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Im lost, help me pick a spotting scope

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cundiff5535 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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Joined: December/09/2012
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cundiff5535 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Im lost, help me pick a spotting scope
    Posted: April/10/2015 at 17:17

Hey guys, I am about to jump in and buy my first Spotting scope.  I realistically want to stay under 1K and even more realistically at $600-$800 max.  If the step up to 1K (or a little more) gets me a much better of a spotter, Ill do it but, I am not sure I need it or want to drop a ton of cash (for me).

I live in the Chicagoland area so sadly, I have no place to shoot past 600... and realistically the most Ill be shooting is 300.  I shoot A LOT of BR .22LR at 50 and 100 and shoot AR 223 loads at 200.  Thats the majority of my shooting.  I will say, I have HORRIBLE eyes so I am not sure if you all think that is impactful.

I am currently considering either a Viper Vortex HD (I am a huge fan of Vortex optics) but, I am seeing a lot of great things about Kowa, Pantax, along with Vortex and Zen Ray.  I personally do not care to buy used or even an older model scope if the value is there but, I do want to get a really nice scope.  I have read so many reviews, my head is seriously spinning.

I have read that the Pentax PF80 for 1K is a great buy... the Kowa 82mm TSN-82SV is a fantastic scope, and the Viper HD 20-60 is just something that makes sense as I have a bias to Vortex. And the Razor is great in terms of value at its price range.  Can anyone tell me what the pro and cons are of those?  What makes most sense for ME?  <--- Since this is my first spotter, I am not sure.


When it comes to Optics for my rifle, I know what I like based on the many, many optics I have owned.  I do not have the time or money to burn through 10-15 spotting scopes to find out what best fits me.  What I do know is that I need to make a decision soon.  Weather is breaking at its almost time to start shooting again! (I am not a cold weather guy so, no chance Im going out in anything under 50 to shoot:)

Anyway, all help is so very much appreciated!

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Rainman View Drop Down
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Joined: August/25/2012
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rainman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/10/2015 at 17:51
Kowa dominates among value conscious long range rifle teams and fits within the lower range of your budget.  Go to a match if you can and observe the equipment being used.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, promoted by mainstream media, which
holds forth that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
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cundiff5535 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cundiff5535 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/10/2015 at 18:19
Thanks for the reply... I really doubt Ill get out to an match.  Overseeing well over 40 stores, and helping my wife run her business, I barely have time to get to the range to shoot my own rifles for fun.  The old timers I shoot with have Celestron Glass, so thats not going to do me much good.

All other thoughts and help are very much appreciated!
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FireEMT5 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/12/2015 at 10:49
I have a Vortex Razor and absolutely love it.  Picked it up on here from the sample list - when it arrived, it showed up as new in the box...... it may have been handled and looked at, but I sure couldn't find anything making it appeared used.
 
You won't be disappointed if you go with a Vortex.  I'm sure you're aware of their great warranty and customer service.
 
If you can afford it, go with a Razor.  At the end of the day you won't be disappointed wishing you'd have bought something else.  At the level of the Razor compared to Kowa, or the other Alpha brand scopes, the small increments of differences between them makes spending a lot more money tough to justify.
 
I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade my Razor for anything else.  You know the ole saying, "buy once, cry once" and be done with it.
 
Sorry I can't be more help.  I've never had the opportunity to look through the viper line.  Went straight to the big Razor and couldn't be happier.
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