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Campfire Ranger
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I was talking to a Leupold rep today about a scope and told him I was thinking about a rangefinder.I asked if they were coming out with one and he said it was in the discussion phase.When I asked his choice in the 400.00 price range,he quickly answered"the new LIECA".<P>Is there an old one?? I didnt think to ask him,so Im asking y'all.<P>------------------<BR>Boone and Crockett was rednecks


Never holler whoa or look back in a tight place
GB1

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I have a bushnell 800 and have had it now for a year. It has worked for me with no problems and I have to say the yardages I've shot I think are right on. Before spring bear season i got it out to make sure everything was in working order and the ranges were coming up short. Battery meter in unite said I still had plenty on battery life. Even checked batteries on battery checker and plenty on life. I was about to ship the unite back to bushnell when I stuck a new set of batteries in and bingo the problem was solved. Gene

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Forgot to add a THANKS to JJHACK for the post here on the hands on coparision of the Leica and Bushnell. I've always wondered if maybe I bought the wrong one. At the time I was deciding which to buy Leica was having a recall. I'm happy with what I purchased. Gene

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Campfire Kahuna
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This topic has come up fairly frequently,it is deserving of such attention. I have had three seperate units,from three seperate manufacturers.<P>My first was a Tasco 800,it worked kind of. It was MUCH better than guessing,but it paled in comparison to a friend's then newly introduced Bushnell 600Compact.<P> That same friend,attended the FNAWS Show and RAVED about the demo Leica 800LRF,that was there. I IMMEDIATELY made my order and began to wait for those units,to be imported into the country. I received the unit,along with another friend,so we had two of the Leica's in our hands. Long story short,they sucked and were promptly returned. Despite the use of REAL glass in the unit's construction,it failed to do what I purchased it to do. That being,reliably measuring extended distances. It was far better than the tasco offering,but a distinct second to the Bushnell 600(at that time,three friends had the Bushnell 600). So I promptly returned the Leica and upgraded to a Bushnell(never had I previously dreamed of making such a statement,but it does remain fact). <P>In a side by shootout,the 600 Compact is a superior HUNTING rangefinder,in my estimation. Foremost,it reads to greater distances on smaller targets(mine will go to 950-999yds easily,a friend can get 4-digit readings!). Secondly,it is waaaaaay faster to get a reading with,as others have mentioned. That due partly to it's ergonomics(easier to get a steday/comfortable grip on)and the Scan feature. Leica can't scratch the surface,in those regards. Another nice feature,is it's small size and rugged construction. Lastly,I very much like the neoprene housing,that comes as standard fare on the Busnell 600. It is a very clever design,that aids much in both protecting the unit and as a means to fasten the supplied lanyard/neck strap.<P>Let me close,in this fashion. I very much HATE everything Bushnell and always have. BUT,they really blew me away with their simplistic approach at creating an affordable/effective laser,for Hunting. I am the LAST guy that would prompt anyone,towards buying anything,that read Bushnell upon it. In this matter,I rate them as the superior product,for reasons mentioned. In fact,amongst the yo-yo's I Hunt with,we have all got the 600Compact,despite three of us upgrading,from the Leica(including one of the second generation Leica's). Hard to believe guys that tote Zeiss bino's,have a Bushnell laser in their pack! <P>Big Sky mentions his particular unit's trouble. It was obvious that mine was a superior tool. Of all the units that are floating around,by folks known to me,his is the poorest. He's tried new batteries etc. I guess they don't call him "Lucky",for nothing. I suggested to him to return it,perhaps they would toss him a new one? Never hurts to try(hint,hint).<P><BR>Though the Leica exhibits far superior optical quality,it doesn't range as far,nor as easily. Reliability,is very important to me,as is ease of operation and accuracy. Bushnell delivers that and in spades. Who'd a thunk it?!?<P>I'm still very much disappointed,that the Leica wasn't a better grade of tool. Their name has long been associated,with top-notch optical instruments. I guess I should have seen the writing on the wall,when the bottom of the Leica 800LRF was stamped,"made in Portugal". The Bushnell came from Japan,but heck,we ALL knew that! Despite my dearly wanting the Leica to work as advertised(who wants to tote Bushnell?)it simply didn't measure up. That both figuratively and quite literally.................


Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
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The Bushnell and Leica rangefinder products must have a great diversity of quality. I think we all knew that Leica had a problem early on with the Lazer but that was fixed on a general recall as I remember. <P>Now I have used a Bushnell that works about as good as is possible for the needs I have, yet I have used another(with new batteries) that would read what ever it wanted to? Troy(Big Sky) had one that was worthless, my friend Brett has one that is also worthless. My friend Al has one that works great. Big stick and his friends have some that work good. <P>What the heck is up with this Bushnell rangfinder roulette? The ones I used in Africa this past season all worked well but one. It measured poor unless the target was quite large and we could not get it to measure anything further then 400 yards. <P>I guess once you know how to operate your chosen brand it will work fine for you. I have had many people use both and most have the same comment, the Bushnell is faster to get a reading but the optics are bad and there is too much clutter in the view. Then when you ask to measure a rock the size of a basketball at 300 plus yards with lots of other boulders, grass and trees in the way. The Bushnell's (good one's or so we believe) will measure many different distances. <P>The Leica will not measure at all, or will give the exact distance. Lots of times with the Leica the user will hand it back to me and say "it's to far and it will not work" the Bushnell reads it the first time you push the button but the display says 182 yards? next click 246 yards, next click 197 yards, next click 302 yards(first right measure) which do you believe and when do you stop checking and go with a distance?<P>We had the advantage of knowing it before hand, if we were hunting what would we have done? With the Leica we could click 25-30 times and get only 2 reading's but both will be identical and at the 300 yard measure. Increase this target to the chest of an elk and the bushnell wins hands down every time for speed and is just as accurate. <P>It's those small distant targets we have trouble with on the Bushnell. As an Example a couple years ago I post a serious problem using a rangfinder on a black bear across a small canyon while he was right at the top of the ridge. we were looking slightly down at him. When I spotted this bear and said to my client take him he insisted on me using his rangefinder. This bear was as orange as a pumpkin, without a doubt the most unusual bear coloration I have ever seen. I figured he was 150 yards away and would have been dead quicker then it took me to type this out. <P>I pulled the Rangefinder out and clicked it, to my stunned amazment it read just over 300 yards! The client says "I told you we should check it out" Ok he shoots and I see dirt and crap fly in the air way in the distance on the side of another sid hill. The bear looks around and does not know what the heck is going on. He moves about 30 yards and stops. Then starts eating berries again. My client ranges the distance and it says just over 300 yards. His rifle is zeroed for 250. He told me he aimed a bit high for bullet drop at the extended distance. I said just put it right on him and take him he is easily in range. I clicked the rangfinder again and it said just over 300 yards again! the bear moved in and out of the bush with the client measuring it over and over but now every once in a while he gets around 160 yards? He has one more shot and again shoots over the back. <P>I was ****ed becuase that bear was fantastic and I know it was only 150 yards away or so. We sat on that ridge and measured for 20 minutes finding that the range finders cross hairs were out of allignment causing us to consistantly aim over the back of the bear and measure the rock wall beyond the bear.<P>In Avaition you always trust your instruments, In hunt you should trust your PH! that bear was magnificent, and is still up there someplace! This Rangefinder stuff is good but you really need to use your common sense to hunt. Look at the distance with your own eyes. What does it look like? Check your rangefinder often to make sure it is on the money. I'm not sure what the outcome was on this unit as the client flew home with a different bear, however I know it went back to Bushnell because this investment cost him the best bear I probabaly ever saw in my life!jj


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Campfire Greenhorn
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Matt in VA. About that Leica Vector, did you find the operation of it the same as the Geovid? <P>Everyone, I also have some reviews and notes on rangefinders at <A HREF="http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/rangefinders.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/rangefinders.html</A>


~Jesse

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I can say I really haven't tryed to just hit a game animal right on at ranges of 300 or more. I'll shoot it and get a reading and shoot something close to it as a 2nd reference. Don't know why 20 or 30 yds would make a difference there in a hunting situation. Range finders and common sence go hand in hand.

