Rangefinders: Vortex HD 4000 vs Sig Kilo 2400

[colt.45]

Both are on sale for right where I wanna spend ($500), but msrp for much higher. As a third option, the Kilo 2200 msrps for 500 but is on sale rn for $350. This will be my first rangefinder, and will be paired with a NF NX8 (either 2.5-20 or 4-32), Bergara HMR in 308, and a tikka T3x 6.5 cm. Both shooting prone and bench out to 1000 but mostly 100-500 yds.

-Anyone have these LRF and can tell me what you like or don't like about them, or give me some good advice on looking for rangefinders for long-range shooting without a spotter?
-Also, please help me understand target shooting past 500 yds because that is the only reason I am looking at range finders. If I can do it with the scope itself using whatever reticle ranging measurements are available is there a reason I even need a range finder?
-Is there a justified tangible benefit between the 2400 and the 2200?

(P.S.- I will get a spotting scope later on when I move back to an area where my friends there are into shooting long range, but right now I want to be able to practice 24/7)

I appreciate whatever advice you guys have to give

 

[Holliday]

I have owned 3 sigs (currently 2400) and all have given me trouble despite being treated very well. My experience with sigs support was a joke. My next range finder will be a Vortex.

 

[colt.45]

I have owned 3 sigs (currently 2400) and all have given me trouble despite being treated very well. My experience with sigs support was a joke. My next range finder will be a Vortex.

very good to know. I've heard great things about vortex warranties and know nothing of Sigs reputation on optics. Great pistols tho. What types of things bothered you about them?

 

[kyzim311]

I have a older Bushnell DX1300 and just got a Vortex Razor HD 4000. The Bushnell was a little disappointing as the farthest I have ever gotten a readings is 900 yards off of a building. Most targets I was limited to 500 or less. The Razor has impressed me so far. First trip out I got it to read 2000 off of a building first press. found a better spot and got a reading of 4100 yards. Once again this is off of a mostly idea target, but way better than the bushnell for living up to the advertised range. I have not tried on many other targets yet, but I have no doubts it will work past 1000 on most normal targets (steel, trees, rocks....). I also like the menu layout better, and the glass is much clearer and easier to look through (Bushnell glass was always a little weird). No experience with the Sig, but for the money the Vortex should do what you need and more.

 

[Holliday]

very good to know. I've heard great things about vortex warranties and know nothing of Sigs reputation on optics. Great pistols tho. What types of things bothered you about them?

I sent my first one back because suddenly it would not range consistently. This was not subjective because I was using it on steel at our range. I knew exactly how it performed there new. Some dufas calls me and says he just ranged a tree and it works fine. “That’s how you test optical laser equipment at sig”??? I said. After my objections they sent a supposedly new one that had the same issue. Thank god I had made the original purchase at Brownells and they took care of me.

Conversely I had a Vortex scope that I was not sure had issues.I was just calling to see if there was any test they would recommend that I could do on my own. They insisted on sending me a label to have a look-see. When it was returned there where shot targets and notes that made me more than positive the scope was gtg and they had done due diligence. Turned out my barrel was smoked.

My current sig left me high and dry while hunting twice this year. I may have found a fix by stretching the battery spring but only time will tell. Another member here had the same issue with his sig and my suggestion to stretch the spring seemed to help his too. Again time will tell but next year I will have different range finder for hunting.

 

[db2000]

If you want good glass and very fast ranging with angle compensation and water/fogproof this will fit the bill. Use it while you save up and decide if a higher end with Kestrel Bluetooth connection or even binocular LRF is more for you. Save money.

Optics - SPF: Nikon Prostaff 7i Laser Range Finder

Nikon Prostaff 7i LRF Excellent condition, very fast acquisition of target(s). Calculates angles and has continuous scanning also. Used out west and easily ranged elk 700 yards. May go further but I verified these ranges. Trees and rocks at 1200 yards...

www.snipershide.com

 

[colt.45]

If you want good glass and very fast ranging with angle compensation and water/fogproof this will fit the bill. Use it while you save up and decide if a higher end with Kestrel Bluetooth connection or even binocular LRF is more for you. Save money.

