Range estimation - rangefinder or ???

[DWSmith]

I went to the sporting goods store that I frequent and asked about rangefinders.  The sales person pointed to the reasonably priced ones in the case and said, "Those are  toys."  The next category he said, "Those are okay."  The ultimate pricey ones he said, "You want one of these."  I might want one of those but it costs several hundred dollars.  No thanks!

Do you folks use rangefinders for hunting or not?

I would think with the much less than super flat trajectory that we probably need a rangefinder for hunting but not the highest priced model.

Any recommendations?

Should I get one used for bowhunting/archery?

[Frank in Fairfield]

Dan,
I do not know what type of bowhunting you do.
I will assume it is from a tree stand for this discussion.
Arriving at your stand I would use my rangefinder to mark several locations where you might see a deer (or other animal) to shoot with your bow.
Memorize those distances and put your rangefinder away.
For air rifle hunting a yard differance in range estimation could easily result it a miss or worse, wounding of the animal and, if you have the luxury to measure the distance a rangefinder would be of good use.
Of course the better scopes on the market have a side-wheel focus and in the FT game we use that wheel to adjust focus on the un-marked targets and thus, can determine distance from parellex.
I do not use a rangefinder in any hunting situation other than prairie dog hunting with my PB rifles/handguns.
I don't seem to have the time.
Know your limitations and those of your equipment is the best advice, I guess.

[DWSmith]

Just to clarify, I wondered if I should use an archery range finder for hunting with an air rifle?  Seems like the firearm hunting range finders go out to 800 yards or more while the archery range finders are for up to 200 yards for some.

[Frank in Fairfield]

Oh, I get it.
Sure.
About the same ranges.

[maraudinglizard]

This might help you.

http://www.laserrangefinderreview.com/hunting/rifle-shooting/

http://www.laserrangefinderreview.com/hunting/archery/

[DWSmith]

I suppose I'd have to go to ebay to get one of the non-laser/optical range finders.

[maraudinglizard]

I suppose I'd have to go to ebay to get one of the non-laser/optical range finders.

Here are some that might interest you.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Hunting-/7301/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=optical%20rangefinder&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=1&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Hunting-/7301/i.html?_nkw=rangematic&_frs=1

[sscoyote]

I always get them off e-bay as i go to the Philippines once a year and we hunt with airguns over there. You can find deals now and then especially with the older Bushnell models.

[jeff76]

why not just learn to use mils to range?  a lot of the times when hunting you aren't going to have time to use a range finder unless you figure out a way to mount it on your gun

[DWSmith]

why not just learn to use mils to range?  a lot of the times when hunting you aren't going to have time to use a range finder unless you figure out a way to mount it on your gun

Thanks Jeff!  That's exactly what I've decided to do.  A monocular with mil dot reticle arrives tomorrow.  My airguns do not have scopes so no mil dot reticles available there.