Best Rangefinders for Long Distance Shooting

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By Dennis Howard •  12 min read

One of the fastest-growing areas of shooting sports is long-range precision shooting. Many long-range precision shooters routinely look at targets at one thousand yards and beyond. Shooting at these distances requires precise aiming and range-finding abilities. Finding the right rangefinder for long-range precision shooting is a necessity.

Estimating range when shooting at long distances is critical for consistent scoring. Many rifle scopes can be used for estimating distance. However, a top-quality rangefinder is a must in your range bag for the best in accurate shooting. The confidence you gain from having the data from a rangefinder can often be the difference between a solid hit and a complete miss.

There are hundreds of rangefinders available on the market. However, finding a rangefinder that is suitable and reliable at the distances required by most long-distance shootings can be challenging. Many shooters want to know the best rangefinders and how to judge the quality of a rangefinder for long-distance shooting.

Our Long Distance Rangefinder Choices: Top 4 Picks

These are our choices for rangefinders for long-distance shooting. We believe that these rangefinders offer the best compromises in quality, performance, and price. Each of these rangefinders offers a slightly different set of options from which to choose based on your needs and expectations.

Best Overall Long-Distance Rangefinder – Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000

Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000

Vortex Optics is well known in shooting circles for its high quality and reasonably priced scopes and optics. The Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 rangefinder fits well into the Vortex family of products. The Razor HD 4000 is a full-featured long-distance rangefinder that won’t break your budget.

Vortex has considered the needs of both long-distance hunters and precision long-range competitive shooters in the design of the Razor HD 4000. The features included with this rangefinder easily meet the needs of both types of long-distance shooters. Among these features that stand out are the following.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 is also covered by the Vortex Optics VIP lifetime warranty. This no-questions-asked repair or replacement warranty is one of the best in the industry.

What Users Say about the Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000

One shortcoming of the Vortex Razor HD 4000 is the lack of a Bluetooth connection to capture images to your smartphone or transfer data. However, many shooters don’t use these features regularly, so the lack may work to your advantage.

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Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder
  • The Razor HD 4000 with 7x magnification and a 25mm objective lens is the essential companion for the...
  • The Razor provides four target modes (Normal, first, last and extended laser range) and two range...

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 13:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Runner-Up Best Overall Rangefinder – Leupold RX-2800 TBR Rangefinder

Leupold RX-2800 TBR Rangefinder

Leupold is a brand name that is familiar to any shooter. Leupold has made a name by designing and building world-class optics. Many shooters swear by Leupold and won’t mount any other scope on their hunting or precision rifle.

Our runner-up for best overall rangefinder goes to the Leupold RX-2800 TBR rangefinder. The Leupold RX-2800 runs close to the Vortex rangefinder. There is no question that the quality of these rangefinders is above reproach. You won’t find the Leupold RX-2800 TBR rangefinder lacking in features.

The higher price and shorter-range are the only thing that keeps Leupold from being our best overall choice. However, if you want the reputation and quality of Leupold in your range bag or hunting backpack, this is an excellent choice for a rangefinder.

What Users of the Leupold RX-2800 Saying?

Like the Vortex rangefinder, the Leupold doesn’t provide Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.  However, this rangefinder does what it is intended to do. You can expect to get accurate and effective ranging information to improve your shooting.

Leupold RX-2800 Rangefinder, TBR/W
  • Model #171910 - RX-2800 Rangefinder, TBR/W
  • True Ballistic Range / Wind (TBR/W) technology provides ballistically calculated ranges for...

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 13:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Rangefinder With Bluetooth – ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder

ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder

ATN is more known for its night vision and infrared optics than laser rangefinders. In fact, many ATN scopes have built-in laser rangefinders. It is no surprise that ATN builds a top-quality rangefinder. ATN builds on its reputation for some of the best night vision equipment at a reasonable price.

ATN includes Bluetooth connectivity in their 1500 Smart Laser rangefinder. The Bluetooth capabilities open a new range of possibilities for competitive shooters or hunters. But Bluetooth connectivity isn’t the only thing that sets ATN apart. The features included on this rangefinder are impressive in their own right.

If you want the convenience of a Bluetooth connection, this is the rangefinder for you. Pairing an ATN scope with the ATN rangefinder may be ideal for some shooters. The price is right and helps get the ATN Rangefinder on our list as the best Bluetooth-connected rangefinder.

What ATN Users say About the Ballistics 1500 Rangefinder

At half the price of our first two rangefinder choices, the ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder is a great choice.  If you want the convenience of multiple gun profiles and Bluetooth connectivity, the ATN rangefinder is worth a look.

ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder w/Bluetooth, Device Works...
  • Smart Ballistic Calculator - connect via Bluetooth to your phone to do all calculations in the...
  • Long Range - it helps you quickly calculate the distance between yourself and selected object even...

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 13:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Runner-Up Bluetooth Rangefinder – Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Rangefinder

Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Rangefinder

Sig Sauer is a powerhouse in shooting sports. From pistols to optics, Sig Sauer has built a reputation for quality and performance in all of its products. That reputation gets the Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX rangefinder on our list.

The Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX rangefinder has one of the longest operating ranges of any rangefinder on our list. Operating reliably out to 3400 yards, the BDX rangefinder ranks second only to the Vortex rangefinder. In addition, the Sig Sauer BDX rangefinder is considerably cheaper than the Vortex rangefinder. You won’t get short-listed in the features department even at the lower price.

You won’t find many more features on other rangefinders. If Bluetooth capability and superior ballistics calculations, Sig has hit the mark with the features included in the 2200 BDX rangefinder.

What Users of the Sig Sauer 2200 Rangefinder?

Sig Sauer has met the challenge of a reasonably priced rangefinder with superior optics and Bluetooth capability. If you are a Sig fan or just in the market for a reasonably priced high-quality rangefinder, you should consider the 2200 BDX rangefinder.

Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Laser Rangefinder 7x25 mm (3,400 Yards) - for...
  • This Sig Sauer Rangefinder is easy to use and features a 7 x 25 mm monocular with our trademarked...
  • This Kilo 2200 is an ideal hunting rangefinder for shooting, and works as a golf distance measuring...

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 07:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


What Makes a Quality Long-Distance Rangefinder?

Finding the right rangefinder for you is a very personal choice. Long-distance shooters are, by and large, very picky about their equipment and have their own ideas about what makes a quality rangefinder. However, listening to long-distance shooters gives us insight into the common elements that make a rangefinder suitable for long-distance shooting.

In the end, finding the right rangefinder for your needs boils down to the right balance of several critical factors. In our view, these critical factors that most long-distance shooters consider include the following.

There are, of course, other considerations that you will have when choosing a long-distance rangefinder. Your shooting style, the type of shooting you do, and your expectations of your rangefinder will all also figure into your choice. However, we cannot speak to those factors. You must make those decisions for yourself.


Going the Distance – Finding a Rangefinder that Works for You

A good rangefinder can make the difference in a successful hunt or competition or going home disappointed. A rangefinder is a tool and should be chosen as a tool. It should perform the functions you need and return the service you expect. Finding a rangefinder in your budget range that provides the performance and results you want is the key.

Dennis Howard

A life long hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, after surviving a devastating tornado in his home town, he saw the effects on people's lives as they struggled to cope. He built his first bugout bag a few weeks later and has been a dedicated prepper/survivalist since that time. After a career as a fireman, Dennis opened a retail store (FFL approved) catering to the military, law enforcement, and like-minded individuals. The store built their own AR platforms. Furthermore, Dennis was also an NRA instructor in both long gun and handgun as well as a certified range safety officer. Read his full interview here.