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> anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.
anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.
@ 11:47 pm (GMT) |
Craig HenardAs the title says has anyone tried a range finding scope?Burris etc. Thanks Craig |
Replies
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@ 02:22 pm (GMT) |
Craig HenardRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.I really would appreciate some information and field experience on these scopes and their usage.Thanks Craig |
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@ 11:06 pm (GMT) |
Mark WhitakerRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.CraigI have never used one so I cannot give you any field experience. What I can give you is my reasons for not buying one, but your preferences may be different. Firstly I think they are a gimmick that will not last in the market place, either that in in 10 years every scope will have a built in rangefinder. Who knows, but the military push these technologies and I cannot see them dropping the spotter in a sniper team. They are only good for 1 rifle. If you have 2 or more rifles, then you need to buy a separate rangefinder anyway or change all scopes. They cannot be used for any other sport, golf etc I find holding a scope still when it is not mounted on a rifle very difficult to keep stable</ul> But it would be good to hear from someone who has used on in the field. Mark |
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@ 11:38 pm (GMT) |
Matt ReidRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.I got to have a play with one of the Burris Eliminators recently as a friend was mounting one on his .270 wsm. My initial impressions were the sheer bulk of the unit would be a turn off. I believe this may have been reduced on the later models. I can't imagine carting this around thick bush and would be concerned for it's durability.As far as ranging capability, it worked as advertised. We never got as far as tweaking the drop data for his load so can't comment on how that works. I didn't particularly like the sight picture and didn't feel the point of aim was that precise at longer ranges. You are relying on placing a small red dot on your target similar to a red dot sight. As mentioned, versatility is a factor as even environmental changes would effect the accuracy of your holdover value in similar way to using custom ballistic turrets. I would see them as useful under 500m, where you have a bit more room for error in sight picture or environmental changes. Past that i would think a rangefinder and good dialing scope would excel. It seems a good concept, but as with all gadgets will no doubt be half the size and half the price in a few years. Just my 2c, Matt |
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@ 06:37 pm (GMT) |
Craig HenardRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.Thanks guys ,I appreciate the information.Keep it coming ! Regards Craig |
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@ 09:47 pm (GMT) |
Jim MoseleyRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.I'm not familiar with these types of scopes either. If for some reason that the rangefinder fails, can you dial it up like a standard scope? I have a Leica rangefinder and a NF scope with a R1 reticle, so if the rangefinder won't work as in the case of fog, I can use the reticle to determine my range. Just my .02! |
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@ 04:48 pm (GMT) |
Dan KeeneRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.More reasons against. They are advertised as ranging a deer to 500m. That is way too short for the money involved. The LED is 1/3 MOA which is way too big for long shots and limits the adjustment to 1/3 MOA again way too big for longer ranges.When they are smaller, have a finer aim point, range to 1500m and can be loaded with a ballistic curve straight from Sierra Infinity they might be OK to use. Cheers, Dan. |
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@ 11:59 pm (GMT) |
Craig HenardRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.Thanks guys.Mark you made some good points as far as bulk go however the weight difference is actually very little with the Burris for example I think it weighs 26 ounces or so which is actually less than some regular 4-12 scopes. The reason you raised about the need for different rifles strikes me as very valid though. Matt they are indeed bulky no doubt about it ! Jim from what i have read and a couple of shooters I have talked to they can be dialed although they are limited to somewhere around 50 1/4 inch clicks. In addition even if the batteries go dead you still have a rifle sighted in at either 100 or 200 yards that you sighted it in to start with and the scope remembers the settings when new batts are installed.Also supposedly even if the batts go dead on you or the ranging is not working you still have 4 or 5 aiming points as a reference. Dan from the guys who own them that I have talked to so far the Rangefinder works great on game out to at least 600 yards on the original Burris Eliminator and on the newer Burris Eliminator III ranges out to past 1200 yards. Most report they work as well or better than their Leicas,course dont know this just reporting what I have read from others I have spoken with. As far as the money goes I can buy one of the 4-16 burris Eliminator III for about $1,350 and IT would probably cost more than that for a good Rangefinder much less a rangefinder AND scope. Now as far as size of aiming point you may have something there although at 1/3 it is only 1 inch at 300 and 2 inches at 600,and 4 inches at 1200. I have used a Fixed 6x on a Rem ADL Synthetic 7mm Rem Mag with a 26 inch barrel and the scope had a dot reticule that covered 3 inches at 100 yards yet had no problem shooting deer at 300 yards and that would equate into a reticule that covered 9 inches at that range ! Also shot 3 shots into less than 3 inches at 300 consistently and that with me pulling the trigger and a rolled up coat ,sitting in my truck with the coat resting on the windows sill. Need my head examined for ever getting rid of that rifle.Especially since i bought it about 4 years ago on sale at wal-mart for $325.00 !! OH well For my usage I think that the absolute max I would want to try on deer is 6-800 yards so I dont think the size of the aiming point would hinder me.On the other hand at 1500 it might. From what I have read so far and talked to users so far they sound alright except for the bulk ! They look like the scope is wearing the rifle instead of a scope being mounted on a rifle ! I have been reading and talking to as many as possible and as I find out more I will share it . I appreciate all the input guys as it really gives a guy something to think about. Glad I found this site and got Nathans book as well. This is extremely informative and interesting. Regards to all Craig |
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@ 12:31 am (GMT) |
Craig HenardRe: anyone tried the rangefinding scopes.I also found out that the Eliminator II has the Dot reticule but the Eliminator III has what they call the x96 reticule that also has marks for windage BUT does not calculate the windage for you.It does show you the wind vales at 10 MPH but you still have to estimate the wind yourself and use the appropiate dot for the situation.In addition the III has ranging capabilities of 750 yards on deer and 1200 on bigger more reflective objects. The Burris eliminator 4-12 only ranges at 12 x,the Burris Eliminator II 4-12x has the x-38 reticule and will range at any power,The Burris Eliminator III 4-16 will range at any power and has tiny dots for windage usage. And adds 250 yards to the ranging capabilities .I have also found out that the II will often range farther than stated but that unless you have a have a very flat shooting combo that you can surpass the internal capabilities of the scope for an aiming point unless you dial for it. The burris site is very interesting ! Regards Craig |
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