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Gene, I've seen a lot more then 20-30 yards as a difference. I have seen 100 yards or more many times! jj


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Are you living your life, or just paying bills until you die?
When you hit the pearly gates I want to be there just to see the massive pile of dead 5hit at your feet. ( John Peyton)
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JJHACK Well I took my 800 out and tryed it on as many different situations I could think of. It met my expections. I have to say tho your right when ranging small targets if not held perfectly still your going to range short or long. But it only takes seconds to check, just click on something close. I did find that when targeting an object (and it took picking up my bino's. to see what was going on) and stalks (just 3 stalks I might add) of grass were infront of the target it ranged the grass, now we're talking 65yds. This is when common sence has to take over. I'm still very happy with mine. Gene

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Gene if all this post of mine does is alert hunters to the fact that you must still THINK about what your measuring and add your good judgement then the post was worth it for me. As you and everyone else willing to admit it will agree to, they are very good at what they are designed to do but we still have to use some common sense too!jj


www.huntingadventures.net
Are you living your life, or just paying bills until you die?
When you hit the pearly gates I want to be there just to see the massive pile of dead 5hit at your feet. ( John Peyton)
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Gene,<P>It just occured to me after seeing where you live that I believe we've met. Would you happen to know Orville Roth?<P>If you're the same Gene Sutton I'm thinking of.... it's a small world.<P>Take care.

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Spike I've seen Orville over the years and given him alot of money too, but never met him. Can't say I know a Spike eather. You've got my curiosity goin as to who you may be. I feel like I'm on "What's My Line" here. Hell now I can't tell any more lies. HAR HAR PS What's the next clue?

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Campfire Ranger
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I have been intending to buy a rangefinder,so I'm really much obliged to y'all for having this conversation.After reading all your comments,I've decided on the BUSHNELL because me and the salesman both know how to pronounce it.


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Hey Gene,<P>Send me an email (should be able to get it through my profile).<P>Orville was almost my father-in-law but things didn't work out. He has a good friend with your same name, thought you might be him.

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okay, if we generally agree that we would typically limit our shot to 300-400 yds under most circumstances, then what's the benefit and purpose of a rangefinder that goes 800-1000 yards? just for the fun of it??


Those that would trade freedom for security, deserve neither freedom or security.
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Campfire Kahuna
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The benefit is speed and ease of use. Like towing a 10,000lb trailer with a 4cyl engine vs. a big diesel.<P>If you opt for a laser,get the best you can afford. Currently,$199.99,will get you the 600Compact and it WILL cover most Hunting situations,with ease..........


Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
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600 compact $199.99 where???? where????? I haven't seen it for less than $299.99 point me please... Also the 600 compact was discontinued with the smaller "Scout" modle (that what Midsouth said anyway). Anyone have or use the Scout?

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Campfire Kahuna
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SWFA,has them for $199.95. Tell Chris I steered you his way.....<P><A HREF="http://www.swfa.com/binoculars/bushnell/index.html" TARGET=_blank>SWFA (Bushnell 600 compact sale price)</A>


Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
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Campfire Greenhorn
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rayray,<P>Check ubid.com every few days, I got a new 600 compact there last year for $145.00 and I was late getting in the biddiing, the main group walked away with them for $119.00.<P>Several online retailers have the 600 for $199.99. Use a search engine to find them.


~Jesse

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E, Guys, what you all have said about the Leica 800LRF sure is true. I tried mine out for the first time today, while at the rifle range. Except for a few large truck size (semi truck size) bolders at about 400 yds. I couldn't get any readings at all. It would read up close, under a 100 yds. But beyond, i couldn't hold it steady enough on any small, animal size object to get a reading. It would just give me, the 3 blank lines, no range. It was dead noon, and bright sunlight, so I'll try again later.<P>Phil

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