What do you guys think about range finders?

[Little Fish]

Good advice everyone. Thansk. I just ordered a range finder today. I plan to use it to verify my estimates with the end goal of getting good without the rangefinder.

[GoldTip]

I believe you'll find it extremely useful.  But in my opinion, range first, then shoot.  Sometimes you don't have time to do this, but if your stalking a mule deer, he shouldn't know your there, you should be able to use it.  I range a couple trees when I set up and have a bull coming, range a couple from the direction he's coming to get there.  Same thing when treestanding for whitetails, stand at the base of your tree and range a few trees in the path the deer should be coming from, don't range from your elevated stand to the spot the deer will be standing, range the FLAT distance, and you'll be on target from your treestand.

[sdwwaverider]

I think it's just another thing to worry about when you have a small window of opportunity for your shot. Unless you're still hunting / calling. They are nice for coyote hunting where your shot can be 300, 400, 500+ yards. If you get one, test yourself often on various distances between 20 & 60 yards (for bow hunting) so you're a better judge on the fly. I believe a GPS & compass are a better use of your money. Nothing like being able to trek off after game in any direction and know you can't be lost, be able to go back to a special way point the next year or years later. Or share way points from another state when you or your buddy draw that special hunt that the other has drawn & hunted before. Just don't forget extra batteries and to mark your beginning way point.

[crabcreekhunter]

Have a Leica and love it, it's a pretty handy device but me and my dad have only used it a couple times on live animals that we have shot, goat and a desert deer.  However, when glassing we range different objects to let us know what our effective range is if anything happens to show itself.

[funkster]

I missed a muley a few years back up a pretty steep hill so I bought the Leupold with the built it arch feature. I have not used them in the field yet for a uphill or downhill shot but I have in practice. You could be 10 yards off at 30 yards depending on your angle. I would say just having the option to use them if need be is worth the money. Like everybody has said it's the best if you can range a few spots and set up. It is pretty funny,every since I got them I have not needed them. Every shot has been top pin!

[LOVHUNTIN]

get one....but try not to use it.  you need to be able to judge without it because most of the time you will not have time for it when you need it....  i walked around and just ranged everything until i got it figured out then you don't really need it but it is still good to have. 

[dbllunger]

I use mine all the time for both rifle and bow.  I will shoot 70 with my bow and 600 with my rifle.  At longer ranges the exact distance is critical, and the only way to know is to use a range finder.  More people should use them as more animals would either not be shot at or wounded.  All the people I see slinging multiple arrows or missing game usually don't have or use a range finder.  They are still shooting the arrows and bullets so if your going to shoot they might as well know how far it is. 

[nwhunter]

A rangefinder is a very usefull thing to have especially for bowhunting. I hate to see guys that can't shoot without checking with their rangefinder first but it is a big help. I like to first guess the range and then check and see if I am right, this helps hone my ranging skill. Like others I range trees or brush when I am setting up to have a good idea of distances. THis year when I set up on the bull I got, I ranged a tree that had been rubbed by a bull at 27 yards and my bull stood right in front of it when I shot him and it was so nice to have no second guessing on what pin to use at crunch time. I have also shot plenty of critters where I couldn't use my rangefinder but I always take it with me and will use it when I can. nwhunter

[Bearhunter]

Dont leave home without mine.  A range finder is the number one tool that will make you better at range estimation than anything.  While practicing and out in the woods, there is no better way to build you range estimation skills than by making an estimation and then verifying it accurately with a range finder.  When elk hunting we always when set up range various trees and stumps so when its crunch time you dont have to worry about second quessing the yardage.  I believe that if more guys practiced regularly with there range finder there would be less wounded animals.  It just builds your confidence, if you go into the field feeling confident, you have a lot better chance of being successful.

[hogsniper]

well said bearhunter...i use one in the military all the time and think it is absolutely necessary for all sorts of hunting..whatever kind of weapon you are using it is a great tool.. Lots of people just throw lead out there and dont know the ballistics behind the weapon they are shooting. But then again i guess if you know the range but dont know your gun it is useless...i suggest having one if you can afford it...

[radman]

great posts fellas, I have to agree with a little of what everyone said.  I personally use mine before calling coyotes or setting up for deer/elk hunting so that I know the area landmarks near me and what yardage to each one.  That way, when the prey comes into view, you already know what approx. distance they are at and you don't have to raise your RF to find out.  Coyotes esp. are very unforgiving when movement comes into play - you rarely get that chance to RF them while they are standing there broadside for only an instant.  Mine also has a built in speed detector in MPH or KPH and you wouldn't believe how fast some idiots drive out in the boonies.