What Does the Range on a Shotgun Need to be for Rangefinder to Take Effect – Full Guide

If you’re looking for a rangefinder with your shotgun, you may want to consider the range.

Let’s take a closer look at it.

What Does the Range on a Shotgun Need to Be for Rangefinder to Take Effect?

It doesn’t matter what range your shotgun has for the range finder to work.

A rangefinder actually improves the zoom distance of a gun by five percent.

Best Rangefinder Scopes

Today’s scopes are becoming futuristic, packed full of tech, and they’re even smaller than before.

Recently, one of the latest innovations has been the inclusion of laser rangefinders in scoped rifles.

As optical technology has advanced, so too have laser rangefinders. They’re now integrated directly into the lenses of riflescopes.

How Do Laser Range Finders Work?

There are lots of different models available from lots of different companies, but the basic idea behind them is the same:

A device shoots a laser beam at an object and measures how long it takes to return. Using the known velocity of the laser, it calculates the distance.

You had to carry a separate device for checking the range and adjusting your scope.

Nowadays, most scopes come with an adjustable reticle. Some even allow you to change the magnification without having to remove the scope from your rifle.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to combining these two things.

Advantages of Rifle Scope With Built-In Rangefinder

The Full Package

Consolidating your gear when hunting or long-distance target shooting with 6.5 Creedmoor is always a good idea.

You don’t need to take the time to pull out another device; instead, you can just concentrate on shooting.

You don’t need to carry an extra bag anymore.

Simplicity

It’s better to use one tool for multiple purposes rather than using two tools for each purpose.

By consolidating these devices into one, you will be able to use the same battery pack for both devices. Also, by doing so, you will only need to know one device instead of two.

If the LRF is in its own mount, it will be attached to the rifle rather than being separated from it.

Shot Speed

You’ll be able to shoot faster because you can remain focused while finding the right shooting position.

To keep yourself on target, you need to practice repeatedly. You must remember that accurate shooting requires repetitions.

It lets you break your shooting stance less often.

Advantages of Rifle Scope With Built-In Rangefinder

Size/Weight

Combining LRFs with scoping makes the scopes heavier, bulker, and less portable.

It has more parts and technology than most rifles, so it naturally needs a larger size. If you’re going to carry it around the hunting ground, it may not fit into your backpack.

You can also use it if you’re shooting from a standing point.

Cost

High-tech optical lenses come at a hefty price tag.

You get two gadgets in one but sometimes you might end up paying more than if you had bought them separately.

Option Availability

Because the LRF scoping packages are a package deal, they don’t offer much customization.

The LRF system in scope is not interchangeable so what you purchase is what you get.

With the scope and handheld LRFs, you have many more choices when it comes to scopes and LRFs. This gives you the ability to choose from different brands and combinations that work best for you.

The 3 Best Rangefinder Scopes

Here’s a quick overview of the three best rangefinders for your rifle.

1. ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20

The ATN XSight II HD 5–20 is the least expensive option among the selection.

It has some cool features even though it’s the cheapest.

Features

• The LRF in this optic has an accurate range of up to 400 yards.
• It has a good laser rangefinder, video camera, and wireless internet connection.
• It records at 1080p resolution and has an auto-recall function. You can use it to record yourself playing and then review your technique later. It also lets you share memorable moments.
• This scope has a ballistic CPU that calculates the angle of the shot, and the trajectory of the bullet. It then sends these values to the LRF for use by the gun.
• There are seven different reticle options to select from.
• The magnification is from 5X to 20X
• It runs on four AA batteries. You can swap them out for a rechargeable battery charger.

It is 19.7 inches long and weighs 5 pounds.

Burris 200116 Eliminator 4-16×50

It is a good choice for people who want something simple yet powerful.

Features

• The LRF has a maximum effective firing distance of 1,200 yards for reflective targets and 750 yards for non-reflective targets.
• It points the lens at the target and presses a single button.
• It’s an easy-to-use system with a built-in accelerometer for taking pictures from different angles.
• The scope will also take into account the angle at which your bullet travels for you. By using these new technologies, the scope will adjust where you aim for you.
• The magnification is from 4X to 16X (or even greater).
• A reticle is a crosshair with a range scale displayed above it.
• This simpler design uses a CR123A battery (which is not rechargeable).
• It’s not quite as bulky as the original, but it’s still pretty heavy. Overall, the new size measures 13 inches long and weighs 1.63 pounds.

ATN Thor-HD 640 5-50

It is the most costly and most crowded rangefinder out of the three.

