Ranging targets

[firemanjoe]

Do you guys prefer to range targets with your scope reticle or do you prefer to use a laser range finder? I currently use my mildot reticle but was thinking about picking up a range finder.

[devster55]

For hunting I use my range finder for unknown target shooting and varmit shooting I use the reticle as it just makes it more fun.

[firemanjoe]

Most of my hunting is within 200 yards so determining precise ranges aren't that important, was just thinking it might be a fun new tool to add to my long range tool box

[Stockton]

Good to know and do both. If your dope is spot on with a laser you can feel better about first round hits. Practicing laser failure and using that high speed reticle to achieve first round hits or follow up holds will increase your marksmanship.

[smittty]

I have a mil-dot reticle in my riflescope and a calibrated monocular. Using them with the mil-dot master is way more fun than using a laser rangefinder.

I could have bought a rangefinder for the cost of this monocular but I find it fun to use, no shooting required.

[YZINGERR]

I use a Laser rangefinder.
Bass pro is having a sale on the simmons lrf600 for $99 right now!

[MontClaire]

I use elcan specter dr on my pof 308. It has ranging in the reticle that uses median human height. It's pretty accurate though. As a backup, it would be good idea to carry a rangefinder. In fact, I wouldn't like to engage the target without one. Especially if that target simultaneously engages me.

[ExtremeX]

I have a range finder and its a good tool to have, but I really try to use the reticle as much as possible since most of my targets are known size like steel plates and clay targets.

I don't shoot in these situations a lot, but I understand laser range finders can be very finicky depending on the environmental conditions like rain, fog, snow...

[firemanjoe]

Thanks guys! All good input!

[Divernhunter]

For hunting I use a duplex reticle with the rifle sighted in 2.75-3" high at 100 yards. That takes care of any reasonable shot out to about 400 yards. I do use a rangefinder when time permits for long shots. I am a firm believer in the K.I.S.S. method, it has worked well for me for many years and many hunts/animals taken.
Varmit hunting I like to use what is left between my ears fo take PD or squirrels. That also helps for judging when hunting larger game.

[NapalmCheese]

I have a mil-dot scope on my hunting rifle and I carry a laser rangefinder (as of this year). I'm sighted in at 200 yards and have a MPBR of about 250ish or so. Deer and antelope are roughly 1 yard tall from hoof to shoulder, or 18 inches from brisket to shoulder and I simply use my mil-dot scope to ensure that they are within MPBR. I'll also use it to confirm what the laser says at longer ranges.

I had this combo mess me up one shot for me this year. I had my scope turned all the way down while walking out in the dark in big bear territory and forgot to turn it up to max for ranging. A deer walked in at about 80 yards, I wanted to use the laser just because I hadn't used it while hunting yet. When I put the deer in the scope I realized that it measured 4 mil or something and thought "WOW that's an itty bitty deer or my range finder is totally screwed, no way I'm shooting that". Only after it got behind a few trees did I realize I had my scope turned down.

[Bug Splat]

I just use mil-dots. Anything inside of 500 yards I can judge for myself most of the time. Many years of playing golf has helped with this. Beyond that I use the dots to get my range. I don't like trusting electronics if I can help it. Part of my range card has measurements for common things like doors, car tires, zombies, AR's, AK's..... I can at a glance get a measurement of an item and match it up to a range. Adjust my dope or hold over and fire.

I have used an app on my phone that I can plug in all that information into and it will give me a solution. All my rifles ballistic info is in the app so it give me perfect ranges assuming I do my part and input the correct data.

[YZINGERR]

if you are going to be shooting inclines/declines/from trees, get one with some sort of tilt technology/ARC, etc.

[brando]

I like to think of it like having a map/compass/protractor and a GPS. Sure, the GPS is fast and accurate but it has the potential to fail on you, while the old analog method also works well and doesn't require batteries but you need to know what you're doing and take your time to do it correctly. There's a skill to accurate reticle ranging and with so many reticles available now for ranging, there's no reason not to at least be somewhat proficient with it. It has serious limitations though, especially with small targets at distance or unknown sizes. It also takes a steady position whereas an LRF can be more forgiving. The thing with rangefinders is they have their limitations too and you'll quickly discover that the saying "you get what you pay for" applies to them as well. Lots of cheaper rangefinders work well in good conditions and fail in bad conditions, and some of those fails happen in conditions many might not consider all that bad. Their accuracy and reliable ranging distance increases every few years it seems, so for most shooters there's no need to spend an arm and a leg.

My general rule of thumb for them is budget the same you would as a rifle scope. If you're buying $500 scopes then you're probably not shooting very far in the first place and can get away with a cheaper LRF. Everything changes when you want to shoot past 1000 yards as that's when the mil-grade LRFs start to leave everything else in the dust (for a hefty price). Yes, I'm well aware that there are countless people who will claim their sub-$600 LRF can range targets at 1400 yards, but from my experience those claims are always in best case scenarios (perfect conditions, big reflective target). The reality is that commercial rangefinders will hit their manufacturer's claimed max range only on the best days while the mil-grade models will do that on the worst days, well exceeding them on the best days. My rambling point to all of this is to be careful when considering how far you need to accurately range when choosing a rangefinder and budget accordingly.

And if you're serious about precision shooting, it's good to be proficient with reticle ranging. It's easy to learn and just takes some practice to get the hang of it. Ranges with different size and shape targets are a good place to do this as is your neighborhood (assuming you take the scope OFF your rifle first).

Lastly, here's a fantastic fairly-scientific review of rangefinding binos...

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/11/25/rangefinder-binoculars-reviews-field-tests-ranging-performance-results/

[firemanjoe]

I have used an app on my phone that I can plug in all that information into and it will give me a solution. All my rifles ballistic info is in the app so it give me perfect ranges assuming I do my part and input the correct data.

What app are you using?