Are you looking for a great rangefinder for western hunting in preparation for an epic adventure? Your search has borne fruits. Today’s post highlights the best rangefinders for western hunting on the market.
A rangefinder is an indispensable tool to have for western hunting. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a beginner, a good rangefinder will not only provide better western hunting opportunities but also help you cover different ranges which enhances your hunting experience.
7 Best Rangefinders for Western Hunting
The best rangefinder for western hunting is one specially designed to offer easy target identification, long target range and accurate distance to your subjects when shooting in different terrains.
If you are looking for a rangefinder to take with you during your next western hunting trip, you are in the right place. Below, we have a list of the top-rated rangefinders suitable for western hunting and hunting in general. Let’s take a look.
1) Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Laser Rangefinder
This Sig Sauer Rangefinder is a perfect companion when out in the west hunting. It has a 7x fixed magnification that brings a distant game 7 times closer. As the best rangefinder for western hunting, Kilo 2200 BDX provides accurate range measurements and is capable of ranging up to 3,400 yards.
This handy hunting tool is very simple to use. It has a binocular style eyecup and diopter system for comfortable glassing and a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field.
Moreover, it boasts SpectraCoat anti-reflection coating that maximizes light transmission for great optical clarity from dawn to dusk. The outstanding low-light performance further augments BDX Laser rangefinder as the best rangefinder for western hunting.
The rangefinder is built ready for outdoor use. It has a compact magnesium housing that’s durable and impact-resistant. To add to that, it has weather-resistant housing so you can use it in adverse weather conditions.
The rangefinder also brings to the table an advanced OLED display that adjusts its display brightness depending on the lighting conditions.
Features
- Effective range: 3,400 yards
- Advanced OLED display
- Durable magnesium housing
- Weather-resistant
- Compact, lightweight and easy to carry
- 7x fixed magnification
- Binocular style eyecup and diopter system
- SpectraCoat anti-reflection coating
- Built-in BDX Ballistic Data Xchange
- User-friendly
2) Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W with DNA
The Leupold RX-1400i is your ideal choice if you are looking for a cost-effective rangefinder. It’s equipped with every feature that you need to make your western hunting trip a big success.
This feature-rich rangefinder is a force to be reckoned with and a top contender for the best rangefinder for western hunting. It offers fast distance measurement so you can engage your target immediately after they show up.
Featuring a Line-of-Sight mode, the rangefinder calculates the distance to a target in a horizontal line, regardless of whether it’s uphill or downhill. It also features a bright red display which provides brilliant sight pictures even in low light conditions and a scan mode that helps you keep track of the moving game with ease.
Another good thing that makes Leupold RX-1400i the best rangefinder for western hunting is its lightweight construction. It weighs just 5.1 ounces and comes with a rubber overlay with provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip even in the wettest conditions. More importantly, the rangefinder is waterproof and fog-resistant so you will be able to range objects in any weather condition.
Features
- Lightweight and portable design
- Durable rubber overlay
- Non-slip grip
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Bright red display
- Line of Sight mode
- Continuous scan
- Lightning-fast distance measurement
3) Bushnell 6x24mm Nitro 1800
Bushnell makes quality optical instruments and the Nitro 1800 rangefinder is no exception. It features a two-lens system that provides high-quality images and a powerful laser diode for longer and more accurate ranges.
As the best rangefinder for western hunting, Bushnell Nitro 1800 Laser rangefinder hosts outstanding features that will take your hunting and shooting to the next level.
This rangefinder is ideal for both close and long-range hunting. It has 6x magnification that brings the distant game closer and a wider field of view for easy target spotting. The fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission in poor light conditions to ensure that you don’t miss any detail.
The ARC technology accounts for terrain angle and gives you a true distance to a target that’s either uphill or downhill. Even better, the rangefinder comes with Applied Ballistics Ultralite technology that provides solutions up to 875 yards.
Weighing just 162g, the Nitro 1800 is lightweight and easy to carry from place to place. It has an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable and positive grasp even when your hands are wet or you are wearing gloves. Lastly, the rangefinder brings to the table a hydrophobic EXO coating on the exterior lens that repels water, oil, dust and debris.
