How to Choose a Rangefinder? – Quick and Easy Guide for Beginners with FAQs

Choosing a rangefinder can be difficult especially when there are so many options out there.

But we are here to help you choose a rangefinder that suits you.

Let’s go!

How to Pick the Right Rangefinder for Hunting or Shooting

Picking an Archery Rangefinder

A rangefinder for bowhunters doesn’t use lasers or a library of bullet ballistic data. Instead, it needs to have accurate angle-computing software to calculate the true distance to a potential target.

The last-target priority mode tells the rangefinder to measure the farthest target. In this case, the hunter wants to know how far away the deer is. Mist or rain makes it hard to see the targets, but the rangefinder still works well.

Archery rangefinders should be sensitive enough to detect targets within 10 yards. Units with low magnifications are preferred. A bright red display is needed to be seen in a dark or cluttered environment.

Note: If you want to know a complete guide and tutorials about rangefinder click HERE.

Example Leupold RXFullDraw

Bill Buckley is an excellent rangefinder for archers. It is accurate, responsive, and affordable.

It is made from durable materials and uses efficient technology. Our editors liked this rangefinder because it was easy to set up and use.

Picking a RifleHunting Rangefinder

Most laser rangefinders will work well up to 1,500 yards, but they won’t be accurate enough to shoot deer or coyotes beyond that distance.

Ballistics software includes groups of calibers with similar characteristics. You can use this information when choosing a rifle.

Rangefinders are used by hunters to accurately determine distances to game. They use a laser beam to measure the distance to objects. A hunter uses this information to place shots on the game.

The hunter must be able to see the object he wants to shoot. This means the hunter needs to know how far away the target is. A hunter also needs to know what type of weapon he is using. Some weapons have different settings than others.

Hunters need to make sure the rangefinder is set correctly before firing.

Note: If you want to know Binoculars vs Rangefinder Which to Buy the First click HERE.

Example Sig Sauer Kilo MR

Conx can be used without a kestrel weather station.

Picking a Precision Shooting Rangefinder

Long-distance precision rifle shooters have a pretty strict set of expectations when it comes to their rangefinders. Their rangefinders must be sensitive enough to detect small targets at long distances, and they need to be stable enough to hold steady during shooting. Horizontal rangefinder models are preferred over vertical ones.

Maximum range is an important consideration when shooting beyond 1,000 yards. Some shooters use integrated ballistics software to determine hold. Others rely on the unit to provide the precise holdover or the holdoff based on a specific bullet and cartridge characteristics.

Units that use onboard sensors to calculate hold are specially designed for precision shooting. Magnification is 7x or 8x, and there is a very bright red LED screen.

Note: If you want to gain information about Sig Rangefinder Binoculars Why Discounted clicks HERE.

Example Sig Sauer Kilo ABS

Bill Buckley Check Price is a powerful, precise unit in a class by itself! No other rangefinder in the test could match its speed, accuracy on a variety of targets, or ability to offer near-instantaneous solutions to almost any shooting scenario.

This rangefinder was selected as Editors’ Choice in our 2017 Rangefinder Gear Review.

how to choose a rangefinder

How to Choose a Rangefinder?

Maximum Distance The Actual Range Capabilities of Your Rangefinder

High-end rangefinders can be used to measure long distances. They can also be used to measure short distances. This feature makes them great tools for hunters.

A rangefinder should meet your needs. You might want to buy a rangefinder that can range up to 1,000 yards.

A higher-end model with a longer range capability can be very useful if you’re going to hunt in wide-open spaces or if you need to see far off into the distance to spot the game.

Two Things to Remember About Advertised Maximum Distance

Rangefinders are great tools. They help us get closer to our target. But many factors affect the rangefinder’s performance. We need to know more about them.

Most rangefinders can range different objects with different levels of accuracy. However, there is a big difference between the accuracy of a rangefinder when used for hunting versus other uses.

Note: If you want to know Which Courses Are on the Bushnell Neo Xs Golf Gps Rangefinder Watch click HERE.

Scanning Mode

Rangefinder features allow you to push a button and see how far away everything is. You can also use the rangefinder to find objects by pushing the button and seeing how far away they are. This feature was added to older rangefinders.

Scan mode is based on how fancy your phone is. Some phones don’t have it or have it for a few seconds before turning it off. Higher-end phones may have constant scan mode, allowing you to set up the settings however you want.

“Priority” Modes for Partially Obstructed Targets

Rangefinders are used to measure distances between objects. But some rangefinders are more accurate than others. Some rangefinders are better at measuring targets that are partially hidden by obstacles such as bushes, grass, etc.

Priority modes are used when shooting landscapes. You can use priority mode for objects that aren’t too close to you, and distance priority mode for objects that are further away.

No frills rangefinders don’t have priority modes, and fancier models might have them.

Magnification Capability

Magnifying a target makes it easier to determine gender. This feature is useful when trying to identify an animal. You may be able to see more detail about the animal by zooming in on it. However, this feature also decreases your FOV.

Most rangefinders have magnification between 4x and 6x. You should get a model with the highest magnification available.

That’s About it for Rangefinder Features

Congratulations! You’ve read all this, hopefully, you’re well equipped with the knowledge you’ll require to select the appropriate rangefinder for your requirements.

Good luck, be secure, and be happy ranging!

If you want to know more information about rangefinder click HERE.

Author

  • John Moses

    John is the Editor in Chief here at The Outdoor Stores. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. He is also available for you to contact him personally to discuss the types of animals you want to hunt and the terrain you will be hunting on. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars.

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