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Joined: Jul 2015
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Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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I think about getting one every few years, but just never get serious. Thinking it's time to make it happen....
It will be used for checking paper and steel targets at the range. Looking over bean fields for woodchucks and checking out deer. Will also get some winter action, scouting and looking for bedded coyote and fox in the snow along fence rows etc...
I'd love a Swaro, but they are to pricey for me, esp for part time use. That said I don't want junk,but something that is a good value. Humidity is very high here spring through fall if that makes a diff on choices. Range would be out to 1/2 mile.
Not sure what I need to spend to make that happen .
What do you guys use and or think is good for the money ?
Thanks
Last edited by mibowhunter; 12/10/19.
TB, CWD and Covid-19 , free so far.....
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 Likes: 1
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 Likes: 1 |
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,795 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,795 Likes: 1 |
Buy a swaro ATS65 with WA eyepiece and don't look back. You should frequent gear sites like Rokslide and MuleyCrazy and find one priced right. You could also call Doug and Neil and SWFA Sample list until they have a Demo Swaro that pops up. Just don't compromise and buy right the first time. You will enjoy it more and not second guess yourself.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,368 Likes: 13
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,368 Likes: 13 |
I got a Meopta 20-70X myself. Awesome piece of glass and doesn't seem to lag at all compared to Zeiss and Swaro examples I have used in the past either. Just about 1/2 what a Swaro would be.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383 |
I got a Meopta 20-70X myself. Awesome piece of glass and doesn't seem to lag at all compared to Zeiss and Swaro examples I have used in the past either. Just about 1/2 what a Swaro would be. S2 is a no brainer
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,851 |
Kowa gets good reviews too.
Quando omni flunkus moritati
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,067
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,067 |
i've got a meopta s2 myself with 20-70x eyepiece strictly for the range when i'm sighting in guns. no complaints but i don't have anyting to compare it to either. i just gotta go off what all these fellas say and online reviews.choose wisely though as i'd hate to go subpar then have to pony up for what i shoulda got in the first place. but, imma buy once cry once guy too. Big Ed
"Only accurate rifles are interesting" Col. Townsend Whelen
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,309 Likes: 21
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,309 Likes: 21 |
FWIW, I've posted before that I've compared the S2 w/20-70x more than once, side by side on tripods, with the Kowa 884, Nikon 82ED, Zeiss 85 FL T, and Swaro 80 HD. To make a long story short, the S2 and Kowa 884 stood out, with the S2 being better to our eyeballs at higher mags. The only thing better that I ever saw hunters bring into camp was the modular Swaro spotter system that goes for about $4k. I hear on this forum and a couple of others that the Kowa 883/884 is top of the heap, and they are great, but not quite an S2 IME.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,943 |
Screaming deal right there!
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,254
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,254 |
Screaming deal right there! Says a lot about the margins on these products...
My heart's in the mountains, my heart is not here. My heart's in the mountains, chasing the deer.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30,998 Likes: 8
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30,998 Likes: 8 |
FWIW, I've posted before that I've compared the S2 w/20-70x more than once, side by side on tripods, with the Kowa 884, Nikon 82ED, Zeiss 85 FL T, and Swaro 80 HD. To make a long story short, the S2 and Kowa 884 stood out, with the S2 being better to our eyeballs at higher mags. The only thing better that I ever saw hunters bring into camp was the modular Swaro spotter system that goes for about $4k. I hear on this forum and a couple of others that the Kowa 883/884 is top of the heap, and they are great, but not quite an S2 IME. I compared then also and I went with the Kowa 884
I got banned on another web site for a debate that happened on this site. That's a first
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,368 Likes: 13
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,368 Likes: 13 |
Screaming deal right there! You aren't kidding there!
Semper Fi
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,221
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,221 |
Thanks to all for the info. I will look into these and any other options you think I should look at.
TB, CWD and Covid-19 , free so far.....
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,221
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,221 |
TB, CWD and Covid-19 , free so far.....
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7,013
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7,013 |
Does Meopta not make a 65mm sporting scope?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,409
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,409 |
Does Meopta not make a 65mm sporting scope? They do not and have not, however, one never knows what the future will bring
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,179 Likes: 6
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,179 Likes: 6 |
Went with the Meopta and have never regretted it.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,082 |
Don't overlook the Pentax PF-80 ED scope. I can't personally say how they compare to the higher priced Swaro's, Leica or Kowa scopes but, I am very happy with mine. If you believe the numerous reviews from shooters, hunters and birders, it compares favorably in some of the important categories and their eyepieces are American standard 1.25" telescopic eyepieces. I've only had mine for a few weeks now and will primarily use it at the range shooting 100 to 300 yards and so far, it has more than met my needs and was well worth the price.
Last edited by Biggs300; 12/12/19.
Start young, hunt hard, and enjoy God's bounty.
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26 |
I snagged an Athlon Ares (see Doug’s post) and they are absolutely remarkable for the money!
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