Over the past decade, rangefinders have evolved considerably and continually. What was once a simple click and read for the shooter to obtain a distance measurement now includes several new advancements in the distance-reading equation. Many rangefinders on shelves today are Bluetooth capable and connect with proprietary apps, riflescopes and other accessories such as anemometers. For novice and experienced shooters, the ever-changing technology is mind-boggling and sometimes overwhelming.
Today’s shooters have had to evolve to stay in the game. New technologies, including advanced rangefinders, have made it easier for hunters and shooters to shoot longer distances and feel comfortable doing so. Additionally, there are new opportunities for all categories of shooters to test and hone their skills competitively via precision shooting leagues.
Still, the advancement of today’s rangefinding technology makes selecting the correct rangefinder challenging for consumers. Across several categories of shooters, individuals have specific needs. To address your customers’ needs, put yourself in their shoes to ensure each sale made is the correct sale.
With that in mind, here are a few top rangefinding models across four primary categories to explore and consider stocking in your store to cover the breadth and depth of consumer needs.
Short-Range Rangefinders
Models in this category measure distance precisely out to approximately 1,000 yards, about half that distance for animal targets. Models within the category will include new technology such as Bluetooth capability but will be limited to the distances mentioned. In general, models in this category are smaller, lighter and more budget-friendly. Models in this category fit archers and novice shooters well.
The KILO1000BDX incorporates Sig Sauer’s Lightwave Digital Signal Processing engine across four modes of operation, Line-Of-Sight (LOS), Angle Modified Range (AMR) and Applied Ballistics Ultralight (ABU) for use with the Ballistics Data Xchange (BDX) system. The KILO1000BDX includes Bluetooth connectivity, which ABU mode uses to calculate distances, including individual ballistic profiles and environmental conditions in the equation. It can also be paired with any BDX riflescope to induce an illuminated holdover aiming point in BDX mode.
SPECS
Magnification: 5X
Deer Range: 600 yards
Max Reflective Range: 1,200 yards
Length: 3.9 inches
Weight: 5.3 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $245.99
Vortex markets its Impact 1000 as an “easy-to-use no-frills rangefinder” that includes features such as angle compensation and a maximum range of 1,000 yards (reflective target), with an economical price tag. The unit is compact and lightweight, runs on one CR2 battery and includes the Vortex VIP warranty.
SPECS
Magnification: 6X
Deer Range: 500 yards
Max Reflective Range: 1,000 yards
Length: 3.8 inches
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $269.99
The Prime 1300 includes an all-glass optical system that provides high light transmission and a bright, clear sight image. The unit uses ARC (Angle Range Compensation) Mode to measure distances accurately at any angle. While the Prime 1300 is slightly larger and heavier than similar models, it is priced well under $200.
SPECS
Magnification: 6X
Deer Range: 600 yards
Max Reflective Range: 1,300 yards
Length: 4.27 inches
Weight: 5.9 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $179.99
Medium-Range Rangefinders
This category includes units that measure distance effectively out to approximately 2,000 yards. Models in this group are compact, lightweight and include advanced technologies but have higher price tags. Rangefinders in this category are perfect for hunters and shooters looking to increase their shooting prowess.
Inspired by the well-known TV personality Jackie Bushman, the Buckmasters 1500 has an effective range (reflective) of 1,500 yards. When paired with the Buckmasters riflescope that features a custom Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, the unit can be operated in “Buckmasters Mode,” which includes eight preset ballistic groups to indicate the correct holdover dot to use.
SPECS
Magnification: 6X
Deer Range: 600 yards
Max Reflective Range: 1,500 yards
Length: 3.9 inches
Weight: 5.2 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: 152.99
The RX-1600I TBR/W utilizes Leupold’s True Ballistic Range technology that factors in angle compensation and ballistic inputs to deliver a precise distance reading. The unit features an armor-coated aluminum body to be durable in the field. The RX-1600I TBR/W has a maximum effective range of 1,600 yards on a reflective target and 1,000 yards on animal targets.
SPECS
Magnification: 6X
Deer Range: 1,000 yards
Max Reflective Range: 1,600 yards
Length: 3.8 inches
Weight: 7.5 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $399.99
The Rangemaster CRF 2400-R includes an updated LED display that adjusts automatically to ambient light to ensure target distance readability. Additionally, the unit uses 7X magnification with a wide field of view to make target acquisition easy, even at long distances. The Rangemaster CRF 2400-R measures both linear distance and horizontal distance accurately. It has a maximum range of 2,400 yards on reflective targets, which also gives it a higher price point.
