This is my first year hunting, and as I look at the equipment I want its all adding up fast! Are any of the less expensive range finders decent enough to get me through a season or three? I doubt I'd take a shot over 300yds so I Dont need a 800-1000yd ability. Any advice would be appreciated!
Budget range finders?
- Thread starter eodmickelson
- Start date
Take a look at the Vortex Ranger. Might be rite in your price point and ability. Check with Hardstalk he sometimes has some used Vortex he can sell for less. He also is a dealer and can beat any prices you will find
missjordan
Veteran member
My first range finder I ever purchased was a nikon prostaff and I didn't like it. I'd also suggest the vortex rangefinder
xphunter
Member
Bushnell or Vortex is where I would start.
Here is a Bushy:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-scout-dx-1000-arc-6x21-laser-rangefinder.html
Here is a Bushy:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-scout-dx-1000-arc-6x21-laser-rangefinder.html
Elkfitness
Member
I would grab the vortex. It's great and has an awesome warranty. Even if you don't shoot over 300 yds, it's nice to range a rock or other structure you might need to sneak to, to close the distance on an animal.
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If I was limited to 300 yds, I would save my money. Zero at 200. Hold a little high if it is out there at your max range.
With that said, I have the Nikon Riflehunter 550. I am definitely limited to around 500 because I am just not that steady. The range finder helps me confidently shoot farther than I ever would without it. Save your money this year, and get it next year to extend your effective range.
With that said, I have the Nikon Riflehunter 550. I am definitely limited to around 500 because I am just not that steady. The range finder helps me confidently shoot farther than I ever would without it. Save your money this year, and get it next year to extend your effective range.
tdcour
Veteran member
If I was in your shoes I would go ahead and get a range finder than can do the 800-1000 yards so you don't have to buy another later down the road. Also, knowing how far certain distances are past your max shooting range is helpful when getting in position and such. Besides, don't you want to be able to range the animal prior to it being within range to know how much distance to close?
I use a Leupold RX800 TBR that I have had zero problems with. I have had two range finders and both were Leupold. I would also check the vortex out as well. Both companies have great warranties and produce quality stuff.
I use a Leupold RX800 TBR that I have had zero problems with. I have had two range finders and both were Leupold. I would also check the vortex out as well. Both companies have great warranties and produce quality stuff.
JEandAsGuide
Active Member
I have to agree with tdcour. I never had one because I don't have any use for it where I hunt at home. Practiced shooting out to 400 yds before my first trip to WY and bought the Nikon 550 thinking I would never shoot that far. Well I still will never shoot that far but now am looking to get a new one only 2 years later for all the reasons he just mentioned.
xphunter
Member
Kind of depends on what your budge is, you have gotten a lot of good advice already, I have not used the vortex, but have heard great things. The Leopold 1000 was selling for $249 at a lot of the big stores this summer, heck of a price on a great finder.
I would add that in my opinion, buy the best you can afford. I tried cutting corners and bought some bottom end finders, spent a little more and have one that works great. Should have saved the money the first two times!
I would add that in my opinion, buy the best you can afford. I tried cutting corners and bought some bottom end finders, spent a little more and have one that works great. Should have saved the money the first two times!
I was looking at some of the $150 options, but based on the advice given I think its best to wait a few months and get a better unit. I tried the vortex at sportsman's last week and really liked it, it may be the one. Thanks a ton for all the good info!
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
missjordan
Veteran member
Finding a used one should be your best bet, my prostaff was in that $150-200 range and it caused me more of a hassle than anything when trying to hunt antelope for the first time. I had an awesome shot on a goat around 350 yards but could never get it to range (who knows it could of been a farther as well). After the trip I bought a Leica 1000 which has been fantastic even at lower distances. It's worth to save your money for a higher quality rangefinder, to save you the frustration so that doesn't happen to you.
Jordan, I am looking at the Leica 1,000. Have you had a chance to see how far it will range deer sized game?
xphunter
Member
Not Jordan, but I have used the 1000.
Hard question to answer, because the answer is not always the same.
Light is the enemy of LRF, so bright sunshine and snow can be difficult and days of bright sunshine and heavy mirage will limit your distance some. You should be able to laser a deer to 800 yards the majority of the time.
When distances are further a solid rest or tripod is beneficial. I put new batteries in right before the season starts.
Terrain can really screw you up as well, such as a small hump 50-70 yards in front of the animal. You think you are ranging the deer, but really you are ranging that slight rise in the ground. Don't trust your first reading, range multiple times to ensure it is correct. Also don't assume the center of the aiming point is where the laser is actually pointing. Confirm that ahead of time. Maybe the actual center is in the upper left of your circle or square aiming (Different depending on brands).
More to say on the topic, but that covers some things.
Hard question to answer, because the answer is not always the same.
Light is the enemy of LRF, so bright sunshine and snow can be difficult and days of bright sunshine and heavy mirage will limit your distance some. You should be able to laser a deer to 800 yards the majority of the time.
When distances are further a solid rest or tripod is beneficial. I put new batteries in right before the season starts.
Terrain can really screw you up as well, such as a small hump 50-70 yards in front of the animal. You think you are ranging the deer, but really you are ranging that slight rise in the ground. Don't trust your first reading, range multiple times to ensure it is correct. Also don't assume the center of the aiming point is where the laser is actually pointing. Confirm that ahead of time. Maybe the actual center is in the upper left of your circle or square aiming (Different depending on brands).
More to say on the topic, but that covers some things.
Thank you. Really wanted to verify deer sized capabilities, so if it does the deed to 800, it will fill the bill for me. Need a new one as my youngest was so excited after dropping his mule deer, he dropped the range finder on the way to his deer. The sage just swallowed it up near as we could tell. They need to come in blaze orange...
xphunter
Member
Welcome.
With the 1200 I can pretty much always get a reading at 900 yards.
Sometimes you may range a rock or tree that is right beside the animal.
Depending on terrain, you may actually want to range at it's feet to get a correct distance.
For fun with your boy in the field, always be asking each other, "How far is that tree, rock, doe, etc...
Both make a guess and then confirm it with your LRF. Fun and you get better at estimating all at the same time.
With the 1200 I can pretty much always get a reading at 900 yards.
Sometimes you may range a rock or tree that is right beside the animal.
Depending on terrain, you may actually want to range at it's feet to get a correct distance.
For fun with your boy in the field, always be asking each other, "How far is that tree, rock, doe, etc...
Both make a guess and then confirm it with your LRF. Fun and you get better at estimating all at the same time.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
Biggest problem I had with the kid, at least before he lost his RF, was stopping him from playing with it all the time so he'd have battery's to range an actual target. I have an old Leica, but these new compact ones with the horizontal distance function seem to be what I "need". He can use the old unit and I'll cable lock it to him. Want to be consistently able to range game past well past 600 for a WY sheep hunt in August. Old one won't do that. Thanks again for the info.
.Buy a very expensive pair of Swarovskis and get the rangefinder inside for "free"
Great idea. I just have this pesky thing called a house payment I need to make, and that new blueprinted Rem 700 with a Brux barrel I am getting built. More danged first world problems than I have money for, if I want to remain married.