I own a Kowa TSN 82SV with a 20-60 Zoom eye piece. I happen to be reading about the old M49 Spotting scope. I would like to know the pros and cons between both. I can buy the M49 for much less and can sell my Kowa and get other items I need for my AR15. I will be using it mainly on the Rifle range max 600 yds. Thank you
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HELP With Spotting Scopes
- Thread starter rollsman4
- Start date
It is hard for me to answer your specific question, but frankly optics arre all about age of manufacture. A $500 spotter today is probably the optical equivalent of a 10 year old $1000 spotter. The coatings get relatively better every 3 - 5 years. The lens making improvements seem to get better over more like 10 - 20 years.
If your Kowa is doing what you need, I would keep it. I think you would be disappointed in an M49.
If your Kowa is doing what you need, I would keep it. I think you would be disappointed in an M49.
I'll add to this thread saying that old M49 scope was "the" spotting scope for forward observers back in the 1940's; thousands were made for the US Army and Marine Corps. Several military rifle team members were issued them because they worked good enough to see subtle changes in heat waves as the cross wind speeds changed. But they were quickly found in the early 1960's to be inadequate to resolve 22 caliber bullet holes in the black bullseye on 600 yard targets; even in pristine conditions.
This is where your Kowa will shine. If you want the best clarity or image sharpness as seen through it, get a fixed power eyepiece; they're better than variables. I use a 25X eyepiece on my old Kowa TSN-1 and can see flies crawling on black bullseyes 1000 yards away when the atmosphere's clear and not distorted.
This is where your Kowa will shine. If you want the best clarity or image sharpness as seen through it, get a fixed power eyepiece; they're better than variables. I use a 25X eyepiece on my old Kowa TSN-1 and can see flies crawling on black bullseyes 1000 yards away when the atmosphere's clear and not distorted.
Last edited:
nemesiss45
New member
Well, I don't know about the m49, but I have a m1910a1 spotting telescope I use, and while I can clearly see .30 holes at 200 yards, I can't imagine I'd have much luck with .22 at 600 yards.