Leica 1600b Long-Range Rangefinder Review [2023]

• Range: 1600 yards
• Magnification: 7x
• Weight: 8 oz

The Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600B rangefinder like its predecessor, the Leica Rangemaster 1600, brings sophisticated electronics to solve all your ballistics problems.

This gives hunters and outdoorsmen a huge advantage in the field.

This unit offers new and improved features, such as the ability to accurately measure the distance to the target and calculate the bullet trajectory before it hits that target.

Moreover, the rangefinder’s microcomputer also factors in any elevation, declination in the landscape as well as the temperature, and the barometric pressure in its calculations.

There is no need to study and memorize bullet ballistics tables and no hassle when measuring the distances to targets.

The optics are crystal clear and heavily coated to enhance your view.

The unit is also weather-resistant and can withstand harsh hunting environments to ensure you are on target every time.

Notable features on the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600B

Advanced Ballistic Compensation(ABC)

The Leica rangefinder 1600b comes with a built-in ballistic solver that uses generic ballistic curves.

It uses predetermined zero ranges to give you 12 different holdover corrections in either centimeters or inches.

This way you get to choose the best option that matches your ammunition and the expected conditions since the unit also factors in the temperature and the atmospheric pressure.

This unit provides corrections for targets up to 875 yards away.

Equivalent Horizontal Compensation(EHC)

Equivalent Horizontal Compensation is also included in the ABC Mode but this feature compensates for inclines and declines in the terrain.

This allows you to shoot targets at a steep angle with unmatched precision and gives you a compensated holdover calculation of the angle as well as the distance to the target.

The ballistic solver and angle compensating feature, together, give you compensated horizontal range, the holdover, or the number of MOA clicks required on the rapid reticle adjustment.

Scan Mode

Every hunter at one point or another had a target that moves constantly which makes it hard for your rangefinder to deliver accurate measurements.

Or maybe you’ve tried to measure the distance to a smaller target but couldn’t.

With the Leica Rangemaster 1600B, that is no longer an issue as this rangefinder can be used for continuous measurements.

To activate the Scan Mode, simply hold down the Main button after powering on the device and after 2.5 seconds, the unit will start providing continuous measurements.

The continuous measurements can be seen on the display and a new measurement pops up every second or so.

Range

This Leica rangefinder 1600b has a maximum range to target from 10 to 1600 yards using an FDA Class 1 eye-safe, invisible-light laser.

However, the maximum range is only achieved to highly reflective targets.

That being said, the range of trees and deers is still pretty impressive.

The rangefinder can deliver accurate readings to trees 1000 yards away and deers from 700 yards away.

The measurements provided are usually accurate to approx. ±1 yard up to 500 yards,  ±2 yards up to 1000 yards, and ± 0.5% over 1000 yards.

Optics

For optics, the Leica 1600B comes with a 24mm lens and a roof prism system featuring excellent optical properties.

The lenses of this rangefinder are fully multi-coated with High Durable Coating and Aqua-Dura coating.

The interior prism is also coated and features a P40 phase correction coating.

All the coatings combine to provide you with sharp and crystal clear images in varying operating conditions from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.

This device has an optical zoom of 7x to bring your target closer without actually getting closer.

The field of view(FOV) is 345 feet at 1000 yards.

The FOV is good enough for a generous linear FOV to help acquire targets faster and easier.

To further help you to focus on your target, the unit auto-focuses at a very fast rate and you can acquire accurate distance to the target in mere seconds.

Other specs include the LED display that provides a red readout so even in low light conditions, your distance measurement will be clearly visible.

Glasses wearers can also make use of this unit since it comes with an eye relief of 15mm.

Operation

Operating this unit is simple and fast due to its two-button design.

Both the main button and the secondary button make things pretty easy once you familiarize yourself with the unit.

The main button operates the ranging feature while the secondary button it’s used for measuring atmospheric conditions and the angle of the shot.

To acquire the accurate distance to the target, you simply press the main button to illuminate the aiming square.

Next, move the rangefinder until the target in the square then press the button again to range that target.

After a few seconds, the distance measurement will be shown on the LED display.

On the other hand, the secondary button is used to activate the different modes and to display the pressure, air temperature, and angle of fire measurements.

Making use of this secondary button takes practice and can be a bit more of a learning curve however once you’ve gotten the hang of it it is pretty easy to understand and make use of.

If you’re having a hard time, the company includes a user manual.

You can also find a downloadable version online as well as several videos that can assist you so that you get the most out of your rangefinder.

Battery

The battery life of this rangefinder can be considered excellent.

This unit is powered by the included single 3V CR2 battery.

The battery is expected to last up to 2000 measurements depending on operating temperatures and other factors.

When the battery is weak, the display will start to flash, alerting you to its status.

This usually happens when you’re down to 100 measurements left.

At this point, it is recommended to keep a spare battery handy.

To replace the battery, the process is fairly simple and does not require the use of special tools.

The power consumption on this Leica rangefinder is excellent, the unit even shuts off  6 seconds after the main button is pressed.

Design

The Leica rangefinder is made from highly durable carbon fiber reinforced plastic that can withstand a 3.2 feet water depth.

For minor mishaps and falls, this rangefinder is also water-tight for up to 30 minutes.

The housing has a soft lacquered finish which gives it a really cool look.

On the other hand, the unit comes with a cast aluminum interior chassis to further strengthen the device.

This rangefinder is fog-proof with nitrogen-purged lenses so you can get out there and hunt, no matter the time of day or weather condition.

This unit is tough, rugged, and built with the hunter in mind.

It was made to survive harsh hunting environments and still perform at its best.

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