How accurate were these old range finders

[Hunter007]

Anyone ever test the accuracy of one of these old range finders with a new laser range finder ?

 

Edited November 27, 2018 by Storm914

[airedale]

I have an old 1000 yard ranging range finder like the one pictured below and back in the day they were about the only ranging device available. They claimed 99% accuracy at 100 yards and the accuracy percentages went down as the distances increased. Out to say 400 to 500 yards they were accurate enough to make good range estimation for a shooter and rifle that was capable of such shots in the field. Used it mostly for chuck hunting. One of the good features was the sighting monocular is of good optical quality, detachable and like a binocular can be used stand alone for identifying things at a distance. When I want to travel light in the field I still use the monocular on occasion today.

I have not messed around with mine in a good many years and have never tested it side by side against my Bushnell Legend laser range finder but I can say with some certainty the modern laser is better all the way around. Smaller and lighter, much easier to use and more accurate especially at long distances.

Al

Edited November 27, 2018 by airedale

[Engraver99]

mine was pretty accurate (within a yard or 2) when it was callibrated. My old Bushnell yardage pro laser(21 years old I think) still works and just tested it against my new bushnell scout dx 1000 laser and the measurements were right on.

[Hunter007]

That one you have is like mine on steroids did  know they made them that measure that far out  . Do you remember back in the day how much those 500 yard range finders cost ?

I know mine was under 75 when I got it some 25 years ago .

[airedale]

3 minutes ago, Storm914 said:

Do you remember back in the day how much those 500 yard range finders cost ?

Really don't know how much they cost, my Dad got that 1000 yarder for me as a Christmas present.

Al

Edited November 27, 2018 by airedale

[airedale]

Happen to have an old Herter's catalog from 1972 sitting here on my desk, the range finder I have was $25.47 back then.

Al

[Steuben Jerry]

1 hour ago, Storm914 said:

Anyone ever test the accuracy of one of these old range finders with a new laser range finder ?

 

Wow, blast from the past - I have that one laying around somewhere, but haven't seen it in years. Made in Rochester, NY if I recall correctly.

[Hunter007]

19 minutes ago, Steuben Jerry said:

Wow, blast from the past - I have that one laying around somewhere, but haven't seen it in years. Made in Rochester, NY if I recall correctly.

Bloomfield Ny 

[fasteddie]

I still have one of the old type Ranging Range Finder . It was pretty accurate but only had a distance of 75 yards . It worked on a parallax system like the old 35mm cameras to focus .