loonie
August 8, 2006, 01:28 AM
which kinda rangefinder has best price-quality ratio?
is rangefinder basic rig for hunting?
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dakotasin
August 8, 2006, 08:21 AM
leica.
loonie
August 8, 2006, 10:00 AM
leica.
more than 1k:what: what about bushnell?:D 300-500
more than 1k:what: what about bushnell?:D 300-500
countertop
August 8, 2006, 10:59 AM
I dont get it.
If a rangefinder is really a basic rig for hunting, then what did people do for 1,000,000 years prior to their development??
If a rangefinder is really a basic rig for hunting, then what did people do for 1,000,000 years prior to their development??
loonie
August 8, 2006, 11:06 AM
I dont get it.
If a rangefinder is really a basic rig for hunting, then what did people do for 1,000,000 years prior to their development??
so rangefinder is just a toy:D
If a rangefinder is really a basic rig for hunting, then what did people do for 1,000,000 years prior to their development??
so rangefinder is just a toy:D
cpileri
August 8, 2006, 11:13 AM
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712&id=0040578712593a&navCount=2&podId=0040578&parentId=cat20760&navAction=push&catalogCode=XG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20760
Busnell Laser riflescope, at cabela's. Now if they could only add in a bullet drop compensator it would be the perfect combo-scope!
C-
Busnell Laser riflescope, at cabela's. Now if they could only add in a bullet drop compensator it would be the perfect combo-scope!
C-
MCgunner
August 8, 2006, 11:25 AM
I got one, but I hunted a lot of years without one. Mine's a Bushnell and range limit is 400 yrds. I have no intention of making shots more'n that. It's handy, but it ain't like I really NEED it most times, especially around here and with a rifle. With a pistol or black powder it can help define your range limit. I get up in the stand, zap a few landmarks and get some idea of exact ranges. Gives me something active to do. :D
Out west they're more useful, where ranges are harder to judge. I'd think they'd be really handy shooting varmints at long range. I did take a coyote at 350 yards once. He gave me a chance to zap him. That's not always the case.
While as a rifleman I like the range finder, I think as a hunter it's in the realm of scents and doe decoys and other such toys, un-necessary, just a gadget. Lots of market for un-necessary gadgets in hunting. If you hunt out west, though, the thing really can be handy. Nothing harder to me than trying to judge distance across a canyon. Beyond 250 yards, I sorta need to be pretty accurate in judging that distance if I'm going to take a shot. If you're stand hunting, even on a sendaro, you can always pace out distances a few days before and hang ribbons to mark ranges. I've done this before on long senderos. So, is that cheating? No more so than using a range finder!:D
Out west they're more useful, where ranges are harder to judge. I'd think they'd be really handy shooting varmints at long range. I did take a coyote at 350 yards once. He gave me a chance to zap him. That's not always the case.
While as a rifleman I like the range finder, I think as a hunter it's in the realm of scents and doe decoys and other such toys, un-necessary, just a gadget. Lots of market for un-necessary gadgets in hunting. If you hunt out west, though, the thing really can be handy. Nothing harder to me than trying to judge distance across a canyon. Beyond 250 yards, I sorta need to be pretty accurate in judging that distance if I'm going to take a shot. If you're stand hunting, even on a sendaro, you can always pace out distances a few days before and hang ribbons to mark ranges. I've done this before on long senderos. So, is that cheating? No more so than using a range finder!:D
MCgunner
August 8, 2006, 11:29 AM
Busnell Laser riflescope, at cabela's. Now if they could only add in a bullet drop compensator it would be the perfect combo-scope!
That's pretty much the purpose of the mil dot reticle, I think. It does say "bullet drop compensator", but I don't know if they're referring to the mil dot reticle or an elevation dial.
