Best Rangefinder Scope For Your Rifle; Guaranteed Successful Shooting

A scope for your rifle is essential to hitting your target, but have you considered adding the best rangefinder scope for your rifle? There are many on the market to choose from, which makes picking the best one to mount on your rifle all the more difficult.

Keep in mind, the rangefinder isn’t a separate device that’s sold separately. The rangefinder should be part of the scope’s specs and should be exclusively included with the scope as part of its many features (like having a laser sight and whatnot). Read on for our list of the best rangefinder scope available to buy today… 

The 8 Best Rangefinder Scopes For Your Rifle 

1

Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope, 4-12x 42mm

#1 Scope with Rangefinder: The laser rangefinder of the Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope, 4-12x 42mm with coated multi-optics and magnesium body gives you quite the edge in finding your range when shooting game from far away. It also gives you a good idea of your abilities and limits. The rangefinder indicates the ranges you shoot at in objective numerical values. Therefore, the more you use it, the more aware you are of what distance you shoot at best.

It could be a 100 yards or 500 yards. Maybe you’re even a good enough marksman to shoot at 1,000 yards with all the requisite windage, elevation, and MOA adjustments you need to make. Long story short, the rangefinder is quite handy at analyzing how good you are at certain ranges, so if it’s a range that’s out of your league or you’re not good at, you can stay away from it. That’s what Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope brings to the table, plus it has scan and standard modes to boot! 

2

Nikon M-223 2.5-10×40 Riflescope with Laser IRT Rangefinder

and BDC 600 Reticle

This is another laser rangefinder riflescope that’s a great buy if only because every spec and feature that the Nikon M-223 2.5-10×40 Riflescope has is present to further ensure optimum usage of the Laser IRT. The rangefinder of Nikon is calibrated to yardage, so if you’re comfortable with that unit of measure, then Nikon M-223 is for you. It also features monarch-quality glass and a great laser range.

It’s one of the most accurate riflescopes you’ll ever get because of the perfect laser beam rangefinder and laser rangefinder tandem that’s further bolstered by accuracy-improving specs like the smooth zoom transition, the BDC 600 reticle that’s developed specifically for the 55-grain polymer tip bullet (at approximately 3240 FPS) and the trajectory of the .223 Rem 5.56 NATO round, and its low-profile mounting system that secures your scope on the rifle tightly. What’s not to like about Nikon?

3

Burris 4-16×50 Eliminator III Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope

The great thing about Burris that sets it apart from its fellow laser-equipped rangefinder scopes like Nikon M-223 and Bushnell Laser Rangefinder is its auto aimpoint feature that you can’t find in any other rangefinder scope out there. The Burrs scope and its Eliminator III Laser Rangefinder do work in tandem in order to ensure superb accuracy every time. This cooperative means of riflescope shooting is made more effective by auto aimpoint.

Essentially, Eliminator’s auto aimpoint calculation that’s based upon range (plus its X96 reticle that determines wind hold-off) gives you a more accurate (down to the last digit) assessment of how far away a given target is, thus the scope actually assists you in making a better shot rather than depending on your marksman skills to improve your accuracy. It’s a unique feature that makes the task of judging distance a lot easier than with other so-called precision rangefinder devices.

4

ANS Optical 3-9x50EGB Hunting Tactical Riflescope

Rangefinder w/Pair Mount

The ANS Optical 3-9x50EGB Triple Duty Illuminated Shortscope Hunting Tactical Riflescope Rangefinder with Pair Mount has quite a lot of specs to spare, if its full title is anything to go by. It’s an illuminated hunting tactical riflescope with 3x to 9x (normal) magnification that covers all your long-range hunting needs so you won’t have to deal with parallax and smaller exit pupil when everything is said and done.

What’s more, the rangefinder is designed right into the scope, so you have easy access of it because it’s been developed in such a way that the rangefinder and the riflescope has become one device. The great thing about laser-type rangefinders like this one is the easiness of deciphering them, especially when compared to reticle rangefinders. This is one of the most readable rangefinder scopes you can ever get your hands on, making it a worthwhile companion while hunting small game or target practice. 

5

Bushnell Yardage 4-12x42mm Pro Riflescope with Laser Rangefinder

This riflescope and rangefinder in one is able to separate itself from the rest of the rangefinder scopes with decent to premium specs like its 4x to 12x magnification (even better than the one offered by the ANS Optical Hunting Tactical Riflescope, although ANS has the better objective lens size) and a 42-millimeter objective lens. It has additional specs not found in other scopes like its propriety bullet-drop compensator.

