Range finder recommendations

[AIRret]

I'm checking out range finders and would really like some feedback.

Currently I'm leaning toward a Leupold RX-1000i TBR Rangefinder with DNA.
Dick's has it for $399 and I would get a %10 military discount.

Thanks

[AIRret]

So, no response.
Maybe I should search a hunting forum?

[Bawanna]

Sorry honey I was born a 100 years too late. I think my kid has one, don't have a clue what brand or how it works or even how to turn it on.

My idea of range is just right, far piece and too far, out of range.

I don't got one of them machines with the lady inside telling me where to drive either and I feel better with out it. My wife and kids have them too, son turned his off before I could get a clear shot at his. Annoying machines.

[AIRret]

Those GPS chicks have a nick name in my book/truck and it starts with B.

[b4uqzme]

I don't got one of them machines with the lady inside telling me where to drive either and I feel better with out it. My wife and kids have them too, son turned his off before I could get a clear shot at his. Annoying machines.

Martina NAVratilova...get it? I drove about ten miles south then turned left at Front Street and found a nice range.

Sorry about the sarcasm. Seems we don't have much experience with them things. Make fun of what you don't understand. That's my motto. :p

[melissa5]

I've got a Bushnell Legend 1200 Arc that I have used out to 700 yards. No complaints and seems to be spot on. http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Legend-Rifle-Modes-Rangefinder/dp/B001SO3D06

[otium]

How are you planning to use it?

I have a Nikon Prostaff 550 and it has done what I need it to, basically ranging animals and ranging the distance when I am out playing with a rifle. For my needs it's 550 yards maximum was enough as I don't see me ever taking a shot at big game past 400 yards.

Do remember the brand you are considering when I was looking for mine and it was well regarded for ranging and the price you quoted seems reasonable.

Have fun with it.

[AIRret]

I've got a Bushnell Legend 1200 Arc that I have used out to 700 yards. No complaints and seems to be spot on. http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Legend-Rifle-Modes-Rangefinder/dp/B001SO3D06

Thanks Melissa.

[AIRret]

How are you planning to use it?

I have a Nikon Prostaff 550 and it has done what I need it to, basically ranging animals and ranging the distance when I am out playing with a rifle. For my needs it's 550 yards maximum was enough as I don't see me ever taking a shot at big game past 400 yards.

Do remember the brand you are considering when I was looking for mine and it was well regarded for ranging and the price you quoted seems reasonable.

Have fun with it.

We hope to do some varmint hunting out West.

[garyb]

I've had a Bushnell Scout for over 10 years for bowhunting and target shooting. It has worked flawlessly for me. I think they are all pretty good, so I don't see how you will go wrong. Look at their size and weight. Smaller and lighter is good. Also look to see what kind of case they provide. A belt loop and snap buckle that you can hook on a belt loop are very handy for carrying the equipment. My Bushnell also has a lanyard to wear it around the neck and tuck it inside a front pocket (out of the weather). It is most handy there, while I am in my stand. I consider that simple piece of string a must. I hold my bow in my left hand, while I take the yardage with my right hand. Then I tuck it in my front top pocket or inside the front of my jacket when I shoot the critter. I'd go with Bushnell or Leopold probably. I think I paid $200 but that was 10 yrs ago. Arc is something new. I don't have it on mine, but my shots are only 40 yrds or under, so being off a little won't matter with me being only 15 ft above the ground and with the fast archery equipment I use. Hope this helps.

[garyb]

I also find the scan mode to be a convenience, but your application may vary. My range finder has a button for under 150 yrds down to about 11 yrds, and an over 150 yrd. I think it goes up to 800 yrds. Also look at the type of battery it uses to make sure it is common. My batter lasts about 2 yrs but I only use it during bow season for about 1 1/2 months of hard use and pre bow season practice for about 3 months. So it gets used pretty regularly for about 4-5 months a year. It has held up very well. Still like new. That's because of the type of nylon padded case that came with it. Very well made. Be sure the case has an easy open and close that is secure....and it is well made and durable materials. I'd put as much emphasis on the importance of the carry case design as I would the range finder itself.

[muggsy]

How are you planning to use it?

I have a Nikon Prostaff 550 and it has done what I need it to, basically ranging animals and ranging the distance when I am out playing with a rifle. For my needs it's 550 yards maximum was enough as I don't see me ever taking a shot at big game past 400 yards.

