Gents:
I'm in the market for a rangefinder and know absoutely nothing about them. I really don't need it for my hunting--it is more for curiosity.

I want waterproof and a good distance, say 1000 yards. AND, I want simple--no compurer programing skils needed. Weight, color, brand, cost, etc., I open to. I've looked on ebay but there are so many it boggles the mind so I turn to you AR folks for a recommendation(s) from those that have been there and done that. New or used is fine for me.

I don't use my gps as it's too complicated nor do I have a smart phone, nor do I use computers for anything other than emailing and writing. I want to keep my life simple in the arena of electronics.

Thanks for your assistance, fellas.
Cal

PS. If I like one or more of your recommendations I will look on ebay and also make a request on AR's classified section.

I have had a Swarovski for about 10 years. Have had no problems with it and it's simply and easy to use. I have ranged hill sides out to 1300 yards with it. Not sure if it will range an animal at that distance though. I think it cost me about $1000.

A good friend of mine bought a Leica, 1200 yard model I think. We both have used them side by side in Wyoming antelope hunting and they are tit for tat with each other.

Both are easy to use with no ballistics programs. Turn them on, put the dot on what you want to range and press the button again for the range.

The Leica is a little smaller than my Swarovski and was cheaper. I am not sure if either one is waterproof.

I think the best value in a RF that works is either a Leica or a Vortex. I have used both and they work as advertised.

Gents:
Thanks for narrowing down the field. Leica it is!!
Cal

Cal,

The Leica's are awesome...that is unless something goes wrong with them!

Leica has TERRIBLE customer service...do a search and you'll see the bad experiences members have had with Leica...myself included.

I would NEVER EVER buy another Leica product.

FWIW: I have Swarovski ER Range-finding binocs and they are incredible. Since it sounds like you just want to play around with them, I would even consider an inexpensive range finder like Bushnell, Vortex, Leupold, etc

Check out the Sig Kilo 2000. Don't pay the $500 some dream of getting. You should be able to get one for about $375.

Thanks for the additional info.
LT: yes, I just want to play. Often when hunting I am curious about distance but my rifles are limited in range so I don't need a finder to make a more accurate shot--just to satisfy my curiosity.
I will do a search on customer service.
Cal

Leica

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Thanks for the additional info.
LT: yes, I just want to play. Often when hunting I am curious about distance but my rifles are limited in range so I don't need a finder to make a more accurate shot--just to satisfy my curiosity.
I will do a search on customer service.
Cal

Yea Cal, don't take my word for it...search out Leica and read it for yourself. Searching on AR's Optical Forum will be convincing enough.

leica 1000R or sig kilo 2000 would be my picks.

You might be able to find a deal on the Leica CRF 1000-R or 1600-B as they have recently been superceded by the 1600-R and 2000-B (or something like that).

I have the 1000-R and can recommend it.

Bushnell was one of the original producers. I used to have an older Bushnell, viewing quality was poor and bulky. The distance advertised never matched. Many companies jumped on the bandwagon and they all improved.
I also had the older Leica LRF 800 and 1200. They are a quality unit, small, around 10 oz.'s. exceptional glass and accurate. I never had a problem with them. I sold them because I have a combined bino./R.F. unit.
Swaro's is a quality unit but not worth the price and bulkier.
All they are, is a clock that measures the distance a laser beam takes to reach the target and back. The cheap ones, never seem to give a reading unless you have a solid target to reflect back. Little rain renders them useless. Their glass is typical of their optic quality production line. An alpha glass is an alpha glass.
personally, I would pick a Leica used for $200-300 and never look back.

quote:

Originally posted by mlfguns:

I also had the older Leica LRF 800 and 1200. They are a quality unit, small, around 10 oz.'s. exceptional glass and accurate. I never had a problem with them.

Been using the same units for YEARS with no problem at all. Compact, simple, works.

Plus they constantly remind me that I couldn't range something with my bare eye balls worth a darn!!

I've also heard that Leica's customer service is terrible, but the LRF's seem good to go.

Just an interesting side note. I thought I was good in judging distance, until I hunted Alaska for the first time. To put it bluntly, I ate crow. I was so off that made a RF unit essential.
I think the air quality in AK. is so clear that everything seems closer but in reality it was twice as far.

Hi Cal,

I've had good luck with Leica products. Used the rangefinder until I bought binos with rangefinder built in. Now have only one unit to keep up with.

Like you I really had no need for one but a Vortex came up for sale at Sportsmans Whse. and I was curious, so I got it for $200 plus as I recall..It works OK, but I never think to use it when in a hunting situation, apparently I still don't need it, I seem to kill them anyway..I think it might help a person who has trouble judging distances...I dislike packing all kinds of gimmicks around when Im hunting. Same deal with the colapsable Mono rest I bought. its found a permanent home in my Pickup, under the back seat..

Vortex because of warrenty.