Interesting scope. Not real sure I'd put it on the 7 mag. Not sure about it taking the recoil and not busting. I tore up a Simmons on that rifle, won't ever buy a Simmons again! Junk. Might be a little heavy, too, with all that battery and electronics and such and such a large diameter body. Says 25 ounces. Must use those little watch type batteries I'd think, not too heavy.
That's pretty much the purpose of the mil dot reticle, I think. It does say "bullet drop compensator", but I don't know if they're referring to the mil dot reticle or an elevation dial.
Interesting scope. Not real sure I'd put it on the 7 mag. Not sure about it taking the recoil and not busting. I tore up a Simmons on that rifle, won't ever buy a Simmons again! Junk. Might be a little heavy, too, with all that battery and electronics and such and such a large diameter body. Says 25 ounces. Must use those little watch type batteries I'd think, not too heavy.
loonie
August 8, 2006, 03:48 PM
I just bought one...can't help doing because there is a super special for it and only one left....http://www.bushnell.com/products/rangefinder/specs/20-1315.cfm regular pricing 35x.xx,now is 249.xx and also can get a free backpack(retail value 100+);)
dakotasin
August 9, 2006, 12:21 AM
leica's are in the $450 - 700 price range, unless you are looking at geovids, in which case 1k isn't even close to enough.
if you want the best, spend the money on a leica. the bushnells are ok, but you will tire of their antics, especially in hunting situations, and buy a leica anyway. i'm just helping you save money by not buying twice.
if you want the best, spend the money on a leica. the bushnells are ok, but you will tire of their antics, especially in hunting situations, and buy a leica anyway. i'm just helping you save money by not buying twice.
ReadyontheRight
August 9, 2006, 01:39 AM
IMHO, the abilities to:
1)Be very very quiet
2)Pay attention to your environment and
3)Put a round into a 10" circle with upen sights at 100 yards or so...
...are the basic requirements for successful hunting*.
The ability to "dope" your shot is a basic requirement for good MARKSMANSHIP.
If you've practiced, have the doo-dads and you know you can make a long shot...great! Take what you consider to be the ethical shot. If that's 500 yards and you never lose an animal, you have my respect.
But marksmanship should not be tested on living, feeling animals who can easily be gut-shot, suffer for days and die only to feed vermin.
I tend to stick to 50-100 yards for harvesting game here in Minnesota. Out West or wherever...YMMV.
*P.S. Not nessecarilty for the original poster but those folks who are interested in learing about hunting: The essential "rig" you need for hunting is a good rifle and enough ammo to get good at shooting. These can be had for around $100 if you look at the recent availability of Russian rifles (Google "Mosin Nagant") and PRACTICE military ammo.
Be sure to practice with and use soft-point hunting ammo (more expensive) when you're actually shooting at game.
Also -- Before you spend $$ on accessories, take a firearms safety course. $50 spent on safety beats $1000 deductible spent in the Emergency Room or $200K spent on lawyer fees. ***end of sermon***
1)Be very very quiet
2)Pay attention to your environment and
3)Put a round into a 10" circle with upen sights at 100 yards or so...
...are the basic requirements for successful hunting*.
The ability to "dope" your shot is a basic requirement for good MARKSMANSHIP.
If you've practiced, have the doo-dads and you know you can make a long shot...great! Take what you consider to be the ethical shot. If that's 500 yards and you never lose an animal, you have my respect.
But marksmanship should not be tested on living, feeling animals who can easily be gut-shot, suffer for days and die only to feed vermin.
I tend to stick to 50-100 yards for harvesting game here in Minnesota. Out West or wherever...YMMV.
*P.S. Not nessecarilty for the original poster but those folks who are interested in learing about hunting: The essential "rig" you need for hunting is a good rifle and enough ammo to get good at shooting. These can be had for around $100 if you look at the recent availability of Russian rifles (Google "Mosin Nagant") and PRACTICE military ammo.
Be sure to practice with and use soft-point hunting ammo (more expensive) when you're actually shooting at game.
