LRF for Long Range Target Shooting......is a compass necessary?

[ditchdigger62]

Hello All,

I've looked all over the internet and am getting mixed results. I am going to purchase an LRF that I must keep for a few years due to their high cost (high for me, anyway). I'm working on getting my shots out to 2,500 yards someday - the last kid is finally out of the house so I can do what I want to do for a a change. I was looking for a good LRF and the creme of the crop seems to be Vectronix with Leica and Swarovski close behind. Vectronix seems to be what I'm leaning toward as there seems to be a "hole" in consistent readings for the 2000 - 4000 yard range and Vectronix has solutions in that hole and seems to get pretty good reviews. Question: is a built-in compass necessary? I assume I need to account for azimuth that far out but I've got a ways to go before I get there. Most of the ballistics programs will utilize a reading for azimuth. Also, if you think a compass feature is too much extra to pay (about $2000), how do you account for azimuth? Please remember I can manage to get a purchase this size by the wife about once in 3 years so I probably need to over-buy. Also, quick side question: I've always worked in yards -- are meters more appropriate for long distance shooting? Thanks.

 

[ditchdigger62]

I think I just found an answer -- of course, I find it right after entering my question; and I looked everywhere for a few days before entering my question. Most modern ballistics programs allow for GPS input. I don't think it's crucial to have a built-in compass. Am I wrong? Thanks.

 

[CatShooter]

I think I just found an answer -- of course, I find it right after entering my question; and I looked everywhere for a few days before entering my question. Most modern ballistics programs allow for GPS input. I don't think it's crucial to have a built-in compass. Am I wrong? Thanks.

I have a $12K laser and I do not have or worry about a compass.

 

[ditchdigger62]

Thanks CatShooter. May I ask your advice as to what you have, please? Thanks.

 

[CatShooter]

Thanks CatShooter. May I ask your advice as to what you have, please? Thanks.

AN/GVS-5, military LRF. I got mine new, from a work relationship I had (they paid for it - I kept it in leu of back pay).

They show up on eBay sometimes for $4,000 to $5,000 without the battery charger.

 

[ditchdigger62]

Thanks, CatShooter; much appreciated.

 

[taliv]

i had the terrapin and swarovski and now use the PLRF 10c. imho, leica and swaro are not close behind.

whether you need a compass or not depends entirely on what kind of shooting you are doing.

there are 2 primary use cases for the compass
- determining slope for high angle shooting (the PLRF 10c will give you both horizontal and slope distances to the target)
- determining distance between two points when you're not at one of them. for example, if you can see your target (A) and firing position (B) from your current location (perhaps a tower or hillside) but don't think you can get a laze from the firing position, the PLRF 10c will let you laze both from where you are and then tell you the distance (and angle) between AB. This is occasionally useful in matches when you can see your position and target from the staging area but are not allowed to approach the firing position.


there is no need to use meters. yards work fine.

 

[eric32]

With my extensive experience with all those PLRF-10c and 15c and other high grade LRF if it has a DMC(Digital Magnetic Compass). A consistent calibration is need when you move any sort of distance.

You really dont need it unless you are pulling grids either MGRS/ LAT-LONG for the object in question.

A Cosign indicator will give you the angle if you are shooting up or down hill

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Another reason you might want compass information is to calculate the coriolis effect on your bullet for extreme distance shooting. You will also need to know your latitude.

As for accounting for the elevation angle of the shot, a simple Angle Cosine Indicator will tell you the factor by which to adjust the slant range given by the LRF. I thought some LRFs had an ACI built-in.

 

[taliv]

cosine indicators usually suck in practical use. especially if they are attached to your rifle. if time is a factor, and it usually is for practical use, the LRF w/compass will smoke somebody using a cos indicator

calibration is needed, but it is quick and easy

 

[ditchdigger62]

Thanks everyone; good information. If I do go with a built-in compass, does anyone know where I can get a Vectronix PLRF10C, PLRF15C or PLRF25C in a short time? My understanding is the 10 & 15 are nowhere to be found and the 25's are in short supply.

Thanks.

 

[taliv]

as far as i know ashbury and potomac river group were the only two vendors. there's a chance mile high might have some, but check the for sale on snipershide

 

[NoLegs24]

EuroOptic still has 10's & 15' (non C model). Look like Ashbury has some 10's (non C model) as well as some 25C and a Moskito (if you have the dough). Looks like Vectronix and their vendors and are done selling their LRF to any civs for now. Just Mil/LE. Some vendors have been told they're not authorized to sell them and that all inquires should go through Vectronix U.S. The only new ones you can get is from the last batch that EO and Ashbury has. Everything else will be second hand....

 

[Mr Underbridge]

My range finder works to more than 5 miles and cost me 300 bucks.
https://samcoglobal.com/acc-range.html

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11392816_10153497344680039_206276573356106157_n.jpg?oh=b23f9d16afd2c6b1c731575eb28fc1e4&oe=55F48C43