You can now shoot with flawless and lethal precision with the Yardage 4–12x 42mm Pro Riflescope thanks to its laser rangefinder that has a display of the exact distance of your target (right down to the last digit) plus a bullet-drop turret that eliminates the tediousness and accuracy-diminishing task of holdover guesswork. Everything has a gauge and a measure, thus you have better control of everything and know when and how to make the perfect shot in light of all that info that’s available at the push of a button.

6

Ledsniper HOT Scope 3-9×32 EG Riflescope Illuminated Rangefinder

The Ledsniper HOT Scope 3-9×32 EG Riflescope Red and Green Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle Shotgun Air Hunting Rifle Scope has quite a lot of applications, plus it even comes with a one-year warranty to boot. That means it’s not only filled to the brim with quality specs that make it more than just your ordinary rangefinder scope; you can also get it replaced within 12 months in case it malfunctions within that time.

The Ledsniper HOT Scope (with decent 3x to 9x magnification, although it has a smaller 32-millimeter objective lens) is a gift that keeps on giving. It has a tactical rangefinder reticle, which might be confusing to novices but brings its price point down by leaps and bounds compared to its laser counterparts. It also has a wide field of view, matte black finish, ensured shockproof body, and precision engineering on its illuminated rangefinder that allows it to work together with your HOT scope to deliver higher hit percentages, accuracy, and shooting speed.

7

Monstrum Tactical 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope with Illuminated

Range Finder Reticle and High Profile Scope Rings

The Monstrum Tactical 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope is another reticle-based rangefinder scope. If you wish to have a rangefinder that’s more cost-effective and affordable than the easier-to-use but exorbitantly expensive laser rangefinder, then the one offered by Monstrum is a good pick. You can target various game and targets at 300 yards and beyond with this particular scope, plus the illumination of the reticle is perfectly adjustable. 

You can also adjust the objective lens so that you can get a sharper focus on whatever it is you’re targeting. At higher magnifications, you’ll have to deal with parallax. It’s not as bad with 500-yarder long-range scopes that go beyond the 9x limit, but parallax sometimes happens at 9x as well, so it’s quite handy to have. The markings of your reticle rangefinder should serve as your main means of estimating range and bullet drop compensation, plus this rangefinder type is more durable than the average laser rangefinder.

8

Ultimate Arms Gear 10-40X50 Dual Red & Green Illuminated

Tactical AOE Rangefinder Rifle Hunting Sniper Scope

The main claim to fame that the Ultimate Arms Gear scope has over the likes of Monstrum and Ledsniper is its better specs. It features higher magnification levels of 10x to 40x plus it has a bigger 50-millimeter objective lens to compensate for its long-range zooming capabilities that reduce light transmission the higher to goes. Ergo, it’s a scope reserved for the experienced marksman.

This is because a long-range scope usually faces more recurring parallax issues and expert windage and elevation adjustments. Of course, it helps a lot that it has an Illuminated Tactical AOE Rangefinder. No, it’s not better than a laser rangefinder and some hunters might feel like at that high a magnification, it should have a laser rangefinder rather than a reticle rangefinder.

Advantages of Rifle Scope With Built-In Rangefinder

All-in-one Scope

Why waste time buying a separate rangefinder and rifle scope when you can get the same features in one single device? Having a separate rangefinder means that you have to give extra attention to the rangefinder when shooting.

When you have both the rangefinder and scope in one device, your attention will not be drawn away from your gun and from the target. This provides you with a much quicker shot as your target moves.

Improvement of Accuracy

A rifle scope shows some dots and lines, and the shooter needs to calculate these items manually. However, this can take up quite a bit of time for an inexperienced hunter, and can often result in them losing the target.

A rifle scope which has a built-in rangefinder scope also has lines to measure the distance. However, the built-in rangefinder will use laser technology to measure the distance of the target and will show you this very quickly. This means that you don’t need to calculate the distance of the target if you have a rangefinder built-in to your rifle scope.

Adequate Field of View

In order for you to get a wider field of view, you should opt for a rangefinder scope for your rifle. Having a powerful lens does not mean that the object will show up larger on the screen. This is FOV degree which provides the shooter with a wider image of the object at an increasing rate.

Exit Pupil

You will struggle if you wish to find a rifle scope which has exit pupil on it. This feature is an exclusive feature of rangefinders that work well in mounting or in other areas of hunting.

