The key element when hunting is getting the right distance to target to make certain you hit that target every single time.
However real-life conditions are always less than ideal which can mess up your shot and that is why ordinary rangefinders won’t work.
These conditions can range from the layout of the land (slopes) to weather and lighting conditions.
So how do you tackle these elements and increase your chance of hitting your target?
Hunting requires the use of a special type of rangefinders, usually one that can handle complicated calculations.
If you are looking for the best gun mounted rangefinders for hunting, then this is the article for you.
Stick with me as we discuss the various functions and characteristics that can help influence your shot when hunting.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
- Range: 100 yards
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Weight: 26.5 oz
- Range: 3520 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 7.5oz
8 Best gun mounted rangefinders reviews in-depth
- Range: 1800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 11.84 oz
The Vortex optics rangefinder is the ideal choice for gun hunters, target shooters, and bowhunters.
It is capable of ranging from 1800 yards at 6x magnification.
Consisting of fully multi-coated lenses, it delivers optimal light transmission with a clean illuminated display.
With an intuitive menu, the gun mounted laser rangefinder is easy to use and set up.
It features three special functions that put the odds in your favor when shooting down-range.
First off is the Horizontal Component Distance(HCD).
HCD computes and displays the horizontal distance between you and your target accurately.
Second, there is a Line of Sight(LOS).
LOS accurately gives you the distance and orientation of your target.
It is perfect if you are shooting at distances beyond 500 yards and slopes greater than 15 degrees.
The third is the Scan feature that ranges moving targets or smaller targets.
These three functions coupled with the rangefinder lightweight nature are the ultimate tool when going hunting.
It is water and fog proof and designed to work in the hardest of weather conditions.
And yes, we know, it’s not technically designed to be a gun-mounted rangefinder.
BUT with a bit of ingenuity (and maybe some electrical tape) you can definitely MacGyver it – and with all the features this bad boy packs in that’s not a bad decision!
- The Ranger 1800 rangefinder is easy to use and features a clean, illuminated display and highly...
- The primary HCD mode displays an angle compensated distance that is ideal for the majority of...
- A scan feature gives continuous range readings as you pan across a landscape or track a moving...
- Range: 1000 yards
- Magnification: 8x
- Weight: 10.2 oz
Offering a wide 393-foot field of view, the Vortex Optics Solo R/T 8×36 Monocular is compactly designed to be carried around as a standard piece of equipment.
It is fully covered in a tough rubberized armor with o-ring seals and nitrogen purging to make it water and fog proof.
With 8x magnification, this rangefinder comes with an R/T ranging reticle for precise target range estimation.
The R/T ranging reticle features milliradian (mrad for short) which is a form of angular measurement.
What this does is allow you to calculate ranges when comparing the reticle to objects of known dimensions to give you a sharp reticle image at all distances.
Another great feature of this gadget is that it is great for those who love to hunt but have poor or sensitive eyes.
The fully coated lenses with anti-reflective coating work well in low light works and give you a clean, clear, and crisp view.
Meanwhile, the flared eyecup blocks extraneous light and can be folded down if you wear glasses.
- The Solo Recon Tactical Monocular with 8x magnification and a 36mm objective lens is a great choice...
- Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings, the Solo R/T provides excellent light...
- A large focus wheel and the smaller reticle focus allow the user to properly focus the image and...
- Range: 100 yards
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Weight: 26.5 oz
If you’ve ever tried to shoot at moving targets, you know how hard it can be.
The UUQ tactical rifle scope is highly responsive and can capture the slightest motions and changes of location.
Use it for normal shooting, rapid-firing, or shooting of moving targets.
To say this rail mounted rangefinder is highly adjustable is an understatement.
It provides a wide field of view at 15.8@100mm with adjustable 4-16 magnification for targeting successfully for up to 100 yards.
Outfitted with a range finding reticle that can be adjusted to either of 5 dual illuminated brightness levels, your accurate readings are always clear no matter the weather or light setting.
You can also adjust the range of shots and the size of the dots you want.
All these adjustable functions allow you to target your kills accurately every time.
This scope mounted rangefinder has a high quality matte black finish and is 100% water and shockproof.
You can also enjoy hassle-free mounting with this rail-mounted rangefinder, thanks to the built-in 22mm rail.
As such it can be mounted to any 22 &11mm rails (Picatinny or Weaver.)
