Rifle Scopes Laser Range Finder?

[cyrekzz]

I read that most here it seems on another thread choose Swarovski or Leica... but i really wasn't looking to spend that much. How about ATN or Bushnell or Nikon i guess. People were saying that to have the ARC technology (bushnell i think is the only one that has that).
Anyways, just looking for opinions on the ATN 1500 if anyones used them... A former marine sniper that owns a range up by me said they were great. If not the ATN i was leaning towards Bushnell. Any thoughts?

 

[ORD]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

It all depends on your particular needs for an LRF as to how much (or how little) you can get away with spending. If you are running one for hunting and don't need to worry about small targets past 400-500yds, then some of the lower end units will serve you well. If you want reliable and accurate ranging at extended ranges, I would strongly recommend that you save your money and buy the higher end model (Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss). I see people buy the Nikons/ATNs/etc. all the time and then get frustrated when they are unable to reliably range with them (at least to the stated range for the device).

If you don't want to spend the money now, try to find a deal on a Bushnell Elite 1500ARC model (used). This model has been discontinued by Bushnell, but they pop up for sale here and elsewhere all the time. The Elite 1500s are reliable and will do an adequate job ranging targets at longer distances. A used one should only set you back $300 or so. If you can find one new, it will be around $400 or maybe a little more.

 

[goldeneagle76]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

I bought one of the Bushnell ARC models for hunting and love it so far. That being said, I have not tried to range to its max yet. But inside 400yds it's been great.

 

[azimutha]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

I have to agree on this one. You get what you pay for. I sold a Nikon to a friend and only felt good about it because he was just using it for bowhunting. I can't easily recommend the Swaro anymore because it is so expensive. I do like it for the larger 30mm objective and sometimes leave binos at home. However, the Leicas or new Zeiss should be just as good ranging and cost as much as $400 less. Only gripe about the Leicas is their design decision to not make the units switchable between yards and meters. Not that I need meters, but even the lowly Nikon had that ability. You'd have to pick one or the other. The Zeiss would be my choice for a new purchase.

 

[ARCOREY]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

I bought the Nikon Gold 1200 last spring for varmint hunting where I may see ranges out to about 800yds in open fields with few landmarks. I think I paid $412 for the black model, not camo. It takes the CR123 batteries. My boss bought the Bushnell Elite 1500 ARC about a month before. I did a side by side comparison ranging different types of targets at ranges from 500yds to 900yds.

Both have scan functions that worked well. The Elite ARC function seemed to match true drop for his 243 running a pretty standard velocity out to 600yds. I don't think it will do you much good if your caliber doesn't fall between the standard caliber guidelines for the ballistics they have preset. I personally would rather have a dope chart and a something solid like a mildot master or angle indicator.

The Nikon seemed to be clearer to me and much simpler to use, just point and click. Both are fairly compact and operable with 1 hand, both have a threaded spot for a camera mount or tripod adapter.

The Nikon's battery seems to last a very long time for what it is. The Bushnell was a 9V which was more common, but seemed to be drained while sitting more.

The Nikon was able to range soft targets much father than the Elite when I tested them side by side. The Elite only picked up the cedar tree I was trying to range 1 time out of about 20 attempts. The Nikon hit it every time at 750 yds and also ranged small brush piles and other small trees out to 900 yds. Both seemed capable of ranging cars and buildings out to 900 yds, but that was all the room I had to test with.

These are just my observations, I know others will have varying results

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

Buy a used Leica LRF within your budget. A used Leica 900LRF probably sells for under $250 and it was top dawg at one time. Don't be afraid of well made, used equipment.

 

[cyrekzz]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

Ok - so that's what the ARC tech is... just bullet drop stuff for angles... hmmm... i have Bulletflight - if that counts for anything - but sold my horus asli - got a us optics rail mounted bubble and plan on getting a good slope indicator in the future.

Sounds like if i don't want to go the higher end route... nikon seems to be a good way to go as far as ranging maybe. ARCOREY, how does it range against non-reflective or have you had a chance to use it in low light stuff yet? fog, rain, or dusk?

I'll only be ranging out probably to 800 - i own a POF 20" 308 and sig556. So i don't think i'll be shooting out past 1000yds - but i will be out in Colorado with it so maybe ranging farther would be nice, just to know that i should not attempt too long of a shot???!!

 

[glock63]

Re: Laser Range Finder?

You can find Leica LRF 1200 rangefinders used all day fror $400.