Features

• It has a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging camera, video and audio recording capabilities, and a hefty price.
• The LRG is accurate up to 600 yards and works by marking the top and the bottom of the targets.
• Thermal systems pick up heat energy instead of visible wavelengths of radiation. This allows them to operate even when there is no ambient lighting available.
• There are seven reticles available and a maximum magnification of up to 50X.
• It has an HD camera, video recorder, and Wi-Fi capabilities and is compatible with Android devices.
• It also has a microSD card slot so you can record videos and review them later.
• It uses four AA batteries which can be replaced with a rechargeable battery.
• This lens’ overall size is 10 inches and it weighs 2 pounds.

Is a Rangefinder Scope Worth It?

If you’re an advanced rifleman who doesn’t mind the extra weight and expense, then a rangefinder scope is worth it.

If you’re concerned about cost, then don’t go for a laser rangefinder scope; instead, just purchase them separately.

Guide to Choosing a Rifle Scope

This guide will teach you everything you need to learn about riflescopes.

Magnification

Magnification is how close something looks when viewed through a microscope compared to what we see with our eyes.

For example:

If magnification is 8x, you can see eight times closer than the naked eye.

What kind of gun do you own? Is it used mainly for hunting large game, stalking small game, or defending your home?

Choose a magnification from 1-4x.

Do you prefer target shooting up to 200 yards, stalking large game, or hunting in closed environments (forests, mountain ranges, etc.)?

Choose a magnification from 5-8x.

What about long-distance shooting (beyond 200 meters) or hunting in open lands (desert, forests, etc.)?

Choose a magnification from 9-12x.

Fixed vs. Variable Power

Fixed Power

A fixed power scope has one setting for zoom.

Variable Power

Variable power means that your scope has multiple magnifications.

Variable-powered scoping lenses allow you to take pictures in various conditions and situations.

However, if you’re planning on shooting from only one range, then choose a fixed power rifle scope. Otherwise, go with an adjustable power rifle scope.

Objective Lens

The objective eyepiece is the eyepiece located at the end of a telescope and is responsible for transmitting light through the telescope.

The larger the objective lens, the sharper and clearer your picture will be.

Buying a scope with too much magnification power might harm you by increasing its overall size and height, requiring taller scope rings for mounting, and causing your scope to reflect light more easily.

If your gun has low recoiling power, you’re using it for close-up shooting, and have a low-power scope

You need to buy a 28mm or smaller lens.

If your rifle has a lot of kickback when fired, you’re firing at low light levels, and have a high-powered scope

You should get between 30 and 44mm.

If you’re a sniper or using high power at close range in poor lighting conditions

Get 50mm & up.

Lens Coatings

A lens coat is an invisible coat that enhances sight.

Types

There are four basic lens coatings:

Coated: One layer on one surface.

Fully-coated: One coat on all exterior glass surfaces

Multi-coated: Several layers on one surface.

Fully Multi-Coated: Several layers on exterior glass surfaces.

Don’t worry about lens coatings because most scoping lenses are now fully multi-coating. Even if a scope is just single-coating, sometimes that one layer may be better than multiple coats.

Scope Reticles

When you’re using a rifle scope, your reticule is the aiming point (crosshair) you see when looking through the scope.

Types

There are three main types of scopes: each one specializes in a specific type of shooting.

Duplex: A duplex reticule is the simplest crosshairs pattern. Ideal for long-distance shooting or hunting.

Mil-Dot Reticles: Although very similar to Duplexes, the dots in the mil-dot reticle helps estimate your targets’ distance by size. Great for law enforcement and the military.

BDC Reticule: A BDC reticule shows where bullets land after they leave the barrel. It’s best for long-range shooting.

A reticle can either be attached to the front or the back of the magnification lenses.

Focal Plane

There are two different types of focal planes.

First Focal Plane (FFP)

An FFP is where the reticle size adjusts as you change the magnification.

Second Focal Plane (SFP)

SFPs stay the same regardless of magnification.

For long-range shooting, use an FFP reticle. Otherwise, use an SFP.

Windage and Elevation Turrets

These are the knob(s) responsible for adjusting your scope’s vertical and/or horizontal position.

Windage controls horizontal movement, while altitude controls vertical movement.

When selecting the right scope for your rifle, be sure to choose one that produces a loud ‘click’ sound.

Eye Relief

The longer the barrel length, the more eye relief (distance between the rear sight and the front edge of the bore) you’ll require. However, keep this distance at least 3″ for best results.

Conclusion

There is no need for you to worry about the range of the shotgun before attaching any rangefinder to it.

We hope this article helped you.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.