- NEVER MISS YOUR TARGET: The tubeless design with 33mm reflex lens aperture provides you a wide field...
- ADJUSTABLE TO YOUR EYES FOR GREAT ACCURACY: With dual illuminated 5 brightness level Range Finding...
- HASSLE FREE MOUNTING TO ANY GUN: Thanks to its built-in mount base, this scope easily mountable to...
- Range: 3520 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 7.5oz
Though small the Sig Sauer 2400 ABS comes with an impressive array of functions and features.
It can range up to 2 miles in ideal conditions due to its use of a fast scan technology, Revolutionary LightWave DSPTM Technology.
This technology gives you four range updates per second.
The fast scan technology couples with a RangeLockTM which gives the last target range result among distant targets.
You can pair the rangefinder with your smartphone by way of the Applied Ballistics Solver App.
The device can also calculate parameters such as aerodynamic jump, spindrift, and Coriolis effect due to its embedded sensors.
It can measure the temperature and pressure of your current surrounding to guarantee an accurate shot.
A customizable reticle allows you to switch up the look of the device by either adding or removing parts.
It features an OLED type display and 7x magnification for superior light transmission and optical clarity.
- Ranges up to 2 miles with the Revolutionary LightWave DSPTM Technology for the fastest and longest...
- Free-downloadable SIG Ballistic App for your smartphone
- 7x25mm monocular with SpectraCoatTM anti-reflection coatings for superior light transmission and...
- Range: 450 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 5 oz
Perfect for bow hunting, the Halo XL450-7 features Angle Intelligence Technology.
Angle Intelligence Technology computes the angle of a slope and ensures you make that 40-yard shot or get an accurate read for rifle hunters trying a 200-yard shot.
The XL450-7 gives you fast accurate readings so you can feel confident with every shot you take.
Leave nothing to chance and range multiple targets at different yardages in Scan Mode.
The accuracy of this crucial hunting tool is within 1 yard and offers distance in both yards and meters.
The XL450-7 as the name suggests ranges distances up to 450 yards.
The 6x magnification and twist to focus eyepiece displays your distance to the target clearly.
This rangefinder is equipped with a powerful Class III-A laser.
Do keep in mind that laser rangefinders are placed into Classes from 1 to 4.
The higher the class of the laser, the better.
At Class III, the xl 450-7 is a bargain laser rangefinder that wouldn’t break the bank.
- Range: 2500 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 14.4 oz
With a battery life up to 8 hours, the Gunwerks G7 BR2500 uses a powerful Class I 905 nm laser that is safe for your eyes.
It can range distances up to a remarkable 2500 yards at 7x magnification and yet maintain Class 1 Eye-Safe designation.
This device is the complete ballistic solver that takes into consideration all the parameters and gives precise results.
4 TruPulse targeting modes, Near, Basic, Scan, and Far, gives you the real-time temperature, wind, pressure, and angle compensation.
The ballistic outputs are available in MOA, MRAD, and BDC.
You won’t ever have to swap out your turrets again.
This is the only rangefinder where you can customize shoot to output for BDC and yardage turrets.
The rangefinder features a rugged water-resistant body with a Gore-Tex membrane for handheld or field use.
The rangefinder has an IP55 certificate which means that it is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
It can be used in rain, snow, or even bright sunlight with the 7×26 mm lenses with an eye relief of 20mm.
- RUGGED WEATHERPROOF HOUSING with GORE-TEX membrane. Includes: Rangefinder, Soft case, lanyard, CR123...
- MORE POWERFUL LASER - extends the effective range to 2, 500 yards and beyond while still maintaining...
- IMPROVED RANGING AND TARGETING ALGORITHMS perfected for handheld and field use, and tuned for...
- Range: 1760 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 12.1 oz
Let technology lead the way, the Bushnell Elite Rangefinder is the first of its kind that interfaces with your smartphone.
Connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth via CONX technology.
Once connected you can set up the rangefinder, upload the distance, and calculate up to three ballistic curves for your shot.
The rangefinder also calculates the bullet drops and holdover of your shots in either CM, Inches, MOA, or Mils.
You can connect Kestrel wind meters(sold separately), and incorporate wind data into holdover values to make the most accurate shot possible.
The Bushnell Elite ranges up to an impressive 1,760 yards and offers 7x magnification.