When you are using a rifle scope alone, you will not get an accurate exit pupil. The magnification rate and the diameter of the lens will affect the exit pupil. Only very experienced hunter and shooters can deal with these kinds of measurements and information.

Parallax Adjustment

Parallax is what occurs when the reticle will not focus on a fixed target. This tends to be the biggest issue that inexperienced shooters have when using a rifle scope. Ordinarily, the parallax problem doesn’t occur when the target is within 100-150 feet in distance.

A rangefinder won’t completely diminish the parallax issue on a scope. However, it can help you to adjust the parallax in different ways such as at the objective or at the ocular bell.

Windage and Elevation Settings

Elevation and windage settings are important for preventing any unusual movements. If you do not want unwanted movements, you will need to fix mil-radian based increments using screws or a coin.

Usually, the older scopes need screws or a coin in order to set the increments. However, many modern scopes are harder to adjust, yet they still experience unwanted movements. A rifle scope with a built-in rangefinder, however, uses a dial for ease of use and it is very easy to adjust which is a big advantage to hunters.

Limitations of Rifle Scope With Built-In Rangefinder

Fairly Large

Scopes are usually found in different sizes and diameters and you would choose the desired model for your personal preference. However, a rangefinder scope that is an all-in-one scope and rangefinder is usually fairly larger than a regular scope.

A larger scope means that you will need a larger box to carry the equipment around with you, and you would need to take extra care in order to walk and hold the rifle at the same time. This can prove to be difficult with faster moving targets.

Bulky and Heavy

Rangefinder scope for rifles can be bulky and heavy, and this can be a disadvantage for the user. Expert hunters and shooters tend to recommend buying lighter scopes for rifles. If you plan on purchasing a scope with a built-in rangefinder, you will need to have more power to carry it and a bigger container to store it in.

Limited LRF Power

Most rangefinders provide a good Low-Resolution Fox (LRF) for hunters. This makes the low distance target more attractive than with other devices and so this makes it more comfortable to focus on it.

However, scopes that have a built-in rangefinder do not offer very high LRF power to the scope. The power tends to be pretty limited and so you will not get the same experience that you would with a separate rangefinder.

Fairly Expensive

If you are planning on purchasing a rangefinder scope in order to save money then think again. Rangefinders that are built into scopes tend to work out more expensive than buying a scope or rangefinder on its own.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea for new hunters to start off with a separate rangefinder and scope, as a scope with a built-in rangefinder is a big investment.

Rangefinder Scope: Buying Guide

Size

Lens caps are not necessarily a mandatory accessory for your scope, however, they certainly do add a great deal of value to them. One of the major functions of a lens cap is to protect the lens from dirt. It can also prevent the lens from becoming scratched or damaged, which can impact the performance of the lens as well as the visibility by a significant amount. Lens caps are usually around two inches thick and can even also provide a measure of shade in certain conditions. 

Size is basically what determines the clarity, brightness, and magnification of your scope. The larger the magnification size, the harder the scope will be to use in lower lighting conditions. It will require more advanced coatings and a larger objective to be usable. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a larger lens will lead to more magnification. This is not always true, however, a thicker lens will be needed to get more magnification and to maintain the clarity that is needed to see the target properly. 

And that’s not all

The size of the objective lens is a very important specification to consider when purchasing a rangefinder scope. The larger the objective lens, the brighter the device will be. Many people believe that a larger lens will help with magnification, but this is not quite true. A larger objective lens controls and increases the amount of light that can get into the device.

If there is too much light or glare, this can be distracting for the shooter and can result in you losing focus on the target in question. Too much light and glare can also lower your level of accuracy. 

Materials

The types of materials that have been used to build your scope will determine how long it will last, and if you will get the best out of its features. Most are built with a very bright lens and a stainless heavy barrel. This gives it enough magnification and clarity. Others are sometimes made from materials that cannot withstand heavy recoils. Stainless steel is very strong and highly durable and so can withstand the conditions of heavy wear. This means that stainless steel is a very good choice of material for a rangefinder scope. 

It is important to consider this criterion as it will allow you to predict whether or not you can adjust the elevation or if you can get a precise per click windage. The materials used to build your rangefinder scope should give you the clarity, magnification, precision, and high-quality performance that you’re looking for. It would be very disappointing to purchase a scope and then find that shortly afterward it stops working due to wear and tear. 

