Best Rangefinders: Our Top 10 (A vital tool for every shooter/hunter)
In shooting, as in life, knowledge is power. To make the shots when they count, whether at the range or hunting, working with known distances gives you some vitally important knowledge. A rangefinder is a vital tool in zeroing rifles, optics and ranging accurately when shooting in the field. With ammo costs a constant concern and making clean shots on the game a necessity, a quality rangefinder is one of the better tools in a shooter’s kit and should have a permanent place in your kit. Here are ten you can get today, and begin improving your shooting. When you’re looking at a rangefinder, a few things should be kept in mind. First is the overall range- if you know you plan to make longer shots, make sure your rangefinder can keep up with your plans. Second, if you shoot in the field, lightweight and portability, as well as spare batteries, are a major consideration. Finally, if you do plan on hunting, you might want to avoid bright colors. Any of the rangefinders in this list should be more than capable of handling your needs.
Top Picks
Contents
- 1. Sig 4×20 Kilo 1200
- 2. Vortex Impact 850
- 3.TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder
- 4. Vortex Optics Ranger 1300
- 5. LaserWorks LE-032 Riflescope Mate rangefinder 700M
- 6. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
- 7. Uineye Laser Rangefinder
- 8. WOSPORTS 1000 Yards Hunting Rangefinder
- 9. Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
- 10. Nikon Black RANGEX 4K Laser rangefinders
- Parting Shots
1. Sig 4×20 Kilo 1200
Product
Sig Sauer Kilo 1200 Rangefinder Black
Top Overall Pick
- Uses 1 CR-1 battery
- High Transmittance LCD display
- Revolutionary Lightwave DSP Technology
Details
- Uses 1 CR-1 battery
- High Transmittance LCD display
- Revolutionary Lightwave DSP Technology
First up we have the Sig Sauer 4×20 Kilo 1200 rangefinder. Made by one of the premier firearms and optics companies, this a great option for a portable, user-friendly piece of kit. The lenses have an anti-reflective coating, allowing for superior optical clarity. The finder itself updates four times per second, so you will have up to the moment data. The LCD display can be set to either yards or meters with a simple two-button interface that will have you spending your time shooting rather than messing with needless complexity. The maximum range of this device is 1600 yards for reflective targets, and 600 for matte targets. It takes a CR2 battery, making it easy to keep yourself equipped in the field. This would be a great choice for the range warrior or the hunter.
2. Vortex Impact 850
Product
Vortex Optics Impact 850 Yard Laser Rangefinder
Top Pick
- The Impact Rangefinder features a non-illuminated display and...
- The primary HCD mode displays an angle compensated distance that...
- A scan feature gives continuous range readings to pan across a...
- The Impact runs on a common CR2 battery and the battery life...
- Fully multi-coated optics enhance light transmission in low light...
Details
- The Impact Rangefinder features a non-illuminated display and...
- The primary HCD mode displays an angle compensated distance that...
- A scan feature gives continuous range readings to pan across a...
- The Impact runs on a common CR2 battery and the battery life...
- Fully multi-coated optics enhance light transmission in low light...
Next, the Vortex Impact 850 rangefinder offers a competitive optic at a competitive price. Vortex is known for fantastic bang for the buck in their wide range of equipment and this is no exception. The non-illuminated display is good for hunting or tactical situations in that it will not give your position away. The optics are coated to reduce glare and fog. There is an available scan mode to keep you updated, especially useful in case of moving game. The rangefinder, which can be set in yards or meters, has an effective range of 850 yards on reflective targets and takes a common CR2 battery, a common compatibility choice for optics and rangefinders. Vortex makes gear that is meant to stand up to use and not break the bank. This rangefinder is no exception.
3.TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder
Product
TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder 6X Magnification, up...
Top Pick
- 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑...
- 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑...
- 𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐑𝐀-𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑...
- 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃...
- 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐄: Packed with...
Details
- 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑...
- 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑...
- 𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐑𝐀-𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑...
- 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃...
- 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐄: Packed with...
The TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder comes in at a budget-minded price point and packs a lot of features into a reasonable package. The optic is good out to at least 500 yards, it’s the primary unit of measurement, and has a scan mode that will help in fluid situations. Additionally, the camouflaged unit is water-resistant and is accurate to within 1 yard at 300 yards. This entry-level rangefinder would do well in rugger field conditions and serve well as a zeroing tool as well. CR2 batteries will keep you up and running without having to worry about proprietary chargers or internal batteries. For those with more basic needs and a more conscious budgetary outlook, this would be a good option in rangefinders.
4. Vortex Optics Ranger 1300
Details
Another offering from Vortex, their Optics Ranger 1300 is a step-up model from the 850 covered earlier in the list. The Standard vortex features are included, comprised of a scan mode, fog proof lenses, and CR2 battery compatibility. The major difference here is the extended range, out to 1300 yards on reflective targets. This is a good choice for folks who need a little more legs on their rangefinder but still want to keep things at a reasonable price point. Overall, the Vortex stable of optics aims to be serious challengers to their more expensive counterparts and they do that job well.
5. LaserWorks LE-032 Riflescope Mate rangefinder 700M
Product
LaserWorks LE-032 Riflescope Mate rangefinder 700M Mini...
Top Pick
- Long distance spotting sight, clear range: 6-702m, Ideal for fast...
- Durable Material and Camouflage Color. The product with aluminum...
- Color OLED display. Clear digital meter speed display is easy to...
- Universal clamp-on mounting dech to fit most tactical sports.
- Widely used for alignment/ aiming/ positioning/ hunting/...
Details
- Long distance spotting sight, clear range: 6-702m, Ideal for fast...
- Durable Material and Camouflage Color. The product with aluminum...
- Color OLED display. Clear digital meter speed display is easy to...
- Universal clamp-on mounting dech to fit most tactical sports.
- Widely used for alignment/ aiming/ positioning/ hunting/...
The LaserWorks LE-032 Rangefinder is a bit of a wild card on this list. Rather than being handheld, like the other models, this one has a Picatinny mount on the bottom of the unit. This gives you several options. For total precision on bench rifles, you could mount this to scope, or to a canted section of rail, allowing for repeatable shots. You could also mount it to a tripod if you came up with a rig to mount it. This model focuses on accuracy, with a large, easy to read OLED display and a 700-meter range. It comes with two interesting modes of note, a fog mode for adverse conditions, and a speed reader that can be used to track objects in motion at unknown distances. If extreme precision at moderate ranges is your goal, then this rangefinder would do the job extremely well.
6. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
Product
Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder Gray, 3.6 x 2.9 x...
Top Pick
- At 3.6"x2.9"x1.5" in size, the ACULON Rangefinder is Nikon's most...
- An uncluttered, easy-to-read screen displays ranges in...
- Class 1 laser product, power output not exceeding .0975 milliwats
- Measurement Range 6-550 yds.Use:Gun hunting,bow hunting,target...
Details
- At 3.6"x2.9"x1.5" in size, the ACULON Rangefinder is Nikon's most...
- An uncluttered, easy-to-read screen displays ranges in...
- Class 1 laser product, power output not exceeding .0975 milliwats
- Measurement Range 6-550 yds.Use:Gun hunting,bow hunting,target...
Next, from a legendary optics manufacturer, we have the Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11. This is Nikon’s smallest model, so it is focused on rugged portability. Nikon has included their usual quality here, adding a multilayer coating to the optics to preserve clarity. The LCD is simple and easy to read. This rangefinder is rated to 550 yards with a high degree of accuracy, complete with a model that helps you track objects through some cover such as grass and branches. This optic is also waterproof, which makes it an all-around great rangefinder for field situations. Nikon makes serious gear and has a reputation for quality that they are keeping up in their range finders.
7. Uineye Laser Rangefinder
Product
Uineye Laser Rangefinder - Range : 5-1600 Yards, 0.33 Yard...
Top Pick
- Original Uineye Brand Rangefinder, Professional Optical...
- Laser rangefinder 1500 meter(1600 yards), fast measurement with...
- Superior 8X magnification. Multiple measurement mode, Distance /...
- Through the lens display, premium, ultra clear, multiple-coated...
- Comfortable grip with ergonomic design, light weight and...
Details
- Original Uineye Brand Rangefinder, Professional Optical...
- Laser rangefinder 1500 meter(1600 yards), fast measurement with...
- Superior 8X magnification. Multiple measurement mode, Distance /...
