Considering this Basrska Spotting Scope

[Lone Ranger]

Does anybody have any experience with this spotting scope? I realize it's on the inexpensive end, but it's better than what I have now, which is nothing. It will rarely if ever get used past 200-300 yards, and usually 100 yards or less.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/766437/barska-blackhawk-ed-spotting-scope-20-60x-60mm-angled-body-with-tripod-and-hard-case-rubber-armored-black?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Did you check Amazon or Cabela's for prices? If you only need it for 100 yards or less go for it. Yeah you could spend more money on something that will reach out but it you can't afford it and won't be using it past what you said, it will just sit in the box. Take money saved and by ammo or good rifle scope.

I got the same scope. Works good out to 100yards, haven't used it any further. It is now sitting in the basement and I haven't used it in over a year, since I am shooting handguns now. I got it on sale a couple years back at Cabela's so I don't feel bad that it is just sitting.

 

[Captains1911]

I received a little Xmas money and based on recommendations I'm now trying to decide between the Redfield 20-60x80mm and the Konus 20-60x80. Thanks for the help.

http://www.amazon.com/Redfield-114651Rampage-20-60x80mm-Angled-Spotting/dp/B007VCB1QW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420054431&sr=8-2&keywords=redfield+spotting+scope

http://www.amazon.com/Konus-7120-20x-60x80mm-Spotting-Tripod/dp/B001DX7Q8W/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420054374&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=konis+spotting+scope

 

[LiveLife]

Does anybody have any experience with this spotting scope? I realize it's on the inexpensive end, but it's better than what I have now, which is nothing. It will rarely if ever get used past 200-300 yards, and usually 100 yards or less.

Yes. I bought mine from Big 5 Sporting Goods store. I find quality control varies with Barska optics and I would only suggest you buy the spotting scope if you are able to check them out in person. I went through about seven scopes of the same model before I found one that was sharp enough for me to see .22/.30 caliber bullet holes at 100 yards (there were some that were so fuzzy that even the store manager thought they were dropped/damaged during shipping to the store).

I think I paid around $79 on sale and it is good enough for checking shot groups at 100 yards on paper and viewing "minute of gong" targets so I can walk my shots towards the steel plates at 300-400 yards while another person spots for me.

If you are looking for a cheap spotting scope to use under 100 yards, consider the 20-60 x 60mm spotting scope from Harbor Freight which is on sale now for $54.99 - http://www.harborfreight.com/20-60-x-60mm-spotting-scope-with-tripod-94555.html

Like the Barska spotting scope, I would recommend it only if you are able to check it out in person to verify sharpness at distance. I went through four models before I found one sharp enough to use for 100 yard target shot group verification. Both Big 5 and Harbor Freight staff understood what I was planning to use the spotting scopes for and were accommodating of me checking out different scopes. Both spotting scopes were gifted to new rifle shooters as "pay it forward" items and even after several years of use, they are working well for them. BTW, Barska came with a nice hard case but the HF scope only came with a cheap soft case.

I am glad I checked this thread as looks like the Konus 20-60x 80mm spotting scope is worth looking into.