Do remember the brand you are considering when I was looking for mine and it was well regarded for ranging and the price you quoted seems reasonable.

Have fun with it.

I've hunted big game all of my life and I've never taken a shot of much more than 100 yards. In fact, of the 27 deer that I have accounted for, most were taken at less than fifty yards. In my experience you just can't see much farther than that in the wild. Trees, hills, brush, etc. get in the way. I have far to much respect for the game that I've hunted to risk a shot at more than one hundred yards. I try to take game with one clean shot. If you are hunting with a modern accurate rifle you might be able to take game out to 250 yards, but beyond that you are trusting to luck.

[melissa5]

Just wanted add that I don't hunt and have only ranged paper and steel targets. :)

[garyb]

I've hunted big game all of my life and I've never taken a shot of much more than 100 yards. In fact, of the 27 deer that I have accounted for, most were taken at less than fifty yards. In my experience you just can't see much farther than that in the wild. Trees, hills, brush, etc. get in the way. I have far to much respect for the game that I've hunted to risk a shot at more than one hundred yards. I try to take game with one clean shot. If you are hunting with a modern accurate rifle you might be able to take game out to 250 yards, but beyond that you are trusting to luck.

If you've ever hunted out west, your opinion would change fast. 500 yrd shots at mule deer and elk are not uncommon. Of course we practice for that and get dialed in. 250 is considered to be nothing exciting. Where I hunt in the NE, 100 yrds is a long shot. So it makes a difference where you hunt and what you are hunting with and for, regarding what might be ethical or not. A range finder is a useful tool...even for archery ranges of 10-60yrds.

[otium]

I've hunted big game all of my life and I've never taken a shot of much more than 100 yards. In fact, of the 27 deer that I have accounted for, most were taken at less than fifty yards. In my experience you just can't see much farther than that in the wild. Trees, hills, brush, etc. get in the way. I have far to much respect for the game that I've hunted to risk a shot at more than one hundred yards. I try to take game with one clean shot. If you are hunting with a modern accurate rifle you might be able to take game out to 250 yards, but beyond that you are trusting to luck.

I have not hunted Midwestern deer since I moved west 35 years ago and I would agree in the Midwest that a 100 yard shot is a long shot, too far for my shotgun and was too populated to use a high powered rifle.

Come out west and try hunting some time and see what a cross canyon shot looks like. The distance and scale here is something to behold.

It would be complete luck if you only sight in your rifle and call it good after 2-3 rounds total fired, but it's about being prepared and building up your confidence in taking such a shot. You build and pick your best load, then print out, study and commit to memory your ballistics table. You check those tables by doing test shots at various ranges.

My "zero" for my current rifle and 250gr load is at approximately 240 yards which is 2.7" high at 100 yards and at 400 yards is -18" so some holdover is needed at that range. After this the drop is really in play for my round, for instance at 500 yards it's -38", and is why I impose a 400 yard limit on my set up.

The real luck comes in by being able to locate a legal animal on public land and being in good enough shape to hike at 9,000-11,000 feet and contending with the weather and likely snow on the ground to try and get to a shot.

[muggsy]

I've taken prairie dogs out to 300 yards in Colorado with a .22-250. It may be commonplace to take game out to 500 yards out West, but when I was coming up 300 yards was considered a very long shot. If it was the trophy animal of a lifetime I still wouldn't attempt to take a 500 yard shot. If you had a minute of angle rifle that's the equivalent of a sixteen inch group at five hundred yards under ideal benchrest conditions. It's not a shot I'd take at a game animal.

[RRP]

If you had a minute of angle rifle that's the equivalent of a sixteen inch group at five hundred yards under ideal benchrest conditions. It's not a shot I'd take at a game animal.

Muggsy, I agree with you about taking game at a range in which one can make a clean kill. I disagree with your math, however. One MOA is 5" at 500 yards.

[mr surveyor]

I've taken prairie dogs out to 300 yards in Colorado with a .22-250. It may be commonplace to take game out to 500 yards out West, but when I was coming up 300 yards was considered a very long shot. If it was the trophy animal of a lifetime I still wouldn't attempt to take a 500 yard shot. If you had a minute of angle rifle that's the equivalent of a sixteen inch group at five hundred yards under ideal benchrest conditions. It's not a shot I'd take at a game animal.


not trying to start a fuss, but just curious about your math? My figures come up to about 10-1/2" potential circle, which is still 4-5" beyond what I would consider an ethical shot at a game animal under normal sport hunting circumstances.

