Range Finder Recommend

Axis II said:

...I was messing around with it and got it to read a little over 1k yards hitting a stop sign...

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As you guys are discussing rangefinder capabilities, remember that they have two specifications-one for a reflective target (stop signs, anything metal, glass windows, etc.) and one for a non reflective target. They are significantly different distances. Game animals are non reflective. If you're looking for a hunting optic, ignore the longer distance advertisement.

D.B. Cooper said:

As you guys are discussing rangefinder capabilities, remember that they have two specifications-one for a reflective target (stop signs, anything metal, glass windows, etc.) and one for a non reflective target. They are significantly different distances. Game animals are non reflective. If you're looking for a hunting optic, ignore the longer distance advertisement.

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Mine are exclusively for hunting though I rarely range game. Once I’m in the field I check distance to landmarks from fences to tree line rather than wasting movement when game appears. Won’t be everyone’s scenario but all my hunting is within 400 yards.

I have been very pleased with my Sig KILO 1600 range finder.

Axis II said:

They do fail though. I have a simmons and its supposed to be a 600 or 800 yard rangefinder. I am lucky to get it to read woods or houses 300yards away.

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Most low end LRF’s are named after their respective range on REFLECTIVE targets with non-reflective targets only attaining around half of their reflective range. “Woods” are the antithesis what they need.

With tricks, I’ve typically been able to get less expensive Leupold, Nikon, and Bushnell LRF’s to range “field references” out to very near their reflective target range - well beyond what they should be spec’d to hit the deer or coyotes I was ranging. Stabilizing your hands makes the biggest difference.

Axis II said:

My buddy has a Vortex and says he would rather have the sig.

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Top to bottom, yes. I’ve had the Vortex 1500 and 1800, the Sig’s are better.

@Varminterror brings up an excellent and important factor about reflective targets versus non reflective targets. When you read the owners manual that comes with your LRF of choice, it should state that fact. They don't usually put that on the outside of the box.

Let's look at the Sig Kilo 1600 specifications. https://www.sigsauer.com/kilo1600-6x22-mm.html

Range on Deer: up to 800 yards
Range on Trees: up to 1000 yards
MAX Reflective: up to 2000 yards

Skylerbone said:

Mine are exclusively for hunting though I rarely range game. Once I’m in the field I check distance to landmarks from fences to tree line rather than wasting movement when game appears. Won’t be everyone’s scenario but all my hunting is within 400 yards.

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That's pretty much how I use mine as well.

And BTW, whoever said "by the cheapest one" may be on to something. I use a Redfield 650A. 6x optic. Nothing special. Gets the job done. One thing to think about is what battery you need. Mine takes something that looks like a CR123, but it's not; it's some odd/rare battery. Only one place in town sells them.

I bought a very inexpensive one off of Amazon. Granted it's probably not as durable, but it is accurate and I simply sealed the seams with some silicone to make it more water tight! I did buy a new case for it though. The one it comes with was pretty cheaply made. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BMTSSTB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not trying to brag about my high class gizmo but... I have the Simmons Venture 620 and works just fine for me lol. I went all out on it, picked it up at a Ruralking store 50% off, normally around $100 give or take. All jokes aside for no more than I use one and not wanting to rack up much money for it not to be used much it does a decent job. I'd get a better one if I was using one regularly.

I'm getting old. I was going to find a couple that I'd recommend and post links for them. But everything I have direct knowledge of is no longer made.

This much I'll say every range finder I've used was not effective at anywhere near the advertised range. That includes an expensive Leica that I got a good deal on used. If you want to shoot at 400 yards you need a rangefinder advertised for 800-1200 yards.

If you get one advertised for 800 yards you MIGHT get an accurate reading on something as big as a house or barn at 800 yards. Forget about being to range a deer, or even a tree at 800 yards. For something like that 300-400 yards is going to be about it.

One thing I neglected to mention above and have not seen others address either:

NOT ALL LRF’S SHARE THE SAME MAGNIFICATION AND FOV.

My first LRF’s ~20yrs ago were all 2x to 4x, whereas both I use regularly now are 7x. FoV is smaller, but I can make far better use of a 7x LRF and much better place my laser on my desired subject. I don’t use compact binos any longer; I use the LRF as my scanning tool, then use 15x56 binos for spotting, which in most cases, allows me to leave my spotting scope home while hunting. Alternatively, I used to carry LRF, 10x42 binos and a 20-60x85mm spotting scope, now it’s just the 7x LRF and 15x56 binos.

The only way I’d be happier is if I could win a pair of 10x42mm EL Range LRF binos and then I’d go back to a spotting scope + 10x42’s for scanning.