Spotting scope for pd's

Stalker

Stalker

New member
I'm thinking about picking up a somewhat inexpensive spotting scope for my up coming pd trip. Are they definitely and necessity or can you do just as well with a scope? I've never looked through one so I don't knwo a thing about them. What power can a guy get by with without going over kill? I'm thinking if I can see bullet holes on a target at 100 yards it should be plenty strong enough.
 
Truth is, a spotting scope is worth absolutely zero on a pdog outing. I bought one while I still lived in Louisiana in anticipation of my move here to Colorado. The acerage you have to view is immense out here, and a spotting scope so greatly limits your FOV that finding a pdog (let alone relocating the same one once you settle in behind the rifle) is difficult at best.

Your best option is a pair of 10-12X binocs. They don't have to be really upper end, either. Unlike most "hunting", the most and best pdog shooting occurs in the wide open under intensly bright skies.

In my experience, as it relates to pdog shooting, a spotting scope is a complete waste of money and time.

Mike

edit: Save your money and put it toward a good laser rangefinder. That thing will be in constant use.
 
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I've already got a laser range finder, and a decent set of binocs, so I guess that means more money for ammo!!
 
Sounds like a good plan to me.

Don't be discouraged if you find your laser has a difficult time ranging much past 325-350 yards out here. Pdogs are small targets for the laser, and the vegetation (if any) doesn't reflect much of the beam. Landmarks, except for the occasional yucca clump, are pretty scarce in these parts.

All kidding aside, I've known (and been one) a few folks that bought spotting scopes for pdog hunting and not a single one ever bothered taking it to the field on their next trip out.

Mike
 
I agree with linefinder....they are far to slow to acquire your target with and although I have one I have never used it in many many trips out. A good pair of binos is a must have tho. Trying to find several hundred small targets in short order thru a spotting scope is a waste of time.

Spotting scopes would be a great for one or two shots at 800-1000 yds. when you got all day for a shot.
 
I recently bought a Bushnell Sportsman 20x50 spotting scope. It IS a waste of time on small animals that move a lot. However, it's a lot of help on sighting in or target shooting. I picked it up for a wopping $29.95 on sale.
 
I have 12X Nikon binoculars that work great for me and a Leica 800 LRF.
The only way to improve this would be to buy a pair of ranging binocs, its on my Xmas list.
 
The one upside for a spotting scope that we have found is being able to get a front row seat to view exploding dogs. The trick is being sure that you are on the same dog as the shooter, otherwise all you get is a puff of dust and some floating hair in the FOV. Obaro
 
Save up for a pair of rangefinding/bino's. I have the Bushnell Quest and have aquired dogs at over 700yds easily. Even on semi flat land. They are 8x and in the right light you can see bullets on their journey toward a dog. Go with friends and take turns spotting shots for each other. There is nothing like watching a dog do a 10ft high quad back flip on his journey to the underworld.
 


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