Need a new rangefinder.

Big Sky

Active Member
Apr 6, 2011
151
1
Bozeman Mt.
Well sence I planted my rangfinder on the mountain this fall I am in the market for a new one. I want to be able to range deer at a minimum of 600 yards and also want angle compensation for bow hunting. Just wondering what every one likes and dislikes about what they have.
Thanks
 

Dixie07

New Member
Oct 28, 2011
7
0
I have the Leica CRF 1000 and love it. The optics are super clear and bright, its about the smallest one on the market that I know of, and quickly and accurately ranges.
 

packer58

Very Active Member
Aug 24, 2011
916
0
Loma Rica, Ca.
What's your price range? There are a few guys on the forum that are very good at explaining quality, functions and options of various range finders.

My current range finder is the Bushnell Legend 1200 with ARC. This unit has workrd very well for me. Ranging deer size objects @ 600 yrds will not be a problem. Check out the Bushnell website for all the details.
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,327
4,712
83
Dolores, Colorado
I got tired of carrying around 2 pieces of optics and bought a Swaro mono/range finder combo. The glass is 8x and crystal clear and the rf ranges out to 1500 yds. Small and compact, works for me ...was less than $1000.
 

Drhorsepower

Veteran member
May 19, 2011
2,225
0
Reno, Nevada, United States
Check out the g7 as well(long range). I have noticed range finders that are more for long range do not do well for how hunting close range for a bow. They work just not the best.
 
Last edited:

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
The Leica 1600 is aimed at rifle hunters, and does not have angle compensation. Bushnell's Elite 1500 ARC (now called the 1600 ARC) has all the features you want. I have a non-ARC Elite 1500 and it will range way, way out there accurately. the optics aren't as good as the Leicas, but they are good enough to see your target.

My buddy has the Bushy 1000 ARC and it does not range nearly as far or fast as the Elite 1500 does. The ARC feature works as advertised, however.
 

wolftalonID

Very Active Member
Mar 10, 2011
679
0
Idaho
I own a Leupold 1000 without an angle compensation mode. Works great for me in early season and for summer shooting of coyotes. However if any snow hits the ground it just wont work much or well past 200 yards.
I did alot of hands on research to determine what LRF would work for me. I do bow hunt, but on the ground and not up in a stand. I dont personally care if it has angle compensation features or not, however you may if you stand hunt often.
Bright red colored LEDs are more useful to me than black. Especially on a dark shadowy background.
Battery meters are a nice feature to double check you equipment with before headed in the field.

If I was to replace my LRF with any other one it would be the Leica Rangemaster 1600. As stated above it is perfect for LR shooters, however it would work well for bow hunting. I have tried it personally in the field and it works flawlessly in the snow as well. The bright LED display is nice and always is easy to see.

The Swaro is a great piece....with one major exception. Its display is an orange color....it washes out in super bright sun, on snow or light desert backgrounds. Its performance otherwise is superb!
 

Tenmilestyle

New Member
Jan 9, 2012
20
0
Winston,Oregon
I just picked up a Bushnell legend arc 1200 on sale for $290(black) to replace my very abused older style bushnell legend. For the money the bushnells have always worked well for me. This style will switch from bow to rifle mode. Also has pre calibrated modes for certian rifle calibers and velocities and calculate hold over for that bullet drop. Haven't got to use this feature yet but could be cool. Was out today ranging deer sized objects at a little over 700 seemed after that it was a little more finiky. I most like the feature to size ratio on this one. Just right for bow hunting (my primary use) and has some range for some decently long rifle hunting.
 

Ranchhand02

Member
Jan 3, 2012
80
5
Western Oklahoma
I have a zeiss victory prf. I really like it. I have ranged cattle at 1350 yards with it. The only complaint that I have is it's size. I wish it was a little more compact.
 

jay

Active Member
Mar 10, 2011
462
0
TriCountyNM
i purchased a Leupold RX600 from Cabelas on sale for like 175 or something like that. I don't know if it has all the bells and whistles that you want in yours but it works great for me. I don't think its totally accurate to the 600 yard range its rated for but i know for sure its good up to 400 which is the max i would shoot with my equipment.
 

Graylight

Active Member
Apr 27, 2011
222
0
Southern California
Bow or Rifle? For bow, I just replaced my old Leica 700... It was an AWESOME rangefinder but the new Leupold RX-1000i TBR with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder is among the best in class! Good red digital readout, clear optics and angle compensates to 125 yards... The rangefinder is definitely the best available right now IMO... I know there's always something new coming out but Leupold hit a homerun with this one so far!
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
The new (2011-2012) high end Leupolds are getting good reviews, but I am shy about them due to the terrible experiences many people had with the original Leupold RX series.

Graylight, keep us posted on its performance!
 

Big Sky

Active Member
Apr 6, 2011
151
1
Bozeman Mt.
I had one of the orginal RX series rangfinders and hated it. Once I made it home for my hunting trip it was going back to Leupold to get worked over but lost it instead. I am intersted on how the new models work.
 

Graylight

Active Member
Apr 27, 2011
222
0
Southern California
I used it in Colorado on my high country hunt, California during the Blacktail season and just recently during my Southern Az desert Muley hunts... It worked flawlessly... I love the darned thing! I used the Leica 700 for years, which realistically, I believe to be the only other RF I liked before this one! Just my input for what it's worth!
 

wolftalonID

Very Active Member
Mar 10, 2011
679
0
Idaho
How are the newer model Leupolds in bright snow conditions? My current RX model works flawlessly in early bow season, but sucks the round thingys on the back end of a donkey when snow is on the ground.

I own the RX1000 model. It MIGHT range 200 yards in snow, and hits 1000 to 1200 fairly easy on dry summer conditions.
 

Musket Man

Veteran member
Jul 20, 2011
6,457
0
colfax, wa
I have a Lieca CRF 1200 and I got it to read out to 1321 yards! I have been very impressed with it. Only range finder I have seen that will read out to 1000 yards every time