SPECS
Magnification: 7X
Deer Range: NA
Max Reflective Range: 2,400 yards
Length: 4.5 inches
Weight: 6.5 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $550
Long-Range Rangefinders
This category of rangefinders includes advanced technology models with distance measurements of up to 8,000 yards on reflective targets. This group can range animal targets close to the distances of reflective targets in the first two groups. Models in the group will be matched with advanced users expecting to pay higher prices.
The RX-2800 TBR/W features 7X magnification and an easy-to-read OLED display. The unit utilizes Leupold’s True Ballistic Range technology that factors in angle compensation and ballistic inputs to deliver a precise distance reading out to 2,800 yards on reflective targets. The Alpha IQ engine allows quick reading on small targets. The RX-2800 TBR/W comes preloaded with 25 preset ballistic groups to match any cartridge selection precisely.
SPECS
Magnification: 7X
Deer Range: 1,800 yards
Max Reflective Range: 2,800 yards
Length: 4.3 inches
Weight: 7.9 ounces
Battery: CR123 (1)
MSRP: $599.99
The Razor HD 4000 utilizes an effective angle compensation engine to serve four targeting modes, including Normal Mode, First Mode, Last Mode and Extended Laser Range Mode, to measure distance out to 4,000 yards on reflective and 2,200 yards on animal targets. Like all their products, The razor HD 4000 includes the Vortex VIP warranty.
SPECS
Magnification: 7X
Deer Range: 2,200 yards
Max Reflective Range: 4,000 yards
Length: 4.4 inches
Weight: 9.9 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: 729.99
The new KILO8K-ABS is a 7X monocular that utilizes Sig Sauer’s BDX 2.0 technology. It has a maximum reflective target range of 8,000 yards. The unit comes equipped with Applied Ballistics Elite (BDX Elite) and fully supports BDX External (BDX-X) for connecting to external accessories such as Kestrel and Garmin wind measuring devices. Ranged targets can be set as remote waypoints when integrated with BaseMap. The new KILO8K-ABS can be paired and configured to work with all BDX products.
SPECS
Magnification: 7X
Deer Range: 2,000 yards
Max Reflective Range: 8,000 yards
Length: 4.4 inches
Weight: 7.5 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $1,791.99
Binoculars
Rangefinding binoculars combine two tools, bino and rangefinder, into one. The con is the rangefinder is bulkier and heavier. The advantages are that only one item needs to be taken into the field, and the units can be packed with technology. Rangefinding binos come in various levels, from entry to advanced, matching any user.
The Fusion X is an entry-level rangefinding bino that combines a 10X42mm bino with a ranging capability out to 1,760 yards on reflective targets. The bino incorporates Bushnell’s High-Definition Optical System to ensure optimum optical clarity. The Fusion X is economical, with a retail price of less than $700.
SPECS
Magnification: 10X
Deer Range: 700 yards
Max Reflective Range: 1,760 yards
Length: 7 inches
Weight: 35 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $699.99
The new 8x50 Rangeguide rangefinding bino couples a 50mm lens with GPObright technology for optimal light transmission. The bino is constructed with a magnesium body and rubber armor coating. It is capable of measuring a reflective target over 3,000 yards. As are all of their products, the Rangeguide is backed by GPO’s exclusive Spectacular Lifetime Warranty. The Rangeguide is also available in a 10x50 model.
SPECS
Magnification: 8X
Deer Range: 766 yards
Max Reflective Range: 3,062 yards
Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 25.2 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $1,869.99
The KILO10K-ABS HD is a 10x42 laser rangefinding binocular with Sig Sauer’s BDX 2.0 technology. It has an incredible maximum reflective target range of 10,000 yards. The bino comes equipped with Applied Ballistics Elite (BDX Elite) and fully supports BDX External (BDX-X) for connecting to external accessories such as Kestrel and Garmin wind measuring devices. Ranged targets can be set as remote waypoints when integrated with BaseMap. The new KILO8K-ABS can be paired and configured to work with all BDX products. Packed with technology, the KILO10K-ABS HD has a price tag of over $2,000.
SPECS
Magnification: 10X
Deer Range: 3,000 yards
Max Reflective Range: 10,000 yards
Length: 5.7 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
Battery: CR2 (1)
MSRP: $2382.99
