Budget Laser Rangefinder?

erwos · Feb 19, 2019

I am taking a long-range shooting class this summer, and some of the AARs I've read indicate that a laser rangefinder would be very useful to me. I need recommendations on a laser rangefinder in the $200-$300 range that can go to 1000-1200 meters. Doesn't need to be bomb-proof, but prefer something that does not need to be overly babied. If I am asking for something that doesn't exist, is a bad idea, or I am missing some important point, I am receptive to that feedback as well.

(Bonus points if you can point me at web resources that can help me make an informed decision myself.)

Pinecone · Feb 19, 2019

Buy once, cry once.

I picked up a Leica used on Sniper's Hide

Yoshi · Feb 19, 2019

erwos said:
I am taking a long-range shooting class this summer, and some of the AARs I've read indicate that a laser rangefinder would be very useful to me. I need recommendations on a laser rangefinder in the $200-$300 range that can go to 1000-1200 meters. Doesn't need to be bomb-proof, but prefer something that does not need to be overly babied. If I am asking for something that doesn't exist, is a bad idea, or I am missing some important point, I am receptive to that feedback as well.

(Bonus points if you can point me at web resources that can help me make an informed decision myself.)

There are a few decent rangefinders out there in your price range but wont get you the distance you require. The Vortex Rangefinder is about $350'ish and meets both of your requirements. Sig makes the Kilo series that may work too and are a bit cheaper. But, like Pinecone mentions, you may want to pay a bit more and just be done with it.

I've struggled with buying one over the years because I've never needed one for a class or match. Would it have helped, sure. Did I need one? Nope.

erwos · Feb 19, 2019

Yeah, a used Leica 1600B is also a possibility. Just hard to justify spending $350 on something that I don't know that I'll use more than once or twice in my life.

Scrounger · Feb 19, 2019

I use a Leica Rangemaster 2000-B. While it is rated for 2000 yds, I haven’t ranged anything past 1500 yards yet. It has a built-in ballistic calculator if you should wish to use it. What I find useful is the thermometer, inclination and barometric pressure readings. As other have said “buy once, cry once”. Euro Optic is who I got mine from.
https://www.eurooptic.com/40536-Leica-Leica-Rangemaster-CRF-2000-B--MPN-40536.aspx

Yoshi · Feb 20, 2019

erwos said:
Yeah, a used Leica 1600B is also a possibility. Just hard to justify spending $350 on something that I don't know that I'll use more than once or twice in my life.

Exactly. I have a spotting scope I never use, Kestrel 4500 that is barely used, (Admittedly, need to use more), a Harris Bipod 9"-13" that sits in my bag, and lots of other assorted things I "needed to have" for a class or match that just gather dust. I think a rangefinder would be used a little bit more, but...

I've been to a few classes and matches. Trying to remember if I ever seen anyone use a rangefinder in any of them. I am sure they have but not enough for me to remember it being something I thought was paramount to success. YMMV.

Moorvogi · Feb 20, 2019

I have a range finder. I tossed around the idea of getting one for a while then inherited one. I used it A LOT for the first year... memorizing the distances to various groundhog holes in a 600y field. The batteries ran out last year but... i never bothered to replace the batteries. A range finder, is a great tool to confirm range estimation. Range estimation.. comes with practice. Granted.. at the distances you're talking about.. 50y estimation miscalculation could easily mean a miss. I would contact the instructor to see if they have loaners or if it's ACTUALLY needed. Maybe if the class has 3 as a group, it's good enough as they all range ABOUT the same.

I would happily loan you mine but it's not giong to do the distances you're looking for. I can't get a good/consistent reading over 575y or so. It's perfect for me because my field is only 600y and the price was right for me (free). I've tossed around the idea of a new/better one, but.. can't think of a use for it unless i go varmint hunting out of state.

Let us know what you decide, there's no wrong answer imho.

LGood48 · Feb 20, 2019

No need for one myself, but ran across this site while looking for a golf range finder.
https://www.opticsplanet.com/rangefinders1.html

Budget Laser Rangefinder?

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