Laser range finders

I use a Bushnell Scout ARC 1000. However that's the only one I've used so I don't have anything to compare it to. It can be handy, but it can also be quite fiddly especially trying to range things past 300m. Up close it is fairly handy but I mostly use it as a tool to check my guesstimations. I've been really trying to improve my ability to visually gauge distances.

In terms of ease of use, it's pretty easy. Just point and click a button. Trying to hold it steady on a small distant target can be tricky though.

I'm sure there are much better ones out there, but also much worse ones.
 
Had an older Bushnell Sport 450 I believe. Worked allright but wasn't the greatest past 200yds.

Leica are awesome units, extremely clear and accurate.

My dad has a Nikon Prostaff 7 and I had a chance to play with it. Great unit, accurate and clear.
 
Leica LRF/CRF 1200 for the win!

You can get them used for around $400-$450 fairly often. You won't find better performance at that price point. No fancy doo-dads - just point and click - yardage appears. No compass, cosine, temperature, barometric pressure... just the distance. That's what it's for! ;)
 
In my experience here...

Hands down best- Vectronix ($2000), but they've been discontinued, so I'd say Leica ($800) is likely next. Both brands WILL reach their advertised range in the field, with my Vectronix consistently reaching 500+ yards past it's 2200 yard advertised max range.

Now, I've owned and used three Bushnells, none of which even came close to performing as advertised. Even under absolute ideal conditions they struggled to reach their max range even on large buildings. Also had a tendency to chew through batteries when cold. I have not yet experience some of the higher end Bushnell rangefinders, but the 450 and 1200 ARC models I used were simply junk.

Until last year, I was using a Zeiss Victpory PRF ($840)- fantastic glass! Under ideal conditions, it would just reach it's advertised max, and it had a number of handy features in addition to the crystal clear lenses. However, at $40 more than the Leica, it's twice the size and reaches at least 300 yards LESS in the real world. The Leica is the better buy, for sure.
 
Pay large and hert once.
Leica 1200 here and haven't regretted them.
Older set, nothing fer distractions other than flip
a dial fer feet or Europeean.
Battery is a plain oh 9 volt, so nutt'n komplicated.
Tite lazer and qwick like lightening.

I'd give up me oh lady forr'in these get owtta me mitts.
 
kamlooky said:
Pay large and hert once.
Leica 1200 here and haven't regretted them.
Older set, nothing fer distractions other than flip
a dial fer feet or Europeean.
Battery is a plain oh 9 volt, so nutt'n komplicated.
Tite lazer and qwick like lightening.

I'd give up me oh lady forr'in these get owtta me mitts.
Click to expand...

Geez, that was hard to read. I had to say it out loud before I could get it, and then I REALLY looked like an idiot.

He was trying to say that he really likes his Leica, and you should probably buy one.
 
Best advice is to be completely honest with yourself what the maximum distance you need to range is.. then do your research/reviews on models and their real-world REPEATABLE ranging capabilities. Yes, some units can range 1200 yds - after 15 attempts and in perfect weather, who needs that.
 
kamlooky said:
Pay large and hert once.Leica 1200 here and haven't regretted them.
Older set, nothing fer distractions other than flip
a dial fer feet or Europeean.
Battery is a plain oh 9 volt, so nutt'n komplicated.
Tite lazer and qwick like lightening.

I'd give up me oh lady forr'in these get owtta me mitts.
Click to expand...

I would never think you would ever say that lol..

Anyways, there is a prostaff 5 laser rangefinder making its way to me at this moment. I will report once it arrives. I got the camo pattern one which obviously helps laser the range better.

Ok it doesn't.
 
I'm using a Bushnell 1300, and its worked well for 3 seasons now.
I bought it for steel/earth targets but it leaves me wanting, past 600yd.
I can range a 16" gong at 900 after 5 or 6 tries.
Same gong at 600 instantly.
I can range my backpack no problem, past 300 even to 400.
Still using oe battery.
Built in drop chart that's somewhat useful ;).

Deffinetly not high end equipment, but neither am I. It'll do what I need it to, for hunting inside 400.
 
Doug at CameralandNY (sponsor) can get you a great deal on a Leica - he usually has lots of 'open box/demo' models that can save you a ton of cake. No issues shipping RF to Canada either.

Service and prices that are hard to beat!
 
Thanks guys! Last year I had bought a Bushnell 850 on special. I couldn't lase the pick-up at 400!!!!! POS!! I played with someone else's Vectronix Terrapin and absolutely love that model, but Murphy decided the company should discontinue it:(
It seems from reviews, most of the lower end LRFs have trouble ranging half way (and consistantly) of what they claim. Has anyone used products from NEWCON OPTIK? Tactical Imports sells them; it seems like a possible challenger to Vectronix...
Thanks!
 
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