Leica 2000-b or Sig Kilo 2200?

[Kao]

I've been searching everywhere for just about as much info as I can on both of these rangefinders because my boyfriend needs a new one that is capable of ranging up to 1200 yards reliably for when he goes to Idaho hunting elk and mule deer.
The rangefinder he has now wasn't meant for this purpose, so he needs an upgrade. I am mostly an archery hunter, and I rarely need to mark my ranges, so I know nothing about rangefinders, especially the higher end ones. The boyfriend isn't much help either, being nearly as clueless as I am.

I've narrowed it down to the Leica 2000-b or the Sig Kilo 2200MR (or LRH whichever), but now I'm stuck. I know Leica is known for having superior glass, and people with the 1600 of either B or R typically have theirs for many years without feeling the need to upgrade, but I can only find sparse information on the 2000-b and fewer reviews. Current lowest price I've found is $569 on sale for the holidays from EuroOptic plus a $100 gift card.

There's more information on the Sig 2200MR, but it's 50-50. Some say they are a hit or miss device, but a lot of reviewers say they love theirs, and some that it outperforms their Leica 1600. It has a lightning fast readout, and it's good quality for the price which is currently $499 for the MR and $349 for Cabela's LRH(on sale).

So I'm looking for advice. If you had the choice to receive either of these for Christmas, which one would you prefer?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I own the Leica 1600 and the Sig 2200.

My Leica 1600 will easily hit targets at further distances than my Sig 2200MR all day long in any lighting conditions. Much better optics in the Leica too. Tho 1200 yards is fairly easy for the Sig 2200.

Sig says it can range up to 3400 yards. Complete lie. I'm lucky to get 1500 yards on reflective targets in any light conditions. Called Sig Sauer and their customer service is a total joke. Guy was a complete jerk and wouldn't admit something was wrong with it when the user manual clearly states the device should be able to range further.

My Leica 1600 can pick up NON reflective targets such as pine trees and steep grassy slopes at 1900 yards in lower lighting conditions.
Down side is that NO Leica rangefinder in existence will range through rain, snow or fog.

The Sig 2200 can range through adverse weather conditions to an extent because it has different priority modes for first target hit with the laser or the last target hit. This makes it much more ideal for hunting over any Leica RF out there.

So for hunting, although the Leica is a much better RF in good weather, I would have to recommend the Sig 2200 in case you encounter a bull in less than perfect weather and need to get a range reading. I always take my Sig 2200 out while hunting. The Leica gets used at the range and for varmint hunting on nice days or scouting trips.

 

[JRS]

Warranty is important with rangefinders due to the electronics. In this department, Sig is the clear winner.

 

[Kao]

So for hunting, although the Leica is a much better RF in good weather, I would have to recommend the Sig 2200 in case you encounter a bull in less than perfect weather and need to get a range reading. I always take my Sig 2200 out while hunting.

Thank you(I actually read your comprehensive review from April a few days ago). I think this has tipped my decision in favor of the Sig. I love the Leica glass, and I've read about a lot of people who've had their Leica for ages and simply love it, but nearly every day of my boyfriend's two recent trips to Idaho he encountered less than ideal weather. I realize the Sig performance will be limited in bad weather too, but at least it will do something.

Warranty is important with rangefinders due to the electronics. In this department, Sig is the clear winner.

Warranty is actually something I hadn't factored into the equation, so thank you. I'll be getting the Sig from Cabela's too, and I've heard good things about their warranty policy as well.

Seems like the Sig is winning out. Thank you for your help!

 

[Ledd Slinger]

It will not hold the Cabelas lifetime guarantee unless it is a product with the 'Cabelas' brand on it. But at least Cabelas has a 90 day satisfaction guarantee return policy on ALL products they sell in their stores or online.

I should contact Leica and ask them why they don't incorporate technology that allows their RFs to work in inclimate weather. They keep bringing out new RFs, but they never address this issue. Leica is no doubt a superior device to the Sig in good weather. If Leica were to add the target priority modes, they would have themselves the ultimate compact rangefinder IMO.

 

[JRS]

Leica also needs to step up to the plate and increase the warranty on their electronics, along with maintaining a real customer service department

 

[xswanted]

I own the Leica 1600 and the Sig 2200.

My Leica 1600 will easily hit targets at further distances than my Sig 2200MR all day long in any lighting conditions. Much better optics in the Leica too. Tho 1200 yards is fairly easy for the Sig 2200.

