Buying a new rangefinder, but what do I need?

[snareman1234]

Read a bunch of old posts about rangefinders and there's a ton of guys on here who like their leica 1200's

So, I started looking around for Leicas, and I find they only make the crf 1000 and the 1600 now.

The 1000 is more in my price range, 600, and seems more than enough distance, but I do believe it does not have a "true ballistic range" capability to compensate for angle, is this a key feature?

the crf 1600 has it, but is 850 or so which is a but past what I want to spend, could just go for a high end leupold for 550 that was the angle compensator,,

what do you guys think?

[Matty_ola]

What range do you plan on shooting? Unless you're shooting past 600+ Meters or with a bow the angle compensator is of no importance on a 10" target. Make a drop chart for your particular ammunition and you'll do fine. Once you've got a drop chart go out and check the chart at different distances and see how accurate it is and adjust as necessary.

Good luck.

[snareman1234]

All shooting will be under 450, but I hunt sheep, and lots of other critter in steep high terrain, didnt know if some people found the angle helpful if hunting in the high country

[BiG Boar]

I think the angle compensator is a neccecity. Especially mountain sheep or goat. I wouldn't say it is worthless under 600 yards. Depends on the cartridge your shooting, even my 300 wm I know it has made a difference on some steep shots. Also, I would get 1200 or 1000. I had a 600 and found it frusterating not knowing how far I got to go. Shooting across a gully on my moose last year, I swore it looked 300, so did my big time golfing buddy, but when my rangefinder wouldn't range it, I was pissed off. Ended up being 620 when my buddy showed up. I have used the Leupold 1000 and it worked great.

[NorthShoreX]

What about the Bushnell Legend 1200 ARC? I believe it's a 6x24mm. It's also only $369.95, but if you act now you can get it for $332.88 at WSS.

General Features


Built-in digital inclinometer measures angles from -90 to + 90° with +/- 1° accuracy
Bow Mode – provides true horizontal distance from 5–99 yards
Rifle Mode – provides bullet-drop/holdover in inches or MOA
BullsEye, Brush and Scan mode
IPX7 Waterproof Standard
Fully Multi-Coated Optics
RainGuard® HD
Range: 5–1,200 yards (VSI) Variable Sight-In Distance

[snareman1234]

I'll look into those 2, just want to make sure I get a good quality one that will last, and has a good warranty

[Gun Dog]

It's also about the programming. My Bushnell Scout 1000 w/ARC assumes a 100y zero and has eight ballistic choices. The Legend (I think) has more zero point options and maybe more ballistic choices. I use a 200m zero but I found a setting that keeps me within 2" out to 600y. That's the limit for the reflective end-of-road sign on my street.

[Movingdirt]

If you have a Leupold scope learn to use the reticles for ranging an animal. Works in a pinch if you do not have your Binford 1600 RF, dead batteries or you forgot it.

"Shriek. OMG. I forgot my rangefinder. Whatever will I do? My hunt is ruined".

[snareman1234]

The Leica 1600 has a ballistic readout, but it doesnt tell you a true ballistic distance, it instead tells you how many MOA to hold over, I just have a normal scope retical, would this even help me?