What do you bring to the range to see your handgun groups when you don’t want to wait for the next cold range?

Monocular? Binoculars? Brands? What power?

Anything small and inexpensive that will do the job at 15-25 yards? 20-60 spotters are a bit overkill. I don’t need to see gnats at 50’. Just enough to see 9mm holes at that distance. Please don’t suggest splatter targets.

My kid is on vacation with my binoculars so I had to wait for breaks today.

I use a cheap 10x25 Barska monocular. It's not particularly crisp, but it's good enough to see the holes. The model pictured is discontinued, but they probably have a newer model, perhaps even with better optics.

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
Please don’t suggest splatter targets.

Preach it, Brother! Those things are fine if all someone wants is to confirm they hit someplace in a 10 inch circle at 200 yards, but for any precision determination they are worse than worthless and when someone uses them to demonstrate that, I want to yell at them.

Sorry, but that’s one of my pet peeves.

As to your question, all my optics are much more than you require or want. I would think that almost anything with magnification would work. For me, though, I do insist on a tripod-mounted optic for that sort of purpose, with no need for two in one instrument (binoculars). A fixed-in-position optic is so much easier to use and almost essential if doing something like trying to determine which of the previous holes were elongated by the last shot.

And although I really try to avoid actual recommendations, if you think there is any possibility that you might ever want to use the optic in connection with longer range rifle shooting, a decent spotting scope is also something to consider. I bought my first, an original Bushnell “Spacemaster” in the 1970s and I use it to this day even though I also have a Mark 4 Leupold and a Swarovski. (I can almost see 12 hours into the future with the S. )

I just push the switch and the target returns to me

quote:

Originally posted by jer830:
I just push the switch and the target returns to me

My bad, it’s an outdoor range.

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
it’s an outdoor range

Characterization omitted, but almost anyone could have figured that out for himself without its not being stated. Good Grief!

Sorry. When I shoot outdoors I just bring my Vortex Diamond Back binoculars.

I have prescription lenses for my eye protection that corrects my vision to 20/7. BTW that is due to luck with the optics in the machine lining up to perfectly correct my vision. Per specification they machine can only correct to 20/20 because of the way the lenses are staged.

I can tell you that 20/20 ain't that bad and targets at 25 yards make it easy to see the hits. For 50 yards you just have to get lucky or carry a pair of "opera" glasses. Something I used to do and they were pretty low dollar opera glasses that worked well.

Hint here is to get your eyes checked. BTW my shooting glasses are RE Ranger which feature replaceable lenses. Cost for the prescription lenses 2 years ago was 172.00 per pair and there is a wide range of colors and densities for competition Trap, Sporting Clays, or Skeet.

At that distance, I'm thinking a decent pair of Nikon binoculars would be plenty. They'd be easier/quicker than a spotting scope, too.

I have a Vortex monocular for distances that are closer than bino and spotting scope range.

https://vortexoptics.com/optics/monoculars.html

I’m waiting on my new pair of prescription glasses. I’ll most likely have them by the time I get back to the range. If that’s not good enough, I think a monocular would be ideal.

You are working your eyes hard when aiming and shooting straining to see shots impacts at distance is counterproductive at the very least use binoculars or a spotting scope. I hate seeing people at the range shoot a shot lower the gun to look down range then repeat. Shoot a group then spot it with magnification

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
I have a Vortex monocular

Yep...me too. Vortex 8x36.

Edited to clarify that I shoot at 7,10,15, and 25+ yds. I only use magnification to see at 25+.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pace40,

I’m usually close enough to the target to see with the naked eye. Maybe I need to increase the distance??

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sourdough44,

Does your range allow steel targets? That’s what I usually use, if I’m too lazy to bring it out then I use a monocular like others in here, but I also use idpa cardboard targets and will stick a small shoot-n-see type target in the center and I can see my hits at 15 yards just fine without help.

Phone camera is usualy enough.

Phone camera. That’s clever
And yes, my range does allow steel targets. They’re great for fun when your pistol is dialed in. I still want a little help at the cardboard targets though.

Vortex has a great reputation and is a solid choice, but to keep this cheap I thought about trying the Carson MiniMight 6x18. Hard to go wrong when it’s returnable and less than $20. I can always get the Vortex. If I do go with Vortex, is the 8x25 a waste of time at $70 when the 8x36 is $110?

I use a rangefinder designed for golf that I bought at a pawn shop for ~$20. It looks & works the same as a rifle rangefinder. You might also try FB Marketplace, CL, Offerup, etc.

You can get generic ones new for under $40, such as this one:
https://www.amazon.com/REVASRI...nk1000/dp/B09GLP62SS

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
I have a Vortex monocular for distances that are closer than bino and spotting scope range.

Those look pretty cool.

I sometimes bring a pair of binoculars I've had for a long time. Also, my range will allow the use of a spotting scope so I don't have to bring my own. I usually use the spotting scope when shooting rifle rather than pistol.

Vortex 10x monocular here as well.

36 if your range is rather dimly lit or your getting old eyes. I’ve never been disappointed with the better option when it comes to optics, it’s a box of ammo difference.