Target shooting either recreational or competitive is a pretty difficult task without a sighting tool that will magnify the targets and help you adjust when the need arises. A spotting scope is an invaluable item to have for this kind of outdoor activity and in this post, we will show you how to choose a spotting scope for target shooting.
Target shooting is a thrilling way to spend time outdoors. If you are a target shooting enthusiast, it becomes even more thrilling when you can acquire targets accurately at a distance. To do that, you need a powerful sighting tool like a spotting scope. Spotting scopes provide better views of far-away targets and make a handy companion for every target shooting excursion.
How to Choose a Spotting Scope for Target Shooting
Plenty of features go into picking a spotting scope for target shooting. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or just a beginner, it is vital to find a scope that blends well with your shooting habits and specific needs. This way, you will be able to better your scores and make every expedition worthwhile.
While spotting scopes gives shooters an edge in the shooting range, the process of knowing which product to pick is not always a walk in the park. This is because of the plethora of models that are present on the market today.
To give your target shooting that lost edge and make you more competitive in the shooting range, here is more information on how to choose a spotting scope for target shooting.
Glass
Glass quality is the first thing to consider when you start looking for a spotting scope for target shooting. Like any other sighting tool, the quality of glass that a spotting scope is built with plays the main role in determining how it performs optically.
Today’s best spotting scopes for target shooting are made with premium quality glass elements like extra-low dispersion, high-definition, or fluorite right.
Extra-low dispersion glass is the best of the tree. It is found in premium spotting scopes where it yields sharp, clear and ultra-bright images without any distortion.
Magnification Power
Spotting scopes are preferred for target shooting because of the higher magnification power. The amount of magnification power you require will largely depend on how far you will be shooting.
Generally, a spotting scope with around 15-40x magnification power and 50mm lens diameter will be ideal for close and mid-range applications up to 300 yards.
Over 300 yards, you will be better off with a scope that has 20-60x magnification and a lens diameter of 60mm or 80mm.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
Build Quality
The next thing to consider when choosing a spotting scope for target shooting is build quality. You will want to spend your hard-earned money on an optic that is built with durability and longevity in mind.
Take a keen look at the nature of construction and the type of material used. We recommend that you opt for a unit that is made with either magnesium alloy or aircraft-quality aluminum. Such spotting scopes are generally more robust and highly resistant to wear and tear.
Furthermore, the best spotting scopes for target shooting have rubber armoring to provide an extra shield from shock and elements.
Eyepiece Design
The next feature to consider when trying to figure out how to choose a spotting scope for target shooting is eyepiece design. Generally, spotting scopes have two eyepiece designs: angled and straight.
In an angled spotting scope, the objective lens is usually at an angle with the eyepiece. This angle is in most cases 45°. On the other hand, a straight spotting scope has the eyepiece in line with the objective lens.
For target shooting, we recommend an angled spotting scope. Such scopes are much more comfortable to use. Besides, they are the best for group sharing when you are competing with your friends or family members.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes with Reticle
Picture Quality
Two things affect the quality of pictures a spotting scope produces. They are lens coatings and objective lenses.
The objective lens plays a very big role in collecting light inside the tube. A large objective lens, therefore, means more light-gathering ability compared to a smaller counterpart.
When shooting in low-light environments, a spotting scope with a large objective lens between 50 and 80mm will help you see targets clearly with minimal strain from your end.
After the objective lens has drawn light inside the scope, lens coatings play a vital role in limiting internal reflection which causes light loss. It is therefore important to get a spotting scope that boasts quality anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Eye Relief
The next thing to consider is eye relief. If you are buying a spotting scope for the first time, eye relief is a measure of how far your eye has to be from the scope’s eyepiece during use.
The best spotting scopes for target shooting offer ample eye relief of 15mm and above to ensure comfortable glassing with or without spectacles. Sufficient eye relief is also important during long glassing sessions as it alleviates strain and fatigue.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for Long Range Shooting
Weatherproof Construction
Lastly, consider weatherproof construction. In most cases, target shooting takes place outdoors. This predisposes the spotting scopes to elements that can easily damage it internally if they penetrate through.
We recommend that you get a spotting scope that is sealed using advanced sealing methods to prevent dust, moisture and any other debris from entering.
On top of that, the optical tube should be filled with dry argon or nitrogen gas to drive out internal moisture and prevent fog from forming on the interior and exterior sides of the optics.
Conclusion
Having a quality spotting scope for target shooting is the stepping stone to turning every excursion into a success. Different spotting scopes have different specs and features for you to choose from.
The pricing also varies from one model to the other to meet the budget needs of every user out there. Whichever unit you decide to settle with, ensure that you go for the best money that can get you.