Best Laser rangefinder for $500?

[heathtx]

So, I shoot paper and steel out to 1,100 yds. Am planning an elk hunt for 2023.

Looking for rangefinder for both activities. I like the idea of horizontal distance, air pressure and preloaded bullet BC and muzzle velocity.

I saw this one:

Sig Sauer KILO1600BDX Ballistic Data Xchange Laser Rangefinder 6x 22mm

The KILO1600BDX offers astounding performance, simplicity and value, combining the industry’s fastest LightwaveTM DSP Digital Signal Processing...

www.midwayusa.com

I have a razor scope 4.5 X 27 on the rifles

What would you recommend?

 

[SharpsNitro]

Hard to say if you are looking for built in ballistics. I got a Kilo 5K a few weeks ago to test out because I already have Applied Ballistics on my Garmin Delta. So far, it looks like it will perform well. If you need something like AB built in, the Kilo 8K might be an option but busts your budget. Or, you could use a ballistics package on your phone with the rangefinder just for distance.

Edit:

Sig Kilo5K First Impressions

Picked up one of the new KIlo5K rangefinders yesterday and after playing around with it for a little bit I've got some first impressions. First, why did I get the Kilo5K? I needed a decent rangefinder that would: 1. Range steel out to 1000yds and hopefully beyond. 2. Connect to the Garmin...

www.snipershide.com

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We've got some demos of the Leica 2700B for only $449.99

• Equivalent horizontal range (EHR) up to a distance of 1100 meters/1200 yards
• The holdover value, or the number of clicks to set on the riflescope
• Integrated inclinometer and air pressure and temperature sensor
• Integrated microSD memory card slot for a choice of three different ballistic applications and an output of the results in the format relevant to their needs
• Fast scan mode that records the environment and targets every 0.5 seconds

 

[bill_van]

I recently got a Leupold RX2800-TBR and lazed a water tower at 2959yds. Not that you are hunting for water towers but it also did well on smaller targets out to 2100. Have not had a chance to hunt with it but you might take a look at it. Also have a SIG Kilo1000 for rough use and it works pretty well for $130 shipped. Might need to look around as it was on sale.

 

[db2000]

They’re all shit. You have to buy a Vectronix 21

 

[Matches Malone]

If you want a laser that will make it the distance reliably then something like the rx-2800 or vortex 4k will do.

However, if you want ballistics and reliable long range distance you might find for $500 that is a tall order.

Another note about hunting specifically is a lot of these types of rangefinder have around 7x for magnification and it’s not uncommon to find game relatively close, 2-600y say. So, it can be a bit difficult to find the target in the glass if you happen upon something in the 200 and in range.

 

[db2000]

I've challenged the Nikon Black 4000 extensively. It's the fastest RF I've ever used and/or owned.

I had one and agree it’s extremely quick and seemingly accurate to 1000 at least is what I verified.

 

[Partsunavailable]

I had one and agree it’s extremely quick and seemingly accurate to 1000 at least is what I verified.

Yep, I really like mine to 1000.

 

[db2000]

Why not the 23 lol

Let’s not be snobby

 

[VandelayIndustries]

I really like the razor 4000HD. Great glass, ranges fast and the different modes are nice.

 

[Baron85]

I have heard a few good things about this one for the $ ...But have not tried one out ...Anyone?

RF.1 - 7x25 | 5-4500 YD

The Maven RF.1 represents our elite range finder, delivered for a fraction of comparable rangefinders’ costs.

mavenbuilt.com

I bought one last month and was very impressed with it. Fast ranging the field and forest modes (near/far) worked really well. And I ranged trees past 3k yards and smallish rocks to around mid 2ks. Let my friend borrow it for a prs match and he said he hit every steel with it out to 1400 yards and the match I used it for hit all the steel out too 1100 except 2 small targets around 700 yards if I remember correctly.

I ordered a kilo 10k last year and bought these as a place filler or possibly a replacement. I ended up shipping the mavens back because I wanted more magnification for what I do and since I couldn’t get it to pick up the 2 small targets it kinda popped my bubble.

There is no built in atmosphere or ballistics but I was honestly very impressed with the Maven and blown away with the performance it was capable of at the sub $500 price range. My last rangefinder is a Leica 1600b and I think I paid 800-900 for it back when they came out and the maven blows it away.