Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Best Target/Hunting Spotting Scope Under $500

Looking for a spotting scope that will let me see .223 bullet holes on the target at 200 yards, and also allow me to have a good view of the antlers on the deer/antelope I am hunting at 300-400 yards. Would like to keep the price at below $500 if possible.



Any suggestions/recommendations?



Thanks for your help.



Greg

bushnell elite 15-45x60

I used a Theron Saker last year for a week and was quite pleased/impressed with it. I used it alongside the aforementioned Bushnell and I liked the view of the Theron much better.

http://www.predatoroptics.com/Spotting_Scopes.php

Hi Greg, I have been using a straight version Saker right now. Here is something I wrote on Birdforum.
I forgot to say I don't have any ties with Pat from Predator Optics other than him contacting me after my "hint" on that other thread and I did talk to him on the phone, seems like a good egg. He did put me on the mailing list to check out one of the Theron Wapiti 8x42 ED HD binoculars. I found it an excellent binocular.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=193685

I did have one of the older Bushnell 15-45x60mm Elite Spotters and liked it ok. It wasn't phase-coated, so can't say about the newer ones. I liked that it was compact and light wt.

I'll just say a shooter is going to have a hard time picking out a .22cal bullet hole at 200 yards with a 45-power scope. Now maybe if your under 25 and have 20-10 vision no problem.

My Bushnell spotting scope is 20 x 45 x 60 in 80mm lense and it is hard for me to spot bullets unless on 60 power.

Look for a new/used pentax PF65 ED or PF 65 ED2 with zoom.
Pentax new/used pf80 ed
Bushnell Elite 80mm ed new/used.

Good prices can be had on all the above usually.

vortex is closing out their skyline ed

also Minox MD 65

+1. But mine is the older B&L. It's been all over North America and was with me for each of my 4 Grand Slam sheep. You could watch for a used one and save plenty.

I moved my "target" into 200yds. today with it being over cast and pretty dark today I could see the .223 bullet holes in the black with no trouble. I have 20/15 or better eyesight. I agree that an eighty mm scope would be better for target shooting, a good one that is. I have used a Meade 90mm ETX Cat scope [a good one]for 300 yds. with very good results spotting .223 bullet holes.

The Bushnell 15-45x60 Elite scope weighs only about 27 oz. and is not that expensive even new.

Just wanted to say thanks for everyone's comments/suggestions. Decided to go with the Pentax PF-65 ED II (20-60X Zoom Eyepiece). Found it on sale for $645..which seem to be a really great price. Anxious to test it out. Will let you know results.



Greg

Hi Greg, Let us know how you like the Pentax!!