I got invited to a long range shoot (dont want to call it a snipers shoot although a lot of the shooters there are current and former military snipers). Distances will be up to 2400 yards. Now I dont have a rifle capable of that distance, but it IS capable of 1k or maybe 1200. Its a remington sendero in 270 Win. Anyway, I need a spotting scope that's gonna let me see hits on steel at upwards of 1k yards. The scope will also double as a hunting tool when I go out west looking for elk and mule deer. I'm looking at a leupold 15-45x60 at 30.5 oz or a 20-60x80 at 37oz. The lighter scope will be a benefit when hunting, but is it gonna be usefull for the 1k yard shoot? Any suggestions on a different brand or model?

For the sake of 7 ozs mate, I would go for the higher magnification of the two.

I can't imagine shooting a rifle 2400 yds...that is a loooooong way. I can't help but think that the .270 trajectory will resemble that of the 81mm mortar round.

Cheers, Vince

When I'm allowed to compare that Leupold 20-60x80 with the Swarovski 20-60x80 then I should say to go for it. I think I'm using that Swarovski more for hunting than on the range. And altough it has an angled oculair, with a little practise you can find your game real soon (but of course not as easy as with binoculars).
In my opinion there's only a small difference between 15x and 20x, but the difference between 45x an 60x is substantial.

And I also can recommend you to have a look at the Swarovski. Don't know the price of such a Leupold but I'm sure there is a big difference in quality. Look at high multiplication when it's getting darker...

Wish I could afford a swarovski.

Vince, apparently at the last shoot, barrett had a rep there letting guys shoot the 50BMG sniper rigs. Thats what reaches out there at 2400 yards.

A 60 power spotter is unlikely to resolve hits at 1000yds, especially once the mirage kicks in.

Scopes tested at 500yds here:

6mmBR Scope test