What Range Finder would you recommend

[sstkmkrr]

I'd like to hear you experiences and recommendations (Mfg Model) with using Range Finders to judge distance for Squirrel, and Ground Hogs snipping!

Looking to purchase a quality unit for judging distances 100 / 800 yards. Your replies are appreciated.

Thanks

Steve Murphy

 

[IMMORTAL]

I use the Leica LRF 1200 model for everything from prairie dogs in Wyoming to ground hogs here in WV. Very consistent readings with it.

Keep a lookout in the forum classifieds.You can pick up a used one for around $350 or sometimes less.

 

[Chappy]

Leica or Swarovski

 

[gilmillan1]

Definitely Leica 1600. Do not get the Zeiss or the Swarovski. The reticle they use is very thick and will be very hard ranging small objects.

I have looked at all of those range finders. The Leica 1600 is the best one. The Glass is very good. Maybe not as good as swarovski, but the features and the reticle compensate it. Buy it.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I love my Leica 1600, but it absolutely will NOT work in rain, snow, or fog.

I need to buy my son a rangefinder. I plan on getting him a Nikon purely for the reason that they have the Target Priority technology. Allows them to range through foul weather conditions. I used to have the Monarch 1200 so I know that technology works very well. Downside is that the Monarch 1200 is a little bulky and LCD readout is tough to read in really low light. The new Nikon Prostaff 7 is roughly the same size as my Leica and has a ranging capability of 1300 yards. This way when my son and i are hunting together, we can use his Nikon in bad weather while my Leica is rendered useless.

Of course none of this may be a concern for your application, but its nice to have something that will work in weather if you need it.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Vectronix terrapin

 

[JamesnTN]

Vectronix terrapin

+1

 

[snert]

Love Lieca, but too spendy for my wallet. I bought a Newcon Optik from Shiraz and I like it. yes, a big "aimer" but it has ranged well to 900 here in Central NY

SNERT

 

[JamesnTN]

Check this out
http://bushnell.com/all-products/laser-rangefinders/elite-1-mile-conx

I have the previous model and it will range to a mile, I haven't tried it any further than that but I can verify mine will read a 8" gong at 1k consistently and will also range a 4' plate at 1250 yards consistently. The 1 mile reading was on a tree line.

 

[JamesnTN]

Here are some real world non biased reviews f the rangefinders.


http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/12/03/rangefinder-binoculars-reviews-field-tests-overall-results-summary/

 

[matty]

Lieca , love mine it works

 

[K22]

I've been using a Bushnell for a number of years now primarily for ghogs and predators. While I'm not a range finder expert it has worked flawlessly for me.

I particular like the fact that it fits in my shirt pocket.

 

[CaptainMal]

A few years ago I found one of those Bushnell G Force rangefinders for about $200. Ya know, it sure works better than all the older models I had. Easily it ranges to 600 yards and with little difficulty. To 1,000 yds. or more if you can see a reasonable object to range on.

For my use it's well worth it. Of course, wish I had a Leica. Also wish I had the money for that and all the other high-quality units.

 

[Hotshot]

Steve, I don't think any of them will work on 800 yard rodents very well. Usually you need to range a rock or bush that is close to your target.
I think very highly of the Leica products and that choice would not be wrong. I spoke so highly of them to all my shooting buddies that all but one now has a Leica. I no longer have one. The reason is because I found something better. The Zeiss PRF will outperform the Leica in bright sunlight and we have tested them many times over in the prairie dog towns. Also the Zeiss triggers on release of the button so it is far easier to hold still while ranging the far ones and it reads fast. If you also need a ballistic tool, the new Leica is far superior to the Zeiss. If you want to spend a few more bucks you might look at the G7. Great range finding ability and spectacular ballistic tool.
Mark

 

[STS]

I like my Geovids.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Vectronix terrapin

+1

The only one that I know of that will do it. Too bad they quit making them.

 

[JamesnTN]

Steve, I don't think any of them will work on 800 yard rodents very well. Usually you need to range a rock or bush that is close to your target.
I think very highly of the Leica products and that choice would not be wrong. I spoke so highly of them to all my shooting buddies that all but one now has a Leica. I no longer have one. The reason is because I found something better. The Zeiss PRF will outperform the Leica in bright sunlight and we have tested them many times over in the prairie dog towns. Also the Zeiss triggers on release of the button so it is far easier to hold still while ranging the far ones and it reads fast. If you also need a ballistic tool, the new Leica is far superior to the Zeiss. If you want to spend a few more bucks you might look at the G7. Great range finding ability and spectacular ballistic tool.
Mark

According to these tests your Swiss don't fair so well in some conditions such as off hand use.

 

[Hotshot]

After decades of shooting I still avidly read those scientific tests done by experts I don't know. However I call it the way I see it. We're talking 800 yards but most use will be 300 to 500 I would bet. Using off hand is for bow hunters. Trying to range far prairie dogs off hand is an exercise of frustration.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The g7 is an awesome tool for big game. I am a dealer and may be able to save you a buck one one. The beam divergence is still large for varmints though.

 

[TikkaSporter]

Depends how much you want to spend. I have a Swaroskvi and it has served me well, but I agree that the ranging circle is rather large for ranging small objects and the reads are painfully slow.

I recently purchased a pair of Steiner Military range finding binoculars and find them to be excellent and a great value. The glass is excellent to my eyes. The ranging reticle is precise and the readings are fast & accurate. It reads extremely reliably out to 1880 yards in good conditions and to about a mile reliably in almost any conditions i've tried it in, to include fog, rain, snow, and bright sunlight. They also have a lifetime warranty which is practically unheard of for a rangefinder.

I have also heard very good things about the new Sig Kilo 2000. I have a friend that just ordered one, but haven't a chance to get behind it.