Recommendations on an inexpensive spotting scope $500ish

[N7XW]

Thinking about a spotting scope, not really high end but needs to be decent glass.  I'd like to be able to clearly see bullet holes at 300 yards.  Is this possible with a $500ish scope?  Or should I plan to spend more?  Thanks!

[bearpaw]

I hope I'm wrong but unless you find a good deal on a used glass I doubt you'll find one to reliably spot bullet holes at 300 yards. The caliber you are wanting to spot will also partly determine how far you can see them, .338 are much easier to see than .223.

[N7XW]

Will probably be shooting .270 the most.  Maybe I'm asking too much for that price range of glass.  I really don't know as I've never had a decent spotter before.  Just always relied on good binoculars for hunting.  But it gets old walking downrange to check your targets all the time, especially when other shooters are on the line and waiting.

[bearpaw]

I would keep an eye on the classifieds, you will get better glass used than new for the same money.

[bobcat]

I don't have any experience with them but if you only need it for shooting, check into getting one of the camera systems. The Bullseye camera works with your smart phone or iPad and the $450 model works out to 1 mile. They have a cheaper model that is supposed to work to 300 yards.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/276592/bullseye-camera-systems-ammocam-long-range-edition-1-mile-target-camera-system

[spoonman]

I have the vortex viper hd and I can see just fine at 300+ yards. Cabelas has them on sale for $599 right now.

[N7XW]

I have the vortex viper hd and I can see just fine at 300+ yards. Cabelas has them on sale for $599 right now.

Thanks!

Wonder if the Viper HD is a step above the Nikon Prostaff 

[bobcat]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-choose-a-spotting-scope-for-target-shooting-spotting-scope-yardage.html

[N7XW]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-choose-a-spotting-scope-for-target-shooting-spotting-scope-yardage.html

Great, thanks.

[bearpaw]

I have the vortex viper hd and I can see just fine at 300+ yards. Cabelas has them on sale for $599 right now.

Thanks!

Wonder if the Viper HD is a step above the Nikon Prostaff 

You can probably compare several different scopes at a sportsman warehouse, cabelas, or local sport shop.

[pianoman9701]

I have the vortex viper hd and I can see just fine at 300+ yards. Cabelas has them on sale for $599 right now.

Now 699.00 at Cabelas.

Have you seen this one? https://www.levenhuk.com/catalogue/spotting-scopes/levenhuk-blaze-20-75x100/?gclid=CjwKCAiA1O3RBRBHEiwAq5fD_I2ycp7-S6vyeKnuOVpIAO0drbr4oi13A7BqBjKT-emWys1CNBRhPhoCBocQAvD_BwE

[Antlershed]

Vortex just announced the revamp to the Viper HD spotters, so I would expect that once the new ones are out, you’ll be able to find some good deals on the older model.

The Vanguard Endeavor HD’s are also great little spotters in that price range.

[DRobnsn]

I have the vortex viper hd and I can see just fine at 300+ yards. Cabelas has them on sale for $599 right now.

Thanks!

Wonder if the Viper HD is a step above the Nikon Prostaff 

I would say the vortex is better. I have the older Nikon Prostaff 20-60x80 its not bad and you can definitely see 270 holes at 300 with it but as you bump the power the clarity suffers for sure. I don't know how well it would work on paper at 1000 yards but you can sure see where a bullet hits on painted steel at that distance. I've been pondering selling it as I don't get to use it much.
 

[Cylvertip]

I had done some searching online a few years ago along those same lines - this is what popped out as a good option. Konus 20-60x80

https://www.opticsplanet.com/konus-konuspot-80-80mm-3-1-spotting-scope.html

It has been good for me, though I unfortunatly have not tested it to 300.  During my searching though, others had reported that it was almost as good as high end glass for on paper viewing.

I like that the mount allows you to rotate the actual body of the scope.  With the angled eye peice, I can set it up to what ever angle I prefer by rotating the entire scope, then lock it down.

I found a $99 carbon fiber telescopic tripod on amazon that is the perfect compliment to this.  The one that comes with it is more suited to bench rest or a smaller scope.

[X-Force]

I would keep an eye out for a gen I vortex 85 razor HD spotting scope in classified they are new at cabelas for $1000 and used for 750-850 if you look around.