It is around this time of year (August) that we varmint hunters get a bit stir crazy.  The heat and humidity of summer, especially here in the south, puts a damper on chasing Wiley Coyote and other predators.  In the early morning we may brave the outdoors to hit the range and test some new loads or perhaps float around the lake pursuing "aquatic varmints".  But with afternoon temps often breaking the 100-degree mark, outdoor activity is not high on our "to do" list.

The arrival of fall outdoor catalogs signals summers end is actually approaching.  Perusing the latest, hot hunting products seems to help bridge the gap to the cooler temps of fall.  Two such publications arrived last week, another this week.

However, this year the sights of my limited budget were set on something besides the latest cammo' pattern.  I had spent the last couple of months ogling Laser Rangefinders and sorting through the myriad features offered.  After comparing "must have" features and price against what SHE would allow me to spend, I had almost decided it was going to be another year of guessing how far that hole-in-one shot was on a distant Prairie Dog. I could (perhaps) afford a very basic model.  Then I stumbled on the Bushnell Yardage Pro 800 Compact.

The words "800" (as in 800 yards) and "Compact" caught my attention.  Although some hunters may have need a 1000-yard plus rangefinder, I cannot imagine needing that much range.  My shooting style and preferences don't realistically fall outside about 500 yards, much less a full kilometer. Furthermore, the Compact's small size and light weight wouldn't clutter up my backpack.  But most importantly, the price would leave a few bucks cluttering up my wallet as well.  (But SHE didn't need to know that.)

The unit had all the features I consider useful and many of the bells and whistles I don't need but other folks may find useful. Therefore, I picked up the phone and called Chris at SWFA Optics (www.riflescopes.com) to see if he had any in stock. As usual Chris had what I wanted and per SWFA's reputation for prompt shipment, the unit was at my door in just a couple of days.

With only two buttons to contend with, operation is simple and straightforward, even for me.  Nevertheless and while not the "manly" thing to do, I actually did read the directions, which taught me quite a bit about laser rangefinders.

The Yardage Pro 800 Compact has eight-power optics, a maximum range of 930 yards on reflective targets and 800 yards on non-reflective targets.  Much more than I would need in the field.  The unit only weighs 9.5 ounces and at 2 x 4.75 x 3.75 inches is literally "compact".

Accuracy

Although not often considered by the novice and not openly stated by some manufacturers, the target has a significant impact on the accuracy of any range finding equipment.  The greatest contributor being the target's reflectivity.  Color, surface finish, size and shape all directly affect the amount of energy reflected back to the unit and therefore its range and accuracy.

The range of the Yardage Pro is published at 800 yards and the ranging accuracy listed as "plus or minus two yards/meters under most circumstances."

The target is usually the greatest contributor to the accuracy of the range reading.  A highly reflective object, such as a light colored vehicle for instance, will provide optimum reflectivity, and therefore, a more accurate reading at longer distances.

A “soft target” such as the fur on an animal, tends to diffuse the reflected signal to some degree, and result in a less precise measurement.

Best regards,

John