New Range Finder, what are yall's thoughts and/or experiences?

I have a RX 600 Leupold, its sweet and the company is top shelf to deal with.

 

I just bought a Nikon Pro Staff 7 this fall to replace my Bushnell Scout ARC 1000. The latter died after two years of use, and so I wasn't sold on the durability. The Pro Staff 7 gets solid reviews, and it was on mark down at Cabela's when I went to purchase, so it made the decision easier. Build wise, it's much more substantial than the Bushnell, imho. After on season in the field with it, I'll reserve judgement on durability until I get a few more seasons in with it. All in all, I'm happy.

 

Bought a Bushnell Chuck Adams edition a few years back after my Bushnell Yardage pro crapped out. Both were a major disappointment. I later replaced them with a Nikon. When Vortex released the Ranger 1000, it was everything I was looking for and dependable. Have used it in many places since they were released a year or so ago. Never a problem. Rain and cold in Alaska, Snow and freezing temps up here in WI. I swear by the Vortex Brand. It will be the last one you need to buy!

 

I have a Simmons, $100 at Gander. Has worked perfect for two years now, and does just what I need it to do...range red squirrels! Haha

 

I'm looking forward to getting a rangefinder...but, until then I pace out yardages when I cut lanes and match them to landmarks, or I just pace it out on the way in to get a good idea. As someone who started bowhunting aiming instinctually using a 50# recurve, with a flat shooting 70# compound I feel confident taking any shot inside of 40 yards if I can gauge the yardage to within 5 yards.
But please, of course only take shots you feel comfortable about. There are a lot of other factors that come into play in any hunting situation, light, cover, spookiness of deer, etc.

that said, I take bill winkes advice to heart when he says to draw and be ready to shoot as soon as any deer you are intending to shoot is coming into range. If you are drawn and following the target with your pins, it only takes the twitch of your finger to send that arrow into the vitals, whereas if you are waiting to draw, you have many more chances to hesitate or spook the deer before the shot.

 

Sam no disrespect meant here my friend. I have shot with you. Once you get past 100 yards your groups are all over the place. You do not need the 2013 model.

 

Been using a Leica 1200 that is a few years old. Ranges everything out to 1200 yds. Have actually had readings to 1500yds depending on target. This thing just flat-out works. Traded up after having a Nikon 440 that only ranged about 150yd on a good day. Not a big deal for bow, but I use it dual purpose for rifle out west. If you watch the sales you can get sometimes catch a Leica on sale for about 350.00.