Could someone please explain the differences between the two. I know that the 1600 has some sort of a ballistic program, but the 1600 B seems to have a better one. Can't seem to find anything other than the factory blurb on either. Any other suggestions on a compact rangefinder with a ballistic option of some sort would be welcome.

From my understanding, the 1600B has the built in ballistics calculator. I do not know that the 1600 has one?

I know where you can get a 1200 scan, for cheap

The description on CameraLand says that the 1600 has a built in ballistic calculator, looks like the 1600B just has a better one. Was hoping someone had some insight on the two models. Probably should have figured this all out before I sold the one I had!

I'm fairly sure that the 1600 ballistic algorithms didn't work particularly well so it was discontinued and replaced with the 1600B.

Could not be farther from the truth. It is a new, more advanced, system altogether.

Basically the 1600-B adds additional function to the ballistics program related to angular shooting situations. Providing Actual Ballistics Distance and "dialing" information for angular shot calculations. 1600 provided only holdover information for angled calculations.

I have asked my contact at Leica for a more complete reply to state the differences and I am sure they will respond in a timely fashion.

Thanks Doug, seems that there's a minimal amount of firsthand experience with them at this early stage. Do you have the 1600-B in stock currently?

We have received 3 shipments already and sold thru them all. We expect our next delivery within the next week or so

Dear all,

The following is the rundown of the specific differences between the CRF1600 and the CRF 1600B. The only differences lie in the ballistics package.

In short:

They both have a ballistic calculator, the B is just a significant improvement in distance and flexibility of that calculator.

The 1600 would:

provide compensated elevation corrections in .1MILS or MOA out to 500m/appx545y (100m/y or 200m/y sight in)

The new 1600B will:

do the same but to 800m/appx880y, correcting in .1MILS or MOA, plus inches or cm, clicks, or Ballistic/Angle compensated (dial-to/some call it TBR) distance (AND adds 300m/y sight in)

ALL of the corrections above are based on LOS distance, Angle, Temp, Station Pressure, Sight in Distance, and 1 of 12 preset ballistic curves.

In short, the 1600B will work for folks who wish to dial minutes or mils, use a minute or mil based reticle, hold over in inches or cm, or dial distance on a custom cut turret.

Basically it speaks any language a shooter could want, for compensated elevation corrections out to 800m.

Hint: if you want it to give you corrections in MOA, use the 1-1 setting in the click value settings on the US program option. This is telling the unit that your scope clicks equal 1MOA per click. If you need to know fractions of a minute, just use the 1-4 setting for each click = 1/4 minute and divide by 4 for minute plus 1/4 corrections. For example, if the unit is set on 1 - 4 in the click option and tells you 43, take 43/4 which = 10.75 = 10 3/4 MOA.

Thanks for the explanation SpanielDog. Looks like the 1600-B is the way to go.

Doug - Would you advise ordering now or could a guy wait until the shipment comes in and still get one?

SpanielDog,

Thank's for a VERY good description of the differences. I assume you're the Leica rep. I guess you've straightened me out on a few items.

I have both the 1600 and 1600-B; newly acquired from Doug just a few weeks back. It's an awesome piece of optics. I sold my Swaro LRF 1-1/2 yrs back after a 3 month side x side comparison of the two. The Swaro is awesome but to me, the Leica is better, especially when one adds the ABC Ballistic Calc.

I've been running the 1600 in conjunction with my light (11 lbs) sniper rifle in 6.5x47 Lapus pushing a 130 VLD to 2970 fps. I use ballistic curve #3 and it's within 1/2 MOA all the way to it's max range of 550 yds (that's using the ballistic calculator). I've ranged clumps of oak brush to 1970 yds.

The new 1600-B is easier to configure to the options SpanielDog described. I wish the MOA drop was in #.# read out the same as the 1600 instead of total clicks. Having to divide by 4 to get my final moa shooting solution is just one more step to complete. No problem until one gets frazzled.

I love the fact that the 1600-B's ABC ballistic calculator goes all the way to 875 yds and I mean "875". Not a yard more. Believe me I've been really testing it lately. I compared it's drops to my Shooter program and it's also VERY close to what is needed; until about 600 or so yds. Then the two paths start to divide and by the time 875 yds comes around, it's 2-3/4 MOA off. I've tested this in the field too. Just this morning the 1600-B gave me about 20.75 moa and I was over the 1/2 sized silhouette. My Shooter dope sheet said 18 moa and "clang, clang, clang" went my next three shots. So, beyond 600 or so yds I'll simply use the laser to get the range, and the temp, baro and angle to complete the data necessary to input in to either my EXBAL or Shooter.

In the morning I drive to No. Utah where my partner and I are competing in Competition Dynamics "24hr Sniper Adventure Challenge". Thirty miles through 7,000' mountains with 50-60lb packs in a 30 hr time limit ascending a total of about 10,000'. Temps in to the 50's at night and mid 90's during the day. 14 or so mandatory check points where their will be courses of fire for LR precision rifles to 1200 yds, AR15 carbines to 500 yds and sidearms to 100 yds. We have additional bonus checkpoints where challenges other than shooting are in store for us such as picking locks/handcuffs, tying knots, 6-mile precision land nav course, etc. $75,000 in prizes on the table from the sponsers. No GPS, night vision or anything electronic that can communicate. Just old fashion map and compass.

I talked my partner into using my Leica 1600 for his AR15. He loves it, smacking steel consistently to 500. I'll then sell my 1600 and welcome the new 1600-B home after it passes muster in the next few days.

Wish me luck!

Alan