Range finders

[dskinner103]

it seems I have spent a small fortune getting my reloading bench filled will all the goodies. Now I am looking for a range finder that won't break the bank but will give me good optics, good ranging to 400-500 yards. My friend has been very helpful in mentoring me thus far and I was just looking for some practical experiences of other rangers that are not in the Leica pricerange.
As always, thank you. This forum is packed with so much talent and experience.

 

[itchyTF]

You may be able to find a used CRF 900 for a decent price. There's one on Ebay now currently at $255, but there are 3 -1/2 days to go. Don't limit yourself to the 400-500 yd range unless you're SURE you won't need any more. Otherwise you'll be going through this again.

 

[Preacher]

I love my big Geovids, but my old Bushnell 1000 Yardage Pro is still working well after all these years.. It prints data awful close to the Geovids and is a LOT lighter to carry, and use inside of 500 yards....

 

[dskinner103]

Thank you for your insight. Do you mind if I ask what you are currently using? I need something very weather resistant, good optics, etc. I like the rainguard optics that bushnell offers but I do not want to sacrifice ranging or optic quality by not buying a good leica like you suggested. The new CRF is waterproof and priced well.
Thanks again.

 

[dskinner103]

I wish my budget would allow the Geovids. Thank you for the heads up on the Bushnell. I do like the Brush option of the Bushnell too.

 

[itchyTF]

dskinner-

I had a CRF 1200 and it worked great most of the time. Out in the SD flats I had trouble getting readings some of the time but I don't believe it was the fault of the RF. The beam needs something decent to bounce it back. Just for kicks I sold that and got a CRF 1600 but haven't had a chance to run it through its paces yet.

 

[k80skeet]

I am like the rest you guys I would love to have a pair of Geovids but it is like a Nightforce scope it isn't in my future but my Bushnel Elite works fine out to 500yards on game anamails. As Always the PREACHER IS RIGHT ON AGAIN!! And helping out the little guys that can't afford the very best eqiupment on the market showing and giving information how to get the job done on low budget. Thanks Bruce!!

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

Definately do NOT look through a pair of GEOVIDS if they are not in your budget. It will make you sick. I have owned the Leica LRF models, Swarovski, and now the Geovid 10x42. They are awesome!! I previously had a 15x56 pair of Geovids but they were too heavy for me to stabilize. I couldn't just throw them up on a target and get a reading. I would always have to lean on the vehicle or find a tree to lean against. But WOW: Talk about up close and personal rangefinding!!

Good luck with your search. I see Leica LRF models come and go on the site.

 

[k80skeet]

Barry you and Bruce have all the good stuff.. I am jelous I wishI couls afford it.

 

[dskinner103]

Thanks bear. I appreciate everyone's insight and advice. I will keep my eyes out for a used Leica or Bushnell. The forum boss printed a link that was very helpful. My partner might actually sell me his used Leica's and update his glass.
Thanks again.

 

[headhunter1111]

I do love my Nikon.
Works great for me. not fancy, but it gets the job done and is pretty affordable.

 

[Larryh128]

I have been thinking hard about a rangefinder as well & with all the models out there today , it gets a little mind boggling.I shared a blind with a guy last year that had a moderately priced Bushnell unit that I thought was suprisingly accurate. The longest readings were a little over 450 yds,but it repeated consistantly and knowing what the yardages actually were before using it, it was very accurate. It was easy to use but I think that it was a 600 yd or so unit. But I was impressed how well it performed.

 

[Larryh128]

I just got my Cabelas statement & the "club deals". Whether this is a good buy or not, they have a Leica CRF 1000 rangefinder for $600. 7x magnification. Code is V25-71-3657.

 

[pikespeakgoat]

There is a Leica LRF 800 on Archery Talk for $250.00:
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1481050

 

[ChasinElk]

I now have the Swarovski Laser guide 8x30 and really like them. Yes they were expensive, but they give farther range readings in less then ideal conditions, then my Leica LFR 1200.