You also need to consider this

An emerald coating can be placed across the lens which acts as an anti-reflective property. This coating on the lens reduces reflection by preventing any glare from natural or artificial lighting from disturbing your view of a particular target. Both the front and rear sides of the lens can be covered in this material and this results in a much clearer view. This is an ideal option for those who operate in conditions where there is a lot of light.

Advanced Features

Some scopes may offer illumination memory, which allows you to go back to the last illumination settings. They also may have a dual-color mode, and a 36-color mode and these can accommodate all different types of lighting and weather conditions. Some other scopes can be adjusted to fit the range and these scopes come complete with Weaver rings. The scope may also have a flip-open lens cap or a sunshade. 

A reticle will allow you to range in and adjust the holdover without the use of any elevation knobs. Certain reticles are designed for particular calibers and loads. This makes things easier. Reticles are a very important feature as they have an effect on the overall performance of the device. 

A lot of rangefinder scopes will not be able to function properly without a power source. They will often come with lithium-powered batteries. Some of these have low capacity and others have the capacity to work for long hours. The size of the battery on your scope is an essential thing to consider before purchasing. Most hunters will seek out batteries that work for longer hours as the majority of hunters tend to be on the hunt for a lengthy amount of time and so will need a scope that continues to work for the full amount of time that they are out hunting. 

Style

The style of your scope should reflect your own personality. Most rings come in different weaver styles and Picatinny rails. Some others have different patterns and colors available. The optic lens will also have a variety of styles for you to choose form. As well as suiting your own personality, the styles of your scope should also match its intended purpose. It is important to match the style and functions of your new scope to the rifle that you are buying it for. 

Another essential factor when choosing the best scope for you is the precision and accuracy of it. Most scopes will have zero lockings and zero resetting target turrets, and this allows for high precision.There are some factors which can throw off the zero lock, for example, a change in ammunition. Some special lens materials, such as the emerald coating, can help make sure the scope is able to achieve the maximum light transmitting, which then enhances the clarity.

Before you decide to purchase a scope, try to sight with the lens. Attach it to your rifle and then aim at a target and see how well you can spot it. You can also try shooting the target from a pace of at least 100 yards. This will help to ensure that you can check if you can aim well or not with this particular scope and lens. A scope that can hold zero lock when magnified and is able to recalibrate based on the ammunition that you are using is the ideal choice. 

Adjustability

A very important factor to consider is the ability of the scope to adjust in any conditions to any range. Depending on the external environment that you are in, you may not always be able to take a target that is at close range. You want to be sure that the accuracy of the scope can be maintained as the magnification increases. An alteration of anything as little as two to four inches can be the determining factor as to whether or not you hit the target. 

Certain products will have parallax adjustability from five yards all the way to infinity. The capacity to also adjust the windage and elevation is also a factor that is worth checking before you decide to make your purchase. This is a usual feature for when you are tracking a moving target. Your scope will need to be just as versatile and should have the same range of maneuverability as the target that you are scoping out. 

And that’s not all

All of the above mentioned features should also be able to function in all kinds of weather conditions. This is why the majority of scopes are made with an illumination enhancing system with a dual-color mode – for accommodating poor lighting and harsh conditions due to the weather. It is not always possible to control the conditions in which you will be shooting in and so you scope and the rest of your gear should be fully equipped for any of the situations that you may be likely to face when in the field. 

Pay Attention to The Specifications of the Scope

The specifications of a rangefinder scope will determine the performance and quality of it. When you are looking to select the best scope for you, you should look out for some specific qualities. These are as follows:

Magnification

The magnification of the scope will determine whether or not it will have high clarity at longer distances and will also determine if you are able to adjust it under lighting conditions that are poor. The majority of scopes come in a variety of magnification sizes, and this depends on the brand and maker of the scope.

They will generally have a ring which allows for adjustments to be made. Although it is very interesting to have different magnification sizes, it is also very important to be careful when you are changing it. Most scopes are only fully accurate at the magnification that they are factory set in. 

Eye Relief

Certain scopes may not have parallax focus and adjustability. When this is the case, it is important that the eye relief on these scopes is adjustable. Eye relief is essential for accuracy and precision and so it should be easily focusable. 

Field of View

Another important specification that you should check before buying a rangefinder scope is the field of view. You want to be able to find your target no matter whereabouts you are positioned in comparison to it. This should be the case every time you look through your scope. The field of view is usually inversely proportional to the size of the magnification. This means that the more the magnification, the less the field of view. 

