M14 Forum

TraverZulu3

I'm Currently looking to purchase a spotting scope and my price range is unfortunately around the $200 - 300 hundred dollar range. Wondering what you guys think the best is for the money. Local sports dealer has several on sale including Redfield Rampage 20 - 60x 60mm $199.95 after rebate;Simmons Spotting Scope, 20-60x, 60mm -$149.95 and a Leupold for $349.00. I have to say the Redfield rivals the clarity of the Leuopold but than again it's a Leupold say no more! Your thoughts on the matter are greatly appreciated, thanks.

danaero

I like Leupold's a lot as well, at least the ones that are made in the US. I believe that any of the scopes that are not gold ring are made in China. I am in the market for a spotting scope right now as well, but want one made here. Looked at a Vortex Nomad in Sportsman's the other day and the salesman swore it was made here but it said on the lens cover "made in China", and he said the lens cover was but the scope wasn't. I passed because I did not believe him.

82nd ABN

I picked up a simmons for 75 dollars a couple of years ago. It has served me well. I will eventually be looking for a more high end one for shooting matches but the simmons is good for the range. It came with a tripod and gives a decent picture at 200 yards. The konus 80 or 100 seem to be very popular at the matches and seems to be the one everyone gets to start off with. The konus 80 can be had for about 220.

vanagonjon

Try to find a nice used one. I bought a used, but like new Kowa TSN-1 with a complete champions choice bipod stand for service rifle match shooting @ $400 a couple of years ago. I know this is a little bit above your price range. You need to be aware of what quality of scope you will need based on your requirements. Seeing 30 cal. holes at 100 yds. requires a lower quality scope than seeing .223 holes at 300 yds in poor lighting conditins.

John

geeck

I'm surprised the mods haven't moved this to the "optics" forum. Anyway the Konus 80 is probably your best bang for the buck. A lot of junior programs use them for the spotting scope.

http://www.amazon.com/Konus-7120-20x.../dp/B001DX7Q8W

Warning the tripod that comes with the Konus is less than WORTHLESS. If you're looking to shoot matches with it you'll need a stand. I like this one because it folds up very compact and the price right. http://www.jarheadtop.com/Stand_Pictures.htm If you're not planning on shooting matches you will still need to get a better tripod to hold it on the bench.

lowell66dart

Take a look at an Alpen 788, 20x60-80. The best price I found was about $320 shipped. Very, very good reviews in the mid priced scope range. I had never heard of these until I saw one for sale on my local Craigslist. The tripod it comes with is very nice and the soft case is ok.

TraverZulu3

Great advice guys! Many thanks too all for your responses this was quite helpful. My apologies for posting in the wrong place, newbie's error - After posting this thread I found the optics forum and did not want to commit further infractions by posting twice. " Geek" thanks for the "Konus and Jarheads links," just what I'm looking for; Where is the Konus manufactured?

hoss 308

I just bought one of these. The 788 kit is supposed to come with a hardcase, which mine did. Have not made it to the range yet- hopefully at the end of this week. Made in China for a California company, but they have a no questions asked warranty, which is why I got it. I did look at the Konus, but couldn't find any warranty info on their website and if you add the price of a new mini tripod and add a decent soft or hard case to the Konus, you're about at the price of the Alpen.

lowell66dart

Forgot about that, lifetime warranty.