Range Finders?

[Moose-Hunter]

Do you use a range finder? If so, which one and why?

[PerchJerker]

Yes, for bowhunting in MN, for muzzleloader hunting, and for hunting out west. If you're going to be ranging longer distances you need a quality rangefinder, the bargain priced entry level models won't do the job at longer distances. I've mostly been a fan of Bushnell but may be getting a new Nikon for bowhunting.

[Gofishleech]

I use 2, one is the Busnel scout I think (under $200) works great but it did not work through ground blind mesh so I got a Nikon 440, it works great and works through the mesh.

[Moose-Hunter]

The 440 was the one I'm kind of looking at. I'll be using this for everything from bowhunting to prairie dogs out to 500 yards plus... I'd like to find one that would reach out to 700 yards and beyond if possible, 1000 yards would be great! I'd just rather not have to take a 2nd out on the house to get it. Can the 440 reach that far?

[Gissert]

I have a 440, and have been happy with it for they way I use it. It is an excellent quality unit for what it does - but - it does have its limitations. I have ranged animals out to 3-400 yards. That seems to be about the limits I have achieved in the field. Large rocks, road signs and stuff like that that have good reflectivity will register at longer distance, but not a whole lot.

I find it very useful for ranging the dimensions of a stand I am hunting, and that is why I bought it.

For varmits and long range stuff like you mention, the 440 will probably leave you wanting.

[HuntFishDude]

Did you really range an animal at 3 yds? I have been using a Busnell but ran into the mesh issue on a new ground blind I got this fall so I will be looking to get a new one... The 440 sounds like the ticket...

[perchking]

I have the Nikon 440 and it is a great bow hunting tool. I don't bring binocs any more being it has a 8x magnification. My range finder goes from 11-440yds. Not sure about the 3yds, in the manual it clearly states it has to be at least 11yds, but mine is also 3 years old, so not sure if they changed at all.

[S.D. Ice Angular]

I'm quite sure Gissert meant 300-400 Yards.

If not why not just use a tape messure

[Gissert]

LOL

I meant 300-400 yards. It does a good job at the ranges between 10 and 40 yards, however.

[Moose-Hunter]

So I guess it's safe to assume that if I need to swat a fly, the 440 is what I'm looking for. However, if I want to swat that same fly from across the county, I should look elsewhere for a range finder... Sound about right?

[Gissert]

That would be a good way to put it, Moose. I was sold on the Nikon mainly by the clarity of vision compared to some other units. The sales guy was really pushing that point, and I agreed with him.

For looonnnggg range stuff, the 440 is not the ticket.

[ZOOM]

About how much should a person expect to pay for the 440?

[outfishedagain]

I have a Leupold rx-II. With being able to program the rangefinder to my bow and have the TBR feature takes all of the guess work out of it, especially if you live in an area with steep terrain. You are also able to program it a rifle, which is great if you head out west. It gives a line of sight distance and then it gives a true distance. Again taking all guess work out.

[Walleye Guy]

The 440 goes on sale for $179.99 quite frequently at Dick's and Cabelas.

[SnoManX]

OutFished, I've been strongly considering the RX-II. Have you tried it in a groundblind? Will it shoot thru the mesh?

[outfishedagain]

I have not tried it through the mesh yet. I've always sat up my chair then ranged a few trees in the area then set up my blind that. I find that way its easier to move if i find something i don't like when i sit down. But just love it.

[DitchPickle13]

I have the Nikon 440 as well and have been very pleased with it...using it primarily for bowhunting in MN. Sharp optics and extremely accurate and reliable.

If you're serious about the 400+ yard stuff and have a lot of cash, the aforementioned Leupold sounds like a treat to use. Otherwise, you will probably be more than happy with something like the Nikon 440.

[outfishedagain]

The nikon 440 is a great rangefinder. nikon has a nice tight laser compared to most and with the price its tough to beat. but i was luck and got my leupold for a great deal on hsolist.

[mnhunter2]

I tried my bushnell, 150.00 model, turkey hunting and it worked fine at turkey ranges but at ranges longer than 150yds it worked poorly. I was in an elevated stand and had a clear line of sight to 500yds and used a flat aluimun target and it quit at around 300yrds, any ideas as to why it failed?