Rangefinders

I have a Nikon Prostaff 5 I got some years back on sale and also a refurb, still not cheap but it's an awesome RF.   Reads pretty reliably down to 0.1 yards and has very good optics, bright and sharp (useful as a monocular).  Simple operation, light weight and quick to the ready.   I really like it, great for airguns and I suppose for other uses as I've ranged out to more than 400 yards no problem.   It responds very fast / instantly when the button is pressed.  

Might be overkill but I like that it outputs ranges in 0.1 yard increments, even though 0.5 yards would probably be fine too.  

Regards,

John

I had a Bushnell Yardage pro which worked ok, just recently got a Nikon Aculon which works way faster and better especially in foggy conditions. Cost me around $150 and is really compact as well.

I have Leupold. It is perfect.

i have an optilogic that works well...

Just get a Simmons w/tilt technology

I looked at everyone's suggestions. There are SO many on the market these days. After all is said and done, I think something $200 or less would be more than adequate. I don't see any need to spend $500 on a top model for airgun ranges. Anything more would just be a novelty I think.

Thanks to all

I have a Bushnell 450 that I bought at a pawn shop more than 10 years ago for $25.  It does everything I need.  I would look on eBay for something cheap.

David Enoch

Rangefinders are peculiar beasts. Optically speaking they are "mules" in the sense that they are hybrid devices.

Best optical companies are not always the best in electronics.

Camera companies are mostly geared towards "perfect lighting" operation.

What I am trying to say is that you need to decide what you really NEED.

The REAL difference between a $400 Leica and a $168 Nikon will be seen and felt under low lighting, or difficult to measure conditions (multiple objects, desired object in the shadows with other "targets" too close in the sunlight, non-reflective targets, through glass, etc.).

IF you want your rangefinder for target shooting in perfect weather, then by all means go get the cheaper ones:

https://www.ebay.com/p/Nikon-ProStaff-5-Rangefinder/114199334?iid=112546364428  

BUT, if you are going to need to use your rangefinder looking INTO dark woods, or really early in the morning/late in the evening, OR if all your squirrels are black, or on a dark and rainy/dense drizzle/foggy day, then you WILL need a better device.

For us, airgunners, the ability to range through obstacles/weather may not be important, but for some hunting, it is.

So, think, and buy ONCE; even if you feel you are overspending, it is better to spend a little more and ensure that you're going to get what you REALLY NEED, than to spend too little and end up frustrated and disappointed, or, even worse,  defeated by a bunch of late evening raccoons . . . LOL!

HTH

Keep well and shoot straight!

HM

think, and buy ONCE

Great advice, which is why I was having so much trouble deciding. It would be nice to distinguish a given tree in crowded woods when used that way. I just learned that some have tighter beams than others. The Sig Sauers and Leicas have fantastic reviews. Hmmm I may have to put more quarters in the piggy bank. Bet a decent one would be a good learning tool for judging distances when estimating. I can probably throw a rock about 40 yards but that would alert the squirrels to my presence.

Good read Hector, thanks for chiming in.

I came across this one but see no place to put the steering wheel lol

https://www.eurooptic.com/vectronix-vector-21-aero.aspx#Write

I could save $2,572....OMG! Have pellet gun...will travel LOL

@straitflite Bo... did you decide on a rangefinder ?

I had a Nikon Buckmaster that I bought years ago, but it decided to quit working properly... can't read the yardage numbers... I don't think it was that great to begin with, but it's been a long time since I ever remember using it.

So I was thinking about getting a new one... like you, I started looking, and get overwhelmed with all the choices.

Ken, I have been doing all building and little shooting aside from over the chrony, so I haven't gone there yet. With my projects almost complete it is at the forefront of my mind again. When I first posted this I did a ton of research on these and when googling "best rangefinder" every website has a greatly expanded opinion (including here) on which one is the bees knees. Confusing for sure. After heavy duty research, I believe Hector was right...Lecia. Their performance in all conditions, read speed and accuracy seem to be the real top dog.

The Sig's always seem to make most lists as well, but when comparing compatible models the Leicia isn't a whole lot more $. My thinking is: do I want the best and lay down that kind of money for the quality? I haven't figured out if I have the stomach for it. Since I could spend that much should I go ahead and get the model that reads twice the distance so I can see how far I have to walk to get to McDonalds? LOL 

I'm thinking Lecia but I'll have another look soon. I absolutely will get one.

@straitflite I'll check them out... they probably have a dozen or more models !

Straitflite,

I got a kick out of your post, you just gave some of us an insight to how old were getting! An antique in the closet has a way of letting us know that we too are becoming antique! THANKS -LOL.

I remember those rangefinders and have one (somewhere). Used it for bow hunting back in the 70's - early 80's, primitive in comparison (one step above guessing) to today's standards . I also have what I think is one of the first Bushnell laser rangefinders (YardagePro-800 laser rangefinder) and it too is antique in comparison. Presently using the Lieca 900 for the last 10 years and like very much.

Hector's view is spot on, but if I was to purchase a rangefinder today a mid price rangefinder would be more than adequate for most airgunners needs. My pick would most likely be a Leupold or the likes of.

 Cheers

@straitflite Found a nice used minty Leica LRF 800 on ebay !

It will be a big improvement over my busted Nikon ! ? 

@hooligan

No worries, I can feel old enough for the both of us LOL

The old 'line up the images' type help me pass the eye test at the DMV ? 

@airmojo

That is great! Thanks for reporting...I'll check out the 'bay' myself ? 

Nikon Riflehunter 550  Had it several years now.

Served me well.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1320317555?pid=317555