Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200 Rangefinder: Keeping Hunters Ahead of Their Prey

A quality rangefinder can often be the difference between bagging a trophy animal or missing because of inaccurate aiming. Leica’s Rangemaster CRF 1200 packs excellent performance into a small unit.

The Rangemaster CRF 1200 is a compact, portable rangefinder. Along with Leica’s usual outstanding laser technology, the interior roof prism has been painted with proprietary P40 phase correction coatings. The optics are constructed with Leica’s usual excellent craftsmanship. The entire rangefinder unit is rugged and durable with a rubberized outside. Leica has waterproofed the housing for use in all types of weather conditions. The rangefinder will work as an all-season performer. Operation of the rangefinder is simple enough for even the youngest hunters or shooters. A single button is located at the top of the unit. Aim the rangefinder, press the button, and the range appears in the sight. The reading will be located slightly below the aiming reticule. For an inconclusive or no reading, the rangefinder will only display three dashes. The Rangemaster CRF 1200 only requires a 9 volt battery to power the laser. A 9 volt battery should last for roughly 950 to 1,000 range sightings. The rangefinder is designed to fit both left-handed and right-handed users equally well. With only a single button, it can be operated with gloved hands easily.

According to Leica, the Rangemaster CRF 1200 will measure distances from 10 to 1200 yards. It can range two separate targets at the same time if necessary. From 10 yards to 436 yards, accuracy is guaranteed to within +/- 1 yard. Between 436 yards and 874 yards, the margin of error is only +/- 2 yards. The rangefinder’s accuracy is above and beyond what some competing rangefinders are capable of. It will produce the range in either meters or yards for users who have a preference.

A two year warranty on the rangefinder comes standard. Leica includes a carrying case and a strap for the unit. It weighs less than 1 pound altogether, but some users may find the strap works best when juggling a rangefinder and a hunting weapon at the same time. The small size and light weight makes it ideal for long camping trips or hunting deep in the back country.

However, around the 600 yard range is when some of the rangefinder’s users report problems. Leica’s own advertising materials promise performance up to 1200 yards. The inability of a user to hold the rangefinder steady is likely causing the difficulties. The rangefinder cannot be mounted to a tripod with a threaded, screw-on type mount. This oversight can make it difficult for people in the field to use the rangefinder to its maximum potential. Although it is improbable that users will need to sight targets at much over 600 yards frequently, the lack of a tripod or even the ability to add a tripod is a bit of a disappointment. This may or may not be a considerable flaw, depending upon how buyers intend to use it. Leica also recommends that the battery be removed if the rangefinder is going to be stored for extended periods of time.

For an outstanding rangefinder for hunting or shooting, the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200 should be considered. The rangefinder retails at a suggested MRSP of $599. It comes with a five star recommendation for hunters or shooters looking for excellent performance. Distance target shooters may find a tripod-based rangefinder more suitable for their needs. This primarily affects shooters attempting medium to small targets at over 600 yards frequently. The cost may scare some buyers off, but it easily outperforms similar rangefinders in the price range.