Recommendation for spotting scope with phone adapter or camera/video recorder to see hits on 400 yard steel targets?

MaineLRH

Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2024
Messages
6
Location
Maine
I'm new to shooting past 100 yards. And its probably not "long range" to some of you, but my gun club just put in a 400 yard range with hanging steel targets. My problem is that most of the time I'll be shooting alone and the steel they used is so heavy that I can hardly see movement or year a ring when I hit (.308 with 178gr ELD-X), so I'm dependent on a spotter. I was thinking that if I got a camera or video recorder with enough zoom I could set it up on the target and then review after I shoot to see how I did. Any suggestions? I know there are some systems where you put the camera down range and use WIFI to view it at the shooting position, but our range rules prevent us from going onto the range for any reason. Kind of stinks, we can't even go down and put fresh spray paint on the targets. So I'm kind of stuck wondering what the most cost-effective way would be to get it done. Maybe an inexpensive spotting scope with tripod and an adapter to record with the iPhone? Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Hornady and Caldwell make LED lights that attach temporarily (at least the Hornady are) to the plates and will light up when hit. I like the Hornady better since they are easily removable, I added magnets to my Caldwell ones.
 
Hornady and Caldwell make LED lights that attach temporarily (at least the Hornady are) to the plates and will light up when hit. I like the Hornady better since they are easily removable, I added magnets to my Caldwell ones.
I heard about them, but unfortunately, its immediate loss of membership is we go out onto the range so they're a no-go for me.
 
Sorry, tried to forward a device sold on Amazon and it made me look like an 'associate', which am not. My brother and I were looking at this for the same purpose as you.
 
If you cannot go on the range to spray paint the steel or set up a device, having a spotter with a high quality spotting scope spot hits, or a spotter/ phone adaptor recording hits are the only options I can think of. You should definitely hear the hits on steel and see it swaying, so you should at least know you hit it. Sometimes, if it has been a while since it was shot, the new hit marks will be visible as well.
 
Why not use a spotting scope coupled with a phone scope. You can video your shot and review the footage.
Thats what I'm asking ;)

Do you have a recommendation for an inexpensive but good value spotting scope and adapter?

Actually, I just thought of something, I have a Bushnell elite 4200 6-24x40 scope that I'm not using, I can use that for a spotting scope. So I guess I just need an adapter to hold the iPhone and an adapter top mount the scope onto a tripod.
 
Thats what I'm asking ;)

Do you have a recommendation for an inexpensive but good value spotting scope and adapter?

Actually, I just thought of something, I have a Bushnell elite 4200 6-24x40 scope that I'm not using, I can use that for a spotting scope. So I guess I just need an adapter to hold the iPhone and an adapter top mount the scope onto a tripod.
Spotting scopes are an investment and a subjectpeople are passionate about. Others are far better vered in the subject to make a suggestion. I can't rationalize a Swarovski, so I have a Vortex razor hd.

Phone Skope cost around $100.00.

You might be able to Jerry right something, but it will leave you wanting something better very quickly.

Depending on what your shooting, proper recoil management may allow you to spot your own hits.
 
Top