I'm going to buy a rangefinder and I'm torn between the Bushnell Scout and the Leica LRF 800. I like the size of the scout because I want to carry it in my shirt pocket. I like the Leica because I've used one and it's a great piece of equipment. I know, I know, the Leica costs more. I don't care, I want the best I can afford. Does anyone out there have enough experience with both to give an unbiased opinion on both of these.

The Leica would be my pick of the two...I own both....Another one you might wanna look at are the Newcon range finder's.....I was just sent one to try out and so far it has outproformed both of my other one's..

I've never heard of Newcon. What are the dimesions, capabilities, price, availability etc. Do you like it better than the Leica? I know that's a lot of questions and probably a run on sentence but I'm interested. Previously I've only seen Bushnell, Nikon and Leica.

I want one bad. But I would like to hear more on the binocular types. Anyone use them, whats the report card look like?

I'd recommend the LRF 1200 if you have the $$ and the Bushnell Scout if you don't want to spend that much. I started with a Bushnell Yardage Pro 400, moved to the Nikon Laser 800, and now have a Leica LRF 1200. I really like my LRF 1200 and if I could do it again I would.

Back when I bought my first rangefinder, spending $400+ to get the best unit wouldn't have been the right decision. That's why only 2 of my 9 scopes are Vari-X III. The Scout looks to be a great unit for the $$ and is probably more unit that anyone like me would ever need.

I started with a bushnell 400 when they first came out then bought a bushnell 800 when they first came out.I now own a leica 1200 and it is by far the best rangefinder I have ever seen.It has by far the best range and is least affected by weather conditions such as haze or fog.

migra,
Get the Leica! I have a Nikon 800 which is made by Bushnell it won't range past 400yds. very often unless it's a big object like a pick up truck or a house.
My next one will be a Leica 1200

I have a pro 1000, used the leica 1200 a real nice unit. The sportsmansguide.com is advertising a new 2000 yarder with speed readings for 279.97. The best thing about them is if you buy though the mail you have a unlimted return policy I have sent stuff back 3 years later no questions ask. So if you buy it and it doesn't work just send it back. Have not try them yet still have my pro 1000 no need to spend the money but when my 1000 goes tits up I'll try one just to see. If you happen to try it would sure like to see a review here.

My Leica 800 is my 3rd rangefinder. Its the only one that CONSISTENTLY gives me accurate readings. In optics you get what you pay for. I think you can add rangefinders too.
I just got in from chasing my local elk around all day long and I was ranging them all day from 80 to 928 yds.
The big thing with the Leica (maybe ALL of them?) is to rest the unit so its steady. That really gives the quickest and most accurate readings with the Leica.

FN in MT

I use a Bushnell YP 1000 model. It does fine for me.

I don't have any problems with using "technology" to determine distance. If my daily life was one of hunting and gathering, I'd be much better at estimating distance... but that is not my daily life and, in the interest of making something resembling a humane kill, I'll use what is available.

Russ

Russell,
Lets not forget...they are another toy to play with. And I like toys.

Go with the Leica LRF. I have an 800 I bought for a mule deer hunt in WY last year. Sighted in my rifle for a 250 yard zero, carried the rangefinder for 5 days, shot my buck at 32 yards (verified by the rangefinder). LOL

Keep in mind you have to see the game to find the range. The optics are great in the Leica.

Might be convinced to sell mine. Perfect condition with box and all accessories. Send me an email at sbhva@aol.com if interested.

Gentlemen,

I use the Bushnell Yardage Pro 1000, and it has worked great for me. I carried every day for about 3 months in Namibia and South Africa this year, and it always worked fine for me. Light and easy on batteries too. I have ranged bushes and trees at up to 1100 yards, and can consistently range trees at 900 yards.

I would love a Leica, but that will wait until I have a bit more cash.

Joel Slate
Slate & Associates, LLC
www.slatesafaris.com

7mm Rem Mag Page www.slatesafaris.com/7mm.htm

I have a Newcon-Optik LRM 1500. I have not had an opportunity to compare it to a Leica, but have used it side by side with Bushnell / Nikon 800. Essentially the only advantage to the Nikon / Bushnell is the smaller size. The Newcon ranges much better at anything over 400 yards or in rain. The key to both of them is to hold them very steady when ranging.
If you do not need to range past 400, go with one of the compacts because its size. If you need to go past that, compare the Leica and Newcon.
Seems like the Leica 1200 costs $350 - $400
Bushnell 800 costs $270 - $320
Newcon 1500 costs $250 - $300

Hello migra,

I have specs and reviews on rangefinders at

http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/rangefinders.html

I used a friend's Bushnell Scout for several days over the last two weeks. It is light and compact, which is a big plus, but performance is very weak when you get out to the ranges where you really need it. I doubt that it would actually range a deer at much more than 200 yards. Even a 4x8 plywood hunting blind was difficult to read at 400 yards. Besides, the *&$%#@ battery for it costs $10 a whack! A now-obsolete model sold by Weaver that I used a couple of years ago beat the Scout rather soundly.