Spotting scope?

[Mike D]

You may not see a lot of guides using vortex but you sure do see a lot of competition shooters using them and not a lot using Swarovski, and Leica.

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That's a totally different disclipine. They aren't sitting behind them for hours looking for the most minute detail lots of times in the worst possible lighting conditions. That's where the high end optics are the best.

In the middle of the day in full daylight almost anything will do.


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[Radar]

I agree with you DRT and will tell you this as well. I have been very fortunate in my life and been able to stay healthy, work hard and provide a good living for my family. For a time in my life I never had a dime and got by with the cheaper side of things, but made the best of it and was never ashamed of what I owned.

I shot in rifle matches using borrowed equipment and cheap rifles till I saved up for the better stuff. My scores got better but not so sure it was the equipment. A lot of that was wasted money as well.

I started buying "nicer" things at first because I envied the other guy, then I realized that a lot of things are a complete waste of money because its what the "experts used" mentality. I will never own another set of 2800.00 binos or another 2500.00 spotting scope, but I do like comfortable boots and dependable gear. That 2800.00 set of binos could have been a trophy axis hunt instead. Lesson learned.

I am in the market for a new bow and looking at the prices of them, I dont see how the average guy with a mortgage and kids could swing it. 1200.00 for a bow not counting the accessories.

Nowadays I take 5-7 paid hunts per year and several guided fishing trips. I have also met some real good guides and some real bad ones. Some of these guides have their nose so high in the air it is pitiful. Especially the ones that brag about their equipment.

I got invited last year to a two day dove hunt near Crystal City with some of my customers and I took them up on it. These boys aint got much money and I knew I had to go because they thought enough of me to invite me. Well, we got out to the field and they handed me a Mossberg 500 shotgun and a case of 1oz Academy dove loads. We sat in that field and shot birds, drank Lonestar Beer and ate bologna sandwiches. That was the best hunting trip I have ever been on.

[DRT]

That's a totally different disclipine. They aren't sitting behind them for hours looking for the most minute detail lots of times in the worst possible lighting conditions. That's where the high end optics are the best.

In the middle of the day in full daylight almost anything will do.


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Yeah Mike but you aren't one of them. You work for living like most of us. That extra 2k I would spend on that glass won't pay off for me and it won't for you either. Spend it on land of our own or the family and it's a much wiser investment.

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[trophy8]

You may not see a lot of guides using vortex but you sure do see a lot of competition shooters using them and not a lot using Swarovski, and Leica.

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They don't cater to that market. Swarovski turrets and reticles suck. They don't work real well for a competition shooter. But they have some of the best glass on the planet. I don't own a scope from either of the ones you mentioned for that reason. But I own a set of EL 10x42 binos. Keep in mind competition shooters don't need top end glass as much as they need consistent, repeatable, reliable components. Track true and hold zero is more important to them than a 25% increase in optic quality. Now flip that to a guide or big hunter and they would rather have the glass that will save them the walk to go look over whether that bull elk on the next ridge is a shooter or not....they won't care about fancy reticle and turrets. You gotta compare apples to apples. AND realize how many vortex optics are put on prize tables and given to sponsored shooters and pro deals. Their rifle scopes are crazy heavy. Won't see many in the high country for that reason. They ALL have their place.

[texas bound]

You are exactly right. Swaro has some of the best glass out there. But I'm not looking for anything for hunting it will all be for competition shooting.

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[trophy8]

That's why I said the vortex will suit your needs just fine lol.

[texas bound]

I know. I appreciate you keeping my intended use in mind

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[Radar]

Texas bound, may I ask what type of match your shooting?

[Horitexan]

Not a durn thing wrong with Vortex - they make terrific optics! If you're going to get a Vortex product, check with Arrowsmith! He gives the best pricing I know of and he's a terrific guy to deal with. Can't wait to get my AMG from him.......in about 11 more months. Durn waiting list!! Lol


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[texas bound]

Texas bound, may I ask what type of match your shooting?

PRS right now.

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[kumathebear]

I honestly don't have experience with either of the two brands listed other than ONE of their shooting scopes and I did not like it at all. Took it to the range once then sold it on TBH. I have since bought, on TBH, a Leopold that is VERY good. One thing I can attest to, the common "cheap" ones you can find on line and in the "box stores" are not worth the $$ from my experience. What's most important to me is clarity and the minimal effort/eye relief to view targets. The Leopold did both, IMO

[Radar]

As far as a spotting scope stand for prone goes, Giraud, Freeland and Ray-Vin are common and make good stands. Smiths Spotter Stand weighs 20 pounds or so and does not get kicked over as easily, its a good one but cost 200.00. Tripods for standing are usually Manfrotto, but if you can locate a old Majestic brand buy it. The problem with most standing tripods is the wind can blow them over or they are unstable. So they need to be heavy.
I got along better with an angled eye piece scope than a straight when shooting prone in a match. I would get the Razor HD before I got a Viper though. Before I bought the Vortex, I would still check out Kowa, that TSN-880 is king on a shooting range. http://sportingoptics.kowa-usa.com/scopes/ Your gonna need some decent glass once you get past 200 meters especially during heavy mirage.
Best thing to do is go to a match and ask to look thru some different models and makes then decide.