[AJBert]

I've hunted big game all of my life and I've never taken a shot of much more than 100 yards. In fact, of the 27 deer that I have accounted for, most were taken at less than fifty yards. In my experience you just can't see much farther than that in the wild. Trees, hills, brush, etc. get in the way. I have far to much respect for the game that I've hunted to risk a shot at more than one hundred yards. I try to take game with one clean shot. If you are hunting with a modern accurate rifle you might be able to take game out to 250 yards, but beyond that you are trusting to luck.
I can understand not wanting to take a shot out past 100 yards. I've done it more times on elk and muleys than I have shooting under 100 yards, though, with great success.

If you only practice out to 100 yards then I understand your statement completely. If you practice beyond 100 yards, then your statement has no logic at all. I personally place my limit at 350ish yards as I feel very comfortable in both my skills and my equipment at that range. This would be with a Win Mod 70 in .270, Win Mod 70 in .25-06 and a Rem 700 in .270.

That being said, my limit with my Win Mod 94 in .32 Win Special, my 1896 Springfield in .30-40 Krag or my Marlin 336W .30-30, all with iron sights would be 100 yards or in.

By all means, if yours skills and/or your equipment are not up to the task, keep it under 100 yards. However...

Just sayin'

[7shot]

I thought the OP was talking about a type of camera :crazy:

[muggsy]

Muggsy, I agree with you about taking game at a range in which one can make a clean kill. I disagree with your math, however. One MOA is 5" at 500 yards.

You've got it right. I was thinking exponentially. Must be old age creeping up on me. Still, 500 yards is a very long shot to take at a game animal.

[garyb]

Muggsy, I agree with you about taking game at a range in which one can make a clean kill. I disagree with your math, however. One MOA is 5" at 500 yards.

That 5" is nothing on an elk which has a chest height of over 24". Heck, if you can take a prairie dog at 300 yrds, what's stopping you from taking an ELK at 300-500? It is not like 500 is the norm, but it is far from being an unethical shot if you are trained for it and you know how your rifle shoots. We are not talking about whitetail at 500 yrds. Either way, a range finder is a must...good tool.

[RRP]

You've got it right. I was thinking exponentially. Must be old age creeping up on me. Still, 500 yards is a very long shot to take at a game animal.

You were measuring with the special ruler we show to women, weren't you? ;)

[RRP]

That 5" is nothing on an elk which has a chest height of over 24". Heck, if you can take a prairie dog at 300 yrds, what's stopping you from taking an ELK at 300-500? It is not like 500 is the norm, but it is far from being an unethical shot if you are trained for it and you know how your rifle shoots. We are not talking about whitetail at 500 yrds. Either way, a range finder is a must...good tool.

One shot, one kill. If you can make the shot, go for it regardless of the range.

I don't have a dog in this fight. My contribution was limited to MOA.

Carry on.

[muggsy]

That 5" is nothing on an elk which has a chest height of over 24". Heck, if you can take a prairie dog at 300 yrds, what's stopping you from taking an ELK at 300-500? It is not like 500 is the norm, but it is far from being an unethical shot if you are trained for it and you know how your rifle shoots. We are not talking about whitetail at 500 yrds. Either way, a range finder is a must...good tool.

It would be unethical for me to shoot an elk at five hundred yards, because at my age the meat would spoil before I could get to the animal to field dress it. :)

[mr surveyor]

It would be unethical for me to shoot an elk at five hundred yards, because at my age the meat would spoil before I could get to the animal to field dress it. :)



priceless!
:)

[Glock23]

It would be unethical for me to shoot an elk at five hundred yards, because at my age the meat would spoil before I could get to the animal to field dress it. :)

Use incendiary rounds.. that way it's cooked and ready to eat when you get there.

[muggsy]

Use incendiary rounds.. that way it's cooked and ready to eat when you get there.

Now there's a man with imagination! :)

[muggsy]

You were measuring with the special ruler we show to women, weren't you? ;)

The old peter meter? I haven't had that out in years. I'd have to dust it off to be able to read it. :)

[muggsy]

Embarrassed, by my error I decided to do a little figgerin. A 165 grain spitzer boattail leaving the barrel of a 30-06 at 2950 fps is only traveling at 2,303 fps at 300 hundred yards. With a muzzle energy of 3,208 ft/lb that energy drops to 1942 ft/lb at 300 yards. If the gun is zeroed in at 100 yards the bullet drops 14.3 inches at just 300 yards. A minute of angle dot telescope subtends 3" at 300 yards. Yup, just as I figgered, plenty of room for error. And, that ain't compensatin' for wind drift, temperature, humidity, altitude, etc. All that room for error sure makes a 100 yard shot look a lot more comfortable to me. Sides, they call it big game hunting, not big game sniping. Any yahoo can get within 500 yards of an elk. It takes a hunter to get within 100.

