In 1983 I organized and ran the highpower rifle competition (NRA Cross the course) for our local gun club. Our range was limited to 200 yards and we had no pits, so targets had to be shot and scored "on the frames". That is, the entire 22 rounds slow fire prone (2 sighters and then 20 shots for record), then we would go downrange and score the targets.
Therein lies the problem in that, often, the bullet holes in the black could not be seen at 200 yards with even the best scope on the line. Shooting blind was not conducive to decent scores, so we (individually and collectively) began to experiment in upgrading both individual and club equipment.
To make a long story short, I went through 3 scopes(Inexpensive Bushnel, Unertl,and what many HP shooters at that time considered to be the top of the line, Kowa). The results, no silver ring. The clarity of the Bushnel was nearly as good as the Unertl but had a bit less light gathering ability and the Unertl was an excellent scope, but was not extended eye relief and the Kowa was, as well as having the 45* eyepiece; much better for prone shooting. None of these scopes, however, would reliably spot .30 caliber holes in the black @ 200 yds. The problem was the heavy mirage we experience in S. Texas.
The quest did not end w/my personal scope. I convinced the club to invest in a Unertl 100mm Team Scope. Now this was the scope used by US All Army Team, so it must be the very best; right? It was about 3ft. long and came in a chest the size of a footlocker. The tripod is of the type used for surveyor's transits and came with 15, 20 & 30 power eyepieces IIRC. Still no prize!
Can't see .30 cal bullet holes @ 200 yards. Yes, there were days when we could see the holes with the team scope, and I have even seen .30 holes in my target @300 yards with both my Unertl and Kowa, but not in S. Tx.
The solution was the club sold the (expensive) team scope and a few years later, we built a 600 yd. range, complete w/target pits. Problem solved.
As Quinten Likely said,
300 yards on a cool, overcast day, I can do that but I really have to look hard for it. 300 yards on a sunny, 90+ degree day - forget about it.
Sounds like the Konus would be a fair place to start, however.
Hope you find a good scope that will serve you well up north, but don't expect too much if you bring it to S. Tx.
Regards,
hps
PS For what it's worth, the closer the scope is to the ground (prone, for instance), the worse the mirage distorts your view.
If that proves to not be the case, I can always use the Konus as a loaner or backup.
