Reccomendations for a Rangefinder

trstone

I'm looking for a decent, reliable rangefinder around $200. I've seen a Weaver advertised that has (allegedly) a max range of 700 yards, and a feature that gives you the speed of a moving object. The problem is, I don't know how good Weavers are, compared to Nikons or Bushnells or what-have-you, so---if you'd be so kind---I'd like some opinions on what's good and what's junk. Thanks in advance!

temblor

For that price range check at Natchez Shooters Supply(800-251-7839 or www.natchezss.com) and see if they still have the Bushnell 800 Compact on sale. They are normaly around 300.00 but were on sale there for 229.95. May still be. They have cheaper ones also but are not as good of units. -- If you want the best one on the market look at the Leica models but be prepared for the price. -- Don't know anything about the Weavers......good luck.......[8D]

drewto

Hello: I was in your situation several months ago. I looked at all of the low end range finders, and some of the expensive ones. Your problem is going to be that a @$200 range finder is NOT going to range out any where near the 700 yard mark. I have used a $350 Bushnell that was rated at 900+ yards that barely made the 350 yard mark consistently. Any object with high reflectivity (ie buildings) can be ranged consistently; but don't expect to range a whitetail on a hill side with heavy cloud cover. Cheaper models suck battery life, have very poor optics, and generally deliver about 1/2 of the range advertised. If your a bow hunter Bushnell does make a cute cigarette pack sized rangefinder for under $200; but don't expect to take it prairie dog hunting. What really helped me was this website: www.jesseshuntingpage.com. Check it out! VERY informative. I ended up buying a Leica 900 for about $400.00. The older Leica's were an 800 yard model, and I've seen these closing out for under $300.00 if you look around. If you really want to be impressed with great optics look through a pair of Leica binoculars. WOW! Most other optics pale in comparison. I've used my Leica Range finder in heavy timber, target ranging, and can't wait to see them really shine for spring prairie dogging, and this Falls antelope hunt. I'm not trying to talk you into spending double your budget, but for the money the Leica 800 would be a wise investment. When you get ready to resell the Leica's you'll get most of your money back. I don't want to talk out of turn . . . check out the website referenced above, and you'll sort it out. If you spend your budgeted $200, I just think your setting yourself up for an upgrade, that you could have avoided if you'd spend an extra $100 for the Leica 800. Oh! and Nope I don't have stock in Leica!

Travis Hallam

The Leica 800 is actually 800 meters not yards. It can be set for yards and has read as far as 949 yards for me. You can get them for the $300 range and maybe I could get them cheaper for you if interested (emphasis on maybe). They are well worth the money and the optics are unbelievable. I would strongly suggest them over anything else. The LRF 800 does read moving objects but I have never felt a need for that option.

Mad Dog

Big Stick

The Leica 800LRF was/is a POS IMHO.

All of my pards and I had them,but the Bushnell 600 trumped it soundly and we all drove them until the advent of the vastly improved Leica 1200LRF.

While the Leica 800 boasts true glass and is excellent in that regard,it couldn't hold a candle to the aforementioned Bushnell,as an actual ranging device................