Spotting scopes

Tactical Gear Optics & Mounts
1

If this is in the wrong thread, MODs please move it.

I am in the market for a spotting scope. I did a quick search and didn’t find anything. Price is an issue.

I was looking at the Burris XTS-2575 25-75x70mm. It is a small sized scope with an angled eyepiece. Does anyone have any experience with it?

Does anyone have any recommendations? My requirement is for light weight, small sized, something I can drop in a small pack with other gear. I prefer something armored and durable.

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

2

I have seen vortex recon R/T http://www.vortextactical.com/product/vortex-recon-rt-15x50-tactical-scope-with-vms

Never looked through it but I have been thinking of picking up one for my self.

3

I’ve been looking at spotting scopes also and found the Nikon 16-48x65 prostaff better than most all others I’ve been able to compare. It’s probably not as small as you are looking for but the glass is quite clear.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-prostaff-waterproof-16-48x65-spotting-scopes.html

4

This scope is coming out of my pocket so the Vortex is out of the question. Too bad it wasn’t around a dozen years ago, it would have nice to have when I was on active duty.

Speaking of active duty, are there any of the issue spotting scopes available surplus? I remember the tripod sucked, we used Velcro and hose clamps to hold the scope to it but the scope was nice. I tried Googling for it but got no hits.

As for the Nikon, I don’t care for the stuff hanging off of it.

5

The finder may not be needed, I was just impressed with the glass. I’m thinking only of casual range use.

6

Did you look at the straight eyepiece or the angled? Scope was about 12" overall, correct? Come with a tripod?

7

For .223? How far do you want to be able to see those little holes? The best bang for the buck for 200 yards and less seems to be this one. YMMV. I have it and like it, but for over 200 yards those holes sure are hard to see.

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=889713&cat=561&page=1

8

I am looking for the ability for spotter POI shifts/calls at 300-600M range with an AR.

9

For that kind of range, I think you’re going to have to spend over a $1000.

The Pentax 80mm ED is probably the best for the dollars.
http://www.betterviewdesired.com/70-80mm-Spotting-Scopes.php

10

I was afraid of that. I was hoping for a nice crisp, clear small packable scope with an angled eyepiece for less than $400.00. Fat chance I suppose.

11

Spotting scopes are big ticket items. You get what you pay for. Spotting scopes are meant for more than resolving small holes at great distances. Good glass will allow you to see mirage which is useful for reading wind which is important for shooting out past 200 yards.

I just picked up one of these:

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=889519&cat=401&page=1

But I haven’t had a chance to take it to the range yet! Kowa scopes are very popular among match shooters. Good glass, built like a tank, and great warranty. You can switch out the lenses for different uses as well. Of course it all comes at a cost.

Dom

12

Don’t sell the cheaper models too short. Some aren’t that bad.
But, you do get what you pay for.
There is amazing optical perfomance available, but at significant cost.
Then, if you want something “packable”, your options are way down.

Bite the bullet and buy something with quality, is the best advice you can get.

I ended up with the Leupold MK4 with P4 reticle, not because it was best optically in it’s price range, it’s not by a long shot (especially 30+ mag), but it was a good combination of features, such as size, weight, performance, NV compatibility, durability, and reticle. US Army/Marine “Sniper” friends that have used them in the service have said there was little else to choose from in any event, for their purposes.

I’ve got the Ray-Vin Eclipse prone tripod setup with a modified center post for mounting a rangefinder. It is terrific with the offset arm, and center mounted quick removeable tube/ballhead/rangefinder.

But, I’ll be looking for a smaller/lighter tripod setup for portability.
I also have a PVS-14/PVS-22 + MK4 Spotter rail mount, for nightime use, which will add significant weight/bulk. It will also greatly complicate the task of finding a suitable “lightweight” mount.