Also -- Before you spend $$ on accessories, take a firearms safety course. $50 spent on safety beats $1000 deductible spent in the Emergency Room or $200K spent on lawyer fees. ***end of sermon***
loonie
August 9, 2006, 02:47 AM
to readyontheright,thanks for your suggestions:)
loonie
August 9, 2006, 02:48 AM
could you elaborate on it ,why bushnell rangefinder is worse?
Anthony T.
August 9, 2006, 02:27 PM
No one has even mentioned the leupold line of Rf's. As good as any and better than most, not as expensive as alot of others. More expensive than some. Very nice RF's for the price. I have the wind river 800 binos. These serve as binoculars and RF's in one package.
ArmedBear
August 9, 2006, 02:31 PM
I'd like to get one to practice estimating distances in the field.
I find myself woefully incompetent in that area.
Whether I'd use it while hunting, I'm not sure.
I find myself woefully incompetent in that area.
Whether I'd use it while hunting, I'm not sure.
DavidAk311
August 9, 2006, 02:45 PM
The Leica 1200 RF is the best I've used, though I haven't tried the Leups with built-in inclinometer. You don't need the scan function, IMO, so look for the non-scan version of the 1200 and you'll be set.
You'll be amazed at how good you USED to think you were, at judging distance by eye.
Many will say you don't need to range out to 1200yds for hunting purposes, and they're right....but I'm a believer in practicing way out there. It makes other distances that once seemed long, now seem middle-of-the-road.
Chrono your hunting load, run it through a trajectory program such as this:
http://www.eskimo.com/~jbm/ballistics/traj_basic/traj_basic.html
and you'll know exactly where you're hitting out there.....
You'll be amazed at how good you USED to think you were, at judging distance by eye.
Many will say you don't need to range out to 1200yds for hunting purposes, and they're right....but I'm a believer in practicing way out there. It makes other distances that once seemed long, now seem middle-of-the-road.
Chrono your hunting load, run it through a trajectory program such as this:
http://www.eskimo.com/~jbm/ballistics/traj_basic/traj_basic.html
and you'll know exactly where you're hitting out there.....
Mannlicher
August 9, 2006, 09:56 PM
some folks swear by them. I don't see any real need where I hunt. The longest shot I have taken with a lever gun on deer or hogs was 75 yards or so.
pat86323
August 10, 2006, 06:19 PM
if you know your rifle and can even sorta reliably judge distance you should have no problem. I live where 300+ shots might be the best you get and no one i hunt with uses a rangefinder, and i think were all at least moderately successful.
KINGMAX
August 10, 2006, 06:37 PM
Just another Boys - toys to get your $$$$$$$$$$$. IMHO :rolleyes:
pete f
August 10, 2006, 06:41 PM
Most modern scopes have built in range finders in the duplex cross hairs. learn to use them. most of the manufacturers have lists that show how to use the cross hairs in their scope.
'Card
August 10, 2006, 07:17 PM
I'm starting to think we should require poster's to put something about WHERE they hunt in the subject line - like they do in the Buying/Selling forums.
Do you need a rangefinder? Depends on where you're at. I can't think of any typical hunting territory east of the Mississippi where you'd need one. I don't use one, but 95% of my kills take place within 100 yards, and time I'd spend farting around with a rangefinder is time better spent flinging lead downrange.
Do you need a rangefinder? Depends on where you're at. I can't think of any typical hunting territory east of the Mississippi where you'd need one. I don't use one, but 95% of my kills take place within 100 yards, and time I'd spend farting around with a rangefinder is time better spent flinging lead downrange.
MCgunner
August 10, 2006, 08:47 PM
I'd like to get one to practice estimating distances in the field.
I find myself woefully incompetent in that area.
That reminded me of a story. I guess I'll jack this thread long enough to tell it. I worked part time on a bird banding crew when in college, was a wildlife and fisheries science major. The leader of this crew, a grad student, was a real a##. We didn't get along too well, The leadership of the crew was a bunch of what today we call "tree huggers" and I used to irritate this idiot with little hunting anecdotes because I knew it got to him.