Sig says it can range up to 3400 yards. Complete lie. I'm lucky to get 1500 yards on reflective targets in any light conditions. Called Sig Sauer and their customer service is a total joke. Guy was a complete jerk and wouldn't admit something was wrong with it when the user manual clearly states the device should be able to range further.

My Leica 1600 can pick up NON reflective targets such as pine trees and steep grassy slopes at 1900 yards in lower lighting conditions.
Down side is that NO Leica rangefinder in existence will range through rain, snow or fog.

The Sig 2200 can range through adverse weather conditions to an extent because it has different priority modes for first target hit with the laser or the last target hit. This makes it much more ideal for hunting over any Leica RF out there.

So for hunting, although the Leica is a much better RF in good weather, I would have to recommend the Sig 2200 in case you encounter a bull in less than perfect weather and need to get a range reading. I always take my Sig 2200 out while hunting. The Leica gets used at the range and for varmint hunting on nice days or scouting trips.

I've found almost the opposite other than weather.

I had a 1600 and now own a 2200. The sig is hands down a better RF. Reads farther yardsges on all types of targets and does it much faster. Leica is nice but I think Sig has em beat.

The big advantage I see with the Sig is it reads across snow covered fields much better.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I've found almost the opposite other than weather.

I had a 1600 and now own a 2200. The sig is hands down a better RF. Reads farther yardsges on all types of targets and does it much faster. Leica is nice but I think Sig has em beat.

The big advantage I see with the Sig is it reads across snow covered fields much better.

Yeah all I know is how my personal two RFs perform.

The Leica is rated for 1600 yards and I can hit TREES at over 1900 yards with it regularly in the right lighting with overcast skies. Sorry for the blurry picture on this one. I've even actually hit over 2000 yards with it, but don't have a pic of that reading.



This is the farthest reading I've ever been able to get on trees with the Sig 2200MR in ANY lighting condition (1635 yards). I think it actually performs WORSE in lower lighting. Makes no sense at all. It definitely won't do what the manual states it is capable of. I plan on contacting Sig CS again after hunting season.


But don't be fooled by the optical clarity in the pictures. The Sig has good glass no doubt, but the Leica definitely has better glass. The picture I have of the 1952 yard reading with the Leica 1600 is just blurry.

 

[xswanted]

Yeah I'd get I touch with them soon.

Just this morning I ranged a lone tree, not on a hill at just over a mile. Came up instantly.

My dad has the 2000 sig and that one reads exceptionally well as well.

Seems like something is wrong with yours.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Yeah I'd get I touch with them soon.

Just this morning I ranged a lone tree, not on a hill at just over a mile. Came up instantly.

My dad has the 2000 sig and that one reads exceptionally well as well.

Seems like something is wrong with yours.

Yeah it's definitely not performing up to par. I cant even get any further readings on reflective targets. I've tried it on sheer cliff faces, large metal buildings, etc. I never get much over 1600 yards. The manual says it can read up to 3400 yards on reflective targets! Not my unit. Definitely something wrong.

 

[MTlager]

My issues with the Sigs has been % of defective units they sell. Got two, 2000's last year that struggle to range 600 yards. Sent them back, replacements were better, but still not much good past a 1000 yds. Got a chance to sell one of the Sig 2000 so got a new 2200 at Cableas that was on sale for $349. First morning out hunting with it I wanted to smash it on a rock!!!! Wouldn't range elk at 500- 600 yards! I'm done with them. Been using the Leica 2000 b and have been impressed. Brother had a Sig 2400 last week to try out and it worked good but still didn't out perform the Leica ranging. Did not fool with the ballistic app. Its a pain to have to return units for warranty in the middle of hunting season. Got to have units that work when you need them!

Lonnie

 

[Ledd Slinger]

My issues with the Sigs has been % of defective units they sell. Got two, 2000's last year that struggle to range 600 yards. Sent them back, replacements were better, but still not much good past a 1000 yds. Got a chance to sell one of the Sig 2000 so got a new 2200 at Cableas that was on sale for $349. First morning out hunting with it I wanted to smash it on a rock!!!! Wouldn't range elk at 500- 600 yards! I'm done with them. Been using the Leica 2000 b and have been impressed. Brother had a Sig 2400 last week to try out and it worked good but still didn't out perform the Leica ranging. Did not fool with the ballistic app. Its a pain to have to return units for warranty in the middle of hunting season. Got to have units that work when you need them!

