Does anybody have any recommendation for a really good range finder. The Leupolds that will range out to 1200 yards, with ballistic ranging, look to be a good choice. I prefer something that will range, at least, the 800 yards they claim it will on a deer (non-reflective target). All input is appreciated.
Range finders
- Thread starter gunvices
- Start date
- Status
Wildfire
Member
Hard to answer.
Hey there:
I have studied the range finder thing . I have had 3 of them. "HAD"
The hardest thing for a range finder is a hairy object at a long distance. Not very reflective.
Some of the newer ones out there now are better. But still have the same problems. They are made stronger now and have less trouble ranging deer and such. I wanted one for P-dogs out west. Not.... It's hard enough to hold on targets sized of deer and larger. A P- dog ? No way. There are web sites that give all the thecnical info one can obsorb. There are also range finders that have nothing to do with hunting that are far better, and find the right one the cost won't be much more. Don't freek out when you see the cost on the better models. They get real high dollar real fast. But they do make some in the 5 to 600.00 range. These are used in the logging industry for measuring trees. Not sure anymore what the web site was but just do a search and they should come up. These range way past the hunting models.
Some go as much as 3500 feet. They calculate many other things too. Look for tools , not hunting range finders. I f I stumble on the site I will let you know. Good luck. Also I have seen these "used" for sale .
Hey there:
I have studied the range finder thing . I have had 3 of them. "HAD"
The hardest thing for a range finder is a hairy object at a long distance. Not very reflective.
Some of the newer ones out there now are better. But still have the same problems. They are made stronger now and have less trouble ranging deer and such. I wanted one for P-dogs out west. Not.... It's hard enough to hold on targets sized of deer and larger. A P- dog ? No way. There are web sites that give all the thecnical info one can obsorb. There are also range finders that have nothing to do with hunting that are far better, and find the right one the cost won't be much more. Don't freek out when you see the cost on the better models. They get real high dollar real fast. But they do make some in the 5 to 600.00 range. These are used in the logging industry for measuring trees. Not sure anymore what the web site was but just do a search and they should come up. These range way past the hunting models.
Some go as much as 3500 feet. They calculate many other things too. Look for tools , not hunting range finders. I f I stumble on the site I will let you know. Good luck. Also I have seen these "used" for sale .
Wildfire
Member
Found it.
Hey there:
I found the site. Look up , LTI Truepulse 200 - Leica Lasermeters.
The are othe sites that have this also.
Hey there:
I found the site. Look up , LTI Truepulse 200 - Leica Lasermeters.
The are othe sites that have this also.
Kingcreek
Member
I've got a Leupold RX-II. works great for treestand bowhunting but won't read through the screen mesh on my ground blind and has trouble with rain, snow, and tall weeds. seems consistant and reliable on well-defined targets at longer ranges but don't know about dull non-reflective targets. My buddy's Nikon will read through the mesh but it is a smaller lens and harder to find the target and range quickly. Leica and Swarovski are great if you've got the money.
MCgunner
Member
I bought one of the first 400 yard Bushnells and it works fine out to 350 or a little over given a good, hard reflection. I would like to get one that fits a pocket, though, and has a wee bit more range so I'll know how much closer I need to get to get in range. When I got it, I got it knowing I wasn't going to take a shot over 400 yards, but it'd be nice to have a little excess ranging ability.
However, with gas what it costs, now, I don't envision hunting out west again any time soon. Not too many going to pick up a hitch hiker with a rifle.
If I hunted out where I actually NEEDED a range finder much anymore, I'd think about that new Burris with the built in laser and bullet drop reticle. I'd do a little scope rotation, take the 3x9x44 Weatherby Supreme off my 7 and put it on my .257 Roberts. BUT, I don't know if I wanna find out the cost of that scope. I have a feeling I'd have to save for a while to afford it. I'd have to REALLY want it.
However, with gas what it costs, now, I don't envision hunting out west again any time soon. Not too many going to pick up a hitch hiker with a rifle.
