Range finders

[Irving]

I'd like some input about range finders please. I'm looking at these four options. I'm a big fan of Vortex's warranty. The similarly priced Sig models advertise better performance and I'm wondering if anyone has personal experience.

Uses:
Hunting - I have zero plans to shoot a big game animal at further than say 300 yards, and very likely less. It'd be nice to see how far you are at say 600 yards, but not for shooting.
Long range - I'd like to be able to range to 1,000 yards just to see how realistic the shooting position is at my shooting place.
Close range - I have plans to use this for work as well, so short range is important as well. I think a minimum of 9 yards would word for me. Here are the options.

Vortex 1300 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-...der-w-hcd.html
Sig 1400 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/sig-sau...monocular.html
Vortex 1800 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-...der-w-hcd.html
Sig 2200 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/sig-sau...ar-7x25mm.html

[def90]

I have a Vortex 1300, works as advertised. Can't say I have any experience with any other range finders to say that one is better than the other for some reason. I did find the reticle on the Vortex easier to see than others when I was checking them out in the store.

[DireWolf]

I have a Sig Kilo2000, thing runs like a champ.

Fast, optics are nice and clear (7x), and I've been able to range objects out to 2300 yards (large vehicle). Originally was going to get a Kilo2400, but couldn't justify the extra cost.

Very happy with the Kilo2k...


ETA: not sure, but the Kilo2000 may have been discontinued/superseded by a new version...Also, if ordering from OP, call them - you'll get a better deal than purchasing online...

[Irving]

Good info so far. I figured those two are probably popular models that people will have. Keep it coming.

How large of a vehicle? I have an old range finder that I was gifted that says it's range is 400yards. I've ranged a semi trailer at over 800 yards, but struggle with my real estate sign target at over 225. I can get it at 300 if I rest the finder on a fence post or something.

I forgot to mention that with carrying binos and a range finder, size/weight is a consideration as well. Both models seem comparable and smaller than what I have now.

[DireWolf]

How large of a vehicle? I have an old range finder that I was gifted that says it's range is 400yards. I've end a semi trailer at over 800 yards, but struggle with my real estate sign target at over 225. I can get it at 300 if I rest the finder on a fence post or something.

Was a full-size SUV, if I remember correctly. Reading was taken from an elevated position while prone (e.g. good support).

Given the size/perspective at that distance, it may be possible that I actually ranged the ground next to/behind the vehicle (as opposed to the SUV itself), but given the angle and consistency across several consecutive reads, not sure it makes a difference either way.

[StagLefty]

https://www.ar-15.co/forums/115-Places-To-Shoot Range Finder

[MarkCO]

The SIGs are better than the Vortex dollar for dollar, but they have a 5 year warranty whereas the Vortex is lifetime. I have used the V1800 and the Kilo2000 (What I own) and Kilo2400 plus a Bushnell 1 Mile and another one around here somewhere. Both of the Bushnell's went out about a year after the warranty expired. The Sig is 3 or 4 years old, I bought it right when they first hit the market and it has been fantastic. I have ranged PRS sized targets to a mile and big game to 1600 or so. The SIG does better on snow and in rain, which matters to me for hunting. When the Kilo2000 goes out, I will be getting the Kilo2200, or whatever is in that same range.

I am looking at getting Hunter (14) a Vortex primarily for the warranty, and he won't be shooting much, if at all, anything past say 700 unless I am with him anyway. But I want something that will last him for a long time, even if it is with warranty support.

[Delfuego]

Check out the new Nikon. I would get that if I only needed a rangefinder.
If you want binoculars that also range then let us know, thats a different game. I will never buy a solo rangefinder, it will always be a combo bino/lrf.

[KS63]

Check out the new Nikon. I would get that if I only needed a rangefinder.
If you want binoculars that also range then let us know, thats a different game. I will never buy a solo rangefinder, it will always be a combo bino/lrf.

What are your thoughts on the Sig Sauer KILO3000BDX laser rangefinder Binos? Two birds with one stone solution?
https://www.brownells.com/optics-mou...rod119073.aspx

[Delfuego]

Haven't seen them in person. They just came onto market. I have never been impressed with the optical quality for Sig stuff, however their laser has been pretty darn good.

At that price point there area few similar options. Sig, Nikon, Vortex, Bushnell, Rudolph. The main difference in these will be glass quality and laser. You may need to trade off glass versus ranging performance.

A lot of people seem to bag on the Bushnell because of the glass, I owned a pair of the older ones "1600 ARC". I used them for 3 years, gave them to my buddy and he still uses them. That is pretty darn impressive, not the best image, but very reliable and durable.

The Nikon and Vortex are basically the same. Laser and glass (distance and quality). Either of these would be a good choice to 1000y and not much more. I would probably go Vortex due to there warranty.

As for the Sig, I dont ever use integrated ballistics, and most people we should with dont either. We only use the to range finder, then reference the range with whatever ballistic calculator or chart we already have. I could see where it could work well with the BDX and Applied Ballistics, but it seems like everyone wants a tech solution for everything. I see it as cool-kid stuff and unneeded complexity.

I run the Rudolph Optics Bino/LRF. One of the forum members recommended these to me and let me play with his. He sold his Leica HD-B and kept the Rudolph's. We got a good deal on ours and they have been good and the company has stood behind them so far. The glass is pretty good (not Leica/Swaro) and the laser is fast. Good product at a good price. I have been running the 3 seasons.

If I had $2k laying around I would upgrade to the Leica HD-B, no question. The glass is excellent. We use our Binos all day and the glass is important. If you are hunting, good glass is even more important. As I have mentioned before, if Nikon put their new laser in their binos I would jump on those right away.