First Rangefinder

[WolfpackNOgun]

I need some help picking a rangefinder. Will ultimately use it for bowhunting ( <80yds) but also long distance for target shooting and hunting (~1000yds). I am interested in the Vortex Ranger series and the Sig Kilo series, but not limited to other options. Price not a major issue, but I'd like to stay under $500.

What do y'all like and dislike about the options out there and what really kills a product with major issues?

 

[wannakillabigbull]

The Sig Kilos I had read great reviews on, and have had good luck with my Kilo 2000. For that budget I wouldn't even consider the Vortex Rangers series. The Leica Rangemaster is at the top of your budget but supposedly are fantastic

 

[blkqi]

The Vortex is a decent value, but you would need to go with the 1500 to reach out to 1000 yards reliably. The Leica will reach its stated max yardage, give quicker reads, and has a sharper display (especially in direct light). I would go with Leica if only because their brand specializes in laser technologies. I have no experience with the Sig models.

 

[WolfpackNOgun]

So I think my vote is for the Sig Kilo, but between the 2000MM and 2400MR? What is the difference in the two models? I can only see that the 2200 has a small reticle for more accurate targeting.

 

[gelton]

The MR stands for milling reticle and I think the 2400 is out of your budget. The 2200LRH is cabelas model that has the normal circle reticle. The 2200MR would be the same rangefinder but with the milling reticle.

I bought one from cabelas that was a total dud and wouldnt work reliably past 400 yards, but they swapped it out for me and the new one works fine. Be aware that their quality control is lacking (lots of bad reports online) but if you find one that works it will definitely work and in my opinion minus the quality control issues - they are a good bargain for the price.

 

[Firehawk]

My Sig Kilo 2000 has been absolutely reliable and fast. So much faster than the Vortex Ranger 1000 it replaced. It works every bit as well as my Leica LRF1200 and is a lot easier to hold and use with one hand while shooting archery. I'm sure that hey CRF1200 etc. from Leica is awesome too, but I am very pleased with my Sig. Two of my buddies and my brother now own one as well.

FH

 

[rwurdeman]

Same position earlier this year. The Sig was an absolutely amazing choice. I walked into Cabelas knowing I wanted a rangefinder that had a red image (easier to see during first and last light) and angle compensation. The yardage was not an issue as I only bow hunt. However, I have had some pretty fantastic readouts making a great rangefinder for the rifle side of things. It came down to the Vortex and the Sig. To me not even a comparison. The Sig is so much faster and the brightness of the readout is dependent on the light. Whereas the Vortex only has three settings that need to be manually changed. Hope that helps.

RW

 

[shawnb]

Ihad a kilo2000 that worked really well. My wife accidentally threw it in the trash while cleaning the vehicles. I replaced with the 2200lrh and the laser is not in the aiming circle and it will not range any animals past ~600 yards. I will be returning it and getting a leica 2000b