If I hunted out where I actually NEEDED a range finder much anymore, I'd think about that new Burris with the built in laser and bullet drop reticle. I'd do a little scope rotation, take the 3x9x44 Weatherby Supreme off my 7 and put it on my .257 Roberts. BUT, I don't know if I wanna find out the cost of that scope. I have a feeling I'd have to save for a while to afford it. I'd have to REALLY want it.Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
I got a Bushnell 800, several years back. Works fine to 800 and even more if the object is notably reflective. The shade roof over a neighbor's travel trailer is 836 yards away. It works quite well on isolated greasewood bushes or large boulders, so if Bambi himself doesn't reflect it's no problem.
Zak Smith
Member
skinewmexico
Member
I've been pretty happy with my Bushnell Elite 1500. Couldn't afford a Leica.
Leicas and Swarovskis are awfully nice.
However, I'm pretty happy with my Nikon. I have a 400 meter one, so it's not as long-range as you want, but they do make them also.
Mine is good, as advertised, to 437 yards on anything I can point it at, even foliage and power poles. Bright sunlight shining directly on the object limits this to a bit over 300 yards. The thing is tiny, and has nice optics. The price was great.
Nikon doesn't rate their units "12000 yards on reflective objects, 50 yards on deer" or some such thing that I've seen on others. They rate them at a certain distance, and that's it. From what I've seen, this is accurate.
I have no particular need for anything past 400 yards, but if I do, I'll probably get getting another Nikon. I think the quality and value are excellent.
While I've used Swarovski binocs and I could see paying for them if I needed binocs a lot. The optics are incredible. However, Nikon isn't a slouch when it comes to optics. And you use binoculars in a much different way. I can't see glassing for faraway or well-camouflaged game with a pocket rangefinder.
However, I'm pretty happy with my Nikon. I have a 400 meter one, so it's not as long-range as you want, but they do make them also.
Mine is good, as advertised, to 437 yards on anything I can point it at, even foliage and power poles. Bright sunlight shining directly on the object limits this to a bit over 300 yards. The thing is tiny, and has nice optics. The price was great.
Nikon doesn't rate their units "12000 yards on reflective objects, 50 yards on deer" or some such thing that I've seen on others. They rate them at a certain distance, and that's it. From what I've seen, this is accurate.
I have no particular need for anything past 400 yards, but if I do, I'll probably get getting another Nikon. I think the quality and value are excellent.
While I've used Swarovski binocs and I could see paying for them if I needed binocs a lot. The optics are incredible. However, Nikon isn't a slouch when it comes to optics. And you use binoculars in a much different way. I can't see glassing for faraway or well-camouflaged game with a pocket rangefinder.
1911 guy
Member
Something I see as an important note. Either get one that includes computing inclination/declination or put a cosine indicator on your rifle and pack a calculator with you. Past about 400 yards and depending on the angle, the difference can be fairly large.
MCgunner
Member
Well, with my 400 yard bushnell, I sit in the stand and zap this tree and that bush, get an idea of the ranges. This is helpful when handgun hunting and it gives me something to do, LOL.
Out in the open, if I see a deer and can't get a range on it, I will zap something closer and estimate how much closer I have to get until I can get a range on it. When I can get a range on it, I'm in shooting range. I am NOT going to take a shot over 400 yards, anyway.
I still want something lighter that'll fit in a pocket, though, if I get out west again in the future. That thing was one of the first ones out and it's sorta big and heavy on the neck after a while. I had to run all over Houston to find one in stock at the time. Danged golfers were buying 'em up.
Out in the open, if I see a deer and can't get a range on it, I will zap something closer and estimate how much closer I have to get until I can get a range on it. When I can get a range on it, I'm in shooting range. I am NOT going to take a shot over 400 yards, anyway.
I still want something lighter that'll fit in a pocket, though, if I get out west again in the future. That thing was one of the first ones out and it's sorta big and heavy on the neck after a while. I had to run all over Houston to find one in stock at the time. Danged golfers were buying 'em up.
I bought a Leica about 6-7 years ago and have been completely satisified with it. My model (900 I think) will range a deer out to about 530 yards. Beyond that, it will read trees, rocks, BIG stuff with relative ease out to around 800 yards. If something ever happens to it, I will for sure buy another Leica.
- Status
