is a range finder a useful tool?

[2legit]

Is it a useful tool for hunting and target shooting? I need to zero the scope on my rifle and dont go to a rifle range, just into the bush. Is a range finder something you guys use when hunting? How easily do deer, bear elk and moose get spooked and how often do you shoot furthar than 200yrds? I bought one today cause I really want to get my scope on target and like I said I dont go to the range so have no way to judge how far away I am, but if it isn't something that is used often by good shooters then maybe I will just zero the rifle and return it while I can.


thanks!

[coach]

It depends on how and where you hunt. For bow hunting, I find it an essential part of my equipment. For zeroing your rifle you could use a gps or pace the yardage off. If you like to sit when you hunt, range several points of reference from where you are. If you hike in the mountains or hunt open country, the difference between 200 and 400 yards can be difficult to determine. At those distances, you often have time to use your rangefinder before an animal spooks. Can you hunt without one? Of course. Is owning one helpful? Definitely.

One tip I learned the hard way: always pack a backup battery. A few years ago I made an awesome stalk on a 4 point mule deer with my bow. I was somewhere inside 50 yards when I tried to range him. Instead of a number, all I got was "LoB". No arrows flew that day and mr 4 point walked away.

[todbartell]

useful yes, essential - no

[waistdeep]

I used mine this past moose season AFTER I had the moose on the ground, the moose showed up, I put the cross hairs of my .338 Tika on the mark and then when it hit the ground, i put up my rangefinder to see that I shot my moose at 265 yds. I worked great !!!

:)

[BiG Boar]

I don't leave home without it. Animals can't see the laser. Miss one animal and you'll go out and buy one.

[BCBRAD]

What I find is that it practices your eye for distance. Most can estimate out to 300yds depending on terrain but past that is a lot harder to get a read on distance, for me anyway. I check distances in my hunting area so when I go there I know how far the treeline is , that stump over there etc. Also, at 7X and small in size, put it in shirt pocket, it is good for quick looks at prospective game.

[Brew]

Useful. Yes. Just used mine on my goat hunt. I was shooting a 35 whelen and knowing that my goat was 350 yards away helped tremendously. One shot and he dropped like a rock. Sometimes animals look farther than they actually are guessing could mean going home empty handed. Not needed but for sure a bonus if you can afford to drop the few hundred bucks.

[hunter1993ap]

if you shoot over four hundred yards a range finder is essential. i have a turret on my rifle so i can comfortably shoot out to 800 yards and be in a pie plate almost every time if the conditions are favorable. not that i would shoot at an animal at that distance, but just for fun its nice to reach out and be able to hit something. its not just the range finder when you start shooting a long distance its the bullet you use and you have to handload to get the right amount of powder for your rifle. so what i'm trying to say is a rangefinder is just one aspect of many when it comes to long range shooting.

[fireguy]

I even use my rangefinder to get me within range, knowing that the rock is 150 yards away and the deer is lets say 450, when I am at the rock I will be 300 away now. I always have it with me when I have my crossbow, judging critical distance is way to important to leave to guessing.

[buck nash]

They're certainly a worthwhile part of the arsonal and if you've already picked one up, you probably won't want to get rid of it once you start playing around with it.

They have lots of uses besides ranging prey before shooting it. When your sitting you can range a bunch of landmarks when you set up. Then you can easily judge distance by eye when a critter pops out. Or you can use it to help lay out a stalk.

Also a helpful navigation tool when used with a map or gps, or even for drawing your own maps. Judging distance is one of the trickier aspects of orienteering.

[Gateholio]

Youd' be surprised at how many people say a deer is "250 yards away" but it's actually 400. And vice versa. Very useful, will teach you how to better estimate ranges, all sorts of things.

[pescado]

I'm glad I have mine, use it often.

[J-F]

A bit like Gatehouse is saying, to me it has been a very educative tool. I had it only one season (few months actually) and my field judging of distances has improved quite a lot. Comparing your guess to another's guess... instead, with your RF you have a definite and validated (one should validate his RF) measure.

We were taking bets, a buddy and I, "how far do you think that tree is?" kind of thing, and after a few attempts, you start learning.

To me, it's been about recognizing how far is 200 yards, by eyesight, reliably. Below that, it doesn't mater. My rifles are zeroed for 200 yards, and within that range, I just fire. But between 250 and 300 yards, a shot would be different, and that's the range I have learned to regognize. At such distance, I'll use the RF before taking a shot.

Beyond 300 yards... I need to hunt better, close the gap.

Just my bit of experience.

[Bow Walker]

Rangefinders are an essential tool when you hunt using archery tackle.

Way too easy to under/over estimate the yardage - and accurate yardages are one of the keys to success for us bow and arrow jockeys.

[mpotzold]

I have used a Leica DISTO CLASSIC5 to measure the exact distance to a target at a gravel pit when sighting in our rifles. It has a range of about 200 metres but not really a useful tool for ranging animals.
Next year I’ll definitely get a Leica Rangefinder 1600 (1600 yards range) for hunting.
I’ll be zeroing in the 375H&H at 200 yards & the 45/70 GG at 150 yards. With the Rangefinder it will be much easier to account for the extra distance if any.
Without question a rangefinder is an indispensable tool for long range hunting.

[CanuckShooter]

Is it a useful tool for hunting and target shooting? I need to zero the scope on my rifle and dont go to a rifle range, just into the bush. Is a range finder something you guys use when hunting? How easily do deer, bear elk and moose get spooked and how often do you shoot furthar than 200yrds? I bought one today cause I really want to get my scope on target and like I said I dont go to the range so have no way to judge how far away I am, but if it isn't something that is used often by good shooters then maybe I will just zero the rifle and return it while I can.

thanks!

Didn't anyone ever tell you that honesty is a virtue? You bought the range finder and if there is nothing wrong with it you shouldn't be returning it after you use it to 'zero the rifle'....they sold it to you, it wasn't a loaner.
Just an opinion that had to be expressed.

[dino]

Use your range finder to sight your rifle in. When you rifle is calibrated to the tool your using for practice and in the field you will know where your rifle is shooting. I own the Leica 1200 and do not leave home without it. With todays rifles there is no reason the average hunter should pass on a 500 yard shot risking spooking the animal by trying to get closer. Buy good equipment and you will have confidence in it and yourself. I mean no disrespect to the other opinions on here. Everyone has their own style of hunting and shooting and my style requires good equipment and a rangefinder is my second most important tool. Buy the tools that fit your style, dont buy gadgets that will get in the way if you dont need them.

[mike_b]

Like bowalker said, I think it's essential for bow hunters. I have yet to ever use mine BEFORE the animal was down. That being said, I also agree with gatehouse about how it's a great way to become more accurate in judging distance between you and your target.

Mike