Budget rangefinder advice

[MuleyFever]

I have not looked into range finders for well over 10 years. I am looking to get a new one but don't want to spend much, maybe $200 max. Mostly will be used for archery/muzzleloader so range down to 15yds or so and have angle comp. Will be used for some rifle hunting but I don't need to shoot over 400, maybe 500 yards.

Wondering if any of you have experience with some cheaper units and what has worked.

 

[muddydogs]

I would say get the biggest you can, you might not shoot over 500 yards but I find I'm pulling mine out just to see how far something is also most range finders range animals 300 to 500 yards less then there max range. A 1000 yard range finder is only accurate to 600 yards on non reflective targets.

 

[MuleyFever]

Anyone have experience with the Vortex 1000 or the Sig 1250? Or an opinion on which would be better?

 

[realunlucky]

I had the vortex and absolutely hated it. My partner had a vortex also and after Alaska we both couldn't dumped the ranger fast enough. He now has a sig and loves it I went with a leica

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[MuleyFever]

Why did you hate it? I messed with a friends the other day and it seamed ok. Didn't really "use" it though.

 

[MuleyFever]

I should probably throw in the Leupold RX-1200i TBR in there for another option.

 

[dotman]

Be hard pressed to find something better then the Sif Kilo 2k, think Cabelas has it on sale currently. I hated my vortex as well, slow to range and not consistent.

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[MuleyFever]

The Sig 2000 is more than I want to spend and doesn't offer anything I want or need (that I know of) over the 1250. I am primarily a bow hunter. I rifle hunt for opportunity and would never shoot over 400 maybe 500 yards.

 

[Muley Buck]

You wont like the vortex. It's too slow and complicated to get a range in the heat of the moment. Too much fuss for a good reading in my opinion, I thought it was quite dark to look through too.

After losing my old Nikon Riflehunter last winter in Arizona I picked up a new Nikon Arrow ID 3000 for about $175. I'm kinda partial to their rangefinders, especially for short distance stuff(archery). I never would have gotten a new one had I not lost it. I really like the new one, it gives fast accurate readings and I really like the fact that it is 4X instead of 6X. Much quicker target acquisition, smaller, lighter and I do like the near/far mode. It seems to work pretty well ranging through grass and other brush like that. The 5000 was overkill for my use as a strictly archery rangefinder, but you might want to look at it.

 

[realunlucky]

They might have updated the ranger by now that was two years ago. The range time on mine was slow and I hated the 3 times of button pushing to get a single reading. What sealed the vortex fate was is side by side each with a ranger 1000 trying to range a group of caribou in the tundra at about 300 yards. It took us both about 5 minutes of button pushing before we got a single range back and couldn't get either range finder to give a verification reading after that either. The tundra doesn't reflect laser well but even with that fact it was still ridiculous. No one should have to use gear they don't/cannt trust

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[MuleyFever]

I actually did notice the time it took to range when I looked through that Vortex. Had forgotten about that. I do want the 6x as I will use it when I do rifle hunt. Actually, the reason I am looking is for my AZ Elk hunt. I have an old Leopold RX but it just doesn't range out that far. Its good for archery though.

 

[Unoboats]

I have the Vortex and Leica. Spend the extra for a Leica used or Get a Sig. I understand they make a decent rangefinder


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[NMhunter92]

I just picked up a SIG 850 for $129 . Awesome little rig.

 

[MuleyFever]

Went to Sportsmans to look through some range finders and really liked the red display of the Leopold and SIG. I though I may have to raise my price range.

Funny thing happens though. As I'm looking my wife says if I am going to spend $300 or $400 on a rangefinder why don't I just buy the binoculars with the rangefinder in them. So, may be looking for some used Swaros or Leicas.

 

[Muley Buck]

Went to Sportsmans to look through some range finders and really liked the red display of the Leopold and SIG. I though I may have to raise my price range.

Funny thing happens though. As I'm looking my wife says if I am going to spend $300 or $400 on a rangefinder why don't I just buy the binoculars with the rangefinder in them. So, may be looking for some used Swaros or Leicas.

There ya go! Sounds like a pretty good compromise to me.