Good Rangw finder on a budget
- Thread starter emb10
- Start date
Jordan Smith
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Save up a little more if you can. Having said that, you might find a deal on a used Bushnell Elite 1500, which is a great RF for the money.
I've seen a couple of those Elite 1500's on the EE, they usually go for about $300. Thats a lot of rangefinder for that price. If your price of 250 includes taxes on a new one, then you would be looking at a lower end, much less powerful unit than the 1500.
Based on my experience with a cheap rangefinder, I say if you want something to reliably work at giving accurate range measurements so you can take long shots on game (which, of course, you will have practised extensively on paper targets,) don't buy a cheap rangefinder like I have. If you are on a tight budget, go to the EE and buy one of the better ones from a Gunnut with a good reputation.
I have a Brunton Echo 440 which C.Tire used to sell for about $200 and I couldn't resist it on sale at $99.99. The first one failed after a while and I sent it to Gerber (which has since bought that part of Brunton's business) under the lifetime warranty and got a replacement, which is still working o.k.
The 440 refers to it's claimed effective range on reflective targets. It works as it should, and my main purpose in having it was to improve my range-estimating by verifying what I think when I eyeball it - I don't practise shooting enough to ethically take shots on live game over 200 yards so I don't really need a rangefinder. I am satisfied with it's performance and value for money in this role.
I have a Brunton Echo 440 which C.Tire used to sell for about $200 and I couldn't resist it on sale at $99.99. The first one failed after a while and I sent it to Gerber (which has since bought that part of Brunton's business) under the lifetime warranty and got a replacement, which is still working o.k.
The 440 refers to it's claimed effective range on reflective targets. It works as it should, and my main purpose in having it was to improve my range-estimating by verifying what I think when I eyeball it - I don't practise shooting enough to ethically take shots on live game over 200 yards so I don't really need a rangefinder. I am satisfied with it's performance and value for money in this role.
I bought my Leica 800 on the EE used. IIRC the price was about that.
I doubt you would regret it, buying a used 'low end of the high end makers' unit.
Try to watch out for RF's that need strange, uncommon, or simply, expensive, batteries.
Dunno why they don't all run on a 9v square battery, but they deon't, so, be aware. PITA to find a oddball battery at a middle of nowhere dirt road gas station/hardware store/coffeshop/roadstop place.
If you can, get the rangefinders you think you can afford, out to the outdoors to try. A bud bought a Bushnell, and it felt like my eyes were being sucked out of my sockets when I went to pan across the area, you could actually see the world warp when it was moved. Ugh.
Try lots, save more money. If you choose well, you won't need to buy again for a long time.
Cheers
Trev
I doubt you would regret it, buying a used 'low end of the high end makers' unit.
Try to watch out for RF's that need strange, uncommon, or simply, expensive, batteries.
Dunno why they don't all run on a 9v square battery, but they deon't, so, be aware. PITA to find a oddball battery at a middle of nowhere dirt road gas station/hardware store/coffeshop/roadstop place.
If you can, get the rangefinders you think you can afford, out to the outdoors to try. A bud bought a Bushnell, and it felt like my eyes were being sucked out of my sockets when I went to pan across the area, you could actually see the world warp when it was moved. Ugh.
Try lots, save more money. If you choose well, you won't need to buy again for a long time.
Cheers
Trev
Good points by trevj. Mine is 6x, optically good enough for what it is supposed to do but nothing remarkable. I wouldn't use it as a substitute for a search optic like a good bino, but if you can afford a used Leica you might well have yourself a bit of a back-up telescope. And the battery for mine is above $20 
!, wasn't included, and they kept it from the first rangefinder I sent in under warranty, had to buy another for the replacement.
!, wasn't included, and they kept it from the first rangefinder I sent in under warranty, had to buy another for the replacement. 
One of my shooting buddies has a higher end Bushnell and I had my used from the EE Leica 1200.
I thought his Bushnell 1500-1600?? worked great until I put my Leica up against his.
I managed to hit the 800 yard saw blade that his Bushnell could get a bead on.
And the Leica was way quicker on spitting out a distance.
Old school with not much for options, but aim, push and bazzing.....
I haven't broke the 1000 yard yet so not sure if it will range up to it's 1200 rating.
But it sure does put a smile on my face.
And the 9 volt battery makes life a whole bunch more fun than trying to find one of those
$10 plus batteries of alien shape.
I would go high end used over the low end new any day.
I thought his Bushnell 1500-1600?? worked great until I put my Leica up against his.
I managed to hit the 800 yard saw blade that his Bushnell could get a bead on.
And the Leica was way quicker on spitting out a distance.
Old school with not much for options, but aim, push and bazzing.....
I haven't broke the 1000 yard yet so not sure if it will range up to it's 1200 rating.
But it sure does put a smile on my face.
And the 9 volt battery makes life a whole bunch more fun than trying to find one of those
$10 plus batteries of alien shape.
I would go high end used over the low end new any day.
