[SouthernPeach3]

I would go with the Littmann. I have 2 of them and I cannot imagine not using the. I have the Littmann classic and the Littmann Lightweight.
Spend the extra $$ and get the Littmann, I have seen them in uniform scrub books for like $39-40.. it worth the money.,
http://www.jascouniform.com/ecom/sho...tGroup_ID=2067
http://www.allheart.com/littmannlwt.html

[TangoLima]

Some people in my class have used the Sprague throughout NS without any problems. If you don't have the money to spend, you will probably be OK with it. You will learn to tune into the different sounds and differentiate them outside noise.

I have a Littmann. It is the Cardiology II (I think) with the "soft touch" head. I can't remember exactly what it's called. It is a great stethoscope, but as another poster said, it is very heavy. I have been considering getting a different scope just because of this reason, but I don't want to fork out more $$$ right now.

Good luck on your decision.