Based on Smokpole and MattX recommendations on lens size and magnification, I purchased an Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80. Picked this one because Midway had it on sale and based on an on-line reviewer’s opinion it was the best low-budget spotting scope. Today I took it out to the range (overcast conditions): excellent at 100y, very good at 200 yds on paper targets. A buddy was shooting his .308 at 500 yards at steel plates - I was easily able to spot for him at this distance on fresh white paint - but pretty sure it would have been hard to impossible if it was a paper target and had discern any hits in the black. At 500 yards I didn't have it dialed all the way to 60x but a little less so as to better see the dirt fly early on in his sighting-in.

I’d recommend this spotting scope for usual carbine distances if you’re on a budget.

Thanks

This past week I tried fully setting up the Freelander scope stand with the heavy weight on the top of the extensions.  I'm not convinced the top weight added stability.  Maybe on a windy day it would have?

One hiccup on diassasembly was two of the rods stuck together.  A small channel lock and pipe wrench freed them.  I'll add some dry lube.  (They have to be screwed together tight enough so the scope doesn't swivel.)

Practice this week helped with the match on Sunday.

Cloud cover helped.Was a bit frustrated with my prone sustained. One of the experienced guys I respect said its jerking the trigger. That I should slow down and taking a deep breath between shots can help with that.

Off hand wasn't my best but I knew where each shot went.  Calling shots correctly was a majpr accomplishment.  On each of the high shots the front sight was cutting the bullseye. (I'm using 6 o'clocks hold at 100 yards).

I think it depends a little bit on the lighting, your eyes, and patience.

I found a cheap used Bushnell Sportview 20-60x60mm on ebay and it was just adequate.

At the state range, which faces North, shots in the black could be seen most of the time.  Fully zoomed was not sharp, probably due to loss of light entering.   Least magnified the holes weren't large enough to see.  

Conclusion 1: Something with 25 to 40x magnification was needed.   Also a better or larger lens than 60 mm ought to let in more light. 

The straight through viewing meant I had to move out of position between each shot.

Conclusion 2: For me, an angled scope would be better.

I bought a Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 magnification, 65mm lens, angled.

It was more than I wanted to spend but also this was probably the minimum entry point for my needs.  I wanted to be able to call a shot and then check it visually. I did look on ebay for deals for an old Nikon or similar.  But too much $$$ or too far away (Japan!) to buy something and find out it needed repair (such as lens delaminating).

This scope is adequate at 100 and I think it would be OK at 200 yards but no place nearby to check that.  I was hoping it would also be good for birding and other wildlife viewing, but there its not so great.  The reason is that objects like tree branches take on a purplish hue. 

But for the purpose I bought it, it works.  Now at this past match a lot of people were commenting about the difficulty of seeing holes in the black through their scopes.  I too found it difficult and at some point stopped trying because the effort was getting distracting.  However, when done shooting the target, I took my time and could make out the hits in the black. 

After acting like a human Jack in the Box (see post Oct 19)  I bought Freeland's Universal Heavy Duty Tripod Scope Stand 1" Rods, with 'Zoom' mount.   That has worked well. 

Long version:

Because I had to wait for other shooters to finish before heading down range to check - I ended up shooting a few too many rounds before realizing I was sending them high. Any advice on a reasonably-priced spotting scope good for 100-200 yards (I also have a Garand)? Will likely never use one at greater distances. Wish I had taken note of the make and details of the ones at the CA range; with 30+ lanes they couldn’t have been terribly expensive.

Thanks in advance.

Used up the last of the magtech.  Certainly seems to shoot consistantly, although I was really surprised to see shot 9 on target 1 far out of the bullseye.  PPU groups not as good. However I think the groups reflect the operator more than the ammo.  Might just be a bit rusty and was getting tired mentally, having also done an ammo comparison with the revolver.

 Your shooting really seems to be improving. Great job!!

New old replacement stock and a .004 shim in the barrel band.

New, angled spotter scope with and stand.  What a world of difference!   Only one shot I couldn't find - possibily a brain malfunction - or just as it got more overcast the black became more difficult to see contrast.  Three targets prone, two off-hand.  I didn't see any real difference of POI  between PSD and Magtech. Took one click of left windage out based on the first two targets. Ate lunch as the frozen rain hit.  Good time to go home.

Thanks guys.  Definately practicing and trying to work on or isolate various aspects had helped.  Dry firing just about every night for the past few weeks.  When I have a question about position I check the April '44 FM 23-7.   If I could be a bit more consistant, and especially eliminate most of the 'flyers' I'd be super happy. 

The last target was one of those things I realized I just had to do or I'd have doubts about the sight setting.  Now on Sunday I will begin with the exact same setup and use a 6 o'clock hold.  If the sighters go low - because the gun is clean? or cold? I won't be surprised.  Building my confdence in knowing what I'm doing definatley helps going into a match.   All that said, I know I'm not in the running for top positions.  Really just want a respectable score and to improve against my own previous scores.

Thanks. That's prone slow.  We're given 15 minutes total for sighters and record.

About halfway through the shots for record I decided using the hasty sling could help.  I wish I had checked the spotting scope at that point. 

I had a misfeed on the second cartridge in rapid.  Fortunately was able to get it to close without dumping it.  So I lost my cadence and maybe why I rushed and strung them out.

Standing - I just don't know.  My feet and natural point of aim were right on, but I wasn't able to get the muzzle as stable and locked in as last month.  Maybe the heat. maybe the lack of dry fire practice. Not sure. 

Kindof embaressing but i did get a photo of them.

PS. When I looked at the results today, apparently what looks like a 7 was touching the 8 ring, so the slow prone total is 86. 

My score for July's match; 86 prone, 77 rapid, 60 standing = 223.

I beleive I can pull it together and shoot at least in the 80s in all three positions. 

Practice and maybe a notebook with observations about each shot like the military scorebooks.

I wish there was an actual carbine match around here too; but I'm glad they let me play with the big boys. :)