Features
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight and portable
- EXO barrier coating
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 6x magnification
- Applied Ballistics Ultralite technology
- Two lens system
- Angle Range Compensation technology
- Durable aluminum construction
4) Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R Compact Laser Rangefinder
As the best rangefinder for western hunting, the Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R offers an effective measuring range from 10 yards to 2400 yards. It’s amazingly easy to operate and suitable for both beginners and professionals.
It measures distance extremely fast and captures the environment after every 0.3 seconds. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any detail. Better yet, the measured distance is displayed in decimal numbers for more accurate shooting at any distance.
The Red LED display has automatic brightness control and it provides clear and razor-sharp images even in poor lighting conditions. It gives you simple and reliable readings of the distance measured and the ballistic output values. Lastly, this lightweight rangefinder is protected from dust and water so it’s ideal for use in any weather condition.
Features
- AquaDura lens coating
- 10-2400 yards measuring range
- Extremely fast scan
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Red LED display with automatic brightness
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable aluminum construction
- 15mm eye relief
5) Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder
Next on our list is the Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser rangefinder. This rangefinder is made with hunters in mind. It offers a multitude of handy features so you will get the most out of your hunting trip.
It’s simple to operate, compact and ultralight for easy carrying in the field. The state-of-the-art construction and advanced optical system make Leupold RX-2800 stand out as the best rangefinder for western hunting.
The rangefinder features a fully multi-coated lens system that maximizes light transmission for brighter and vivid images even in low-light settings. It offers three different reticles and a high-contrast red LED display that provides clear sight pictures. It also brings to the table 7x magnification for zooming in distant targets.
Like any other Leupold optic, the RX-2800 boasts the legendary Leupold ruggedness. It’s built ready for every hunt and guaranteed to be fully waterproof.
Besides that, it comes with an Alpha IQ ranging engine which makes target acquisition a breeze and a shot angle compensation that gives you accurate horizontal range distance for targets on an elevated angle.
Features
- Fast accurate ranging up to 2800 yards
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- Alpha IQ ranging engine
- Shot angle compensation
- High-contrast red LED display
- A fully multi-coated lens system
- 7x fixed magnification
- Easy-grip rubber armor
- Quick set menu
- Scan mode
- Three selectable reticles
6) Nikon 6X 21mm Laser 50 Laser Rangefinder
Nikon has a long-standing reputation for making top-tier optics and the 6X 21mm Laser 50 Laser Rangefinder is no exception. This rangefinder has 2000 yards of effective range and an ergonomic design that makes it fit in your hand perfectly. It is also ultralight for easy carrying in the field.
With this rangefinder, you get to choose between two different target modes; first target priority and distant target priority. It also comes with an incline and decline technology that gives you the horizontal distance to targets even when you are ranging targets that are uphill or downhill.
When it comes to construction, the rangefinder is built with high-quality materials which make it sturdy and durable. It’s sealed with O-rings to prevent the entry of moisture and purged using nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging.
To top it all, it has a long eye relief that is perfect for eyeglass wearers. As the best rangefinder for western hunting, the Nikon 6X Laser rangefinder ranks atop other rangefinders as the most versatile tool for backcountry hunting.
Features
- Multilayer coatings on the lens
- Wide 7.5° eye relief
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Compact, lightweight and portable
- Tru-target technology
- Incline/Decline technology
- 2000-yard effective range
- 6x magnification
7) Gunwerks G7 BR2500 Ballistic Rangefinder
If you are looking to take your western hunting skills to the next big level, this powerful rangefinder from Gunwerks is your ideal companion. It has an effective range of 2500 yards which is sufficient for most hunters. It also comes with a powerful laser with a tighter beam divergence for a more accurate range.
The rangefinder has rugged weatherproof housing that makes it ideal for use in any weather condition. It has a lightweight design for easy portability and an adjustable eyecup that makes it eyeglass-friendly. Moreover, it offers a wide field of view for easy target identification and smooth tracking of fast-moving games.
