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Practical advice on first range finder purchase

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phatjohn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote phatjohn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Practical advice on first range finder purchase
    Posted: February/24/2009 at 22:32
Need advice on a first range finder;
 
Looking to spend 250-300 dollars.
Anticipated distances are less than 500 yards (dual use rifle and archery hunting)
Best value for the money
Any brands or models to avoid
 
TIA
 
phatjohn
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jonoMT View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 22:03
Simple seems better. Some viewfinders are cluttered with info. Others, like the Nikon I have used (a 440) are fast and accurate at the ranges you want. If you are thinking beyond 500 best to consider Leica and Zeiss. (I can't recommend the Swarovski I have very easily since it is now a grand!).
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/06/2009 at 08:58
There are some very good choices in your budget. I, like you use my range finder for bow and rifle and have used Bushnell yardage pro for yrs. I can vouch for these as being very reliable and easy to use. I've had the older yardage pro 400 for 5+ yrs and it is still working great. But I've recently bought the model 1000 because I am expanding my shooting ability to 800/1000 yds. It is awesome, it is fast to read and unlike the older 400 that takes awhile to read beyond 375, it reads to max range very readily. It was only 200.00. I tried a Nikon 1500 while in Iraq and found it to be too particular on the object being ranged. Not good when ranging for fire on hostiles. I did use it for range cards when there was no rush and it did fine. I have to say the Bushnell has been the best bang for the buck in my experience. Let us know what you find and Good luck!
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Dale Clifford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/06/2009 at 09:09
as rangefinders start to move into  the 2nd and 3rd generation the amount of information included in the view will increase, Leos series work very well out to 500 yds, and will adjust for projectile drop in moa or inches, the program chip uses three basic projectile profiles, the smaller nikons work great out to 500 if thats all you need. biggest problem with putting compensating information in the device is how do you enter the variables? as the range increases air temp, velocity, baro pressure, etc, become more critical. will the rangefinders next year become small weather stations also. if your looking into shooting long range 800+ yds pay the money and get the swaro, or the new zeiss.
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phatjohn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote phatjohn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/08/2009 at 00:10
Decided to go with a Bushnell Yardage Pro 1000. Had it out coyote hunting Friday and so far so good. Did everything I wanted it to do. Time will tell if this is going to turn out to be a good purchase.
 
Thanks for the replies.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/22/2009 at 17:22
http://www.swfa.com/pc-13227-2273-bushnell-5x-scout-1000-laser-rangefinder.aspx



Good for long range, and has an archery mode.

IT is an LCD, not LED, which is acceptable in all but very dark conditions.
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