Hunting Rangefinders
61Hunding rangefinders - a guide
The performance of many an average huntsman has been improved by using a hunting rangefinder. Hunting rangefinder's are inexpensive compared to the basic costs of hunting equipment but they can make a big difference and are a worthwhile investment.
The basic functionality of a hunting rangefinder is to give you a precise measurement of the distance to the target, as all hunters will know an accurate estimation of distance is the first step towards an accurate shot.
Modern hunting rangefinders give accurate measurements over the 500 yard to 1500 yard range. To determine how useful a particular hunting rangefinders are to you you also need to now what size of object that accuracy is quoted at. Accuracy to 500 yards with a tree size object will not translate to a good hunting experiance from the same rangefinder if you are looking at a smaller object!
Some additional rangefinders links
- Hunting Rangefinders Guides
A guide to hunting rangefinders - More Rangefinders information
Information on the best rangefinders
Hunting rangefinders use a laser and supporting Electronics to calculate the distance to the target. The laser is shone on the target and the reflected laser light is recorded by the unit. The electronics then perform some computational miracles and calculate the distance to the target taking into account how long it took for the laser light to be reflected.
The maximum range of the hunting rangefinder is controlled by the power of the laser, the quality and sensitivity of the Electronics will heavily impact on the accuracy of the measured distance.
The weather conditions can also play a part. Sunshine and a clear line of sight to the target give optimal measurements. Mist and fog can reduce the accuracy or even render measurement impossible, this is also the case when external objects obscure the line of sight such as shrubs and trees.
As distance is calculated by the reflection of light back to the rangefinder the texture and surface of the target object can also impact on the accuracy.
The final consideration in buying a hunting rangefinder relates to the construction of the device. Hunting is an external sport and the hunting rangefinder should be rugged to be able to withstand a wide range of weather conditions. A waterproof construction is a minimum and a rubberised coating is an advantage, this will stop the rangefinder slipping in wet conditions and also reduce the likelihood of sunlight reflecting off a metal body and being seen some distance away.
