrote:

alvins wrote:well i can tell you the harbor freight 50 dollar special is a total piece of junk.my father bought one last weekend just to try out. well it wasnt even worth taking out of the box.lol

So that's what happened to all the old coke bottles!

probably. on 20 power it was tolerable at 60 power it wouldnt even focus properly. if you wear glasses forget about it. i think coke bottle bottoms would be better then what it had.

v-rog wrote:FYI, Leupold owns Redfield and both are manufactured in OR. Both carry lifetime warranties. Please correct me if my facts are wrong.

I think you are correct. I had read somewhere that Redfield's were made by Leupold.

Heartland Patriot wrote:

Longshot38 wrote:I purchased a Vortex Viper 15-45x65 HD several months ago and I have been very pleased. Wonderful glass and good construction. These are a lot of bang for the buck (retail in the $500-600 range).

Word to the wise. Stay away from anything with the name Barska stamped on it.

I've got a Barska 20-60x60. Not a great optic by any stretch of the imagination, but works just fine out to 100 yds. And I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it. I think in some cases you do get what you pay for. If folks want nice optics, they are probably going to have to pony up some cash. For the student's budget I've been on the last couple of years, the Barska works.

I understand a budget. But believe me, I've owned Barska products and there is no reason for one throw good money away on such things. When speaking of optics you do get what you pay for at at the same time decent products can be had a decent price. Vortex and Bushnell both offer products that are covered by good warranties and constructed fairly well for the the same kind of money as Barska. Paper weight and target are the only good uses I know for for Barska products.

Seeing .22 caliber holes at 300 yards is a tall order. That's not a task for a low end spotting scope. I know, I wasted enough money on spotting scopes.

Chas.