A rangefinder scope is a tool that shooters use to measure the shooter’s distance from the target that is being shot at. This can be a great benefit for shooters because it will give them a base understanding of whether or not they can hit the target. These scopes are typically equipped with a special reticle that enables you to administer your shot for varying distances.
Before the creation of the rangefinder scope, tracking the distance between the shooter and the target was a significant challenge. There really wasn’t a concrete way of telling how long that distance was, especially if it was long-range shooting. However, this new technology enables shooters to get a very detailed understanding of how far they are from the target.
If you enjoy shooting long-range and are interested in purchasing a rangefinding scope for your rifle then you are likely to be faced with many different choices of rangefinder scopes. This could be confusing if you don’t really know what to look for in a rangefinder scope. Spending some time with this guide will be a great way to set you off in the right direction so you can purchase the scope that best fits your needs.
Best Rangefinder Scopes
- ATN X-Sight HD 520
- Buris Eliminator III LaserScope
- Swarovski DS 5-25 Riflescope
- ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000
- Laserworks LE-032 Riflescope Mate Rangefinder
ATN X-Sight HD 520
This is a company that has made a name for themselves in the industry back in 1995, since then, they have brought in tons of happy customers. Now, they have some of the most innovative products in the market which enable shooters to hit targets with an increased level of accuracy.
If you really break it down, the ATN scope does not share all of the qualities of an optical scope. In fact, the thermal imaging offered by this scope uses high-tech electronics in order to gather infrared light which will ultimately process the digital signals that you can see through the eyepiece.
The way that the images are processed is through computer technology that is present in the scope. This will calculate a number of different things like distance to the target, bullet drop compensation, and other similar functions. Ultimately, this is an excellent scope that will absolutely enable you to have an increased level of accuracy when you are shooting.
Key Features
- 1090p HD video recording
- Usable during the day or the night
- Built-in electronic compass
- Multiple reticle types
- Gyroscopically steadied images for a crisp and clear picture
If you have an interest in getting a rangefinding scope that is packed with innovative technology and will stay intact through rough conditions then the ATN X-Sight is a great choice for you.
Buris Eliminator III LaserScope
The Buris Eliminator III is a great scope for shooters who are looking for a traditional glass scope. This scope also comes with a built-in laser that puts it in the rangefinder class. The Buris company has an excellent reputation as a scope building company. All of the great things that they have accomplished as scope builders have been brought together to create the Eliminator line, in addition to that, the Eliminator line comes with rangefinding lasers.
Something that makes the Eliminator stand out is the fact that its laser range finder system incorporates an auto trajectory compensation feature. In order to activate this, you push a button, this will bring an illuminated dot in the reticle that will bring you to your new aiming point. This takes away from the need to play around with the scope in order to change your aiming point.
Buris takes this a step further by offering shooters a mobile app that allows you to submit all of the information about your shooting habits. This will allow you to track your shooting compensation so you can track it over time. All in all, this is a scope that will not only enable you to shoot more accurately but allow you to track your progress over time.
Key Features
- A mobile app that allows you to track your shooting habits
- Auto point bullet drop compensation
- Capable of providing long-range visibility
- Quality construction that makes it durable in all conditions
The best thing about this scope is the fact that it has a combination of innovative features and a competitive price that makes it so it is widely affordable.
Swarovski DS 5-25 Riflescope
This scope is meant for those who are not too concerned with sticking to a tight budget. Additionally, this is a scope that is geared towards shooters who are shooting in extreme conditions. If you choose to use the Swarovski 5-25, you will experience some of the best clarity through an optical glass that is of the highest quality.
This high-quality optical glass combined with some of the most innovative technology will be an excellent asset to your shooting game. It is very hard to find a rangefinding scope that offers above-average performance with a glass of this caliber but that is exactly what you are going to get with the Swarovski DS 5-25.
Key Features
- The rangefinder works up to 1,500 yards
- LED illumination in the reticle
- Bluetooth connectivity
ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000
This product is a rangefinder but is actually not a scope or an optic. If you are looking to save a little bit of money and feel that you need a rangefinder then this is definitely the way to go. It mounts right on your rifle just like a scope would, but this isn’t going to give you the ability to see your target any better than you could with a naked eye.
In addition to making an attempt at saving some money, this is a great product for you if you currently have a scope on your rifle that does not offer rangefinding technologies. This is something that can ultimately be tedious due to the fact that they are different attachments, but this can beat spending a large sum of money on an entirely new rangefinding scope.
Key Features
- Easy to install and pair with other scopes
- Lightweight and comes with all necessary mounting parts
- Excellent range of up to 1,500 yards
Laserworks LE-032 Riflescope Mate Rangefinder
This rangefinder has the ability to mount to either the top or the side of the front rings on your scope mounts. The great thing about this is that in order to mount it, you are not going to need any additional mounting rings.
It is certainly an advantage to be able to mount this rangefinder right on a scope that you already own. There are readouts within this range that are very clear which makes it nice and easy to locate the target. With the easy ability to find the range information comes an increased speed for making compensations within your scope. Overall, this is going to speed up your target acquisition so that you can accurately shoot your targets in a relatively fast manner.
Key Features
- Fast and accurate
- Lightweight makeup
- Durable in any condition
- Easy to use
How do Rangefinders Work?
There are some defining qualities that make the rangefinder scope different from other kinds of scopes. This quality would be the laser that is built into the housing of the scope. This laser will fire pulsed laser bursts in the direction of the target which will then bounce back to a sensor on the scope. This will allow the scope to determine the length between the shooter and the target.
This sounds like it is a very simple method, but this is actually an insane innovation that took the market. In order for the scope to be able to figure this out, there needs to be a laser and a sensor that is sensitive enough to be able to see the laser, even if is it in broad daylight. The part of this that is arguably the most remarkable is the fact that they were able to make this all fit into an average-sized scope.
Getting your hands on this kind of scope will be a great benefit to your long-range shooting effectiveness. The innovation that was required to create this tool is nothing short of astonishing. It is safe to say that you are doing a disservice to your long-range shooting game if you are not interested in getting your hands on a rangefinder scope.
Parting Thoughts
Adding a rangefinder to your rifle is going to be an asset to your shooting game. This is because you will be able to effectively see your targets and allow you to understand the distance between you and the target. The way this works is through offering a special reticle that communicates with sensors which in turn calculates the overall distance.
If you are looking to purchase a rangefinding scope for your rifle then going with any of these that are reviewed above will be a great benefit to your shooting game. If you are an advanced shooter then you may want to look towards some of the more expensive scopes as they will offer more for you to utilize while shooting. If you are just starting out or are only using this for a hobby then you may be able to get away with one of the cheaper scopes without seeing much of a difference.
Getting the most features at the best price would be the best-case scenario for you, this would lead you towards the ATN X-Sight. It provides some of the more innovative technologies in this sector and will not break the bank. Overall, the scopes that are reviewed above are some of the best rangefinder scopes that are available to civilians.