We'd been discussing range estimation and I had said that I'd gotten pretty good at it while HUNTING as I was growing up (irritated look on his face made me chuckle to myself). He was telling me no human could accurately estimate long ranges. So, we're walkin' back in to the truck down this long open area and I see him back up to a fence and start pacing in rather regular steps, so I knew what he was doing and started counting my steps and stepping regular. I counted out 350 yards when we were getting to a tree line where the truck was. He turns and says, "Okay mister big bad hunter, how far is it to that fence?" I looked at it with a contemplating look and says, "Awe, right at 350 yards, I reckon." The guy had a shocked look on his face. BWAAAAA, ha, ha! I loved it! That dude was going to get me kicked off the bird banding team, but I had to quit a semester and go to work anyway and make some real money before goin' back to school, so I went and talked to the professor in charge and quit before he could do it.:rolleyes: Stoled his thunder again. :D
I find myself woefully incompetent in that area.
That reminded me of a story. I guess I'll jack this thread long enough to tell it. I worked part time on a bird banding crew when in college, was a wildlife and fisheries science major. The leader of this crew, a grad student, was a real a##. We didn't get along too well, The leadership of the crew was a bunch of what today we call "tree huggers" and I used to irritate this idiot with little hunting anecdotes because I knew it got to him.
We'd been discussing range estimation and I had said that I'd gotten pretty good at it while HUNTING as I was growing up (irritated look on his face made me chuckle to myself). He was telling me no human could accurately estimate long ranges. So, we're walkin' back in to the truck down this long open area and I see him back up to a fence and start pacing in rather regular steps, so I knew what he was doing and started counting my steps and stepping regular. I counted out 350 yards when we were getting to a tree line where the truck was. He turns and says, "Okay mister big bad hunter, how far is it to that fence?" I looked at it with a contemplating look and says, "Awe, right at 350 yards, I reckon." The guy had a shocked look on his face. BWAAAAA, ha, ha! I loved it! That dude was going to get me kicked off the bird banding team, but I had to quit a semester and go to work anyway and make some real money before goin' back to school, so I went and talked to the professor in charge and quit before he could do it.:rolleyes: Stoled his thunder again. :D
Greybeard
August 11, 2006, 12:55 AM
Quote: "Nothing harder to me than trying to judge distance across a canyon. Beyond 250 yards, I sorta need to be pretty accurate in judging that distance if I'm going to take a shot."
And in places like Colorado, it's EASY for us flatlanders to be off by a loooong distance. At least initially.
+1 on the Leica's. I borrowed a $600 one for Colorado elk hunt last year. Then bought a $200 Bushnell when on sale at Bass Pro and I had some $ to burn. And once in the field with it, realized "ya get whut ya pay for" ... A POS compared to the Leica ...
And in places like Colorado, it's EASY for us flatlanders to be off by a loooong distance. At least initially.
+1 on the Leica's. I borrowed a $600 one for Colorado elk hunt last year. Then bought a $200 Bushnell when on sale at Bass Pro and I had some $ to burn. And once in the field with it, realized "ya get whut ya pay for" ... A POS compared to the Leica ...
MCgunner
August 11, 2006, 10:59 AM
Most modern scopes have built in range finders in the duplex cross hairs. learn to use them. most of the manufacturers have lists that show how to use the cross hairs in their scope.
Any scope reticle range finder I've ever tried, and I have a bushnell with the "range finding reticle" in it, is not accurate enough for me to rely on to take a shot out at 350 yards. I won't shoot beyond 300 yards with my flattest shooting rifle unless I KNOW the exact range and at 400 I draw the line even on coyotes. Reticle range finders are doing good to get you within 50 yards of the true range, not good enough. For a guy shooting prairie dogs at 600 yards, that ain't even CLOSE to good enough. Of course, those range finding reticles are only good on deer, elk, and perhaps pronghorn.
