Looking for a new range finder for prairie dogs

Stalker

Stalker

New member
I have a Bushnell range finder now but it leaves quite a bit to be desired for longer shots. What's a good range finder for out to 600 yds or so for prairie dogs? I looked at the Leica's but I'm hoping there's something a little cheaper.
 
Originally Posted By: StalkerI have a Bushnell range finder now but it leaves quite a bit to be desired for longer shots. What's a good range finder for out to 600 yds or so for prairie dogs? I looked at the Leica's but I'm hoping there's something a little cheaper.

If you want a rangefinder for PDs on the prairie, then you want a Wild optical rangefinder - like this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...#ht_1662wt_1396

It is sold, but you can find them on eBay and other places. Going rate is around $350-$400 for one in good condition.

On the prairie against PDs, lasers are worthless.


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I have been using the bushnell fusions with decent results, getting p-dogs to 300 plus, mounds to 450 and yucca plants out to 700ish. A lot of times I try to hit an object that is bigger than the pdog that is close to it and use that range + or - to the varmint. Has been working for me. I also try get what ever elevation I can so I am not ranging across a lot of flat ground, however that is not always possible, but most of the time it is. Just my experience/opinions and worth just what you paid for them.
 
obaro, that's how I was planning on using the new rangefinder. I've been using my Bushnell cheapy like that and it works great out to 3-350 yds but after that it takes forever to get a reading. I might try some fresh batteries, but I think it's still pretty limited.
 
I've had very good luck with the Leica's. If you can find an older LRF 800 or 900 they work very good with in the 600 yards you mentioned. They can be found for around $250. You will need to steady yourself when using it or you will have trouble getting a reading.
 
I struggle to get readings over 400 with my Leupold 750. Sometimes I can get readings out to 500 or so but requires perfect conditions, some kind of rest, etc. I can't always get a reading where I see my target.

I have to imagine standard hunting scopes will incorporate laser technology in the next couple of years. There are a couple models out there but they are expensive and I'm not hearing people rave about them. A laser sent from a steady rifle will really help readings.
 
Originally Posted By: wahoowadI struggle to get readings over 400 with my Leupold 750. Sometimes I can get readings out to 500 or so but requires perfect conditions, some kind of rest, etc. I can't always get a reading where I see my target.

I have to imagine standard hunting scopes will incorporate laser technology in the next couple of years. There are a couple models out there but they are expensive and I'm not hearing people rave about them. A laser sent from a steady rifle will really help readings.

If you're only shooting out to 400 yards or so, a range finder probably isn't really necessary depending on what caliber you're shooting. Once you get past 500 yards, an accurate range finder is critical. You also need an accurate dope card or ballistic program on your Ipad / smart phone / PDA.

The best Laser Range finders are only marginally acceptable for prairie dog shooting because of their design. Optical range finders are the only thing that works on a prairie dog sitting in an empty field at 1000 yards. (or 800 yards for that matter.)

The difference in come ups between 700 and 725 yards on my .243 Ackley shooting 105 AMAX is 3.5 moa. That's a clean miss.


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Jerryschmitt that a cool range finder.
Sometimes it surprises me how things made 50-100 years ago work as good or better than or new fangled toys we have now days.
 
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