Laser range finder

[w296]

I have been looking into buying a laser range finder. (Santa brought me some cash) There are so many manufactures and types to choose from. I'm kind of leaning toward the Bushnell scout or legend as they are compact. Also thinking about the Lica 1200. Don't know if I can buy one unit that will do everything that I would like it to. I would like one that could be used for ranging prarie dogs, coyotes, and deer and still be compact. Most times I carry a small back pack with me no matter where or what I'm hunting. I would like some feedback from those of you that have owned or used them. I don't mind spending a little extra to try and stay ahead of technology. I'll go ahead say thanks now, the membership has always been very helpful.

Ron

 

[Art Eatman]

I bought a Bushnell 800 when they first came out. I tested it on my measured 100-yard range, and on a known 440-yard distance. I'll sure buy into their +/- one-yard claim.

If you're hunting in country where your only hope of a shot is out around 400 yards or suchlike, they're definitely a Good Thing.

They're also helpful in training yourself to judge distances when out in the field...

, Art

 

[Matt G]

They're also helpful in training yourself to judge distances when out in the field...

I will say, that's the best part of a laser ranger. Often they surprise me. There's a certain smugness that comes from having reckoned a distance to +/- 5 yards at 200 yards+, for the 3rd time in a row. The only way to get good at this is to guesstimate it, and then check it. You could pace it, but that takes a while, and may not be as accurate. This way, you can check your guesses several times a minute. This is why traffic cops can get pretty good at estimating speeds of cars by eye-- they check their estimation with a radar every day.

I was hunting an open field in the woods of E. Georgia early December, and it was mighty useful to know that my host had lased the distance from one edge to the other at just over 300 yards.

 

[kudu]

I have had the Bushnell 400 and then got the 800 as I was shooting long range with rifles and a few yards off at 6 or 800 yards could be sveral feet of drop. With the range finder I could calculate my exact drop with my range book and drop my shots where I wanted them. Super accurate out to 1000 yrds. It was easier if you put up reflectors on targets, as the laser bounces real good off the reflection.

 

[dakotasin]

i have gone thru several rangefinders.

the bushnells are excellent for the money. never messed w/ a nikon. tasco and simmons are garbage. leica is the best, but it is more expensive, and it can be finicky because the laser is very precise (where the bushnell will occasionally return an obviously wrong reading because the laser is bigger).

if you can swing it, go leica. if not, bushnell is tough to beat.

 

[Byron Quick]

I've had the Bushnell Yardage Pro 1000 for a couple of years now. I don't use it on game. Rather, I use it on several landmark features. When a deer is moving fast by a tree...well, I think it's about twenty yards on the far side of that tree which lased at 130 yards.

Also, with the calibers I use to hunt, the rise and drop is within the kill zone of a deer or hog with a 100 yard 1 1/2 inch high zero out to three hundred yards.

If my furthest sight line is within three hundred yards with the laser...I put it up.