Rangefinders.....are they worth buying on a budget?

[clearcut]

I just got the Halo 750 and it is right on at my measured ranges $ 10 for the batteries though.

CC

 

[Slamfire]

I purchased a $119 Bushnell Trophy Extreme Rangefinder at Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/product/BUSHNELL-TROPHY-EXTREME-LRF/2312942.uts?slotId=0 and have been running around lasing things. It is really neat getting distances with the thing. I assume that the thing is telling me the truth though sometimes it won't register.



You know, I think these inexpensive laser distance finders might very well push those big blasting belted magnums into extinction. I don't know if anyone remembers this era:



Back then, unless you had the most powerful, fire belching heavy recoiling cannon, why you were going to be robbed, robbed I say!! Belted magnums provided power and an incredibly flat trajectory, which you needed for those thousands of yards shots, maybe tens of thousands of yard shots you were going to attempt, because you could not estimate distance worth a hoot. Now, with a cheap range finder, as long as you know your zero at distance, you can just dial in the elevation you need and you can hit at distance without suffering personal pain and anxiety from recoil and muzzle blast. I am of the opinion that people shoot lower recoiling rifles better, and that is an opinion shared by several hunting guides I have talked to. Shooters flinch between the big bore cannon, and miss.

Be interesting to see how this turns out.

 

[Varminterror]

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't range a specific animal that I've spotted, but rather terrain and field trails where an animal would appear.

As you work with your rangefinder, most likely you'll find doing both to be necessary. If a guy is shooting within 1-2 MPBR's, the precise range is less critical, so knowing the animal came out between 425 and 450yrds is refined enough. When I get a shot on game at 600+, I like to dial to my pre-ranged reference first, then if I have time, hit the animal with the rangefinder to refine my range number, and then make any refining adjustment to my rough dialed elevation correction.

In other words, you'll learn your limits where your trajectory starts calling for more precision in your range estimate. Get out there where your bullet is dropping a half inch per yard, having game somewhere between two known reference points, 25yrds apart, just isn't refined enough, as the hold/correction will shift by a foot or more. Get WAY out there where you're dropping an inch per yard, things get even more interesting!

 

[Bayourambler]

I purchased a $119 Bushnell Trophy Extreme Rangefinder at Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/product/BUSHNELL-TROPHY-EXTREME-LRF/2312942.uts?slotId=0 and have been running around lasing things. It is really neat getting distances with the thing. I assume that the thing is telling me the truth though sometimes it won't register.

View attachment 771498

You know, I think these inexpensive laser distance finders might very well push those big blasting belted magnums into extinction. I don't know if anyone remembers this era:

View attachment 771499

Back then, unless you had the most powerful, fire belching heavy recoiling cannon, why you were going to be robbed, robbed I say!! Belted magnums provided power and an incredibly flat trajectory, which you needed for those thousands of yards shots, maybe tens of thousands of yard shots you were going to attempt, because you could not estimate distance worth a hoot. Now, with a cheap range finder, as long as you know your zero at distance, you can just dial in the elevation you need and you can hit at distance without suffering personal pain and anxiety from recoil and muzzle blast. I am of the opinion that people shoot lower recoiling rifles better, and that is an opinion shared by several hunting guides I have talked to. Shooters flinch between the big bore cannon, and miss.

Be interesting to see how this turns out.

Yes they can be a handful Lol! But when that buck of a lifetime steps out at 300 yds and the ol heart is pumping, I have the faith that the magnum will do the job! I’ve seen too many deer lost with small caliber bullets. The big 30 cal is gonna drop em or leave you a good trail as long as you do your part. I fine it’s more forgiving, I’ve seen deer fall over in their tracks (with way less than perfect shots) with the magnums. You have to practice and know your rig. I do use rangefinders hunting and use a Nikon prostaff 550. It’s 6-8 yrs old and suits me well. I ranged a deer yesterday with it at 392 yds and dropped it in its tracks with my 300 wm. I like the vintage pic and wish those were today’s prices!

 

[Varminterror]

You may or may not have time to fiddle with a range finder. Problem is that most of 'em are 'calibrated' for deer sized game.

This is absolutely not true.

The beam divergence designed into any rangefinder model has absolutely NOTHING to do with "deer sized game," and is rather an angular divergence, like any light beam - it's a hell of a lot larger at 1,000yrds than it is at 100yrds, 10x to be exact.

I can't help but shake my head at yet another of your reiterations that 243win and 308win "drop like bricks past 300yrds." Very indicative you've never taken a shot past 300yrds in your life, if 10" of drop is something to balk at...

 

[Walkalong]

The Sig Kilo models are all good, and the lower end models are VERY affordable. I have a 2000 and a 2200, both are phenomenal, and frankly, I use them far more often than the Leica 1600.

I happen to be in the market, I'll have to look at those.

 

[Axis II]

I use a simmons I paid $60 for on sale and its lasted being dropped and 3yrs in the woods. I don't mess with the angle stuff I just range trees strait on and use them as my guide and usually dead on with the deer on the ground.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Ive got a Nikon compact. I believe its good to ~550yds. I've used it to range reflective objects that far. I took it to the lake and ranged bouys, and such.
A deer or tree won't range that far due to reflectivity.

My best use of it it to set up on my stand and range various shot lanes.
I've been hunting some U.S. Government property that only allows shotguns.
I aquired a Savage M220F, a rifled bolt action. With sabot slugs, its accuracy is phenomenal. However, to take advantage of its accuracy capabilities, you need to compensate for trajectory. A 7/8oz slug (sabot) at 1,500fps sighted at 100yds is +2" at 50, -8" at 150, and -24" at 200. The range finder really helps in this regard. Our deer run to the small side, so it's easy to over estimate distance.
But generally, I tend to under estimate distances.
Plus, my muzzle loader wears a reciever sight. 6x magnification helps keep from shooting an undersized buck...

 

[BrocLuno]

I have a Leica, but you have to be "quiet" to use it. The beam is tight, so if you've been running or hiking and your blood is pumping, it'll bounce all around the target. Best to find a big steady object close to the target and range on it ...

 

[Jackal]

I got a Simmons 600 yard rangefinder for $50 after rebate. I've tested it out to 300 yards. Its accuracy within about 15 yards at 300. Close enough for me.