Which rangefinder?

[analog_peninsula]

So, my Leica binos have a built in rangefinder that's perfectly adequate most of the time, but there are times when I don't really want to pack them just for the range finding capability. What's a reliable range finder of modest size that will accurately range targets at realistic hunting distances?

 

[mdwest]

So, my Leica binos have a built in rangefinder that's perfectly adequate most of the time, but there are times when I don't really want to pack them just for the range finding capability. What's a reliable range finder of modest size that will accurately range targets at realistic hunting distances?

I honestly find that with modern technology pretty much anything from a $39 chinease made amazon special to the best rangefidner made with european glass and circuitry will get the job done just fine for typical hunting distances..

I currently use a Leupold RX 1400i... its nothing super fancy.. but its also been all over the world and never failed me in any condition or weather or circumstance I've put it in..

My wife uses a Sig Kilo 3K.. she seems to like it pretty well.. same as my leupold, its been on hunts in Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and probably a dozen different places around the US.. never failed..

My backup/loaner is one of those no name $39 amazon rangefinders mentioned above.. while not nearly as pretty or sveldt as the sig or leupold.. truth be told, when used side by side its always within 2-3 yards of giving the same reading as either of the other ones..

 

[roklok]

I have a Leica 3500 that I bought after getting frustrated with lesser rangefinders, namely a VorTex Ranger 1800 and a Bushnell. In bright conditions on snow the Vortex and Bushnell were useless. In average conditions cheaper rangefinders may do the job, but in challenging conditions the Leica stands above the rest. Caribou hunting in Alaska on snow covered tundra the lesser rangefinders would not range beyond about 300 yards, ranges where a rangefinder was not required. On one hunt my buddy had a Leica and I was able to compare it side to side with my VorTex 1800. I bought a Leica immediately after that hunt.

 

[farmer_john]

I use a vectronix terrapin. But thats prolly overkill for nost peoples needs

 

[Cabelcan]

If you want the best blend of size, reliability, and price, Sig KILO1400BDX. It lives in my chest pack during rifle season, and I don’t worry about it. For nasty weather or rough terrain, Vortex Ranger 1800.

 

[Moody808]

I have a Kahles Helia 7x25 that I like a lot. Small and compact with good glass.

 

[C.W. Richter]

Leupold. They will not generally range something to its model number in range (i.e. 1000, 1200, 1400) but it's compact, relatively inexpensive, has different ranges for differing cartridges, long battery life and both my Son and I have had 'em for 20 years with zero issues. The farthest yardage it could read (in the wide open spaces down in TX was 850-and that's more than enough for hunting.)

 

[farmer_john]

Leupold. They will not generally range something to its model number in range (i.e. 1000, 1200, 1400) but it's compact, relatively inexpensive, has different ranges for differing cartridges, long battery life and both my Son and I have had 'em for 20 years with zero issues. The farthest yardage it could read (in the wide open spaces down in TX was 850-and that's more than enough for hunting.)

Most will not. On average for most lrfs. Divide number by 2 and thats accurate distance. Unless your spending $$

 

[WAB]

My SIG’s are good (kilo 5k) but the weakness of a rangefinder vs rangefinding bino’s is targeting accuracy. It is much easier to range a target with bino’s. I use the gen 2 SIG Kilo 10k rangefinding bino’s. My buddy just bought the new Tract’s. They look like they may be the best value on the market.

 

[analog_peninsula]

Anybody use a ballistic integration system? Any input there? Good, bad, a gimmick, can't live without?