Alpex lite as a spotter & range finder?

[big bang]

Ok, tin hat on but I’ve been looking at range finding options. I’m getting my initial set up together (although still waiting for my grant interview… only 8.5 months since application submitted) so trying to control costs a little. That said, I want to get a NV scope, and an optical scope with a BT.

Obvs if you’re dialing, you need to know the range (not good enough at estimating yet), which then leads you down the route of either LRF binoculars (punchy at best), LRF thermal (crazy money), or optical binos and separate LRF (clunky and too much kit IMO). So, what about substituting the binos and external LRF for an alpex lite?

I appreciate that it’s not ideal, but cheap in comparison to the expensive options above, and reduction in kit vs the bins and separate LRF. I’m sure there are very strong reasons for not going down this route but interested to hear what you think these are.

 

[sy247]

Just out of interest, how much stalking have you done and what equipment have you used?

 

[big bang]

Very new. 8 stalks under my belt. Pretty much a different combo of equipment each time. Guessing you’re going to blow this idea out of the water . Interested in why this wouldn’t work if that’s the case. I have never tried this btw… just wondering if it could be viable.

Have used thermal scopes and spotter, NV scope (alpex 4k), optical scopes (all swaro).

 

[sy247]

What sort of deer and what sort of distance do you think you'll be shooting?

 

[big bang]

fallow, roe, and muntjac mostly. most shots will be within 150m but was out with someone the other day and we had to range the deer, and use the BT. I would like the option to do this as if going on guided stalks, I won't know whether the distances will be extended. And I don't know what permissions I will pick up over time. Am i over thinking this?

 

[takbok]

@big bang keep it simple with normal binoculars and a small LRF. You only really need a LRF once you start shooting beyond 200m IMO. A digital scope would be horrific to use to look for deer.

 

[Mike1979]

fallow, roe, and muntjac mostly. most shots will be within 150m but was out with someone the other day and we had to range the deer, and use the BT. I would like the option to do this as if going on guided stalks, I won't know whether the distances will be extended. And I don't know what permissions I will pick up over time. Am i over thinking this?

If you are on a guided stalk the guide should have a range finder so ask them I have a cheap range finder that is good to 800 yards.

 

[big bang]

@big bang keep it simple with normal binoculars and a small LRF. You only really need a LRF once you start shooting beyond 200m IMO. A digital scope would be horrific to use to look for deer.

fair enough... i thought i was probably over complicating things, so thanks for reining me in . I have Vortex Diamondback binoculars and quite happy with them as a budget / beginner option. Any ideas on a half decent LRF?

 

[big bang]

If you are on a guided stalk the guide should have a range finder so ask them I have a cheap range finder that is good to 800 yards.

i know, and they always do... I just like the idea of being fully self sufficient... and I'm a 'tackle tart' (someone else coined this but i like it) already.

 

[sy247]

To start with a would buy pretty much any second hand rangefinder. I bought a Nikon one from ebay that ranged to 850 yards for £40 and it many ways I prefer to the Vortex one I've got now I bought for £200. I only bought a new one because I have the Nikon to someone as a gift who didn't have one.

 

[takbok]

fair enough... i thought i was probably over complicating things, so thanks for reining me in . I have Vortex Diamondback binoculars and quite happy with them as a budget / beginner option. Any ideas on a half decent LRF?

No problem, just my opinion though.

Vortex binoculars are fine, I also have some. I use an older Leica LRF1200 but the newer ones are more compact. I stalk almost weekly but I probably last used the LRF's in January when on open ground.

An expensive glass scope is nice, but if you're wanting to save pennies a good digital LRF scope will cope with all your stalking needs and not require you to buy a separate rangefinder.

 

[sy247]

You didn't mention which calibre you're using but broadly speaking, if you zero 1 inch high at 100 yards you'll be pretty much point and shoot to 150 yards. You want the minimum of things to faff around with. See a deer, identify with binos, put your rifle up and once you've got a clear safe shot, shoot it.

A LRF is good for ranging things on the ground so you know your distances. I find it tend to over estimate. I was looking at some roe over the weekend. They were 400 yards away, I would have said 500 plus.

 

[Mike1979]

i know, and they always do... I just like the idea of being fully self sufficient... and I'm a 'tackle tart' (someone else coined this but i like it) already.

Its a slippery slope...I have 3 rifles and 4 scopes Z6I has a BT so cant beat a bit of range and click

Range finder played up recently so had to take a guess...normally within 20 yards so wont make a huge amount of difference.

 

[Mike1979]

You didn't mention which calibre you're using but broadly speak if you zero an 1 inch high at 100 yards you'll be pretty much point and shoot to 150 yards. You want the minimum of things to faff around with. See a deer, identify with binos, put your rifle up and once you've got a clear safe shot, shoot it.

....or zero at 150 yards and you know you are bang on

 

[Keith Edmunds]

@big bang keep it simple with normal binoculars and a small LRF. You only really need a LRF once you start shooting beyond 200m IMO. A digital scope would be horrific to use to look for deer.

This is good advice With th amount of information available, it is very easy to overthink and complicate everything. Time-honoured fieldcraft will bag you more deer than gimmiks and it comes for free - just spend time in wild place getting close to wild life

 

[big bang]

You didn't mention which calibre you're using but broadly speak if you zero an 1 inch high at 100 yards you'll be pretty much point and shoot to 150 yards. You want the minimum of things to faff around with. See a deer, identify with binos, put your rifle up and once you've got a clear safe shot, shoot it.

Sage advice. You're right, I should have mentioned that; I've had used a few cartridges in my short time: .223, .308, .243, and .270. I like the .270 for fallow... cue the comments

 

[sy247]

....or zero at 150 yards and you know you are bang on

yep, absolutely.

try both and shoot some paper and see what works for you

 

[sy247]

This is good advice With th amount of information available, it is very easy to overthink and complicate everything. Time-honoured fieldcraft will bag you more deer than gimmiks and it comes for free - just spend time in wild place getting close to wild life

Brilliant advice, deer where being shot long before laser range finders and thermals.

I have used a fixed power scope for all my stalking over the last 12 odd years. I am thinking about coming into the modern world and getting a rifle with variable on it now though

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Sage advice. You're right, I should have mentioned that; I've had used a few cartridges in my short time: .223, .308, .243, and .270. I like the .270 for fallow... cue the comments

All deer legal calibres will do the job and up to 250m most of the debates are pointless - 6.5cm, .270, .308, 30,06 - all will do the job. Take a look at a lot of the tables on energy, drop and drift and out to 250m on deer-sized-game it really makes no difference.

 

[Mike1979]

Sage advice. You're right, I should have mentioned that; I've had used a few cartridges in my short time: .223, .308, .243, and .270. I like the .270 for fallow... cue the comments

.270 is fine...but I own a 6.5 Creed ...but will be good and not start