Which range finder

[Bottom Fodder]

Do you PD and GH hunters use a range finder? If so which one seams to be the most popular ?
if not what do you to estimate the range ?

 

[vonb]

I use one. The first time out years back, I used a Leica 1200 Rangemaster. It was not dependable and I couldn't get a range in the fields on p-dogs. I went back with a new rangefinder. This time, I use a Sig Kilo 2000. It was a game changer. Having said that, the display just went out on the Sig and have since replaced it with a Sig Kilo 5K. I'm concerned the display on this one will go out again in 5-7 years. With that said, look at the warranty for them. Sig's is only 5 years. Others have recommended the Maven RF.1.

 

[FredV]

My first range finder was also a Sig Kilo 2k. I've had it for years and years and it keeps on ticking... If/when it ever fails I will be looking to Sig for a replacement.

 

[varmintshooter]

I use a Leica 1000 and like it

 

[Dgd6mm]

I'm waiting on my Maven RF.1 to get here this week. I'm told from checking on here I will not be disappointed. I decided on this rangefinder for now. I believe I'll be satisfied, but I'll possibly buy the Vortex Fury 5000 ranging binoculars next year. I'll have the Maven's in the pdog fields early September. I really wanted the Vortex Fury 5000 but was a little over budget on everything firearm related I purchased this year so I held back for now. Buy the way, the Maven's carry the same type of warranty as Vortex.

 

[WV Hitman]

I used to do the rango/bino shuffle- carry one of each. For 15+ years I carry only my Leica Geovid 10X42 rangefinding binos. Never regretted it a bit. Great glass, great quality. Pricey? Yeah, but they pay for themselves with long term use. Check out cameraland. They usually have better prices.
Have used mine from AK, far west, Africa for big game, groundhogs, turkeys. Couldn't hunt without them.

 

[powderbrake]

I agree with WV Hitman.
Had monocular rangefinders, went to Leica 10X42 Geovids many years ago. You spend most of your time "glassing" the area looking for game anyway, you need good binocs.
If you can, go for the new Geovid Pro 10X42, it will inteface via bluetooth to a Kestrel 5700.

 

[markT]

Swarovski 10 x 50 with laser. Light weight will pick up pdogs on a mound. Ain’t cheap, but what is? Cry once.

 

[rijndael]

I have a Vortex Razor HD 4000, I've been really happy with it. There's one for sale on SnipersHide for under $300.

 

[DiRTY DOG]

I also use a Sig Kilo5K. I like it a lot and have custom profiles set up out to 800 yards. Past that I have to use AB and manually enter the Density Altitude. The glass is a little disappointing but it's fine.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Some very good points being made, I can see the advantages of ranging with ranging binoculars

 

[RabbitSlayer]

A narrow beam angle found on the better RFs helps for small targets. I sure hope we see ranging binos come down in price. Wish they would make em in 8x too.

 

[sw282]

A Swarovski 8x30 monocular rangefinder is my choice. Good for 1000yds/mtrs, but no longer made. Head and shoulders above my old Leica 6x30 monocular model

 

[markT]

Element Optics is supposed to be releasing a new bino and I think it will have laser range capabilities. Might want to wait and see what they offer.

 

[CaptainMal]

Vortex. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Been very pleased with mine.

Never buy a Sig. They do not honor a warranty past a couple years on the electronics part of the rangefinder. My Kilo 2000 crapped out and they said ... crap on you.

 

[Dgd6mm]

The only experience I have with ranging binoculars are with the Vortex Fury 5000. Vortex offers Military discounts and they can be purchased from Euro Optics from this site. Like I've already stated, I'll probably have a set next year.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

Do you PD and GH hunters use a range finder? If so which one seams to be the most popular ?
if not what do you to estimate the range ?

If you don't use a rangefinder stay at home, because your success rate in hitting distance targets will be dismal. I've used a Halo for 5 years now, not a high end expensive one but one compared to one costing 5 times as much the yardage readings were identical.

 

[RegionRat]

At risk of diverting you, I would suggest you think hard about rangefinding binos before you make your final decision.

A good pair of binos is important, and if you consider that the next thing you do after locating your target is to range it, why put down the binos and locate it again with a second device, and then a third with your rifle scope?

Consider observing with a good set of binos that can also range. You scan the mounds with the binos, range the target and bring the rifle scope onto the target. That cuts down that third step and the wasted time, which is an advantage.

Most of the decent quality rangefinder binos are capable of more than just range. If you wanted to, they not only give you the correct slant range, but they can typically be coordinated with a ballistic solution. Needless to say, the beam divergence on these mid level range finding binos is better than average as well.

That is more than you wanted to hear, but I take rookies out all the time and when they see my binos they arrive the next year with their own.

The biggest difference between a rookie and an accomplished varminter, in my opinion, is how long it takes them to find, range, and set-up onto their quarry. In a good year, prairie dogs are plentiful and stupid so they give you time and follow up shots. In a bad year, your speed onto the target makes a big difference in your trip. YMMV

 

[ohlongarmisle]

At risk of diverting you, I would suggest you think hard about rangefinding binos before you make your final decision.

A good pair of binos is important, and if you consider that the next thing you do after locating your target is to range it, why put down the binos and locate it again with a second device, and then a third with your rifle scope?

Consider observing with a good set of binos that can also range. You scan the mounds with the binos, range the target and bring the rifle scope onto the target. That cuts down that third step and the wasted time, which is an advantage.

Most of the decent quality rangefinder binos are capable of more than just range. If you wanted to, they not only give you the correct slant range, but they can typically be coordinated with a ballistic solution. Needless to say, the beam divergence on these mid level range finding binos is better than average as well.

That is more than you wanted to hear, but I take rookies out all the time and when they see my binos they arrive the next year with their own.

The biggest difference between a rookie and an accomplished varminter, in my opinion, is how long it takes them to find, range, and set-up onto their quarry. In a good year, prairie dogs are plentiful and stupid so they give you time and follow up shots. In a bad year, your speed onto the target makes a big difference in your trip. YMMV

Good advice I've considered them and will probably have a set by years' end,considering none of my gh's shot have exceeded 300 yards yet the 204 has only been out once this year, I can spot them well, as i've been blessed with 20/15 in both eyes. What's a decent brand? Whoever gives the best LE discount gets the business.

 

[RegionRat]

I would study the Sig, Leica, and Vortex units.

Occasionally, the folks who want to upgrade let go of ones that are in perfect condition in the for-sale section.

After getting to enjoy your photo-posts, I think those critters are going to like it even less if you do any better!