Nikon "Buckmaster" 800 Range Finder. Anyone have this model?

[losthwy]

I'm looking at buying the Nikon "Buckmaster" 800 range finder. My main question can it range deer size game and other non-reflective objects at 400 yd? Any info would be appreciated.

[Rapier]

I have a Nikon 800 and have actually ranged standing deer in a field with it to 432 yards. The problem you have at the longer distances is keeping the cross hairs on the target while the target is being read. At longer range it gets to be like taking a shot, you need a rest. I have ranged heavy bark tree trunks out well past 500 yards.

I like to hunt from a shooting house, in peanut fields and the first thing I do is to range different land marks when I first sit a house. My Nikon goes on my belt when I leave home.

Hope this helps.
Ed

[Andy L]

Rapier pretty much summed it up.

I dont have that model, but have used it. I have a different one. What I have found is that whatever distance they claim, 800, you can count on them being very accurate at approx half that distance.

The big problem is holding them still. A deer at 400 yards is small in the picture. Getting the crosshairs steady enough is hard to do. If your lucky enough to be able to see a big rock or tree near enough to get you in the game its much easier. Also, I have found that you can try and get a reading on an animal, then do it again, and get another yardage. It picks up the ground in front or behind or a tree or whatever cause your off a little or moving.

Range finders are good to get you close, but at long range, I dont count on them too much.

Again, this is just my experiences. I did alot of testing on prairie dog towns. It works great on shiny mounds but not very good on the pds themselves.