The Barska 20-60×60 Blackhawk spotting scope is a very good option at the $120 price point.

I’ve noticed one, relatively minor, structural problem with mine. I apparently over-tightened the eyepiece cap at some point, and the threads came out completely.

There is a double-threaded ring inside the cap, and it’s not securely fixed inside the rim. The cap still functions, more or less, and I don’t plan to worry much about it since the damage is aesthetic.

Apart from the issue with the cap, the construction of the scope is solid. It comes with a tripod which is sturdy and stable, but leaves a wide footprint that will crowd your rifle if you aren’t using a good sized bench.

Two cases are included. The hard case is very good, and I have used it exclusively. The soft case is decent as well, and has a velcroed divider inside to keep the tripod from damaging the scope.

Optically, the scope is more than adequate for target shooting at a normal rifle range (100-200 yards). If you are into long range shooting, and actually have a place to do it, you may want to look for something with more clarity at high magnification.

I was very surprised by the quality and also the prices for other scopes in dicks and Walmart either being to over priced or poor quality.

The hard case is very nice great for bringing out in the field, I haven’t even took the soft case out of the plastic.

The only reason I didn’t give this product a 5 stars was the tripod is basically useless. It’s at a uncomfortable height when on a table and its not adjustable. Other then that I’m very happy with it.

I read all the reviews on this scope. I wanted to buy a 80×140 because of the bigger picture and higher power for longer distance but didn’t because I believe the reviews that I read and this scope had the best review. Statements by others like, you can see 22lr bullet holes at 40 power at 100 yards is true and I found that I didn’t need 60 power but at 55 power the view was a little smaller and a little darker but not enough to make a difference than 40 power, picture gets smaller at 60 power and view darkens a lot is true,I was in the shade and the target was too but it was still very viewable 60 and a little harder to find the target which makes sense.

The tripod is junk, no, it is light weight but is a solid construction however I don’t like that the bolt holding the scope to the tripod is reverse thread. It is not a gas tank or the front wheel on a car so it should be righty tighty, lefty loosy not the opposite.

The case is junk, I looked at three cases and yes two of them the latches in the lock position weren’t really tight but the fit is good, mine are tight but if they were slightly loose I would use the key lock that is provided solving the problem of unlatching during transport.

I haven’t tested the shock or water proof and don’t intend to but one person wrote that they dropped it three times and it is still working and I believe them. He said he wasn’t going to put his in the bathtub to check water resistance either so on that note we really don’t know.

One person wrote if you want a better deal, spend more money and buy a better scope with a separate case and tripod. My answer is what the bull leaves behind. A few have stated that the lens cover in front does not fit tight enough as is the case with all three of the units I looked at. Put a couple of wraps of black tape around the edge of the cover and then trim the excess and you will solve that problem as I did.

Experince: I have used only Bushnell 20×40 at the range for 100 yards. On full power the view is smaller than at 50 power on the Barska and I couldn’t really see 22lr holes in the paper and would still have to go down and look at the target. With this you can see the 22lr holes in the white, the orange and on the wooden board if you miss the target with exceptional clarity and a sharp image at 100 yards.

My wife uses glasses and other than having to adjust the focus she had no problem. Another thing, the adjustment on the focus is really fine meaning it doesn’t change drastically fast when the adjuster is turned which is great for fine tuning to anyones vision.

Bang for your buck: A few have written that this is an excellent deal for the money and I agree.

Fixes: the big lense cover
Changes: The thread direction on the scope and tripod even though you can use it on a camera tripod the way it is built.

One more note that others left out. I viewed a target at 25 yards in the direction of the sun and had no problems. When I moved the scope away from the target to get more sunlight into the view so it was so bright that I couldn’t see. I slid the sun shade or what ever you call it out and the picture was clear, crisp and the sun was not an issue.

I would recommend this to anyone especially someone buying one for the first time. I am a once and done guy. Buy what you want that will do everything you want it to do the first and only time and not settle for less rather than spending money again on another one that is better later on.

I used this at measured distances up to 500 yards. Can see target clearly up to 500 yards. Next week I will post how many yards I could see bullet holes beyond 100 yards and what caliber they were.

Could easily be seen at 100 yards. 200 yards was a little harder but could be seen and could not see them at 300 yards. The sun was at our back so that might have made a difference. There is no way even on a good day that you could see 400 or 500 yards but can you expect for a high quality low budget unit. I am still happy and not sorry I purchased this unit.

I purchased this spotting scope back in 2008 and have had a good amount of time behind the lens. I purchased this spotting scope based on my budget at the time and the reviews that I read on Amazon.com. After two years of use, I can finally add some constructive feedback about this product.

Pros:
Comes with a nice carrying case

Included tripod is a very handy accessory

Build quality is very nice at this price point

Clarity of the glass is decent at 100 yards

Large magnification with a very nice fine tune control knob

Cons:
There is no height adjustment to the tripod – but that isn’t to be expected at this price point

Front lens cap does not stay on and falls off easily during transport

Eye-relief – this is my biggest problem with the spotting scope.

You REALLY have to get in very close to get a good image. This issue is greatly enhanced when you’re using the higher magifications. Additionally, I would not recommend going with the highest setting of the magnification – your going to have issues with straining your eyes.

Overall, would I purchase this item again based on my experience and my needs/situation? I would have to say no and here is why. I originally purhcased this item because I was on a limited budget, I didn’t think that I needed something beyond 100 yards, and I didn’t know too much about spotting scopes and the differences compared to higher-end ones.

Knowing what I know now and using higher quality spotting scopes, I should have just bit the bullet and went with a better spotting scope. That being said, if you’re not able to put down the coin for a better quality spotting scope, than this one should serve its purpose – esp at this price point. I think it just comes down to your needs and budget.