Review of Leica CRF-1000

Hey guys….I know this is a range finder review and if it doesn’t belong here, I understand. I just figured there should be a review that can show up in the search box for a newbie like me to read. This way they don’t ask a bunch of questions that they may be a bit afraid to ask. I know I didn’t want to look dumb, but hey I’m new to this.

My review was done to challenge this RF in ways that I felt were most important to me. As it turns out this is the toughest way to judge them….I think. I will be doing at least 60% of all my shooting at night. What better way to judge an optic then at a time when there is less light? I planned (not conducted) my test early in the evening when there was still sufficient light (6:15) and there was a quarter moon present. This way I could set things up while I could see. I work from 8:00pm to 3:30am so I decided to do the actual test when I returned.

I tested it in somewhat of a controlled setting. Off my balcony facing my backyard. I placed a cardboard box at 26, 40, 70, and at 110 yards. There was also a neighbors chimney past my backyard and across the bayou in a different subdivision at 194 yards. This represents the closest and furthest interests in shooting for me (air guns). There was no moon out tonight and it was partly cloudy (scarcely cloudy to be exact). The only lights that were visible were a couple street lights on my street at the front of the house and a couple street lights on the street across the bayou. But from my backyard to the chimney across the bayou there was NO LIGHT. It was dark….not dim. I could not see box 3 (70 yards) and beyond. I couldn’t even see the chimney (194 yards). I found out that sunrise was at 6:39 so I decided to do the test at 5:30am, 5:45am, 6:00am, 6:15 (crack of dawn), and 6:30 (sunrise). I wanted to see at what time and at what lighting conditions I could get accurate range finding with this unit.

The Results:

5:30 am….perfect at all distances
5:45 am….perfect at all distances
6:00 am….perfect at all distances
6:15 am….perfect at all distances
6:30 am….what’s the point in continuing?

The optics are SO GOOD it can see what my naked eyes can not see…period. I could range find every box and even the chimney 194 yards away that was IMPOSSIBLE to see in the dark…but through the Leica I could make them out with no trouble. I was blown away. So I decided to see how little light was actually necessary for this model to range. So, I brought the test into the house where I could control the lighting even more. Well I found out that the closest this RF can range is 10 yards (within inches). Actually 29’2″ to be exact. But it will show as 10 yards or just have 3 dashes (which means…step back fool). I put a black leather stool 10 yards away and slowly dimmed the light lower and lower. When it got to a really dim setting it could not range the black leather, but could range the wooden legs still. Finally I turned off the light completely. At this point I could not walk to the stool without my arms stretched out in front of me….it was very dark. Much darker then it was outside. If I looked towards the window in the other room I could see just a small seam of daylight behind the drapes….but that’s it. It still could range the wooden legs, the walls, the doors, or I guess anything that wasn’t black….hell I don’t know….I couldn’t see anything. Dead on, every time, the first time.

I don’t know if this is the best unit out there….as this is my first and only unit I have tested. But, if it gets any better then this, I would take it to hell with me when I die! (Just kiddin’ I’m going to the Pearly Gates with my Edgun…not the bobcat)
If anyone wants to buy them it is discontinued and has been replaced by the CRF1000-R. But, there are still some out there and on close out. $399.00. Again I can’t say this is too good to pass up because it’s the only unit I have used. But it is a Leica and it is $200 off the retail price. Just sayin.

Thanks guys

Dr. Steele