As for the rangefinders, there were different companies involved making them, starting in WW1.
Bausch&Lomb made a rather large one compared to some of the others, but I don't believe they continued making them after WW1. We have one of those in almost mint condition hanging in our camp as a decoration.
The most popular was the Barr&Stroud which was made in Scotland until about the 50s. They were made for various countries in both meters and yards as for measuring. Also several sizes, but the most popular for hunting was/is the 250 yard version, meaning that was the minimum ranging distance. Harry Kieser primarily dealt in Barr&Strouds, which he got from a source in Canada.
Germany of coarse had them also, and as with most German optics they were excellent. But that said some were built for specific purposes, and weren't usable at all for others. Problem with these things and all the other great optics of that era is age and the breakdown of the glue holding the lenses together causing lens seperation.
But as for performance, there is nothing better made today, at least being available to the civilian market.
If you can see the target, you will get a range everytime, end of story, and you wont do that with even the very best lazers.
I still have a Swiss made unit made in the mid 70s which is about identicle in looks and use other than it being in meters.
As for overall quality, its a better unit than the Barr&Stroud, but I don't feel it performs any better.
Make up your minds to one thing, the success of hunting, especially long range hunting revolves around optics, and not just guns and good shooters.
L/R hunters In PA had to recognize that early on due to the type terrain there and the manner in which they were forced to hunt it, and that could work well for everybody.
Last edited by yobuck; 08/21/18.