[AJBert]

I don't know of anyone who plans on shooting out to 300 yards or more that zeros in at 100 yards. I sight in to 250 yards which requires no hold over out to 300. I know what hold over I need for 400 and 500 yards. And, yes, I do practice with crosswinds at the range, not on just calm days.

Many fine folks take great pride in their ability for the long shot. Others take pride in getting close to an animal. Some can do both.

I'll never take a shot that I am not comfortable with, whether it be 400 yards or 25 yards.

[garyb]

I don't know of anyone who plans on shooting out to 300 yards or more that zeros in at 100 yards. I sight in to 250 yards which requires no hold over out to 300. I know what hold over I need for 400 and 500 yards. And, yes, I do practice with crosswinds at the range, not on just calm days.

Many fine folks take great pride in their ability for the long shot. Others take pride in getting close to an animal. Some can do both.

I'll never take a shot that I am not comfortable with, whether it be 400 yards or 25 yards.

Exactamongo! Someone hit a bullseye at 500.

[Bawanna]

I've never considered it much sport to shoot game in the next county. I think my longest shot on game was 60 yards. I've not shot a lot of game, spent a lot of time hunting them but didn't shoot many.

I know after many years of bow hunting, returning to rifle hunting was a real power trip, with a bow you almost have to pet it first, with a rifle, if you can see it you can kill it. Just never did much.

So much depends on the rifle and the operator. I generally used 30-06 and was confident out to the 200 yard mark, still never wanted to shoot that far. Her in Washington there are few places in the woods where you can see 200 yards anyhow, at least on my side of the mountain.
Alphonse has some larger open areas on his side.

[garyb]

Roger that too. I appreciate both sides of the fence but don't swing both ways other than I love to bow hunt close and personal. Very successful at it every year on nice whitetail. Have taken boar, bear, elk, buffalo on other critters with bow too. Even made my own bows and arrows.

That said, there is something about dialing in a good rifle to long distances and putting them down with it too. I guess it is like methods of hunting and we should never put down any method until we have taken the time to appreciate why others love that style of hunting, be it stand hunting, still hunting, driving, dogging, tracking, using dogs, long range, or short range, with your weapon of choice.if you are good at it and enjoy it, have at it. But truly, long range rifle hunting is as much a challenge, science and art as short range bow hunting. Yes they are much different, but both require skill. Some things are just not for everyone, but that don't make them wrong nor worse than what each of us chooses for ourselves. Let's see... How does HE say it? Oh yes, just say'in.

[Bawanna]

My finest hunting moment was a Mountain Goat with a bow. Took about 14 days all total to make it happen, could have got a sack full every day with a decent rifle.

Stalked and sat and tried it all, finally just blind hog luck one happened to meander by my little notch in the mountain. About 13 yards.

Hell of a trip, their playground pretty much stands up on end and they don't like being sneaked up on much.

[muggsy]

I can go along with that and I wasn't putting anyone down. I was only stating what I'd be comfortable with. I'd pass on shooting any game animal at more than 200 yards. Beyond that I just don't feel comfortable about being able to make a one shot clean kill. Shooting at paper at 500 yards just isn't the same as shooting at flesh and blood. A target isn't going to move just as I squeeze off the shot and it won't feel any pain if I miss the mark or die a slow painful death if I can't locate it after I wound it.

[garyb]

I understand and I did not feel anyone put long range hunting down in the thread. If you are not into that game then you should not feel comfortable with it. It takes the right rifle, excellent optics, a bullet hand loaded and perfectly matched to that specific barrel and chamber, an excellent trigger, knowledge of distance and wind with your equipment, range finder, and as Bawanna pointed out - the luck of a blind squirrel to get that acorn to surface just right at that long distance. Otherwise, I enjoy my bow hunting close and personal. I took my first bear with a bow at 17 yrds. Now that's up close and personal. Of course I took my second wild boar at 1 ft with a tomahawk because it charged me after I shot it with a muzzleloader. It took the rest of that day to clean up me britches. True story .