Hunting & Fishing Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

[roggom]

Looking to poke out a little farther this year and want to get a nice range finder that will range out to 700. My Max Effective range is 500-600 but hoping to find an LRF that can range Antelope out to 700.

I have searched for days and have found a few trends with reviews. The common domestic LRF's Nikon, Leupy, Bushnell claim 1000-1600, but review state most fail at ranges beyond 400 in the field.

Others claim they ranged out to good ranges, but this is around their neighborhood, or ranging steel targets.

I have ranged out to 750 with my old beat-up Simmons, but this is walking out and ranging back to my jeep. I know it will not hit soft targets past 250.

Everything I see has me coming back to the Leica CRF 1000 or CRF 1600B. I dont mind dropping the coin, but if there is something from Nikon or Bushy I'd rather do that.
Anyone have real field hunting experience with the bushy, nikon, or leupy?

 

[HajjWhisperer]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

FWIW I have a Nikon and it really only gets used for bowhunting occasionally and sometimes it won't even range soft targets at archery ranges. The Leica is only one I trust and rely on for ranging at the distances stated above. I've never used the other stated brands.

 

[MagnumSecurity]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

I have a Leica and would not waste my time with the cheaper ones you mentioned. If I was looking to replace mine today, I would get the Swaro, Leica 1600 or maybe the Zeiss. No others unless you want to pay much more. If ranging much closer I might have a different opinion.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

Under $1000 the swaro is the best and is my first choice when it comes to LRFs. The Zeiss also isn't bad and neither is the bushnell 1600 bino's or the Elite 1500 if you can still find one. The nikon LRFs kinda blow and the Leupolds are worse. I had a 1000 yard leupy LRF that wouldn't hit a deer at 300 yards and wouldn't hit a reflective target more than about 700 yards.

 

[Nuke Man]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

Have you checked out the vortex? Havent personally used it but seems to get good reviews.

 

[roggom]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??


Thanks guys,

I went to out to Sportsmans and took a look through a few. I quickly narrowed them down by size/weight, and looked at the Bushy G-force 1300 arc, the Vortex Ranger 1000 and the Leica CRF 1000. They are all comparible in size and feel good in the hand. All have Red Led type displays.

The Leica was obviously superior in glass quality, night and day to the others. This little unit was a no nonsense, push and read. The aiming circle was small and unobtrusive and the range pops up fast.

The Bushy has the new Vivid display, red LED (I think) and quickly acquired targets (in the store of course), the menu was positioned such that it did not take up the entire screen, but was tricky to navigate with one button.

The Vortex, unfortunately was a no go for me, It also has a red led type display, but it is large, bright and obtrusive. My eyes started freakin out as they tried to focus on the light and then the target and back to the light. The numbers are big and distracting. I really wanted to like the Vortex, as I use Vortex glass and binos, but Vortex is off the list.

I would like to get the G-force outside in the field and giver er a go, everything about it looks quality, from the hardware, grip, even the battery door. The box states 600 on deer sized animals ,but I would like to validate this.

If not, I will just go with the Leica.

 

[med17]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

I've got a Leica 1200 and a Zeiss PRF. They are both quality, but the Zeiss is 8X and the Leica 6X. Real world the Leica will do deer size to about 600-700 yrds, the Zeiss 800-900 yrds. On house size object on a good day, the Leica 1000, the Zeiss 1450. They are both good units, I prefer the Zeiss.

 

[MagnumSecurity]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: med17</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I've got a Leica 1200 and a Zeiss PRF. They are both quality, but the Zeiss is 8X and the Leica 6X. Real world the Leica will do deer size to about 600-700 yrds, the Zeiss 800-900 yrds. On house size object on a good day, the Leica 1000, the Zeiss 1450. They are both good units, I prefer the Zeiss. </div></div>

My Leica and everyone I have seen are 7x. Not sure if you have an old model or just made a mistake on the magnification.

OP, there are deals on demo models if you are willing to consider that route. Check some web sites and you will find them.

 

[TheBroke1]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

Spend the money and get the Leica bud, I have owned 3 different models over the years my first was a Leica 1000 many years ago after owning it for around 3 years something came up in the electronics so I sent it in way past the warrenty and Leica gave me a call saying they had the newest model in hand and if I would cut a check for $250 they would send out there newest which at the time was a 1200scan. I did so with no reserves for they have the best optics of anything I own with Sheppherd coming in a close second. I do own Zeiss, Leica, Leupold, NightForce and Sheppherd. Hands down Leica wins out in any weather conditions from the high cold plains of Montana to the sub-zero artic of Alaska. My son has bought 3 different brands of rangefinders going for the longest yardages first Leupold, Bushnell and Nikon everyone of these were the latest and greatest But they all have found a home in Dads dresser junk drawer and thats where they belong. Now and for the last 3 years he just grabs my Leica and half the time I am S.O.L.
So Last week I put in an order threw Eurooptics where you will find your best deal and don't be afraid to haggle a bit. I bought the 1600B and am very happy with and my son ended up with my 1200scan for his Birthday and you couldn't have knocked the grin off his face. My 1200 over the years would always reach out past the 1200yd mark and 1500 was more of norm for it and I can't remember or count the times it reached 1800yds plus. It never hit the 1900yd mark but 1800 yards as in its grasp. You will never regret spending the extra and it will become the second feature you grab after your gun or bow. Once you look threw a Leica you will begin to understand what and why they have become so popular. Well best wish's to you and I hope you do end up with a good rangefinder what ever conclusion you come to best of luck. As for me and my Family we will stick with Leica even if it means going without one till we can save up to make the purchase.
TheBroke1

 

[HkPlinker]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

I have a pair of Swarovski LG and they are fantastic. Crystal clear and great at twilight

 

[Fred Hartman]

Re: Good Laser Range finder for Prairie Hunting??

I have a Lieca, very pleased with it. We hunt in sw Nebraska and can get long shots. 2 yrs ago I got a Burris Eliminator scope. Has the laser built in. Accurate and fast, lighted dot for point of aim. Deer out to 600 yards, ranges to 800. So good my brother in law got one last year. His 2 kills were 298 and 399. Mine were both under 200 so it was point and shoot. But we are ready for the long shot. I let my son use my Lieca , I don't need it anymore.