bushnell 1600 rangefinder

Here's more info on the Bushnell 1600 ARC's:

Article Review

Long Range Hunting Bushnell 1600 Thread


Thanks,

Mike @ CST

 

Haven't gotten any reviews from hunters with this item yet. I have the following from a USMC Sniper instructor:

This is on the product page under the customer review tab:

http://www.cstactical.com/Bushnell/...00-ARC-10x42-Binocular-Laser-Rangefinder.html

Mike @ CST

 

I would stay clear of a bushnell RF you would be better off getting a Leica 900,1200, or 1600 depends on how much you want to spend. In range finders big is better and the higher name band is the only way to go leica, swaro, zeiss is the only ones to look at.

 

The wife bought me a Bushnell 1000 and it struggles to range to 600 yards under field hunting conditions. To me that means the 1600 should be good to about 800 yards. Now I'm saving for a Swaro so I don't have to pass up a bull because I can't get a range on him!

 

Just got mine this week. They rock! Optics are clear and resolution is great. I have tested the RF against known distances at 100, 200 and 700 yds. All within 1yd. All against small targets - 2'x2' or smaller. Tomorrow, I'll have a chance to test 'em at 1000 yds.

The unit is well built and nicely engineered. At $700, they are worth it for the binocs alone.

In all I am very pleased.

I have a nitpick and that is the HU display could be brighter. Fortunately, if you are in bright sunlight and experiencing trouble reading the display, the last data point is saved at the bottom of the screen. I just place my hand in front momentarily to get a clearer read on the display. Or, I have also noticed that extending your eye relief momentarily makes the HU display much clearer.

 

Maybe I'm strange but I think a Bushnell 1600 rangefinder should be good for 1,600 yards (or 1,600 meters) when ranging the type of objects it was designed to range. I sold the Bushnell 800 rangefinder I had since it wouldn't range deer much beyond 500 yards — and only sometimes at that range. It was totally reliable to about 450 yards. In my mind I got about half what I expected.

I also question what you are comparing the optics against if you consider ANY Bushnell binoculars "clear with great resolution". Leupold binoculars are better than Bushnell, yet I dumped my Leupold binoculars & went to Swarovski to get crisp resolution. Tell us about the resolution after you spend 40 minutes trying to determine the rack on a muley bedded in the shade 500 yards out. If it's clear & crisp then, yes I will be impressed. I'll be VERY impressed!

 

Yep I learned my lesson, I had purchased a Leupold RX IV last season that stuggled in Co. hunting elk; once it got close to 500yds and out I had to revert to my NPR1 reticle and quick math to range. Yesterday I took it out to the farm to set up some long range shots, turned it on, worked for about 30 sec and that was it... nothing. tried two sets of new batteries still nothing.
Yes Leupold told me today to send it in and when they get some in stock they will replace it but that dosent do me any good as I'm headed for this yrs Elk hunt in two weeks... better now than up in the mountains though so I'm greatful for that.
Tried to find a lecia 1600 calling all over heck and no one has them so I settled for a Lecia 1200...just wish I would have bought a leica to begin with.

 

Obviously, you did not read the part where I just got 'em. For those of you with patience, I just verified them at 1300 yds. +- 1 yd. If I can find another known distance at longer range, I'll update my post.

Your confused on a couple of issues here. 1) I'm not here to impress you. 2) You want to do a side-by-side with binocs that cost $1500 more with no RF.

Do some of the work for yourself. Go look at a pair of 1600's and then tell us if the extra $1500 you spent was worth it. My comparisons tell me that if your life depends on it, you may want to spend the extra dough to upgrade. If you're spending 40 minutes counting tines, you probably need to spend the $1500 on a guide to get you closer.

 

I can not comment on the 1600 as I have not used one but I have bean using the 1500 elite for quite a while now and it works great to 1350 yards. Knowing that all range finder struggle to reach there max range under less than ideal conditions I bought it hoping to read a 1000 yards first time every time and for that purpose it works excellent. The view threw it is dark compared to my monarch binoculars but it is not intended to compete with binoculars. With cheap batteries it will not range 200 but with duracell or energizer it is a great piece of equipment and very accurate. I am sure there are rangefinders out there with better glass for viewing that also maintain ranging capability of 1200+ yards but not for the $300 I paid new for it. I for one like the bushnell 1500 and am content with it. That's just my 2.5 cents worth regarding range finders.

 

Give Cameraland New York a call, they had the Leica 1600's in stock. Ask for Doug or Neil. Oh, and they're sponsors of this board.

 

I think the bushnell have potential in the 1600

 

I know it will range a house at 1484 yards...and I only have to bring one optic with me when I hunt...my 308 stops at 600 yards or so...so I'm all set. I'm certain there are folks hunting at longer distances who this will not be a solution. For many I suspect it is a nice tool.

Matt