Let's talk "Range Finders"

[Shotgun Slim]

I am in the market for a range finder. Looking to spend $150-$300. Was thinking about a Nikon 440 (discontinued) on Ebay. What do you guys suggest. I am looking for small size, ease of operation, good clear numbers, nice crisp image. Anyone have one they would like to part with or recommend. Send me some info. I will be using it primarily for bowhunting and don't need the I/D compensation.

Slim

[jerp]

As a cheapskate by nature I use the Bushnell 450 Sport. Not as many features and shorter range than many models but you can get one for under $150 -- and if you are only using it for bowhunting distances it works great. I almost never range live animals anyway just use it when setting stands and spots in my shooting lanes around the stands.

[dc1986]

Had a 440,it was a good rangefinder.You can also get a Leupold RX-II with more features and stay in your price range.

[Uncle Saggy]

As a cheapskate by nature I use the Bushnell 450 Sport. Not as many features and shorter range than many models but you can get one for under $150 -- and if you are only using it for bowhunting distances it works great. I almost never range live animals anyway just use it when setting stands and spots in my shooting lanes around the stands.

X2 I have the same one. Range distances from the ground, climb stand, aim for the exit hole.......works well

[BURTONboy]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_99796____SearchResults

THIS IS THE NIKON RIFLEHUNTER WHICH I HAVE HAD FOR A YEAR AND HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. IF YOU WAIT UNTIL IT'S ON SALE AT BASS PRO YOU CAN PROBABL GET IT FOR ABOUT $50 CHEAPER AS I DID AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME. BUT I'M SURE YOU WANT ONE SOONER THAN THAT.

[keep]

The 440 is a great range finder. My usual reply is below

Below are a few of my posts from earlier threads some may pertain to your question and some may not but it should have useful info for you. Hope it helps.



I use a Leupold RXII. Here's why, I have some hunts that very well could require some steep angled shots so I opted for a rangefinder with the trajectory compensation built in. If I were hunting around here only or out of a tree, I wouldn't pay the extra money for the technology because the difference/ if any of 30 yds and 20ft up isn't enough to worry about.
Next, I like the Archers Choice but I don't like the range limitation. While it goes to 100 yds I prefer one that goes a few hundred or more for stalking purposes. If I'm stalking an animal I can range it and if it's 150yds and I can range a tree/ rock/bush at 110yds I know that if I can make it to that spot I have a 40yd shot, so the 100yd finders wouldn't work for that. jmho


Paul is right, if you like the Archers Choice get the Nikon 550. It's about the same money, I think. Plus even though you don't stalk now the extra yardage may come in handy.


Tomkat
I understand you will only use it for bowhunting, I'm the same way. I haven't gunhunted in 20+ yrs. I reasearch all these a bunch before I bought my RXII in Nov. prior to that I had the Nikon 440.
The Archers Choice is $259 at Cabelas, the Nikon 550 is the same range finder except it's range is 500yds the cost at Cabelas is $289. Well worth the extra $30, even if you are only bowhunting. Both have ARC. The Bushnell Scout 1000 at Cabelas is $299, for that price I liked the Leupold RXII better for the same price.
IF you don't want the ARC look at the Nikon 440 or the Nikon Team RealTree 550 at $219.
So to summarize: if you want the ARC, I think the leopold RXII is the best.
If you want to save money or don't need the ARC the Nikon 440 or Nikon RealTree 550 is the way to go.
Personally I see no reason to pay $259 for the Archers Choice version that has ARC and limits my range. (and that's painful to say because I love watching Ralph and Vickie) I have used Bushnell in the past and have not been happy with them. This is all my opinion base on my usage of them.
I would go one way or the other but not in the middle.
Jim

[MassRut2]

Nikon 550 with ID Technology i love mine

[Shotgun Slim]

Looks like I am on the right track. C'mon with some more opinions.

Slim

[manwitaplan]

Halo

I just bought the HALO from Academy for 129.00. Used it opening weekend and worked fine. I believe it is out to 400 yards. My uncle bought the NCSTAR range finder and said it works awesome.
You may want to stick with the name brands but I was looking for what worked for me. I hope this helps

Manwitaplan

[stan]

I've used the Nikon 440 for the past three years and it has always performed flawlessly.

[charrell71]

I use the Leupold RXII and I love it. Found one new on ebay for less than $200.00 and couldn't be happier. The ARC is wonderful.

[Wyatt 545]

HUGE fan of Nikon 440! K.I.S.S.

[SPUD]

I am in the market for a range finder. Looking to spend $150-$300. Was thinking about a Nikon 440 (discontinued) on Ebay. What do you guys suggest. I am looking for small size, ease of operation, good clear numbers, nice crisp image. Anyone have one they would like to part with or recommend. Send me some info. I will be using it primarily for bowhunting and don't need the I/D compensation.

Slim

Yo Slim!!! Conroe Academy has the Nikon Monarch 800 for $299!!!!

The Monarch is their "top of line" model. Not to mention it will shoot out to almost 800 yards!!

I have this one and love it. Use it bowhunting, shooting guns and playing golf! Click button to turn on and click button for yardage. It operates the same as the 440 you are looking at on ebay.

[txhunter817]

I love my 440. Hard to beat for the money, plus its 8x magnification.

[Txjourneyman]

I love my 440. Hard to beat for the money, plus its 8x magnification.

What he said!