What is your favorite compass

[usmcvet]

I would say one of the best things is they a rugged as heck! You could probably cave someone's head in with a few whacks and then still use it.

[K.L. Davis]

Can somebody educate me: Aside from the visibility in the dark, are there features in a military lensatic-type compass that a typical Silva, like the Ranger or Guide, would not have?

They are different animals really... it seems that a person that learned to use a lensatic compass in the military is comfortable with it, and sticks with what they know.

The obvious difference with the military compass is the lens and sighting system... some say it this system is more accurate, but the big difference is that the military style compass is what is called a "card" type compass... notice that the numbers are all on the rotating card and the bearing is read against a fixed lubber line on the compass housing.

A compass like the Silva Ranger (one of my favorites) is a needle type compass and requires aligning the rotating dial with the needle to orient the compass...

This is my take on it:

Military type lensatic - Rugged and simple, very easy to use for taking and staying on a bearing, not so friendly when it comes to working on a map with it though, lots of folks stick the compass in their pocket an rely on a seperate protractor like the GTA 5-2-12 we all know and love.

Commercial Base Plate style - More versatile, but maybe a bit intimidating to some, often this style compass functions as a map protractor and all-in-one tool.

[usmcvet]

Well that was the wrong post sorry gents. Here is what I wanted to share:

New Silva Ranger 515 CLQ Precision Compass for $31.99

http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com...s-2801078.html

[K.L. Davis]

Well that was the wrong post sorry gents. Here is what I wanted to share:

New Silva Ranger 515 CLQ Precision Compass for $31.99

http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com...s-2801078.html

A heads up to anyone looking at this... make sure you are comfortable with using a Quadrant compass

[usmcvet]

Good catch! I did not know what you meant at first. So just from a quick look it has 90 degrees on North, South, East & West not the 360 degrees most of us are used to?

[K.L. Davis]

Yes... think of it this way, it is divided into NE, SE, SW and NW quadrants. It reads Zero at North and South and the numbers increase within the quad, so W and E are both 90 degrees.

I find them cumbersome to work with for navigating on a topo, the extra math is just a hinderance... instead of an azimuth/bearing of 160, you have S 20 E when using the quadrant system.

[usmcvet]

Yeah I am already math challenged. I would not want the extra ass ache.

[NavyDavy55]

Being retired Navy, I never had a need for a compass.

Where can I learn land navigation using a compass?

Any books on the subject?

[K.L. Davis]

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=64572

[M4Fundi]

Evidently I lied earlier. I have an MC-2G, but use the M3-G more as it just hangs around my neck. Its a little too large for that and I hope to get something just like the M3-G but smaller for neck wear.