LRF for >1000 but <2000 yards...Leica vs. ? vs. Vectronix

[QuietShootr]

I'll start by saying I KNOW the Vectronix is significantly better than the Leica. HOWEVER - I do not need to range in excess of 1600 yards. As fun as it would be to have that ability, I'm not sure it's worth $1200 more to me when I don't shoot anything any further than that. I'm not unable to spend it, I just don't WANT to if it's not going to give me a significant increase in capability over what I would get with the Leica or another similar device.

Any input, or suggestions as to another unit I should consider? I saw a Zeiss that claims 1300 yards.

 

[Dogtown]

Consider that the Leica will likely struggle as you approach your maximum distance while the Terrapin won't skip a beat.

 

[jonaddis84]

Correct, any other rangefinder you would find at a store like Cabelas (Leica, Swaro, Zeiss, Bushnell) all state their MAXIMUM effective distance on REFLECTIVE targets. This means you might be able to range a house or a car with the Leica 1600 @ 1600yds, but youre probably looking at more like 1000 yds or less on soft targets like trees, bushes, dirt, deer, and also on small hard targets like 12x12 steel and the like.

Another issue with a lot of the standard LRF's out there is reticle size when it comes to ranging steel targets, ie the bushnell at 1500yds the reticle is probably the size of at least a car, so trying to hit a small target can be difficult.

This is where the Terrapin shines, small reticle for precise ranging. Also their claimed effective range is BS, but in the opposite direction. Hitting a treeline in sunny conditions (the worst conditions for a LRF) at 2200-2500 yards is a walk in the park for it, and youll see what it can do on reflective targets on cloudy days below.

Obviously you stated you dont need the 2k+ capability, but thats where a lot of people overlook the worth of LRF's like the Terrapin is their 100% capability on small and soft targets inside 2000 yds. This is why I bought one, I dont need anything to range out beyond 2k besides just having fun, but I will never regret this purchase for shooting even inside 1k yds because there are very few others under the Terrapin that will do what it does at those ranges also.

Just my opinion on the LRF situation we have going on out there right now. Id say if you spent $2k+ on your scope, then you shouldnt think twice about buying something like a Terrapin because its just as important for making hits at 1kyd plus.

 

[roggom]

I had the Leica 1000 and it hit reflective targets out to 1078 and game animals out to 785. Now I purchased it thinking my max effective range is 700. After hunting with it I discovered that I can see antelope at well past 1000Y with the naked eye but could not paint them. Leica states their range finders will range soft targets at .75 of max range, so for the 1600 that works out to 1200Y.

So if this is far enough for OP it would be worth a purchase. I sold my 1000 and will be picking up a 1600.

I am sure the terrapin is the cats meow, but he Leica is not shit either, quality glass and fast. No comparison between the two as the Terrapin wins, just have to decide if the extra cost and range is a justifiable return on investment.

 

[KaneK]

I have both, Leica 1600 & Terrapin. Only taken the Terrapin out twice, and have had the Leica for 2+ years. The Leica is very nice, small compact, great glass. Ranges very well. Has a hard time when you start getting 1K plus. I have been able to hit an IPSC sized piece of steel at 1335 and my truck at 1505, but no further or smaller. The Terrapin, was great, hitting the targets at 1500+ and picking up less reflective objects very well. Got a 2585 reading on the berms where we shoot.

I'd say if you don't plan on ranging past 1k often, the Leica will work without issue. If you're ranging further ofter, go Terrapin.

 

[QuietShootr]

Well, that's what I figured. It's going to have to be the Terrapin <Gulp>.

The only gripe I have, really, is that I don't mind spending 4k on a gun, because I know it will still be worth about that in 5 years. Electronics, however....this $1900 LRF will probably have something that can kick its ass for $500 in another 5 years, and 5 years after that it will likely be upgefukt and the company probably won't repair it.

Oh, well. Off to the For Sale boards to get rid of some stuff..

 

[TheGerman]

I have the Terrapin and had previously messed around with the Leica, Zeiss and Leupold rangefinders (only owned the Leica) and its day and night. When ranges were over 600 yards with the Leica I would need to start finding hard reflective targets to get a reading. Want to know how far that cow is? Too bad; range the house that's about 150y behind it and subtract 150 for a guesstimate range. Not saying it was always like that, but there were times where the frustration had me finally pay for the Terrapin which was something I thought was originally too much money for a rangefinder I wasn't using to fire artillery with!

It ranges. It works. Even if they come out with something better, it will only be a further max/reliable range. At some point, who cares if you can range 10k or not. As long as we don't all find out the hard way that there is some sort of part in them where they die after 3 years to the day or something, I think you're going to be set for a while.

 

[jonaddis84]

Ill note my one frustration with the Terrapin, and its not terrible, but you will notice it if you get it.

It can take a second to display the range, which isnt a problem because it does show up basically no matter what. But if you want to quickly range something else, you seem to have to wait until the range disappears from the screen before you can range another object.

 

[hessian]

I have both. The Leica will range 1350 yd. or so, but not dependably. Its picky. The Terrapin always gives me a range, so far to 2k yd.

 

[glockaholic]

I've been watching and reading posts on LRFs. One of the best reviews I've seen was on a Russian website. I love Google's Translate button. It's more of a test than a review and may take a moment for the photos to load.

Here is the link: http://forum.guns.ru/forummessage/95/713998.html
The guy ranges the same 3 targets with different LRFs on the same overcast day and records the results. He uses a small black target, a NATO standard target and a torso.

Here is the summary chart:

Also this link on Youtube which shows the LRF beams via night vision.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcXprhRbN0Y

 

[Dkindels]

Excellent review. I want the sure thing when it comes to soft targets. Coyotes and deer mainly. I simply need it to work guaranteed. Sounds like I better start saving up

 

[123Nick]

I've been watching and reading posts on LRFs. One of the best reviews I've seen was on a Russian website. I love Google's Translate button. It's more of a test than a review and may take a moment for the photos to load.

Here is the link: http://forum.guns.ru/forummessage/95/713998.html
The guy ranges the same 3 targets with different LRFs on the same overcast day and records the results. He uses a small black target, a NATO standard target and a torso.

Here is the summary chart:

Also this link on Youtube which shows the LRF beams via night vision.
Spot laser beam - YouTube

The ru link above doesn't work right now, but I'm surprised with a "poor" Leice 1600 performance. That's not what I've been experiencing for the past 2 years. Would be good to read the post first before "trusting" their data.

 

[Bounce]

If the terrapin had angle compensation, I think I'd be all over it instead of the Leica 1600B. My needs are similar to that of the OP, I really don't need to reach out 2000+ yards, no matter how much fun that might be after spending $1200 more. But the real sticking point to me is the horizontal distance vs the angled distance. I don't trust my abilities to accurately assess the angle of a shot. If I miss that determination, I miss the shot. At that point my $2000 LRF is simply not worth the added cost of the missed hit.
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