Rangefinder question

al_in_cedar · Rookie Member Joined: Sep 06, 2008 Posts: 11

hi guys.

I have a need for a rangefinder for Wyoming/Colorado. Has anyone ever had experience with these rangefinders from Sportsmans Guide: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?p=WX2&i=125470

The price is certainly right...

Just wondering if there is a significant ammount of difference between thise and say, a Bushnell or Leupold..

Or maybe a better questoin is what is a good RF for the money - if you didn't want to break the bank to get one??

thanks!

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Rangefinder question

I don;t have any info on that logitech that you posted the link to at SG,but I do have first hand info on the leupold-the one that goes to 700-800yds.STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!!I purchased one from a well know west coast retailer and what a piece of trash,won't range if the sun is too bright,or if the shadows are too dark!My buddy bought a nikon at the same retailer and hands down it is much better-for less money!I used to be a dyed in the wool leupold fanatic-but this is the second purchase that I have made with their name on it with less than good performance,and they are (their factory)only 40 miles from where I live!I think they are farming out some of their product line to cheaper contractactors-to stay competative with the world market-and I'm seeing the results. Sad

I'm due to purchase a new long range scope for a custom 1000yd bench gun,and I don't think that leupold is going to get the business,unless their QC is up to the task! Rant

slipshot · Member Joined: Sep 06, 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Texas

I own a Nikon and really like the optics. I have taken it to the golf course several times and messured the distance to the hole and compared it to my buddies Bushnell. They are always within 1 yard but the optics on my Nikon are much better.
One thing that I have picked up on other boards is if your going to do some long range work get one thats rated much higher then your planning on using it for. I guess what I am trying to say is if 5oo yrds is the farthest you will use one dont get one that the max yardage is 500. Something to do with the return signal of the lazer isnt as strong at max distance.

I don't profess to be an expert on the subject just trying to pass on what I have read. Check out SWFA at the link below. They also have a message board so you can ask the "experts"....

www.swfa.com/c-6-range-finders.aspx

English Mike · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:46 pm Post subject: Re: Rangefinder question

I agree on the need for a rangefinder that's rated for more than the distance you expect to use it at.
Ranges quoted by manufacturers are off a reflective target under ideal conditions (dull, overcast sky).
I have a Nikon Monarch Gold 1200 & the following is what I personally have experienced:

Elk 725yds at first light.
Deer 684yds on a bright, sunny day.
Trees 870yds with a dull sky & 780 with full sun.
Rock face 1125yds at first light but wouldn't range the same formation 20 minutes later when the sun hit the rocks.
White painted house 1230yds under a heavy overcast with the rangefinder on a tripod!

The lens quality is important too - the elk I mentioned wasn't even visible through cheap 10x bino's but clear through the Nikon's 7x optics.