Range finder question and opinions

[RSHusker]

I searched back through quite a few posts and didn't really find what I was looking for. I'm looking at range finders in the 250 to 400 dollar range. I am primarily a rifle hunter so I would like one that will range deer sized targets out to 800 or 1000 yards. Don't really need one that gives bullet drop compensation as I know my rifle but really am looking for a unit that will be reliable out to those distances. I struggle with antelope in the wide open and want to know if I am inside my 4-500 yard prone position range or less. I'm not a long range shooter and I like to be within 200 yards or less but thats not always possible out here and I want to be sure of my ranges and if I am within effective shooting range for me. Been looking at a Leupold Rx100i, and a Bushnell G-Force DX. I really like Vortex optics but their Ranger 1000 is getting somewhat mixed reviews on Cabelas. Could use some suggestions and opinions on this matter.

 

[OregonJim]

I have been using an older generation Leica LRF900 for about 9 years. Before that I had a similar 800 yard model that I sent in for a calibration. They couldn't fix it because it was obsolete so they upgraded me for a ridiculously low price.
I know the Leica CRF series is over your budget but you might be able to find a good sale that would get you close.

I truly believe that you get what you pay for when it comes to optics!

 

[OregonJim]

And by the way Husker,
I just noticed your home town........ I'll be happily using that rangefinder just down the road from you in less than 48 hours.

Headed to Wyoming unit 24 tomorrow!!!!!

 

[ando_31]

I have the bushnell scout 1000. For the money I paid it is a pretty decent unit but probably not what you are looking for. I think you are on track with the Leupold. There seems to be a few decent sales on the Leupold ranger finders at the moment. One consideration might be to buy a leica used.

One of my biggest gripes with the bushnell is that the readings are shown in black. This poses a problem during the early and late parts of the day as I can not see what the reading is very well. The only way I have figured out to remedy this is by shooting a reading then immediately looking up at the sky afterwards to use the little light available to see the reading. I would strongly recommend a range finder with a lit up (typically red) reading.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

The vortex won't get a range to 1000. Nor will most that say the are 1000 rangefinders. That is usualy reflective targets and I haven't see to many if Those's in the field. The Leica 1600 would work well but a bit higher then your budget. I just bought the Bushnell Tactical 1 Mile and I am sooooo impressed with what this thing can do! 1300 yards off juniper trees and rocks. 1700 yards off reflective. That's one hell of a range finder for $488. It also has Arc integrated in it out to 500 and degree in angle out to 1700. It's the best range finder I've ever had and for the $$ it can't be beat IMO.

 

[Mud Farm]

I tested the RX1000 vs the Vortex in Cabelas. Both seem to have good glass but the Vortex had more lag before displaying the yardage. I have the RX1000TBR or something like that and I'm very happy with it. I think it's a high quality unit for the money. You could get better but you'd be spending a significant chunk more money.

 

[Team Kabob]

I had the Bushnell 1000arc and it failed on a caribou hunt; only ranges 225yds on fur. Gave it to grandpa for bow hunting. I looked at the Leupold rx 1000 and the vortex 1000. But after talking to a lot of people that hunt the wide open I bought the Leica 1000 with angle comp for $599. I'm so glad I did, it will range Black calves to 900yds. Non reflective as it gets. Now I'm ready to head back to Alaska and get a big bull. Hope this helps.

 

[Team Kabob]

from last year in Alaska

 

[Murdy]

I have an RX-1000 TBR. It's been a good reliable rangefinder for me, but I concur that it won't get anywhere near 800 on a non-reflective target.

 

[Work2hunt]

I have the Nikon Riflehunter 1000. It states 1000 yds, but as mentioned it will only do that on reflective targets like a metal barn. On dirt piles or animals I start struggling to get a range at about 550 yds. With that said, this range finder is in your price range, I really like it, but it may not meet your 1000 yd range. Not sure you will find a true 1000 yd animal ranging finder for that price though.

 

[WapitiBob]

" I'm looking at range finders in the 250 to 400 dollar range. I am primarily a rifle hunter so I would like one that will range deer sized targets out to 800 or 1000 yards."

Not gunna happen.

Leica 1000R will do 800 and it's $550+. Beam divergence is the key factor and Leica has the tightest beam for a rf under $1000. The Leupold 1200i TBR "might" do 800-1000 but I haven't seen any comments on that unit as it's fairly new.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

.

" I'm looking at range finders in the 250 to 400 dollar range. I am primarily a rifle hunter so I would like one that will range deer sized targets out to 800 or 1000 yards."

Not gunna happen.

Leica 1000R will do 800 and it's $550+. Beam divergence is the key factor and Leica has the tightest beam for a rf under $1000. The Leupold 1200i TBR "might" do 800-1000 but I haven't seen any comments on that unit as it's fairly new.

The Bushnell Elite Tac will range a deer at 1200 yards and cost $488

 

[WapitiBob]

Bushnell says it'll only range Deer to 500. Trees to 1000. Comment I saw said best distance on a house was 701.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I think your looking at the Bushnell 1000 not the 1 mile unit.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I'm only saying this cause it has ranged deer for me at these ranges yesterday.

 

[WapitiBob]

It was the 1 mile version. Deer over 1000 for that price would be a great unit.

http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/laser-rangefinders/elite-1-mile-arc

 

[RSHusker]

And by the way Husker,
I just noticed your home town........ I'll be happily using that rangefinder just down the road from you in less than 48 hours.

Headed to Wyoming unit 24 tomorrow!!!!!

Good luck!! I won't be able to head to the mountains until the week of the 8th.

 

[woodtick]

Go to Cameraland.com and look at the demo units from Zeiss and Leica, they will both do what you want. The Zeiss seems to be just a hair better than the Leica 1000-R and its the same price (529.00 demo units), I'm a demo guy and I don't think any of my optics have ever been brand new and they all have worked flawlessly. Good luck on the elk hunt!!

 

[Musket Man]

My Leica 1200 will work every time out to 1000+ yards. its the only one I have used that would do that. I had a couple cheaper ones before that and they were only reliable at 1/2 their advertised distance at best. Not much worse then a RF that wont read when you need it to. I wish I had just got the Leica in the first place.

 

[RSHusker]

Go to Cameraland.com and look at the demo units from Zeiss and Leica, they will both do what you want. The Zeiss seems to be just a hair better than the Leica 1000-R and its the same price (529.00 demo units), I'm a demo guy and I don't think any of my optics have ever been brand new and they all have worked flawlessly. Good luck on the elk hunt!!

Great tip! Thank you!