Rangefinder

Laser rangefinders for hunting. Why you need one and what to look for.

A rangefinder tells you exactly how far it is to the animal. It eliminates guesswork and makes your shot safer.

Most hunters misjudge distance. At 200 meters, an error of 50 meters can mean the difference between a clean hit and a miss. The rangefinder removes this source of error.

Laser rangefinders send an invisible laser beam and measure the time it takes to reflect back. Modern models are fast, accurate, and compact.

For hunting, you should choose a model that: Has a range of at least 800 meters (preferably 1000+). Has angle compensation (provides "ballistic distance" in steep terrain). Is compact and lightweight. Has fast response time (under 1 second).

Popular brands: Leica Rangemaster, Swarovski EL Range (combined binocular + rangefinder), Vortex Ranger, Sig Sauer Kilo. Prices range from 2,000 to 20,000 NOK.

Angle compensation is important in Norwegian terrain. When shooting uphill or downhill on a steep slope, the ballistic distance is shorter than the actual distance. A good rangefinder calculates this for you.

Usage: Measure distances to terrain features around your stand BEFORE the animal appears. When it does, you'll already have the distances ready and won't need to fumble with the rangefinder at a critical moment.