Reticles

A reticle allows you to range in your scope and to adjust the holdover without needing to use elevation knobs. Some reticles are designed for specific loads and calibers to make things easier. Reticles that exist on a scope are an important specification to consider when looking to buy a rangefinder scope. 

Battery

The majority of scopes cannot function without the use of some kind of power source. The majority of scopes will come with a lithium powered battery. Some of these have low capacity while others have the capacity to work for long hours. The size of the battery is an essential thing to consider before choosing the right rangefinder scope for you. 

Other Factors to Consider

Features

It is very important to consider the features of a scope before you choose to purchase one. Most people will make the mistake of choosing a scope which is far too powerful for what they need it for. One of the most important features to look for is the type of glass that is used in the objective lens. If the glass is not shiny enough then this will make it rather difficult to view the target. 

It is also very important to get rings which will make it easy and possible to mount the device at a low level. Many people will make this costly mistake and so it is an important one to consider. Quality control varies between different companies, however, one fact that is true is that no single one is perfect.

There are times when a customer will receive a product that begins to malfunction shortly after a period of use and this is usually due to poor workmanship. It could be the case that some hardware is faulty. With these kinds of products, you want it to be functional at an optimal level. This is why some suppliers will provide you with a lifetime warranty. This allows the customer to have their product fixed or replaces if it becomes faulty due to low-quality control from the manufacturer. This gives the buyer peace of mind when making their purchase. 

More info you need

Many manufacturers will offer both retail and wholesale options and because of this, their products will usually have some warnings attached to them such as the place of purchase. This ensures that the customer receives a high-quality and authentic item and not any counterfeit designs which may offer a lower cost but will, in turn, be developed from much lower-quality materials.

Ensuring that you buy an authentic scope will add value to you as the consumer and placing a warning on their products protects the reputation of the brand. Both parties benefit from this care that is taken. 

Shock Absorption

There is a great deal of force when operating a high-powered weapon and there is a high level of impact when they are operated. The more powerful the device is, the greater the shock and force of the impact when they are used. It is very important for the manufacturer to account for that shock when developing a good scope and shock can throw off your aim and decrease your accuracy. 

If your rifle has rapid-fire then it is good practice to ensure that it is shockproof. Another key factor to look out for is the eye relief as good eye relief will ensure that you don’t lose sight of your target and will also ensure that you maintain a high range of view.

More features to consider

Once you have this feature and it is working well, you will surely notice that even a high recoil won’t really affect the performance of the product. 

The platform that your scope is built onto is another factor which dictates its ability to handle the power and recoil of your gun. True strength platforms are ones which have been specifically created with a high level of tolerance. It has been tested and shown to be able to withstand the power of up to a 40mm lens comfortably. This is more than the average. 

Water Resistance

Water-resistance should be taken very seriously. The ability of a scope to resist water is vital, especially if you love the outdoors during the wetter seasons. It will be a huge mistake to choose a scope which is not water-resistant as you will end up with a leaky and wet scope every time it is exposed to water. 

This is where it is important to check the materials that have been used to build your rangefinder scope. To be absolutely certain, check the types of materials used and then do a simple wet test to be sure. 

Compatibility

The compatibility of your rangefinder scope with your rifle is essential to ensure that it functions properly. Depending on what you use your rifle for, the scope should be able to fit perfectly with the rifle type and the usage. Other than this, the platform and caliber of the rifle which you are using are also things that you should consider.

For example, if you use dedicated extreme range calibers then the most compatible scopes for these are some of the most powerful ones you can get. When considering the compatibility of a scope to your rifle, you should focus on whether the scope is the right fit for your intended use, your style, and your rifle. 

Durability

A vital piece of information that you should know is whether the scope that you are purchasing will last longer under extreme conditions. The durability of a scope depends upon the types of materials that have been used to make it. The scope should also be portable for ease of use, although many scopes are made up of heavy materials which are durable.

Conclusion

You can have laser beam rangefinders for the expensive variety or reticle-type rangefinders to buffer cost. If you want the easier-to-use lasers, then prepare your wallets. This is going to get expensive. After you’ve set your budget, then find out how the distance is being measured. Is it estimated or digitally calculated (a la the Burris auto aimpoint feature)? In conclusion, let your needs and your cash dictate what level of rangefinder you should get.

We hope that this article has been helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about a rangefinder scope. What are your thoughts on our rangefinder scope list and buying tips? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Please leave us a comment in the comments section below this article.