spotting scope how much mag?

C

centerfire

New member
Just a quick question for those of you that know. I'm looking for an inexpensive spotting scope to use at the range once in a while when I'm sighting in a new gun or changing ammo. How much magnification do I need to see bullet holes at 100 and 200 yds.? I know the real answer lies in resolution but I assume an inexpensive glass will probably have poorer resolution so how much mag. to make up for that? Thanks.
 
Originally posted by centerfire:
[qb]Just a quick question for those of you that know. I'm looking for an inexpensive spotting scope to use at the range once in a while when I'm sighting in a new gun or changing ammo. How much magnification do I need to see bullet holes at 100 and 200 yds.? I know the real answer lies in resolution but I assume an inexpensive glass will probably have poorer resolution so how much mag. to make up for that? Thanks.[/qb]
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I went to Ebay and picked up a Celestron spotting scope in variable 10-60 power. The thing was like brand new and only cost me $60. The 60 power is a bit much but if you want to shoot targets at 300 yards it sure is nice! 30 power gives these tired old eyes a nice view at 100 yards. Just remember that the higher the power, the better the tripod or rest you need to put the thing on or it shakes so much you can't see anything anyway. I use my camera tripod and it works great.
 
i have found that anything over say 25-30 power just gets distorted due to heat waves so it is only practical in the early morning or evening. I have a Leupold 15-45 and paid like $230, but it is waterproof. Check out the new Burris, they are a fixed 20 power, they are really tiny, and they are around $100.
 
Interesting question about a supplier. Lately I've been searching out optics of various types on the web. What I've found is that the normal sites dedicated to hunting optics are NOT the places to go when looking for binoculars and spotting scopes. Believe it or not we are the primary, big time users of opics that we hunters think that we are. The people that really use optics are the birders and believe it or not the butterflyiers(sp). Look on the birder sites they have slightly better prices that the hunting sites. But, if you want rock bottom prices for binoculars and scopes go to the CAMERA sites. These deal in optics in great volume and they have the ver best prices.
 
Thanks, I'll check the photographic sites next. By the way Michael, like your closing tag. I'm so old I barely have any passive behavior left, I really relate to it.
 
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