Lonnie

Amen. Nothing more disheartening than having a brand new unit that you can't rely on. Sounds like Sig has some serious QC issues.
My Sig has never worked as claimed. Even straight out of the box. I've tried changing batteries and using good lens cleaners/cloths. Just will not work as advertised.

I've never had an issue with my Leica 1600. Can't even count how many times I've fallen with it in the mid thigh pocket of my pants coming down a snowy mountain slope. Always works. Even my father in law's old Leica 1200 will range trees up to 1300 yards in low light. Both units have always worked BETTER than what Leica claims. Now if Leica can just get them to range in bad weather...

 

[KenOath]

Yeah all I know is how my personal two RFs perform.

The Leica is rated for 1600 yards and I can hit TREES at over 1900 yards with it regularly in the right lighting with overcast skies. Sorry for the blurry picture on this one. I've even actually hit over 2000 yards with it, but don't have a pic of that reading.
View attachment 1026577


This is the farthest reading I've ever been able to get on trees with the Sig 2200MR in ANY lighting condition (1635 yards). I think it actually performs WORSE in lower lighting. Makes no sense at all. It definitely won't do what the manual states it is capable of. I plan on contacting Sig CS again after hunting season.
View attachment 1026578

But don't be fooled by the optical clarity in the pictures. The Sig has good glass no doubt, but the Leica definitely has better glass. The picture I have of the 1952 yard reading with the Leica 1600 is just blurry.

I’ve had the same experience with my Leica 1600, have had readings of over 1800m in right conditions and consistently reads over its stated 1600. Worked perfectly straight out of the box... would have to think the 2000 model would be even better.

Cheers Rushty

 

[Dan Hall]

Leica has set the standard for years and I don’t see that changing when comparing to the Sig product. I tested both in the field and I bought the Leica 2000. The boy friend won’t be unhappy with the Leica.

 

[dkhunt14]

It seems every time a good rangefinder hits the market, they stop making it. (Vectronics Terrapin and Swarovski)

Two of my buddies bought the new SIG and neither of them range for shit. Compared to their Swarovski, they were junk. Matt

 

[Sonic Crack]

Like others, Im more than happy with Leica CRF. 1600B, 2000B and soon 2700B. Now that the 2700B has an even smaller beam, really looking forward to getting it

 

[Zero333]

The Sig2200 will do everything you need it to do for someone hunting big game.

Some folk here are forgetting that this is for hunting and not extended long range shooting.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

The Sig2200 will do everything you need it to do for someone hunting big game.

Some folk here are forgetting that this is for hunting and not extended long range shooting.

Yeah that's what the factory rep told me. Not the answer i was looking for. I'll explain why...

See the issue is that I use RF's for more than just measuring the shot I want to take. While hunting in western mountains and plains, I spend a lot of time hiking and glassing in my spotting scope. Let's say I see a nice deer or elk I want a long ways off, too far to shoot ethically. So now I'm going to use my rangefinder to first range the animal, then range terrain features that allow for a closer shot while making the stalk under cover. Take distance to the animal and subtract distance to the terrain feature. Now I have a good rough idea of how far my shot will be. With a good rangefinder, I can have the stalk planned and know exactly where I want to shoot from before I ever take my first step.

Thats why I like powerful RF's. Unfortunately my Sig 2200 RF didn't give me the advantage I was looking for over my Leica 1600...

 

[dkhunt14]

Both of my buddies say they can't range 800 most the time. Some days they have trouble reaching 600. They bought this because of advertising and reviews. They were both very disappointed. The one had a Swarovski and a couple of Leicas and the other had a Swarovski. They both thought they would like it because it is so small and fits in a short pocket easily. We just talked about this last week while hunting. The one said he is going to send it back becuase he is totally disappointed.

I am not trying to slam their product. I just believe if a company advertises something, it should work like they say. Matt

 

[MTlager]

Sig advertises the 2200 to range deer at 1300 yards. Been around 5 different units and none of them would come close to what they claim. Might work for a BOW hunter. My range finder is one of the most important tools I carry hunting. A high dollar rifle and optics are dependent on knowing the range even if only shooting 400 yards. Guessing the range don't cut it when hunting. I hate to slam them too, but it sucks when you take new units out hunting and they don't work and have to be immediately replaced if it's middle of hunting season. Not ranging good is one thing but its the number of defective put on the shelves. We have several Leica 2000's and have had the 1200 and several 1600 models and have never seen any of them sent back! My Leica 2000 will range 1800 yards plus consistently, but the best part is it come with a "Test Certificate" so it was examined before they shipped it out the door.

Lonnie