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Posted: 6/25/2010 2:08:16 PM EDT
| Instead of using scope with mil-dot or bdc, would it be a better option to use a range finder? In a survival situation, what are the practical limits of <$500 range finders to find 2 legged critters? |
| Absolutely, they are a lot faster and alot more accurate. The Elite 1500 is the best LRF under $500, I have no problem hitting reflective targets to a mile, and tree tops to 1300. It will hit deer out to 1100-1200 yards so I would say it will probably work well on human targets to about the same distance but I haven't tried it. Above $500 the Zeiss and Swaro are very nice, I have used the Zeiss and have a Swaro too but IMO it's not worth the extra money over the Elite 1500, the Elite performs perfectly and has good glass too. |
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Quoted:
Instead of using scope with mil-dot or bdc, would it be a better option to use a range finder? In a survival situation, what are the practical limits of <$500 range finders to find 2 legged critters? the limits would be they take batteries, mil-dots don't. |
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Quoted:
the limits would be they take batteries, mil-dots don't. Agreed. I'm just having a hard time getting the mil-dot scenario down. What do you use as a gauge when the target isn't standing in the open in a field? [/quote] Everything that you can see and know the size of. |
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I have a Leupold RXII that's a few years old. Cost around $300.00 at the time. Its good for about 400 - 500 yards after that I don't trust it much. A current $500.00 rangefinder would probably be much more accurate and able to range longer distances.
Just curious... How do you use GPS to range targets? ETA - re read your post. Thought you side "I like" not "Its like" |
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Quoted:
Just curious... How do you use GPS to range targets? Most GPS's you can set your position at either where your shooting or the target location, then go to the other and get the distance. It obviously has it's limitations but if your just setting up LR targets and blasting it works great, critters 2 legged or 4 it doesn't work so well with unless you have already done it and made a range card which would be a PITA with a GPS. |
| Thanks to all for help. Bushnell 1500 looks like a winner. I will work on the Mil-Dot when I can. There are no ranges with >300 yards close by to practice on. I'm going to a 600 yard range this fall and will work with the mil-dot scope there and this hunting season. |
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I love using a MIL reticle for ranging but it takes time and practice. The Bushnell Fashion LRF are new to the market and from what if have seen one of the best if not the best for it price.
LRT @ CS Tactical.com 
Mike @ CS TACTICAL.com CS Gunworks is now CS TACTICAL.com www.cstactical.com [email protected] Here’s some testimonials about CS GunWorks / CS Tactical FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS / CS Tactical on AR15.com FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS / CS Tactical on Snipersparadise FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS / CS Tactical on the HIDE |
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I am assuming by "survival" and the "two legged" reference you are talking about Zombie attack.
In that case you will be defending a fixed position and seeking to keep it Zombie free. A laser range finder is superb in that role as you can use to to develop a very accurate and quick to reference range card. If you know the distance to corners of buildings, trees, abandoned vehicles (in red neck areas of the country) , large rocks, stumps, bushes, power poles, etc. you can then easily estimate wth great accuracy any objects in between those reference points. In that sense a range finder lets you determine those ranges at your leisure well in advance of a Zombie wave attack with great accuracy - more so than the old fashioned "how many football fields" method. During a Zombie wave attack you really need a spotter to make effective use of a laser range finder. If you are on your own, then familiarity with your pre-made range card will help. Absent both, a stadia wire or mil-dot reticle will be your best friend in determining range in conditions where rangre estimation can be difficult (intervening/rolling terrain, poor light, etc,) But to be honest, the 5.56mm NATO is flat enough shooting that you really don't need to worry about it at ranges under 300m and it is not much harder to connect with a torso sized target at 350-400m. Don't over think it as Zombies can't eat your brains at long range anyway. |
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