Any scope reticle range finder I've ever tried, and I have a bushnell with the "range finding reticle" in it, is not accurate enough for me to rely on to take a shot out at 350 yards. I won't shoot beyond 300 yards with my flattest shooting rifle unless I KNOW the exact range and at 400 I draw the line even on coyotes. Reticle range finders are doing good to get you within 50 yards of the true range, not good enough. For a guy shooting prairie dogs at 600 yards, that ain't even CLOSE to good enough. Of course, those range finding reticles are only good on deer, elk, and perhaps pronghorn.
Art Eatman
August 11, 2006, 11:08 AM
Dunno why anybody would knock the Bushnell; mine works fine. I've checked it at a measured 100 yards, and via known topo-map distances. Plenty good.
I've never carried mine while hunting, though. I've only had two very-long shots, through the years. Anything inside 300 yards is basically point it and pull.
Art
I've never carried mine while hunting, though. I've only had two very-long shots, through the years. Anything inside 300 yards is basically point it and pull.
Art
MCgunner
August 11, 2006, 12:31 PM
Dunno why anybody would knock the Bushnell; mine works fine. I've checked it at a measured 100 yards, and via known topo-map distances. Plenty good.
I've never carried mine while hunting, though. I've only had two very-long shots, through the years. Anything inside 300 yards is basically point it and pull.
Art
Ditto on all counts. I've notice my Bushnell starts to get a little iffy whether it'll get a fix or not out around 350 yards. 400 is max advertized for it. It works fine and has a 4x magnification for checkin' out the woods. I take it to the stand just to have something to mess with. LOL! As little uses as I have for it, kinda wanted it for out west at the time, I didn't feel like spending a fortune was worth it.
When I bought mine, they were out at every Academy around Houston and at the Bass Pro. This is when they had just come out, the Bushnells, first of the affordable laser rangefinders. Seems that golfers were buying 'em up fast as they hit the stores, or that's what I was told. I hate golf anyway, like watching paint dry.
I've never carried mine while hunting, though. I've only had two very-long shots, through the years. Anything inside 300 yards is basically point it and pull.
Art
Ditto on all counts. I've notice my Bushnell starts to get a little iffy whether it'll get a fix or not out around 350 yards. 400 is max advertized for it. It works fine and has a 4x magnification for checkin' out the woods. I take it to the stand just to have something to mess with. LOL! As little uses as I have for it, kinda wanted it for out west at the time, I didn't feel like spending a fortune was worth it.
When I bought mine, they were out at every Academy around Houston and at the Bass Pro. This is when they had just come out, the Bushnells, first of the affordable laser rangefinders. Seems that golfers were buying 'em up fast as they hit the stores, or that's what I was told. I hate golf anyway, like watching paint dry.
birddog
August 11, 2006, 12:41 PM
Dunno why anybody would knock the Bushnell; mine works fine. I've checked it at a measured 100 yards, and via known topo-map distances. Plenty good.
My Bushnell works fine, too. I use it to range trees and rocks while sitting on my bow stands. Helps to kill time. Necessary? Nope. Useful? Yep. I now know the shooting distances around my treestands far better than I used to. And, as any bowhunter will tell you, that is a definite advantage.
Is it just another toy?......since I spent good money on mine, I'll refrain from answering. I will say that, if it IS a toy, it's a pretty good one.
;)
My Bushnell works fine, too. I use it to range trees and rocks while sitting on my bow stands. Helps to kill time. Necessary? Nope. Useful? Yep. I now know the shooting distances around my treestands far better than I used to. And, as any bowhunter will tell you, that is a definite advantage.
Is it just another toy?......since I spent good money on mine, I'll refrain from answering. I will say that, if it IS a toy, it's a pretty good one.
;)
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