Rangefinder

[billbmcleod]

I have never had a rangefinder or thought I needed one. This however will probably be my last moose hunt due to health and age. I always figured I could guess range out to 400 yd which would be my longest shot on a still morning. I started pricing rangefinders and decided I didn't really need one for this hunt. Just for comparison though I checked Walmart and they have a big bucket full under $100. I may order one and take it with me and give it a try. If it is junk and who am I to judge I will return it when I get back. But if it allows me to range a few spots out from where my stands will be I may keep it and give it to my son if he wants it. Nothing to loose but my honour.

 

[Terry Perkins]

Hey Bill,
You get what you pay for. Some range finders will only work in finite conditions. Most quality RF's work in most/all atmospheric conditions. You could buy a quality RF, use it and sell it for less than new. The price difference could be considered rent for the RF.
You would be surprised at distances you guessed at after confirming with a RF, been there done that.

 

[big boar]

PERSONALLY, I'd not trust a RF in that price range. A friend had one that gave 3 different readings, each out by AT LEAST 50+++ metres and more from the same location. I think Terry Perkins is giving you some good advice, buy...then sell.

 

[BlackRam]

Watch for a RF on EE.
You'll find a better product you can use and then get most/all your money back if still in good condition after your hunt.
Unless of course you find it useful for other less strenuous hunts, or gift to a kid/grandkid or hunting buddy.

Have been using them for years, and with practice they do help make you better at judging distances. Have found that this skill is quickly lost when not in use, and takes practice again each year to reacquire. You may find you want to keep it...

 

[TheTooner]

I have a Brunton 440 I got from C.Tire years ago, on sale for c. $100. It was advertised to be accurate to +/- one yard out to 440 yards. I took it to the local range which had measured distances of 100, 200, and 300 yards and it was accurate at those distances (and I know my shooting isn't good enough to take a 300 yard shot unless I have time to get comfortable in a prone position with good support and perfect conditions and very co-operative target.)

So, a cheap range finder may be good enough, but you'll need to pay and prove it to find out. I use mine for, as BlackRam suggests, practise at judging distances. Most of my shooting opportunities won't last long enough to unpack the rangefinder and get a measurement.