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Rifle Scopes LRF target size question

exodus

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Minuteman
Apr 18, 2009
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Alabama Gulf Coast
Maybe this is a dumb question but I couldn't find anything using the search function so here goes. When using a laser rangefinder, what is a realistic target size that can be read at 1000 yards and beyond? Meaning if my target that I am shooting at is 1 MOA at 1000yds, should I be able to "read" that target with my LRF or is that too small? I hear a lot about hitting barns, and buildings at long ranges but I don't hear much about practical size objects that would be used in a tac comp, etc.

Point is I just picked up a Zeiss from Scott, thanks Scott. So far I haven't had the opportunity to hit anything at 1000 yards yet, though the Zeiss seems to be confirming everything I heard about it. Target readings are very fast and I have hit things up to 895 yards away very easily and quickly. I want to put it up against some realistic targets at longer ranges but I am not sure what size targets are realistic for a LRF.

Can someone provide me some information on targets that I should be able to read at certain distances? Set my expectations please.
 
Re: LRF target size question

it really depends on reflectivity of target, ambient light etc. you should be able to range something like a stop sign at 1k which is 30" across. keep in mind it is highly reflective. my lrf will not do a man size torso @ 1k but does larger rocks etc. most times at distances such as that i just range something larger as close to the target as i can get. fwiw...
 
Re: LRF target size question

I have a Nikon Buck Master LRF. It works OK if you have good fixed targets to aim it at. However it is disappointing in most hunting situations. I am saving my money for one of the Leica 1200 LRF's. I have not used a Leica before, however all the reports I read say it is the one to have for ranging varmints, and deer. I certainly hope so. Tom.
 
Re: LRF target size question

I will give an update. Today I got to range some long distance targets. I hit a boat at 1100 and hit a building at 1336. Both of these readings came back from the Zeiss in about 1 to 1.5 seconds, which is really quick. I was impressed.

Still wondering how small of a target I should realistically be able to hit. Like should I be able to hit a 24X24in steel plate at 1K or is that too small?

Thanks
 
Re: LRF target size question

Hogghead, if game is what you want to range might want to save a little more and get the Swaro's. They blow the Leica's out of the water. It was a elk hunt that made me switch from the leica 1200 scan to the swaro.
I have not had a chance to play with the Zeiss, but the swarovski will bounce large trees at 1800, and will do pigs and deer at 1000 but you need to hold them very still to get a read. It will range paper and steel pretty easy out to 1000, down to moa size.
Also a side note: early morning and evening are better times to get readings. When the sun is blazing it is quite a bit harder to get a range. When the range gets out there quite a bit you really need to rest them on somthing and hold them very still.