Scopes with built-in range finder

[C-dub]

I don't really need one, but I think I might want one. It occurred to me this morning that something like this, for hunting would be a useful combination. Any of you hunters use anything like this? Anyone try one? What are your thoughts?

[WildBill]

I don't really need one, but I think I might want one. It occurred to me this morning that something like this, for hunting would be a useful combination. Any of you hunters use anything like this? Anyone try one? What are your thoughts?

I am not a hunter, have never used one or bought one, but I have some thoughts. [Surprise, surprise]

There are many scopes that have reticles to compensate for bullet drop at certain ranges, but they do not actually measure range. These scopes require the shooter to estimated a range to compensate for bullet drop.

A high-quality scope with a built-in rangefinders are expensive, around $800+. If you have more than one rifle that you use for long distance hunting, I would think it would make sense to buy a seperate rangefinder that you could use with any of your scoped rifles. That way you could buy higher quality optics for your other rifles.

[Chemist45]

This is interesting:
http://www.burrisoptics.com/laserscope.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not only does it have a range finder built in, but it also has a ballistic computer built-in, will calculate bullet drop and will show you the point of impact.
Not cheap though - $950 - $1000

[C-dub]

This is interesting:
http://www.burrisoptics.com/laserscope.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not only does it have a range finder built in, but it also has a ballistic computer built-in, will calculate bullet drop and will show you the point of impact.
Not cheap though - $950 - $1000

That one is too cool. I did not see that one this morning when I had the thought and looked around a little. The few that I did find were a minimum of $700 and change. For one with a built in computer I'd pay the extra $$. Now, do I really want one. Hmmm. I'm already saving up my pennies for that Benelli M2 3-gun shotgun. I might as well start up another jar for this. I bookmarked that page so I can find it later.

[Longshot38]

It is like this. Batteries die, electronics fail, and all at the worst possible time. Why would anyone want to depend on such when hunting? The best thing one can do for this type of function is have a scope with a ranging type reticle in the FFP and a separate LRF device. Reason being if the LRF device fails you still have a perfectly functional scope a range finding device. All you have to do from here is know you ballistics.

One more thing. When speaking of quality optics nothing is cheap. One SHOULD be spending at least twice what his/her rifle cost on optics. It is not a waste of money, rather a investment that will last you a lifetime.

[Rex B]

This is interesting:
http://www.burrisoptics.com/laserscope.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not only does it have a range finder built in, but it also has a ballistic computer built-in, will calculate bullet drop and will show you the point of impact.
Not cheap though - $950 - $1000

National Rifleman just did a review of that scope. Pretty interesting

[03Lightningrocks]

Unless you are taking 1000 yard shots, having a scope with a range finder is cool, but not necessarily an advantage. I sight my 25.06 in at a 200 yard zero and am pretty much covered out to the max distance I would shoot anyway. Of coarse the load I work up can change this. Most of the places I have hunted around Texas rarely present a shot of more than 400 yards and usually fall well withing 300 yards. If I am shooting at 400 yards, I just hold about three to five inches high and the bullet drops around 15 inches or so. Well within the "paper plate sized" kill zone.

If I were shooting at longer ranges, I would simply change up the caliber of gun to achieve the flattest trajectory and performance out to the furthest distance I would be shooting. The game I am after affects my choice of caliber as well.

An easy way to get around all this is to purchase a dedicated range finder and when you arrive at your shooting location, range out a few trees, rocks or any other item you can see in the distance. Then you will know approximate distance no matter where the animal pops up.

Range finders on the scope sounds like another way I can screw myself up messing around with stuff while a deer walks off into the tree line.

[Beiruty]

0-300 yrds no need for computer. Just good optics, like Bushnell Elite serious or Leupold VX series. Cost would be $700+ worth the money.

However, just for the sake of coolness, I want a Burris Eliminator 3.

[WildBill]

0-300 yrds no need for computer.

Some people would say 0-300 yds no need for scope. Iron sights will do just fine.

[C-dub]

0-300 yrds no need for computer.

Some people would say 0-300 yds no need for scope. Iron sights will do just fine.

I'll be trying that out over the next couple of trips out to the range. After reading about the .223 ballistics and finding a couple of graphs posted on our forum by TAM I have a better understanding of the bullet's trajectory and my findings at the range this past Saturday. I can't foresee that I will be doing any shooting beyond 200-300 yards anyway and therefore I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I might not need a scope at all.

Still, I'm kinda with Beiruty that I might need that thing just for the cool factor. Of course, the problem then becomes ... what do I put it on?

[WildBill]

0-300 yrds no need for computer.

Some people would say 0-300 yds no need for scope. Iron sights will do just fine.

I'll be trying that out over the next couple of trips out to the range. After reading about the .223 ballistics and finding a couple of graphs posted on our forum by TAM I have a better understanding of the bullet's trajectory and my findings at the range this past Saturday. I can't foresee that I will be doing any shooting beyond 200-300 yards anyway and therefore I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I might not need a scope at all.

Still, I'm kinda with Beiruty that I might need that thing just for the cool factor. Of course, the problem then becomes ... what do I put it on?

As I get older, my eyes are getting worse, but I still like cool.

[03Lightningrocks]

I cannot begin to describe how impressed I am that you fellers can see anything 300 yards away... Much less shoot at it with no scope.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

I would rather have a quality range finder that I can use with all of my rifles and know my dope.