Nikon archers choice range finder question for the guys that have them.

[MIKEXRAY]

I went back and read all of the range finder topics on here and still had a couple of questions. I am considering buying the archers choice range finder and read about the Nikon riflemen having the compensation also but being more versatile as it will range longer. Are they basically the same range finder with the same arc compensation ? Just the riflemen model ranges further ?
My real question is how good does the arc work ? If you are shooting down hill at an animal that my older range finder would read 47 yards & the Nikon would read 30 yards actual with arc do you shoot your 30 yard pin & it is right on ? Right now I have a system knowing my rangefinder & bow and can be pretty close to the right angle / pin. I would hate to buy one and still have to guess even if it is a smaller guess. If it works great & I can range an animal steep down hill & shoot the exact pin needed ( same as flat shooting ) that would be great ! So I want to know how well it works as far as range read & pin selected and also is the Riflemen 550 ( I think) the same exact compensation but just longer ranging ? It seems pretty simple to use & that is a big plus for me, I will be using it 90% archery on the east side & not to worried about how well it works in rain / fog Etc. Thanks for any input, hate to spend the money and be disappointed. Mike

[funkster]

I have used the archers choice for the last year,this is what I can tell you. The archers choice rangfinder is the easiest rangfinder to use, one setting and one button. I have used them in all conditions and have never had a failed reading because of the elements. The ID takes the guess work out of up and down hill shots. Just use what ever pin the rangefinder says and it will be on just like flat shots. The only thing I would change is the 6x magnification to 8x.

The 550 riflehunter is the same rangefinder but can range out to 550 yards(hence the name). If you don't plan on ever switching to modern or muzzle the archer choice is perfect for archery and is $50 cheaper. Check eBay you can save some $ over outdoor stores!

[Pathfinder101]

I have used the archers choice for the last year,this is what I can tell you. The archers choice rangfinder is the easiest rangfinder to use, one setting and one button. I have used them in all conditions and have never had a failed reading because of the elements. The ID takes the guess work out of up and down hill shots. Just use what ever pin the rangefinder says and it will be on just like flat shots. The only thing I would change is the 6x magnification to 8x.

The 550 riflehunter is the same rangefinder but can range out to 550 yards(hence the name). If you don't plan on ever switching to modern or muzzle the archer choice is perfect for archery and is $50 cheaper. Check eBay you can save some $ over outdoor stores!

RileyTDF has one and said the exact same thing as Funkster.  RileyTDF does some predator hunting with modern firearms, so he says that if he could go back, he would buy the Riflehunter instead...

[mossback91]

i have the riflehunter.........works good for closer ranges but will only range out far in near perfect conditions!

[JBar]

Works good. little slow on the lock up but mine has not let me down. The only thing I would change on this is from the black read out to red. But for simplicity one number in the rangefinder instead of 3, Nikon has it figured out. I would have looked at the Leupold's a little more but I could give a rats butt what the angle is and what the actual distance is I want the compensated yardage only! 

[carpsniperg2]

my cousin just got one and he really likes it i have thought about one as well.

[funkster]

Works good. little slow on the lock up but mine has not let me down. The only thing I would change on this is from the black read out to red. But for simplicity one number in the rangefinder instead of 3, Nikon has it figured out. I would have looked at the Leupold's a little more but I could give a rats butt what the angle is and what the actual distance is I want the compensated yardage only! 

I had the Leupold's RX III and like you said what a pain in the a$$! IMO to many options and had them miss read and not read more than once! They don't work at all in the rain to boot.

[Special T]

I got the rifle hunter and i mostly bow hunt. I use the longer range for when I'm whacking yotes with my 06 it makes a difference. what is $50 when your spending $200 to begin with? Love it haven't been disappointed yet!

[rasbo]

side note .........nikon pulled adds from a coyote derby..Pressure from antis..do you want to do business with them that cave to those that want your sport banned....

[colockumelk]

The Leuopold RXII is what I have.  It works great.  It ranges out really far (unlike the Nikon Archers Choice) If you do more than Archery I recommend the new version of the RXII.  It is not that difficult to program or understand.  It has worked as advertised every single time. 

[funkster]

The Leuopold RXII is what I have.  It works great.  It ranges out really far (unlike the Nikon Archers Choice) If you do more than Archery I recommend the new version of the RXII.  It is not that difficult to program or understand.  It has worked as advertised every single time. 

You might want to try them out in heavy rain/heavy fog, especially if you are thinking of hunting the wetside this year! I gave mine away to a hunting buddy that didn't have any rangefinders after "no reads" due to fog or rain. They do have some nice features but you want accuracy and dependability when you have a rangefinder in your hands.

[colockumelk]

funkster thanks for the advice.  Damn that sucks.  For mysake I hope that you just had a bad model.  If mine turns out to suck when I hunt the wetside I most definately will get a new one.  However I'll wait to see if mine fails. 

[funkster]

I would just test it out. Trust me,early morning hunting on the wetside is very foggy(almost daily) when it clears they should be fine. Here is a pic what you will be up against.

[Pathfinder101]

Fog?  On the West side of the state?  Really?

[Special T]

If it ain't raining we aint playing!