How To Use A Rangefinder Scope
Shooting is an amazing sport that can be used in a variety of different ways from competition shooting, to self defense, to hunting. But like any other hobby or skill, you are not born knowing how to use your tools. One of the most common shooting tools that you will need to learn to use is your scope.
One specific type of scope is a rangefinder scope. These scopes aren’t quite the same as your average scope. Today we are going to take a look at rangefinder scopes.
Image by Vitaly V. Kuzmin | CC BY-SA 4.0
What Is A Rangefinder Scope?
Instead of rezeroing your scope to different distances, there is a better option to bring out with you. This is a rangefinder scope. The scope is designed with a special reticle that allows you to adjust your shot for various distances. If you have been shooting for a while you may have seen one before and just not known what it was.
The outside of a rangefinding scope is very similar to that of a traditional scope. The only major difference is the reticle on the inside. On the lower line of the reticle will be a set of markings, usually lines or dots. These markings are indicators for shooting at different distances.
A rangefinder scope isn’t that uncommon, many brands make them. One thing to note is that there can be some variation in the exact design of the rangefinding scope. Some brands will use different types of markings, different distances, and/or play with size and color in the reticle.
How To Use A Rangefinder Scope?
You remember how we mentioned that the reticle is designed differently on a rangefinder scope? Those markings each correspond to different distances. However, a rangefinder will only work once it is set up like a regular scope. Let’s take a look at the step by step guide on how to use a rangefinder scope.
Step One: Zero in Your Scope
The range markings on your scope will only be as good as the original zeroing of your scope. There are a couple of ways that you can zero in a rifle. One of the most common methods for zeroing in your rifle is to take sets of three shots at a target, measure the distance from the bullseye to the shots, and then adjust your scope. Repeat this until you are consistently on target.
A more modern method of zeroing your scope involves using a bore sight and aiming it down range. You slowly adjust your scope until it is inline with the dot from your laser. After the two match you take a few shots to ensure that the zeroing is matched.
Step Two: Calculate The Distance
Using your best guess of the height of your target, put it up against the measurements on your scope. Each scope has the potential to be set up differently. For today we are going to assume that your scope is setup for deer chest measurements.
In deer chest measurements the measurement marks are designed to represent the average chest size of a deer. The closer a deer is, the more measurement lines the deer’s chest takes up. Typically a deer that takes up 2 ½ lines or markings is about 200 yards away.
Step Three: Line Up Your Scope Reticle
From there all you need to do is take the scope and set your reticle on your target. Raise the reticle up so that you are on the appropriate distance marker on your scope. The appropriate marker will depend on your rifle and what you have your scope zeroed at.
It helps to practice this with a full size deer target if you have the ability to.
Pros and Cons of A Rangefinder Scope
The idea of a rangefinder scope probably sounds nice and it is. That doesn’t mean that these scopes are perfect. As you learn to use a rangefinder scope you will learn that they have both their pros and cons. Let’s examine these briefly so that you can go in well informed.
Pros of a Rangefinder Scope
- Distance can be easier to account for - For the most part, when you use a rangefinder scope distance can be easier to account for. Simple dots make for a simple calculation mechanism.
- Wind compensation - Some scopes that offer a rangefinder reticle also offer markings to accommodate for the wind. For shooters that are shooting at close distances or indoors you might not need this but the further out you shoot, the more the wind can affect your shot.
- Easy to see reticle - Most rangefinders sport one of the easiest to see reticles on the market. The lines are thicker to set them apart from the other markings on the scope. This can sometimes get annoying for shooters who feel that it blocks too much of their view.
- Easier to use the more experience you get - The more that you use your rangefinder scope, the easier it becomes to do all of the calculations and to find the right spot on the scope to aim with. It may come off as difficult at first but give it time and you will master it quickly.
- Different options available - Different options are available for different measurement methods. We mentioned deer chest height as the example in this article but there are also minute of angle (MOA) measurements and bullet drop compensation rangefinding scopes available. Pick the option that will work right for your situation. Cost is also quite variable so you can often find one within your price range.
Cons of a Rangefinder Scope
- Calculations Required - A number of calculations are required to use the more complex rangefinder scopes. Wind compensation also requires a formula.
- Accuracy of numbers affects the result - When shooting at distance small numbers can have a big affect on the impact of the shot. Knowing specifics such as the wind speed and direction accurately can make the difference between a hit and a miss.
- Small changes can make big differences - accidentally bumping your scope can have an impact on the ability to perform range finding at a distance.
- Electronic rangefinders are available - Now a days you can get rifle scopes with built in electronic range finders. These use lasers to measure the distance to the target. While not always 100% accurate, they are far better than eyeballing distance with a rangefinder scope.
Shooting can be quite fun. Having the right tools is only part of the battle though. Knowing how to use them is the other part. With this article you can start to understand the basics of using a rangefinder scope. Consulting your manual and taking your rifle out to practice will be the best ways to master your specific scope.
- Sherman
- Updated on July 19, 2020