Advice needed on Spotting Scope for a Newcomer

I am in the market for a spotting scope that I would like to use primarily use for small bore MS shooting and sighting in and grouping shots and ideally I would like to spend no more than US $300. What recommendations do people have of what to buy or what to steer away from?
There is also a small chance that I would be using this for large bore shooting in the future as well as potentially using this for archery (generally shot no longer than 70 meters) as well as a general spotting scope for nature type things. But ideally it would be used for small bore MS and for looking at shooting groups up to 100 metres. for the bulk of the time.

From the research I have done to date it looks like most people seem to recommend a 15-45 magnification and no larger than this and that you should get the largest objective possible. I can’t really find anything larger than 60-70mm in that objective. I guess that I would want it to be as clear as possible and possibly to mount on a camera tripod. Some people also talk about EB glass.

So what can you guys recommend and what to stay clear of?
Thanks in advance.

Craig.

Our shooters at the Benton Gun Club have had very good results with a Celestron Optima 80mm. There are about 5 of these scopes being used and all are Great. http://www.opticsplanet.net/celestron-u ... scope.html

One of the "tricks" of getting a spotting scope to be a great one is to get a good stable smooth tripod. We have found that Bogen Manfrotto heads and tripods are excellant. From my personal experience, I have found the best head to be a 3046 (it is fluid filled and SMOOTH) and tripod leg 3011. Best combination of weight vs stability and smooth operation in my opinion.

eBay is a great place to shop for them. It takes a little patience, but the combination can be bought for under $100.


George

Thanks George,

I will have a look around and see if I can find one in a local gun shop and see what they look like. Otherwise I may just need to take the plunge.

Many Thanks.

Craig.