Rangefinder reviews are so subjective they're hardly worth reading in my opinion.
Here's why:
Some people take care of their equipment, others beat the living crap out of their stuff without even giving it a second thought. In regards to rangefinders, I've noticed this just by watching two different people change a battery in a rangefinder out in the field. One was careful to open the battery cover with the right sized coin for the job, got the battery in carefully and correctly and closed the cover securely without a hitch and without marring up the finish or coin slot. The other guy used an ill-fitting screw driver for the job which nicked up the coin slot and somehow managed to drop the battery in the snow. And then, as if that weren't enough managed to put the battery in the wrong way and didn't bother to make sure it was completely dry before inserting it into the rangefinder. After I pointed out to him that the battery was inserted up-side-down he proceeded to remove and re-insert it correctly, still paying no attention to the fact that his hands were still wet from the snow. With the battery in correctly, my friend then proceeded to secure the battery cover, again scratching and marring up the finish and probably over-tightening the cover in the process.
Which rangefinder do you think will work properly and get the best review?
I'm all for hunting hard and expecting equipment to perform in rugged conditions but in doing so my rifles, binos, rangefinder etc...don't get dropped, run over, dragged through the mud... simply because I make a conscious effort to take care of them.
I have read a ton of positive and negative reviews about both of these rangefinders and have come to the conclusion that both companies, as well as others who manufacture rangefinders have put out good ones and lemons(electronics can be finicky).
I received a Vortex Ranger 1000 RF as a gift this past Christmas. I have owned Vortex Viper 8x42 binos(a friend now owns these) and presently own Viper 6x32 binos(these are incredibly nice glass and perfect for close-in woods hunting on out to 250-300yds or so.
Vortex seems to be very concerned about giving good customer service though I have not needed it.
My father owns one of the earlier Leica rangefinders(purchased new by him) and has hardly used it, mainly because it has not been very reliable(ie, hard to get consistent readings and battery life is horrible, actually this may be the reason why it doesn't range well). Like I said, its hardly been used, and Leica won't touch it as far as warranty service goes.
Having said all that, I have been very pleased with the 2 Vortex Ranger 1000 RFs I've tested. Both worked equally well and gave the same readings(consistently)out to the 500 + yards I tested them at. One of them went back to the store in favor of the one I kept because it was so much cheaper at Cabelas at Christmas time. So, neither of the two Vortex RFs I got were lemons. Furthermore, if I ever have a problem with mine, I'm confident that Vortex will honor their Lifetime, no-fault, transferable warranty.
Just my opinion and experience.
My suggestion would be to purchase both, test both from your back porch and return the one you find inferior to Cameraland for a refund. It might cost you a few $ in shipping but you will have peace of mind that you made the right decision. Then, hope you never have to use the warranty.
Good luck, Leftybolt