#LRF

SIG Sauer has an updated version of the Kilo-10K ABS HD binoculars. The new Gen II model has improved color and light transmission. Let’s take a look at what else has changed. 

Vortex has finally made what many long-range shooters have been asking for, an affordable, weapon-mounted laser rangefinder. The Vortex Impact 4000 is a budget friendly alternative to the more expensive military grade weapon mounted laser rangefinders.

Some shooters and hunters might not be aware, but Bushnell was the first company to ever invent a handheld, laser rangefinder (LRF) unit for the public. NASA and other industrious companies had invented them outright first, but Bushnell was able to take technology the size of an RV and put that in our hands. Now, 27 years later they are still cranking out LRF options for us with the newest being the Bone Collector 1000 and 1800.

Are you nocturnal or crepuscular? Well, either one you are all welcome to this week’s Friday Night Lights. Last week we looked at a somewhat obscure full-power laser, the ATILLA-200. This week we take a look at a long-range laser rangefinder with MFAL capabilities, the WILCOX RAPTAR S.

Rangefinders are great for a number of different uses outdoors but here at TFB we mostly use them for measuring the distance to targets. While there are already a ton of great options on the market, more options are always better and that’s why Burris Optics is excited to announce its first handheld laser rangefinder with the introduction of the new Signature LRF 2000.

Have you used thermal optics while hunting? Know what is a pain in the behind? Ranging with thermal devices especially in the dark. The problem is laser rangefinders only work if you can see through them and unless you have a night vision one you can’t aim it. Thermal scopes and handheld devices for some odd reason make it difficult to gauge distance just by looking through them. Some devices like the Pulsar XP50 have a pseudo ranging feature called Stadiametric range finding. This is where you measure the height of the animal you are looking at and it calculates the distance. The problem is this is not very accurate if your measurement of the height is off or if you mistake the animal for a larger or smaller animal because you could not positively ID or recognize the animal. The ranging is based on known values for stereotypical animals like deer, pig or rabbit. The Luna Optics Genesis Revelation thermal monocular does not do that. Instead, it has an integrated laser rangefinder that is easy to use and allows you to range out to 700 yards with the touch of a button.

Have you ever tried to use a laser range finder (LRF) at night? Try it with night vision. The ones made for hunting seem to have coatings that block infrared light making it harder to see through them at night. Well, the US Government had the MARK VII made by Northrop Grumman. It is a glorified laser range finder on steroids. According to sources, it can range out as far as 10,000 meters or 10 kilometers. Thanks to a friend, I got to take a closer look at one.

How about a Laser Range Finder with a ballistic “solver” that presents the data to you via an OLED screen?

Leupold has a fairly diverse assortment of rangefinders. From golf to archery to firearms use, they have everything covered for the weekend enthusiast across a gamut of hobbies. One of their newest rangefinders to enter that portfolio is the RX-1600i TBR/W with DNA Laser.

At EnforceTac and IWA in Germany, we had a look at the new Steiner 6000 meter laser with Bluetooth.