- Through the lens display, premium, ultra clear, multiple-coated...
- Comfortable grip with ergonomic design, light weight and...
The Uineye Laser Rangefinder, a multipurpose range finder meant for golf, shooting, and surveying comes in three colors: black, grey, and white. The optic can be set in either yards or meters and is accurate out to 1600 yards. The coated optics promise clarity out to those ranges. Additionally, there are both scan and angle modes, which should aid in plotting trajectories. This lightweight option takes standard CR2 batteries and comes with a year warranty. If you want to avoid a tactical look and get an all-rounder that would be good for shooting and for another hobby such as golf, this would be a great option.
8. WOSPORTS 1000 Yards Hunting Rangefinder
Details
The WOSPORTS 1000 Yards Hunting Rangefinder comes in with a competitive value proposition. The design is compact, and, handily, has an integral battery cover which makes misplacing it nearly impossible. The optics, good out to 1000 yards, are coated to keep water and haze out. Additionally, the simple interface will keep you in the game rather than messing with gear. This comes with and takes the industry-standard CR2 battery, and has an 18-month warranty with solid customer service. This is a budget-minded and solid all-around choice for those looking to get a first rangefinder.
9. Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
Product
Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
Top Pick
- Nikon's advanced ID (Incline/Decline) Technology provides the...
- Incredibly long, 20.3mm eye relief makes viewing and ranging your...
- Displays in 1-yard increments with a 6-550-yard ranging capacity
- Class 1 laser product, power output not exceeding .0975 milliwats
Details
- Nikon's advanced ID (Incline/Decline) Technology provides the...
- Incredibly long, 20.3mm eye relief makes viewing and ranging your...
- Displays in 1-yard increments with a 6-550-yard ranging capacity
- Class 1 laser product, power output not exceeding .0975 milliwats
Another entry from Nikon, the 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder is intended for bow hunting but would be of use to firearm shooters as well. The optic has a 550-yard range and comes with many of Nikon’s bells and whistles, such as a water-resistant housing and their target priority mode which helps you see the game through the bush. Especially for bow hunters is an incline/decline mode that should help plot the trajectories of a projectile drop. As usual, this optic takes CR2 batteries. This Nikon option would be great for bowhunters who also dabble in firearms hunting.
10. Nikon Black RANGEX 4K Laser rangefinders
Product
Nikon BLACK RANGEX 4K laser rangefinders
Top Pick
- Measurement range is 10-4, 000 yards. Size (length x width x...
- Max range: reflective target is 4, 000 yards tree is 1, 700 yards...
- High-visibility Red OLED display provides ideal contrast on...
- For incline or decline shooting angles, the RANGEX is equipped...
- Featuring Nikon hyper read function for extraordinarily fast,...
Details
- Measurement range is 10-4, 000 yards. Size (length x width x...
- Max range: reflective target is 4, 000 yards tree is 1, 700 yards...
- High-visibility Red OLED display provides ideal contrast on...
- For incline or decline shooting angles, the RANGEX is equipped...
- Featuring Nikon hyper read function for extraordinarily fast,...
Rounding out this list is the Nikon Black RANGEX, a fantastic, if somewhat pricey, rangefinder. At this top end of the budget, there are some new features not found anywhere else on this list. First, is the sheer range, the RANGEX is rated out to a stagger 4,000 yards. If serious shooting is your profession, or at least your hobby, this is the rangefinder for the job. The Red OLED readout will not give away your position, and will not harm your night vision, another feature indicating a high-standard product. The readouts are super-fast, and the optics which are coated, are extremely clear. Varying brightness settings, an angle sensor, and extremely high build quality make this a fantastic choice in optics.
Parting Shots
All of these rangefinders can be found on Amazon today. With the plethora of options at your disposal, you should be able to make an informed choice and get the rangefinder that accomplishes your needs. Overall, a rangefinder is one of those tools that a serious shooter would benefit from greatly. With a well dialed in rifle and consistent ammunition, getting accurate range readings adds one of the final pieces of the accuracy puzzle. Any of the rangefinders listed here will help you solve that puzzle. Given that a lot them are also portable, having one of these in a range bag or field pack is a sensible, and affordable, way to make hits, assuming you do your bit as the shooter.
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