#SpottingScope

While I was at Keith Biddle’s machine shop having a barrel re-threaded, I asked if he remembered the price of his Uncle’s scopes. He said he had a price list lying around.

There was a time not so long ago that long-range shooters had to have a second set of really expensive glass and typically a friend to call shots are long-range. It turned long-range shooting into a group activity, allowing friends to share experiences, and other sappy things. But, that often communal activity required said friend and in today’s fast-paced world getting schedules to line up is a problem.

Apparently I am not the only creature in my house with the capability of failure testing gear. I had just purchased a new tripod for mounting my super “elite” Konus Spotting Scope. Okay, so maybe not elite, but we did successfully use it to spot impacts at 1200 yards at the Precision Long Range class I recently took. The problem I had was that the “elite” tripod that came with it was as sturdy as wet tissue. Anyhow, I bought a ZOMEI (not exactly a Manfrotto, I know), and set my scope up on it, and was peeping out from my living room window (I know, not creepy at all right?). I left it alone for about thirty-two and a half seconds and one of our annoying cats, decided to use it as a perch. And knocked the whole thing over. Which left me with a decent tripod and a large green maraca (also known as a spotting scope with busted internals that makes a great rattling sound).

Leupold has recently redesigned their Gold Ring spotting scope in the 12-40x60mm HD and the 20-80x60mm models.

I really like innovation.  I especially like innovation that does not have a requirement to completely re-buy equipment.

Continuing with the TFB coverage of Meopta products. In my opinion, Meopta produces some of the finest spotting scopes on the market with a great price-to-performance ratio. The Meopta products are premium Euro optics without the usual German-Austrian sticker shock. With the recently released American-made Meopta MeoPro 80 HD spotting scope, what Meopta is offering is essentially the performance of a $3,000+ top-end full-size spotting scope for half the money.

Ok maybe you could call it a kilt. Accurate Shooter posted a kilt that fits on your spotting scope tripod. The kilt has pockets and provides quick access to items while keeping them stored without extra bulk.

I used to be a “cheap” shooter, notorious for buying items at the low end of the market. I lept at opportunities for less expensive accessories. Low-end knock-off sights, grips and lasers furnished my rifles. Fortunately for me, I have been cured of the desire for cheap items, but still retain my miserliness at paying for the good stuff.

Bushnell introduced a new spotting scope in the company’s tactical line up.  The new LMSS (lightweight, modular spotting scope) is an 8-40x 60 that is less than 13″ long and weights 37 ounces.