Looking to buy a new rangefinder. I don't really have a budget, I don't really care. (Other than military $20k units haha) I live out west and can shoot as far as I want. Hystorically, I've been impressed with leica. One limiting factor with most of them is the 7x magnification at long distance. I think I'd like more magnification if possible. I don't necessarily need a ballistic solver, but I wouldn't mind. Hit me with your best options.
- Thread starter Lovetheguns
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You’re not going to find many LRFs with magnification above 7x, at least for handhelds. To get around that I have mine slaved with a spotting scope, so whatever I’ve dialed with the spotter, I can lase pretty easily. The last non-mil LRF I bought was a Terrapin. At the time it was hard to beat, but now there are other options that give similar or better performance. I use a PLRF-15C but that’s primarily because it sends data to FFS. The new Vortex 4000 GB is one you might look at. The next gen Terrapin X is well proven as well.
@CoryT scored me a Vector 21 deployment kit for less than half of retail, including the 3x adapter (for a total of 10x). Their optical quality, ranging, and additional features are superb. The BT adapter he advised me to get populates data into my Kestrel 5700 for seamless firing solutions (albeit somewhat clumsily). Check with him!
I also have the Lecia 3500.com and the Lecia Geovid Pro which are very good also. The 3500.com has a 7x magnification, and the Pros are 10x. I wish I would have held out for the 10x42s Pro, but my 32s are just fine until lighting conditions start to diminish. My only real complaint is that the Lecias don't come with an integral tripod mount, so you have to add some type of assembly to do that (I use the RRS on the Leica binos) to keep them stabile when ranging long distances. Also, you have to pay an additional $$$ to upgrade the onboard ballistic computer to AB on the Geovid Pros. My 3500.com's BT connection to my AB Kestrel is also a little unstable but can be worked with.
I also have the Lecia 3500.com and the Lecia Geovid Pro which are very good also. The 3500.com has a 7x magnification, and the Pros are 10x. I wish I would have held out for the 10x42s Pro, but my 32s are just fine until lighting conditions start to diminish. My only real complaint is that the Lecias don't come with an integral tripod mount, so you have to add some type of assembly to do that (I use the RRS on the Leica binos) to keep them stabile when ranging long distances. Also, you have to pay an additional $$$ to upgrade the onboard ballistic computer to AB on the Geovid Pros. My 3500.com's BT connection to my AB Kestrel is also a little unstable but can be worked with.
Vectronix PLRF25C BLE X3 Pocket Laser Rangefinder w/Rubber Cover, Neckstrap, Pouch, & Lens Cloth 1007865
FREE SHIPPING on Vectronix PLRF25C BT X3 Pocket Laser Rangefinder 1006726
If you want the best and budget isn't an issue, just skip anything 905nm and get a 1550nm laser. You'll have some issue finding much past 7x unless you get the adapters for the Vector 21. But they turn it into a brick. The 21 is very light for what it is, but the adapters are heavy AF AF.
A Vector 21 from Cory if you need/want the smaller beam and a bino. Otherwise, the PLRF25c linked above with AB.
Edit: The Steiners listed below are also very good. You can find them much cheaper calling around.
A Vector 21 from Cory if you need/want the smaller beam and a bino. Otherwise, the PLRF25c linked above with AB.
Edit: The Steiners listed below are also very good. You can find them much cheaper calling around.
I have heard good things about the 1550nm Steiner but havent had a chance to play with them.
www.bisontactical.com
Steiner M830r LRF 1535nm Laser Rangefinder Binoculars with Reticle
Buy the Steiner M830r LRF 1535nm, one of the most powerful laser rangefinding binoculars available to civilians. Integrated with Kestrel 5700 Ballistics
www.bisontactical.com 
I do still have some 21's available, as well as some accessories.
"I really enjoy my Vortex Ranger 1800 when it works"
"I am currently on my third in 2 years."
Why the fuck would anyone buy this thing based on that recommendation...? "The warranty?
"Next thing you know, your daughter's knocked up..."
"I am currently on my third in 2 years."
Why the fuck would anyone buy this thing based on that recommendation...? "The warranty?
"Next thing you know, your daughter's knocked up..."
This is going to be your best bet. One of our engineers worked on laser systems at DARPA and Lockheed Martin. If you want to take a deep dive into it we cover this in the Modern Advancements Series.