Another good thing about this product is that it’s tripod mountable. It has a 1/4″-20 tripod mounting point that’s compatible with different tripods. And that’s not all.
It brings to the table improved ranging and targeting algorithms, 5 custom programmable profiles and an on-board ballistic solver that offers real-time compensation for wind, angle and temperature.
Features
- Rugged weatherproof housing
- 2,500 yards effective range
- Tighter beam divergence
- On-board ballistic solver
- 5 custom programmable profiles
- Improved ranging and targeting algorithms
- Lightweight design
- Tripod ready
- Wide field of view: 330ft@1000 yards
- Long 20mm eye relief
Read: Best Scopes for 400 Yards
How to Choose the Best Rangefinder for Western Hunting
These are some of the key points you should consider when shopping for the best rangefinder for western hunting.
Maximum Effective Distance
The rangefinder’s effective range is the primary factor you should consider. You can either choose a model that’s suited for short or long-range shooting. Anything less than 1000 yards is considered short-range and anything above that is long-range.
A general rule is to look for a rangefinder that offers double the range that you need. So, if you are hunting at 200 yards, a rangefinder rated at 500 yards will be sufficient.
Portability
Western hunting requires you to pack several multiple hunting gear. So, you need to get a rangefinder that’s compact for easy packability and lightweight for easy portability. Avoid any heavy and bulky rangefinders as they will make your hunting expedition cumbersome and less fulfilling.
Magnification
You’ll need to be able to zoom in on the distant targets for accurate target identification. While rangefinders have smaller magnification, that magnification is important for bringing distant objects closer.
Models with 5x to 7x optical power are sufficient for most hunting needs. They will help you get a better look at the target without becoming disoriented.
Durability
Hunting in the west predisposes your hunting rangefinder to different forms of abuse. A low-quality model with break down after a few hunting trips and have you back in the market looking for a replacement.
To avoid this, look for a rangefinder that’s made with superior craftsmanship. It should have rubber armor to cushion it from impact, falls and shock, and give you a secure grip in bad weather conditions. To add to that, make sure that the product you get is fully waterproof, fog-proof and dustproof as well.
Scan and Angle Compensation
A rangefinder for hunting must have a scan feature and an angle compensation mode. A scan updates you continuously when your subjects move from one place to the other. This will help you monitor its movement accurately for accurate shoot placement.
An angle compensation function comes in handy when you are shooting targets that are either uphill or downhill. The distance of a target that’s 500 yards away on a straight line will be different if it’s uphill or downhill. For instance, its true shooting distance at a 60-degree angle will be 210 yards and 130 yards at a 70-degree angle.
Price
How much you are willing to spend on a rangefinder dictates the model that you’ll buy. If you are looking to improve your hunting skills and get accurate ranges past 300 yards, go for a top-tier rangefinder. You will pay more but you will also get the most out of it.
On the other hand, if you are on a budget, the are tons of budget-friendly yet quality range finders to choose from. However, avoid the cheap rangefinders as they lack extended distance accuracies and durability.
Best Rangefinder for Western Hunting FAQs
Q: What is a Good Rangefinder for Western Hunting?
A good rangefinder for western hunting comes with a decent ranging capability that works well with your hunting needs. It’s lightweight for easy portability and has quality optics that provide brilliant and clear target views in different lighting conditions. It also comes with an angle compensation to eliminate guesswork and a continuous scan to help you monitor the moving game.
Q: Is A Rangefinder Necessary for Western Hunting?
Yes. If your western hunting involves shooting targets that are far away, you need a rangefinder to help you stay accurate on your subjects. A range finder will also help you improve your hunting skills.
Q: Are Cheap Rangefinders Accurate?
It depends. Some cheap rangefinders are accurate at different ranges while others lack extended distance accuracy. The accuracy shrinks as you get closer to the target and this can give you a false sense of confidence.
Conclusion
When used properly, a rangefinder will ensure that you make accurate shots of the game you pursue. It’s therefore important that you first practice with your rangefinder before you hit the hunting field. All the rangefinders listed above offer excellent performance and are perfect for every western hunter out there.