Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics What rangefinder should I get?

Would like to get a rangefinder, mid range pricing to say $350.00 max. What have you guys found to be good, Bushnell, Nikon etc. Am nod brand loyal as I do not know much about them, what range limit do I need , is lazer that
much better. Would use this for bowhuntin, ground hogs, foxes, mainly hunt in Western Pa.

Any information - opinions welcome.

Thanks Coalminer

I use the Nikon 440 (440 yds.) and have been very satified with it's performance. For most applications here in the SE and east it's all you need. I use it for bow hunting, turkey hunting and muzzelloader/gun whitetail deer hunting, it gets used in the treestand as well as on the ground. I've got a 1200 yd. model Nikon for use out West, but's it's too much for what i need here in the SE.

The Nikon 440 is light and accurate and weatherproof, it comes in a camo. pattern also. The price is only a couple of hundred dollars, at basspro, cabela's, midway/usa etc.

Be aware that laser ragefingers are distance rated on highly reflective targets.Animals are not highly reflective so they can't be ranged anywhere near the units rating.You can count on being able to range sdeer sized game animals out to 1/2 to 2/3 of the units rating.

If you would be interested I have a couple of Buckmaster Laser 400's in stock I can give you a great deal on.

The Leica 1200 Scan will not range under 10 yds so that may matter for bow hunting. As to reflecting off an animal that's not necessary. Just range off of where it's standing and that will return an echo.

Doug,

Can you send me a PM on what you have available in the 600 and 800 yard finders? maybe 1200. I am in the hunt for a new rangefinder, and Rick and the guys on the campfire say you're the guy to see.

I hunt coues, so 800 is the ideal, but 600 will work and 1200 is better. You know what I mean.

Thank a lot,
Enrique

I'd settle for nothing less but the Leica LRF 1200, you may not need to scan out to 1200yds but the stronger laser will prevail in less than ideal conditions at shorter yardages.

MtnHtr

I agree, plus if it buy it right once than you do not need to replace it for something better later on

Those are my thoughts. LRF 1200 for me.

Rick

Ditto.


My Dad just got back from CO on an elk mhunt and he said the Leica was fantastic. Too bad he didn't score.





Mac

My advice is hold out for what you know you really want, rather than to buy something now, only to replace it in a year or two.

I held out - saving my pennies until I could get what I really wanted - Leica LRF 1200.

Your mileage may vary however.

Mark

Leica is the only way. I've bought what I could afford before and ended up paying for it. A couple years later I ended up just saving the money and doing it right, I bought a leica. My buddies have various other models. While hunting together they've run into small problems, things that don't matter much, but I have had no problems. just my oppinion.

Leica if you can afford it, Bushnell if you can't. I have had very good results with Bushnell in most situations.

Coalminer,

Thanks for asking the question and to everyone else for all of the replies. I took the majorities advice and just ordered a Leica LRF 1200 from Doug at Cameraland. Great price!
kup

I have two-Lecia 1200 and the Swarovski range finder. Both are good the Swarovski is better. Crisp and clear.

I just got a Leica 1200 Scan from Doug last week as a replacement for a Nikon 400. It really impressed me as to the clarity of the optics and the ranging abilities at dusk/dawn, I was even able to get some returns by moonlight. The Nikon's quit working after about 3 years of infrequent usage, also they were virtually useless in fog or close to dark. The Leica's are very compact compared to some of the other brands also. If the 1200's are to much for your budget, talk to Doug. He can probably get you into a set of 900's for not much more than you indicated you wanted to spend.

The Leica 1200LRF really IS The Cat's Ass.

'Nuff said...................