Leica rangefinder accuracy

[srupp]

I recieved my Leica 1200 rangefinder this AM.. and am TOTALLY CONFUSED,,,:roll:

I read the instructions and then started ranging "things"

problem is Im NOT believing the yardages Im getting when I LOOK at something and estimate is distance say I think its 100 yards...the Leica says its 58 yards.. when I think its 200 yards or so the machine says 114 yards..
ALL measuremnts seem much too short on the Lieca 1200 compared to my estimates ..I even had another knowlegable hunter who commented "he didnt believe the #'s the machine was giving...

Any advice...

Steven

[Gateholio]

Pace it off. Or use a long tape measure, several timses.

Once I started playing wiht LRF's, I started playing the "guess the range" game with buddies. Often they overestimated the range. I did too, at first. I also found that almost nobody can guess well past about 250 yards.

[Ambush]

I used to argue with my compass. Then two of them. Then I refused to believe my GPS. Always checked it with a compass. Then my first range finder was always calling me a liar. Bought a new one this spring [Nikon Archers Choice], but by now I know to trust them.

Try it against some known distances [gun range?] if it's good, never doubt it again.

[srupp]

hmmm good suggestions..I wasnt too anxious to start "guessing " at 457 yards..lol BUT I DID think I knew what 100 yards is...rangefinder is calling me a liar every time..lol

I will use a tape on Sunday and see..

sheeeeesh..

Steven

[Gateholio]

I liek asking guys that shot their deer at "well over 600 yards" last year how far something is. They reply "500 yards".

Usually it's about 250:cool:

[srupp]

I couldnt wait so I went outside and stretched a STEEL 100 FOOT construction tape out....100 feet exactly............ ranged it..Leica read 33 ( yards )

So I stretched the tape out a second 100 feet..we are now at 2 tape lengths..200 feet..Leica read 66 (yards).

So I stretched the tape out a final 100 feet for 3 lengths..= 300 feet..

Leica read 100 (yards).. so then I accidently BROKE my 100 foot construction tape..:mad::redface:..it was 25 years old.

So I was pretty accurate using a steel tape and 3 lengths x 100 feet gave me 100 yards on the rangefinder..with SOME inaccuracy on my part..I could have been a 2 feet out or less as I didnt stake the tape out at 200 feet and 300 feet distances..


Steven

[todbartell]

Any advice...


trust your rangefinder 8-)

[Derek_Erickson]

You didnt get the Meters version did you?

[Brambles]

Quite humbelling isn't it... I always play the guessing game with mine, sometimes I'm close and sometimes I am WAY off.

[Steeleco]

So I'm not the only one that plays "guess the distance" game. It really is amazing how inept we can be at distance judging.

Srupp, do you have a buddy that also has a RF? Pick far off objects and see how they compare.

[srupp]

hmmm mine says CRF-Y.... I assume thats yards???

I am also guessing at distances withing a city..something I usually never do..perhaps it "may" change once Im in the country side??

Maybe Todbartell has info on how to tell YARDS version vs METERS version??

Steven

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Your meter vs yds setting should be inside your battery compartment...at least that's where it is on my LRF.

City estimations seem harder than bush estimations..at least for me.

That reminds me........I should pick up a new 9V battery for our upcoming sheep hunt. I've heard a horror story from a friend who forgot to replace a battery and it cost him a "Book" ram:sad:.

SSS

[Fisher-Dude]

I liek asking guys that shot their deer at "well over 600 yards" last year how far something is. They reply "500 yards".

Usually it's about 250:cool:

You been hangin' with chevy again? Remember, those deer were all shot on a dead run too! :p

[todbartell]

you cant change a CRF from yards to meters, there is two models, one is yards, one is meters

the 1200 CRF-M would be in meters, CRF-Y is yards

[srupp]

Thanks TB..my unit is the CRF-Y...

hmmmmmm lol.....ALways a learning curve.....

Steven