Barska spotting scope - don't

6

603Country

New member
Some time back, somebody was bashing Barska spotting scopes. I have one and I was tempted to defend it. Glad now that I didn't. I've been shooting this morning (220 and 223) at 100 yards and there were (I'm pleased to say) some very small groups. I got the Baska and set it up and just couldn't get a good clear look at the groups. Finally had to walk to the target and look.

I bought it because it was cheap. And I got my money's worth of cheap. And now I'm bashing it.

I wonder what the lowest cost acceptable spotting scope is. I'm open to opinions.
 
A

amd6547

New member
I bought a BSA spotting scope cheap from CDNN a couple years ago.
Pros: I can see 5.45 holes at 100 yards, optics are clear.
Came as a complete kit with screw on caps, tripod and car window mount.

Negatives: came in a plastic case which is twice as big as it needs to be. Scope had a rubber coating on it...a year after I bought it, the rubber coating turned into sticky black tar. I wrapped it with camo bow tape.
I think it was $35, I feel I got more than my monies worth.
 
B

buffalo

New member
I have had one for 3 years now and think it was a great deal for the money,if your looking for a high quality scope then I wouldn't recommend Barska but if you want one that is not very expensive but will get the job done then I would recommend them.
 
R

rebs

New member
I bought a Simmons from wally world for $60.00 and it works great for 100 yds, at 200 yds it will not focus sharp enough to see the 223 holes. Its 20 to 60 power and 50 mm objective lense. For the 200 and 300 yd range I use shoot n c targets, it will allow me to make out the holes.
 
A

AllenJ

New member
I bought a cheap Bushnell 3 years ago and to my surprise it is still going strong. If it every does fail me though I'm planning on upgrading to a Leupold. They have a few that fall into a price range I can agree with.
 
N

NoSecondBest

New member
I just got a Redfield Rampage on Friday. It's probably going back on Monday. I can't see bullet holes at 100yds and I'm shooting a 45-70. The holes in the black just can't be seen. I have to walk up to the target to see the holes. I'm getting a Leupold. Pay the money up front and it'll last a lifetime. A lot more money, and a lot more scope.
 
S

savagest

New member
it is a cheap scope for sure. I am sure you can get some bad ones. I use it to look at stars and the moon and it is amazing. I even leave it out in the rain sometimes and it does fine. It is probably a hit and miss product
 
S

Sierra280

Moderator
I agree, barska cheap sppoting scopes are worthless. Went out plinking with a friend a couple years ago, we were shooting a .50 at various metal targets at 300yds, seeing what we could blow holes in (Subaru flywheels, etc). Barska scope was not clear enough to see the holes! Actually looked blurry, like squinting after being in an over chlorinated swimming pool, after about 75yds.
 
R

rebs

New member
I tried the redfield rampage and took it back because the eye relief was very bad, especially since I wear glasses.
 
S

sc928porsche

New member
I have an old Zeiss 20-60x80 spotting scope that has worked very well for close to 40 years. I paid quite a bit for it then and I imagine that they arn't cheap now. However the optics are crystal clear to this day. It has made countless trips to the firing ranges, and many trips hunting. I have a feeling its going to outlast me. Of course you may not want to lay out that kind of $ for a spotting scope, but something mid line will probably suit your purpose.
 
R

ripnbst

New member
Be prepared to pay over $500(really prob over $600) for a decent spotting scope. It sucks but it is what it is. I have been wanting one for a while but still haven't bought one because there are other things I decide I want to spend money on more than a spotting scope.
 
F

Fargazer

New member
As you go up in price, there are several factors involved:
  • Distance - The farther you need to see, the higher the price. 200 yards seems to be the break point; past that prices start seriously jumping up.
  • Ruggedness - how banged about is the scope going to be? Is it going in the field, or just out on the range?
  • Eye Relief - unlike a birdwatcher, you've always wearing eye protection out there.
One important point - get a solid tripod! All the heavenly glass in the world isn't worth whale poop if it's on a wobbly mount.

I wanted more scope than I could justify just for shooting; however, my wife loves to paint and take landscape photographs, and we both have a passing interest in astronomy. I parlayed those multiple uses into a Pentax PF-80ED-A; good glass, tough, easy to find different objectives and camera adapters (it can take most telescope objectives) as well as very good eye relief. For the price, it's probably one of the best bangs for your buck you can get in spotting scopes - especially if you can put it to multiple purposes.
 
W

wogpotter

New member
Every time the ol' perennial "I need a good, cheap scope" topic comes up I suggest this.:D

Look at small (5~6") older non-computer controlled astronomy scopes. They have lots of optical quality at a low price because for astronomers there is more to the item than just the optical quality of the scope! They may be optically superb, & usually are, but its in the computer control era nowadays & they go for a song if they aren't "digitally enabled".

You will need to buy one or two easily obtainable accessories, but you ought to be able to bring in one they'll do everything you need for under $300 Out the door & ready to go.

ao1o.jpg


I don't shoot .223, but a .30 cal @ 300 is clearly visible so It ought to do a .223 @ 200.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top