What Does a Firearm Rangefinder Do? – In-Depth Guide with Expert Advice

You might be wondering what does a firearm rangefinder do?

We will talk about that in the article below.

What Does a Firearm Rangefinder Do?

A firearm rangefinder measure distances and provides information regarding wind conditions. It lets the shooter adjust their shot appropriately.

Benefits of Rangefinder

Learn your load

It’s both useful for real hunting and can be a good practice tool when you’re just starting out.

It’s important to note your gun and ammunition’s drop rate. A rangefinder can help you achieve this.

  • Start by setting your target distance and then start shooting.
  • To get an accurate range to where you want to be, use the rangefinder.

Before heading out into the field, you can test your rifle’s capabilities by using this process.

Make Informed Decisions

A range finder allows you to accurately measure the distance between you and the object you’re aiming at, eliminating any guesswork. If you’re a hunting enthusiast who values honesty, this is something you’ll appreciate.

Easy-to-Use

Using these devices frequently improves your ability to accurately determine distance. Therefore, when unexpected but lucky situations occur, you’re in a strong position to seize them.

If you’ve used a rangefinder before, you won’t have any trouble using one again. Using this device frequently helps improve your estimating skills. Because of this, you’re in a good place to estimate accurate distances for things like when those unexpected but lucky opportunities come your way.

Get Closer

It lets you get close to your prey without having to move at all. Rangefinders come in different ranges.

  • Bowhunting Rangefinders: 800 yards.
  • Rifle Hunting Rangefinders: 600 and 1,300 yards.

Finding the right rangefinder is easy. Once you’ve found one that suits your needs, you can feel confident that your shooting experience won’t be the same ever again.

Steep Terrain? No Problem

As you get closer to your target, your target gets farther away.

It can be challenging to calculate the exact correction values and an accurate shooting angle to avoid interference from both air resistance and gravitational forces.

A rangefinder helps you accurately measure distances from where you’re aiming.

How to Use a Firearm Rangefinder for Hunting?

It’s easy to use, and you don’t need any previous experience to learn how to use it.

With just one push of a button, this gadget measures the distance between two points by bouncing a laser off them and calculating the time it takes for the light to return.

Afterward, the clock measures the total distance and displays it on the LCD screen.

Once you’ve checked the results, you just need to take action.

How to Use a Rangefinder for Shooting Targets?

Target shooting is similar to hunting, but sometimes target shooting is for recreational enjoyment and tactical use. The most common firearms are

  • Rifle
  • Handgun
  • Shotgun
  • Muzzle-loader

Another common choice for target shooters is the bow.

Target Shooting Activities

Competitive shooters enjoy practicing, honing their marksman skills, competing at local matches, and playing with new sights that can make shooting a little bit more enjoyable.

Here’s a list of the most popular target shooting activities, in order of popularity, for all the different kinds of guns.

  • Plinking/Informal
  • Sighting-in
  • Long-range
  • Training/Tactical

Plinking /Informal Shooting

Plinking refers to the practice of firing small-caliber bullets at a target.

Plinking is almost entirely an American pastime. Shooting beer bottles off fence posts provides so much fun and satisfaction.

If you use a range finder while plinking, you can improve your ability to estimate distances when you don’t have one and your accuracy when shooting at targets.

When you’re shooting at targets, shoot them from different distances and ranges.

Sighting-In

Sighting in scoped rifles is one of the most common reasons people go target practice. A good range finder can be helpful when you’re practicing at the range. You can always confirm your distance by using your range finder.

However, if you want to measure distances accurately without using a ruler, you’ll need an extremely long measuring stick or a rangefinder.

You can create ranges for different types of game animals, including deer, elk, moose, etc. so that when they come walking into your shooting lane, you’re all ready for them.

Long-Range

Long-range rifles are the preferred firearms for hunting large games at longer ranges. A range finder is usually needed to shoot these types of guns.

A range finder is essential for hitting all your targets if you’re shooting at ranges longer than 100 yards. Using your range finder to sight in your rifle will help ensure accuracy.

You can also buy rangefinder guns with features that can measure wind speed, bullet drop, holdover, and compensate for angles so that you don’t shoot at an incorrect distance.

Training/Tactical

Military training and tactical situations can be improved by using rangefinder devices in the battlefield.

It’s important that you know exactly where your targets are located because there may be life-or-death scenarios occurring at any time.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Built-in Range Finder on a Rifle Scope?

Advantages

The Full Package

Instead of pulling out a separate device when hunting or long-distance target shooting, you can focus more attention on making sure you take your shot.

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

Simplicity

  • It’s better to use one tool than two different tools.
  • They will use the same battery pack.
  • Instead of learning two devices, you’ll only need to learn one.
  • If the LRF is included in the package, it will be attached to the rifle instead of being separated from it.

Shot Speed

If you keep yourself on target, you’ll be able to fire off more rounds without having to break your shooting stance.

It lets you shoot without having to change positions frequently.

Disadvantages

Size/Weight

Combining laser rangefinders with scopes increases their weight and size.

It has more parts and technology than any other projects we’ve worked on before, so it naturally requires more space. It can be inconvenient if you’re carrying your gun around with you.

Cost

You can buy two devices at once for less than buying them individually. However, sometimes you might end up paying more than if you had purchased them separately.

Option Availability

As laser rangefinder scopes come as a package, there isn’t much customizability.

When choosing a rangefinder and scope separately you have many more options. You can choose from different brands and then combine them into one product that suits you best.

Conclusion

Now you know what a firearm rangefinder is. You can enjoy hunting or even target shooting.

You should be able to find a good one for your needs and budget. If not, then you can always buy the best one that suits your need.

If you have any questions feel free to comment below.

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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