Bushnell Range Finder

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Hey all! Have any of you had any luck with the Bushnell Elite 1600 ARC range finder? Looking for an "affordable" range finder for long range varminting! Here is the link to the range finder:

http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/laser-rangefinders-(1)/elite-1600-arc

I have also looked at the Bushnell Fusion 1600 ARC laser range finding binocular but, they are a bit more money! My friend Bill has had great luck with the binocular version!

Would the Elite do what I want it to do or go for the binocular version?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[agr516]

I had the Elite 1500 ARC and sold it when I bought a Leica 1600. You can expect fair results from the Bushnell but do not expect great results, especially for varmint hunting. I had a hard time ranging smaller objects that did not have something large close by to use for approximation. I also could not get it to range anywhere near as far as what Bushnell claims. I couldn't get a range over 1,000yds on anything but a house's roof or the broad side of a truck. I know you said that you are looking for a budget rangefinder but I have been there myself and would definitely recommend putting the extra money into a higher class of rangefinder.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

I had the Elite 1500 ARC and sold it when I bought a Leica 1600. You can expect fair results from the Bushnell but do not expect great results, especially for varmint hunting. I had a hard time ranging smaller objects that did not have something large close by to use for approximation. I also could not get it to range anywhere near as far as what Bushnell claims. I couldn't get a range over 1,000yds on anything but a house's roof or the broad side of a truck. I know you said that you are looking for a budget rangefinder but I have been there myself and would definitely recommend putting the extra money into a higher class of rangefinder.

So with the Leica it's a cry once kinda deal?

Mike

 

[agr516]

Exactly. But you wont cry long because you will have a new rangefinder to play with.

 

[kdogg]

Mike,

I have 2 Bushnell Elite 1500 ARC units, and have had good results for coyote hunting. I would not use a model that does not have a black read out - the red ones wash out badly in sunlight over snow - regardless of the brand/$$. I will sell one of my units which has only been used once - like new in the box. I will have to look at what I have in it for $$, but it will be a great price if you are interested.

Ken

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Let me kick it around for a bit Ken!

Mike

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

I had the Elite 1500 ARC and sold it when I bought a Leica 1600. You can expect fair results from the Bushnell but do not expect great results, especially for varmint hunting. I had a hard time ranging smaller objects that did not have something large close by to use for approximation. I also could not get it to range anywhere near as far as what Bushnell claims. I couldn't get a range over 1,000yds on anything but a house's roof or the broad side of a truck. I know you said that you are looking for a budget rangefinder but I have been there myself and would definitely recommend putting the extra money into a higher class of rangefinder.

I'm assuming you have the Leica 1600-B CRF? Did you use it for varmint sized critters ie. woodchucks, coyotes, prairie dogs etc. If so, how is it treating you?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[agr516]

Yes, thats the one. I use it for varmints (groundhogs) and golf flags. It does great with objects of that size.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Sounds good agr! Also, the Leica isn't much more than the Bushnell Fusion 1600 so.......

Thanks,
Mike