Rangefinding Prairie Dogs With a Theodolite

[sscoyote]

Has anyone ever tried this?

 

[Stoner25mkiv]

The bigger question is has anyone here ever heard of one. I don't know how many different ones are made, but the one at work would be pretty big to haul out to the dog towns, unless you live close to them. When I go out to SD to hunt dogs the truck is packed full of gear, without room for hardly another crf1200, much less something that large.

 

[sscoyote]

The 1's i've seen could be set up on a bench it seems like. The reticle is supposed to be grduated in seconds, and seems like it would be fun to try. Dean Michaelis in the 50 Cal sniper Book has used it to range objects very accurately. Thought it might be something to try.

There r some on ebay that aren't terribly expensive.

Have u used theodolites?

 

[tmason1]

Used in surveying, right? Triangulation?

 

[6BR]

Get a Swarovski 8x30 Laser Guided Range Finder and that's all you'll ever need.

 

[sscoyote]

I can't afford 1 of those now, since i just bought a Geovid last year.

I've never used a theodolite, but if it measures in seconds instead of minutes it SHOULD be very accurate, assuming tgt. size is guessed accurately also. I think i'll go down to the local surveyors and see if they can help me. Thks. guys!!

 

[MarkS]

sscoyote,

The new theodolite will laser like the hand held type, but are more accuracy. To get surveying accuracy, a prism to shot at, would be needed. They could be used, but the cost would be much higher. The good ones would run $4000.00 and up.

Mark Schronce

 

[sscoyote]

Thanks!!

 

[6BR]

SSCOYOTE, I know, the Swaro Range finder is expensive. I sold a handgun and a leupold scope so I could afford it. I shoot small squirrels, at long range, so I need a really accurate and clear rangefinder. The Swaro is worth every penny.

 

[memilanuk]

I recall seeing pictures of folks using huge old WWII vintage optical range finders... 'Wilde' and 'Barr & Stroud' are the names that come to mind. I think at least one brand is still available on the surplus market if you are willing look a bit. My understanding was these were coincidence range finders, kind of like very large,and accurate) versions of the little optical rangefinders they used to,still do, maybe) sell for bowhunters - adjust the mechanism til the two images of the target are superimposed, and then read the range. Intended for artillery ranging... not sure if they would 'read' a small target like a sage rat, or if you'd have to range something near by like a fence post, etc.

Is using an optical theodolite simpler/easier than using these big rangefinders?

 

[Ump]

A theodolite will not measure distance, it only measures angles. To measure distance a total station with an edm is needed. These will be in the $4000 - $10,000 range. If you had one, you would still need a prism target to reflect the laser. I own several of the total stations and I only use them for setting up a range. Its cheaper to buy a good laser range finder. Hope this helps. Thanks, Wade

 

[Henryp]

I have a Wilde. It has more range than my Geovid, but I haven't used it lately. I would be willing to sell it.

 

[iowpmedic]

The Barr and Stroud I have work just fine and are very accurate at least me is to 800yds. Also I can range a standing groundhog at that range and it was made in 1939.