DesertDweller

The website shows elevaton only and elevation and windage turrets. Desertdweller

The CRF from Leica are waterproof, theolder LRF's are not... The Leica guy at WSF/Fnaws told me the processor in the CRF is much faster than the LRF's... The CRF being pocket size is easier to carry also. The LRF 1200 that I have had for years is still going strong, but the new CRF 1600 will be replacing it soon! DD

The Leica Duovid is also a possible choice... being both a 10x and a 15x gives you the best of both worlds. Something to think about... DesertDweller

Take an afternoon and go to the Outdoorsmans and check them out... it how they work for YOU and YOUR EYES! Your time and gas money will be well spent when making this large of an investment... MHO Also, I'd check out the Leica spotting scopes also... the folks on the bird forums rate them above the Swaro and depending who you talk to higher than the Kowa... the bird folks are a lot pickier than big game hunters when it comes to spotting scopes. The same differences applies for the Leicas, the older Televid 77 or 62 is a bit heavier than the new Televid 85 or 65. But you can save a bunch of $$$ if you find one and don't mind a few extra ounces. You are on the right path when it comes to purchasing optics, buy the best you can and you won't be sorry! "Buy once - cry once!" D.D.

If you want to "Buy once and cry once" and then have the pleasure of using a quality glass stick with Leica's, Swaros or Zeiss.... You won't be sorry! I bought my first Leica's over 20 years ago and they work as good today as the day I bought them. They have NEVER needed to be repaired and I have used them hard on hunts all over the world. Lots of binos look good when they are new... and the price is a lot lower than the German glass... optical clarity is only one factor, mechanical reliability is another. My Leica's cost a lot when I bought them new... but over the years, they have been a great value and I still enjoy using them. D.D.

The new Leica APO spotting scopes are getting rave reviews from both the hunters and birders. The new Aspheric eyepiece and the ability to quickly and easily couple it with the Leica Digital camera is a real advantage. The disadvantage is cost, but image quality and duribility is never a problem with Leica products. I have been reading good reports on Leica customer service also... The catalog they sent me has their Sport Optics Good Will policy printed on page 10... a positive change from the past. Maybe I've been lucky, but I've had my Leica's for over 20 years and they have never needed servicing. D.D.

Doug, Does the new Leica rangefinder have a way to attach it to a tripod? Just wondering... D.D.

I have been using a MD 62 Angled ED spotting scope for the last 3 years... It is a fantastic scope. Bright, sharp and easy to pack in the field. The eye peice makes all the differnce... the 21-42x or the 30x ww is the only way to go... forget the 20-45x... D.D

Jim makes first class products and is a first class kind of guy. Desert Dweller

I ahve had my Jim White head on my SLIK 444 Sport II for a number of years... and I love it! Small, strong, easy to pack and use. The best I have ever used bar none! Not the cheapest, but buy once - cry once! D.D.

RR is right... Doug at Cameraland has some killer prices on Leica demo units... D.D.

RR is 100% right on.... Contact VIAS and have a brake installed - they can be contacted at http://www.muzzlebrakes.com/Default.aspx Thier brakes do not deafen you and reduie recoil better than ANY other.... My daughter has a VIAS on her 300 RUM and it kicks less than her 270 with a standard brake.... and nice people to deal with to boot! The comment about practicing with a .22 is a good one also - but the VIAS brake is the ticket when shooting a CF rifle. One last suggestion, most people flinch because of noise more than actual recoil, wear ear plugs and muffs when shooting. D.D.

You might look into the new Leica 3.5-14x42 with the ballistic reticle. Fantastic optics, easy to mount, 4" of eye relief at all power settings and comes with the Leica Ballistics Program, gives the drop for your cartridge that matches the reticle. My buddy who is a Leica Dealer just got back from SHOT Show will all the info in the Leica scopes... He is ordering one for me! It's going on my 300 RUM. :>) D.D.

I have had a LRF 1200 for years and it has never let me down... the new CRF 1200 is faster, smaller and waterproof. It fits in your shirt pocket and can be used one handed. In my opinion you won't be sorry when you buy a Leica. D.D.

You will use the 15x's much more than the spotting scope, so buy the best you can afford. Spotting scopes are just want their name says they are - for looking at a spot. That's why they don't call them "Finding Scopes"! <wink> A lower priced spotting scope will usually suffice for checking out horns, or your target at the range. You will spend hours behind your 15x's, so don't skimp there. Another bit of advice, don't skimp on your tripod either! Have fun!!! D.D.

Here are my top three: 1. Any kind of optical doubler - The idea is great, but they just don't work. 2. Hunters who think everything has to be camo, even thier toilet paper. (what camo pattern did Fred Bear or Jack O'Connor use?) 3. Comparitive range finders - mil-dot scopes for hunters. Great post RR... Thanks! DD

I have always wanted to hunt the Dripping Springs Mts. in 24A... any of you Coues folks ever hunt there? Maybe next year! DD

Great writeup, photos and bucks... thanks for sharing! Congrats!!! DD

Compairing a Vortex binocular to an "Alpha Glass" is like saying a Honda is the same as a Mercedes... Both will get you to the grocery store, but the engineering and materials used are of a higher quality in the Mercedes. That is why it costs multiple times as much... in optics, as life you get what you pay for. D.D. P.S. Maybe cars are not the best compairson... I have great respect for the Japanise auto makers... much more than the optics makers!

Doug, the S&B sounds good... what will one of these scopes set me back? Will I need to mortgage the house? D.D.

The 8x56 binocular is the "Standard" bino for hunters in Europe. Because they legally hunt at night, the 8x56 supplies the eye all the light it can use. I have had a number of 8x56 binos, Zeiss, Minox and now a Leica Geovid in 8x56. You'll be able to see game in the early morning and late evening when your pals 10x42 binos are useless. The trade off is the extra size and weight - to me, it's worth it. Use a Bino Harness and your set... D.D.

I have carried my Slik Compact in my back pack for years. It's lightweight (1lb), expands to 4x it closed size, and doesn't break the bank. Not good if you want to stand, but for setting, it's super! The advice to check with Jim White is good advice, he's the tripod guru! D.D.

I have both Slik and Velbond tripods and like both of them.... My all time favorite is the discontinued Slik 444 Sport II with the Slik compact being the one I have carried for more miles than I care to remember... I think the SLik Pro series is as close to the 444 Sport as you can get and may be a touch lighter. The Velbond Chaser is fantastic when I am not venturing to far from the truck and I want to stand and use it.... Both of these companies make first rate tripods - and they do provide service as long as the tripod is still in prodiction. Add a Jim White head and your are really in business! Good luck this fall! DD P.S. Might be a good move to call Jim and talk to him about your tripod needs... He is one of the good guys! 928-635-5316

There are some great prices out there on the Leica Televids... 77 or 62mm. I saw a 77mm with a 20-60x eyepiece for $1,000.00 at Bass Pro when in LV. Something to think about... I think Doug as some special pricing on them also. DD

This weekend my trusty old SLIK 444 Sport Tripod took a hit and now has a bent leg... :>( I contacted the SLIK distributor but they were not very interested in my problem. I was wondering if any of you spot and stalk glassers might have an old SLIK 444 Sport that might be in the same condition that you would sell me for parts? I would really appreciate it, as I really like my old 444 Sport and would hate to have to "retire" it... Thanks for your help folks, drop me a note if you can help me out... THANKS! DD