Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

[barrett50]

I have an opportunity to get a LNIB Kestrel 2500NV locally for $110. Just wondering if there are any opinions on this particular model as far as using it for some long range work. My only reservation being perhaps I should hold off and get an upgraded model like the 4500 later on.

I'm new to long range shooting and think this might be fine for me right now. But then again, every little bit helps and I could just save up for a 4500, maybe even with the Horus software built in.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

I would go for the 2500 and get an iphone or droid app. The extra cash for the horus software is too much compared to what is available on other platforms with easier interface. it is a luxury you prob don't need.

 

[NY700]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

I think the 4500 with horus is way overboard for what you get. I agree with TJ that i would put that money in a standalone device that will eb way more versitle and upgradable. but i can tell you i have the 4500 and wish i had one with bluetooth to automatically sync with my droid

 

[barrett50]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

Thanks TJ. That's what I was thinking. Though I don't have an iphone or droid but I do have a blackberry, so I was thinking about getting gunsim.

 

[East County]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

what? I guess I'm just too old.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

Go for it, that's a good price and the 2500 has all the "features" that are relevant to shooting.

Cross-wind, altitude / density, and temperature are the three biggest knobs for shooting by far, and the 2500 covers all of them well.

Stepping up gets you..
1) humidity - a tiny adjustment... less than a click at 1000 yards if you guess wrong by 25%.
2) Density altitude - nice, preferred by some, but not advantageous over station pressure if you understand what each means and how to use it with your ballistic computer.
3) Wind direction - again nice, but just hold the 2500 at arms length facing cross-wind and you get all the data you need. Seriously heavy winds might need a small correction for a head or tail wind, but if you learn to call the cross-wind consistently right you'll be doing well. A 20mph tail-wind is about 1/2 moa correction for 308 at 1000 yards. A 20 mph cross-wind is a 20 moa correction.

There are other assorted doo-dads you get like absolute pressure and bluetooth, but if you just focus on the big three then you'll be doing well and not fiddling with your electronics while you could be shooting.

The 4500's are great, fun gadgets with an amazing variety of features, but when it comes to making a shot you won't be behind with a 2500. Get what you like and learn to use it.

 

[Lindy]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

Density altitude, available in the 4000 & 4500, is nice if you want to use a density altitude dope card. And yes, if you have the station pressure and temperature you can calculate it yourself. But it's nice not to have to.

 

[blklabs]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> And yes, if you have the station pressure and temperature you can calculate it yourself. But it's nice not to have to.
</div></div>

There's an app for that..... Seriously, its called DenAlt. I think it is $0.99. I have a 4500 and would fall in line with Lindy's recommedations but thats a cheap alternative if you have a iPhone/iTouch.

 

[Lindy]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

I have that in my Iphone. But, hell, that's one more electronic gadget to carry - and provide power for. If you're a tactical rifle competitor, that's fine. If you're 10,000 feet up the side of a mountain in Afghanistan, that may be a problem.

 

[blklabs]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

Lindy, I couldnt agree more. I dont know anything about being in Afghanistan, but if I was to go there I wouldn't want to rely on an iPhone.

 

[barrett50]

Re: Should I get a Kestrel 2500NV?

Thanks everyone for their input. I decided to take advantage of the price and get the 2500NV. I will start off with this, see and learn how it works and if I feel I need to step up to another model later I will.

I understand it won't show me the wind direction, but do all I need to do is face it in the cross-wind and use the measurement for that? Or are there some other tricks?