Optics - SPF: Nikon Prostaff 7i Laser Range Finder

Nikon Prostaff 7i LRF Excellent condition, very fast acquisition of target(s). Calculates angles and has continuous scanning also. Used out west and easily ranged elk 700 yards. May go further but I verified these ranges. Trees and rocks at 1200 yards...

www.snipershide.com

After doing the research, I would rather have a nice range finder and nice spotting scope than Nocs that attempt to do all three things mediocre for the same upfront cost

 

[Jakeweb09]

I have a kilo 2200 and have been pleased with its abilities as I’ve been able to range rocks and trees out to around 1700 yards, but today I was in some fog and even with visibility around 500-600 yards It would give me readings of 15-20 yards. This is the first time I’ve been in the fog with it and extremely dissatisfied. Sucks knowing if I’m in the fog hunting at all then my rangefinder is just as good as a paperweight

 

[Jack's Dad]

My vortex 4000 is shockingly good. I'd buy on again in a heartbeat.

 

[Holliday]

I have a kilo 2200 and have been pleased with its abilities as I’ve been able to range rocks and trees out to around 1700 yards, but today I was in some fog and even with visibility around 500-600 yards It would give me readings of 15-20 yards. This is the first time I’ve been in the fog with it and extremely dissatisfied. Sucks knowing if I’m in the fog hunting at all then my rangefinder is just as good as a paperweight

I have had this same issue with my 2200 in light snow only being able to range 85 yards. In good conditions the ranging is phenomenal and easily bests my buddy’s Lecia. (Pisses him off) I have ranged a coyote at 635 yards and one time, perching it on a rest, an antelope at over 1000 on a sunny day around noon. That said, once things fail me in the field I lose faith.

 

[Jakeweb09]

I have had this same issue with my 2200 in light snow only being able to range 85 yards. In good conditions the ranging is phenomenal and easily bests my buddy’s Lecia. (Pisses him off) I have ranged a coyote at 635 yards and one time, perching it on a rest, an antelope at over 1000 on a sunny day around noon. That said, once things fail me in the field I lose faith.

Before I give up on it I have one thing to try..I have it set on the ABU mode along with BEST reading, and have read that when conditions sour like that to use the setting LAST and it’ll shoot through a lot better.

 

[C-130 Dude]

I have a older Bushnell DX1300 and just got a Vortex Razor HD 4000. The Bushnell was a little disappointing as the farthest I have ever gotten a readings is 900 yards off of a building. Most targets I was limited to 500 or less. The Razor has impressed me so far. First trip out I got it to read 2000 off of a building first press. found a better spot and got a reading of 4100 yards. Once again this is off of a mostly idea target, but way better than the bushnell for living up to the advertised range. I have not tried on many other targets yet, but I have no doubts it will work past 1000 on most normal targets (steel, trees, rocks....). I also like the menu layout better, and the glass is much clearer and easier to look through (Bushnell glass was always a little weird). No experience with the Sig, but for the money the Vortex should do what you need and more.

All things considered, the Bdx1300 and Vhd4000 aren't in the same park. At all.

 

[kyzim311]

All things considered, the Bdx1300 and Vhd4000 aren't in the same park. At all.

Difference is Vortex is more true to what it says it will do that the Bushnell. Its what I have experience with, so its the information I gave.

 

[C-130 Dude]

Difference is Vortex is more true to what it says it will do that the Bushnell. Its what I have experience with, so its the information I gave.

Your right.

 

[Kino]

I just bought a 4000HD, glass is great, reads awesome at real life ranges. No regrets and my only gripe is the gigantic circle to aim with. I simply don't understand why they can't put a small crosshair with 1/2 and 1mil hashes, that would be great. Its getting harder with old eyes!