Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Please recommend a spotting scope for range use.

Over the past 4 years I have bought 8 different spotting scopes and returned them all. I too was looking for a spotter to see hits out to 500yds. This proved to be much more difficult than I ever expected. I bought many scope under $500 from Bushnell, Celestron, Barska, Visionking, Cabelas and Nikon up to 60 and 80 power. I can probably take a little time later and list all the model numbers. The net result was none of them had the glass to see hits on paper past 300. I finally found a used Vortex Razor HD x85 and I can finally see his at 500 yds. but it's still not easy. Bottom line is that hits on paper (even with reactive targets) are very difficult to clearly make out past 400-500 yards. Painted steel targets offer a better alternative as the hits leave large marks that can be seen out to 700-800yds with a good spotter. You could probably get away with a new 85mm Viper but you might struggle a little with a 65mm as the image detail falls off a little more quickly.

Hope this helps a little. The bottom line is that really good glass is needed past 400yds to see hits on paper.