School me on range finders

[kenjimatic]

Hi. I'm planning on starting Deer hunting this season(2010) and was thinking about getting 2 important things I should get. A GPS and a range finder. The GPS I'll worry about it later but I don't know anything about range finders and was wondering if the great calguns community can help me out a bit. I've read a little about how your range would be off if you're at a different elevation then your target. How does this effect the bullet travel? What are good brands? How long is the lifespan of one of these cool toys? I'm new to this game so please point me to the right direction. I use the search feature and hasn't come up with much. I'm looking to spend maybe no more then $400 and would like to get the farthest range possible(maybe trying out 800m+ on blm), quality and long lifespan(thats if these things break/die easliy )

Thanks in advance

[freonr22]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=254462

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm...c=NZ&src=BE436

REfurbished ^^

still in stock, just ordered one, came across a few extra $$ and made it happen. soo excited!

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm...c=NZ&src=BE436

not refurbished ^^ only $30 bucks more, but I ended up w/ the refurbished. I would have loved a 1200yd gold model but just dont have the $$ for it.

also see

http://opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=11

[rumblebee]

Leica rangefinders are very very nice...but, a little pricey (like all good things).

I ended up going with the Bushnell 6X ARC 1200 (bow and rifle)...this is a really nice RF and is in your price range. Built in inclinometer, so that will help with elevation\terrain....the Bushnell has worked really well for me.

good luck

[264charlie]

Hello, Range finders will tell you the line of sight distance. This is want you want for shooting. The walking actual distance might be grater, think two mt tops.

As far as bullet flight, it will change with incline and decline. This has to do with the effect of gravity no longer pulling directly downon a bullet. Read http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/...files/Book.htm THE BOOK on ballistics.

As for as a rangefinder go Leica is a great way to go... If you can swing it go with http://www.opticsplanet.net/leica-10...brf-yards.html.

[Timberwolf]

Both Leupy and Bushnell make LRFs that give the corrected distance for angle shooting. WIth a rifle unless you're really at a steep angle it won't matter much up to about 300 yards or so, after that though it may make the difference between dropping one or chasing one.

For huntng situations this is what I'd recommend as you're probably not going to have time to make the manual calculations if you're on a deer, they rarely stay put that long.

[wooger]

I have a Zeiss and it is pretty nice.

[rabagley]

For anything other than a Zeiss or Leica, only expect about 1/2 to 2/3 of the stated range. That's often plenty for 99% of hunting shots, but be aware of the limitations. Zeiss and Leica measure against real world targets (paint, paper, rocks, scissors, leaves, etc.). Other makers measure against directionally reflective surfaces (the same stuff street signs use to be highly visible) so the real world performance is less.

[rumblebee]

I've ranged out to 1000+ yrds with the Bushnell ARC 1200..

For anything other than a Zeiss or Leica, only expect about 1/2 to 2/3 of the stated range. That's often plenty for 99% of hunting shots, but be aware of the limitations. Zeiss and Leica measure against real world targets (paint, paper, rocks, scissors, leaves, etc.). Other makers measure against directionally reflective surfaces (the same stuff street signs use to be highly visible) so the real world performance is less.

[freonr22]

I just got the cheapy nikon posted above in the mail today! Ive never had a range finder, but first impression is Nice feel, simple. I am going to go work this evening, where there is alot of space and see how it ranges. for MY use, 1-300 yard it will serve me fine I am guessing.

[mif_slim]

I been using RF for years for Bow but never for rifles. Thats what RF scopes are for. :P jk. I am thinking about getting one though for long range shooting. Most Bow range is 30 yards...but the one I have is a 550 yard. I've ranged ot to 497 yards the most so I guess its about ~2/3 the actual claimed yardage. Im happy with it though. Need a 1k RF though.

[kenjimatic]

In reality hunting, I won't be shooting more then 300 yards but I would like to have something that can go up to about 1k yards in case I happen to be in BLM and want to have some fun. Thanks for the info.

[shooting4life]

Save your money and get a swarovski laser guide. I have ranged trees at over 1500 yards.