It provides up to 1/2 yard accuracy with 1/10-yard display precision that can be made steady by the machine’s built-in tripod mount or the magnetic attachment system
This tool is fully waterproof and comes with a multi-coated optics system with rain guard for optimal results in all types of weather conditions.
Vivid Display Technology with its LED screen allows for easy readability in low light or brightly lit settings.
- Ranges from 5-1,760 yards with 1/10-yard display precision and 7 times magnification
- Laser wirelessly communicates with the conx app on both iOS and Android platforms and allows...
- Wind data is incorporated into holdover values with the use of approved kestrel wind meters (not...
- Range: 1640 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 5.4oz
Get the most accurate reading at the touch of a button with the ATN Laser Ballistics Smart Laser Rangefinder.
Leave the complicated calculations to your smartphone to ensure unmatched precision.
Simply share data and images via the ATN Ballistic Calculator App on an Android phone or iPhone.
Connect by Bluetooth and watch as it displays the distance to the target, required windage, and elevation adjustments for any given shot.
Equipped with a Class 1 IR laser, it will range from 5.5 to 1640 yards with slope detection.
With this nifty little tool, you can range your target in just 2 clicks.
6x magnification ensures that nothing is out of your line of sight and that you increase the chances of hitting your target.
You will quickly and easily range your targets with the accuracy of +-1 yard/meter.
You can use this rangefinder with any ATN Smart HD riflescope (second generation or better.)
If paired with these, the rangefinder sends point-of-impact corrections directly to the scope, and your reticle adjusts accordingly.
You would not have to touch your turrets for any reason at all.
- 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...
- Maximum Accuracy - complicated calculations can be performed in seconds with unmatched precision.
What are rifle mounted rangefinders?
Rifle mounted rangefinders as the name suggests are rangefinders that can be mounted onto your rifle.
This leaves your hands free to operate the rifle better.
Hunters know how difficult it is to hold a rangefinder steady in normal conditions much less in inclement weather.
What makes it even harder to shoot is if you are shooting at a moving target.
For this reason, a rifle mounted rangefinder has a built-in rail that it can easily attach to your rifle.
Rifle mounted rangefinder offers you exceptional speed and precision.
With a normal rangefinder, you range, add elevation, then find the animal in the scope, hold over if need be then press.
All of this takes time and your target may be moving which means you won’t get an accurate reading and you’ll have to redo the entire process again.
A rifle mounted rangefinder on the other hand allows you to do all this from the scope.
If the target is moving, all you do is move with it and the rangefinder will keep you updated if there are any changes in the range.
What are tactical rangefinders?
A tactical rangefinder is one that ensures you get the perfect shot every time.
They are pretty accurate and give you the precise distance to your target.
They are usually equipped with some pretty advanced features like night vision, real-time temperature readings, wind, pressure, and angle compensation among others.
Some integrate technology and connect to your smartphone to ensure you get precise calculations to confidently shoot your shot.
When time is of the essence, you don’t need to worry about manually calculating conditions, re-checking data points, or writing down measurements.
A tactical rangefinder can calculate your ballistic solution for every condition with just the touch of a button, making sure you don’t miss a shot.
Spotting targets will be clean, clear, and crisp with anti-reflective coated lenses with impressive magnification power that work in both brightly lit and low light situations.
They will also be weatherproof and able to provide a clear view in rain or snowy conditions.
Why aren’t there more weapon mounted rangefinders?
Weapon mounted rangefinders are far and few.
Ever wondered why you never see much of these around?
The main reason is that weapon mounted rangefinders are either too big or too expensive.
This is why you do not see many of them around.
Maybe if they are produced in a smaller size and the price drops, they’d be more popular.
So what is the normal person to do if they cannot afford a weapon mounted rangefinder if the rangefinder is too big?
You can undertake a simple DIY project and mount your rangefinder to your weapon using Gaffers tape.
Think of it this way, it will serve its purpose and at the same time saves you money.
AmazonBasics Gaffers Tape
Gaffers tape is a reliable and versatile tape that can be used in almost every situation possible.
It is made from coated cotton cloth that makes it flexible and strong
This tape is highly durable with strong adhesive power that ensures whatever you taped stays put.
The grip this tape provides is unbelievable and is 10x better than duct tape.
Gaffers tape peels away easily and leaves no residue behind.
It features a non-reflective matte finish so no worrying about light bouncing off of it.
It adheres to many different surfaces so it will definitely mount your rangefinder on top of your weapon and keep it there.