Sales person told me after I bid on a Nikon Monarch 800 that for varmint hunting I need to get a range finder that is rated for twice the distance I think I'm going to shoot at. Is this true? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Range frinders can I ask?
- Thread starter Iron Worker
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more or less yes it is true under less than ideal conditions they donot range well. The Swarvoski is the best and ranges the fartherest.I have had bright sunny days when my Leica 1200 would not range past 600 yards,on the same day the Swarvorski would range out well past a 1000 yards
Varmint Hunter
Well-Known Member
Yes - I'd agree with him too. Some targets (varmints) are particularely difficult to range in the field. Small varmints on flat ground will test the limits of any laser rangefinder, especially on a sunny day.
Laser rangefinders are typically rated at their maximum range, under ideal conditions, when used on reflective targets.
Laser rangefinders are typically rated at their maximum range, under ideal conditions, when used on reflective targets.
royinidaho
Well-Known Member
Yep - but not quite twice. My Leica 1200 Scan is go all the time to about 60% of 1200. Much better on "frosty" mornings. And 90% of 1200 after a rain.
It will range farther than I can shot...... for the time being. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
FWIW.
It will range farther than I can shot...... for the time being. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
FWIW.
I can't see my self shooting a coyote at more than 400yds.(Of a Bi Pod or Shooting sticks) so will it work? What is a reflective target? Tree? Mirror? Rock formation? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Buffalobob
Well-Known Member
I was out yesterday looking for a shooting position for deer season. Bushell Elite got out to 1150 yds on a very flat rock formation. Sometimes get to 800 yds on tree leaves. Very bright day and in the mountians and stuff was either in full sunlight or no sunlight. Turkey hunting this fall I waited on the river bank for the turkeys to come down for a drink. The Elite would give me very good readings on the river bank out to about 600 yds. This is a very flat reading where you are reflecting off of piles of softball sized black river rocks in the shade of the over hanging trees. (of course being as it had rained the day before the turkeys did not have to come down a drink)
On problem is holding the thing still enough to ensure that the reading is where you want it to be.
I think for the range you are looking at the Bushnell elite would serve you well for the price.
On problem is holding the thing still enough to ensure that the reading is where you want it to be.
I think for the range you are looking at the Bushnell elite would serve you well for the price.
I have a Bushnell Yardage Pro 1000 and it will give me good ranges on deer right out to about 500 yards. I have been able to range dry rock walls in bright sun (north facing canyon face)out to about 600 or so. A reflective target like a stopsign is no problem at 1000 and according to the instructions I should be able to read 2000 on reflective targets but I have never tried.
My friends Leica 1200 zapped a dry rock wall in full sun out at 1100 yards.
My friends Leica 1200 zapped a dry rock wall in full sun out at 1100 yards.
remingtonman_25_06
Well-Known Member
I have the old Nikon 800 buckmasters. It usually works very well out to 700 yards or so on deer/elk/rocks. Sometimes in bright days its hard to pick up yotes in a field past 500. On cloudy days however, I have gotten readings to 900 on rocks and elk, dirt clods. My dad bought the new and improved monarch 800. I really do not see any advantage in that one at all over the previous 800. I think I like mine better to tell ya the truth. When the time comes, I think I will sell this one and buy the leica 1200 or Swaro 1500.
I have an Opti-Logic and have ranged many times to 1150 yds, sunny or cloudy. Within a foot at targets at the rifle range, they say they are perfect yardages. Ranged an antelope at 675 yds in the middle of the flat prarie and dropped it. Perfect! MUST HOLD IT STEADY AND WORKS GREAT!
Ankeny
Well-Known Member
Ditto the other posts. Leica has a try before you buy program so I have had the chance to use the 900 and 1200 extensively. I own the 900 LRF scan and I am not sure the 1200 is worth the price to upgrade.
Of all the range finders I have tinkered with, the Leica Geovid bino/rf combo is the best. Lots of bucks, but if you want to cry once and get it over with...
Of all the range finders I have tinkered with, the Leica Geovid bino/rf combo is the best. Lots of bucks, but if you want to cry once and get it over with...
HoytemanPA
Well-Known Member
I too have a Bushnell Yardage Pro 1000. Repeatable measurement on animals it is about half. Better at dusk and dawn.
Something that works very nice to verify drop charts. Buy a trihedral prism off ebay for about $40. Set it at your bench when you go out to set up targets. Ranges 1300 instantly mid day. Will be going farther soon.
Something that works very nice to verify drop charts. Buy a trihedral prism off ebay for about $40. Set it at your bench when you go out to set up targets. Ranges 1300 instantly mid day. Will be going farther soon.
G
Guest
Guest
Rangefinders are interesting pieces of equipment. The Bushnell 800 that I once owned did not range properly as the "box" reticle shifted around and made for inconsistent and inaccurate readings; so did the Simons that I tried. The Leica LRF 1200 has worked Very well. However it works best in the early mornings, late afternoon / evenings and also with cloud cover. Does it work in the Rain, Snow, fog, or haze? No, it really doesn't. Battery life is severely restricted in the cold, and the mirage from heat really messes with them. What's the best range finder or one of the Best? The Leica Vector. Big Money though…
