As a trusted name in the business, we tend to expect great things from Bushnell.
It has been one of the top brands in the optics world for many years and continues to dominate.
Bushnell is most famous for combining cutting-edge technology and providing a user-friendly experience into one simple unit.
Precision and performance have been the driving factors leading to their success over the years.
These are just a few of the reasons why we’ve decided to take a look at the Bushnell G-Force DX ARC 6x 21mm laser rangefinder today.
In this article, we will discuss the many features and all the things that the Bushnell G-Force 1300 has to offer and see how it performs.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Bushnell G-Force DX Review
- Range: 1300 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
The Bushnell G-Force DX ARC 6x 21mm laser rangefinder kicks it up a notch and aims to elevate your hunting game.
It comes fully loaded with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a good rangefinder at a fairly reasonable price.
The Bushnell G-Force 1300 ARC laser rangefinder comes with Vivid Display Technology(VDT), second-generation E.S.P.( Extreme, Speed, Precision) Turbo processor, Variable Sight-in Modes, Bow and Rifle Modes, and much more.
It is the perfect tool for bow hunting, rifle hunting, and target shooting.
This unit can work for seasoned professionals and even new users thanks to its intuitive controls and quick response time.
Best Features: Bushnell G-Force 1300 ARC
As mentioned before, this rangefinder is fully loaded and includes a wide array of different features. Let’s get right into it.
Vivid Display Technology(VDT)
This Bushnell G-Force 1300 is fully decked out with Vivid Display Technology with a red screen readout.
Unlike the black display of Bushnell’s other budget rangefinders, this device features a red display that makes it easier to read your results in low lighting conditions.
It dramatically improves contrast, clarity, and light transmission while increasing the brightness of the display.
The intensity of the display can be adjusted manually and features 4 brightness settings.
You can adjust the intensity of the reticle under the readout to ensure that your view is clear even when lighting conditions aren’t.
E.S.P.( Extreme, Speed, Precision) Turbo processor
Equipped with a 2nd generation E.S.P Turboprocessor and an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC) chip, this unit is fast.
It can provide instantaneous and accurate readings in the blink of an eye every time.
Take your hunting game to the next level by using this unit that delivers extremely fast target acquisitions and incredible accuracy.
It makes use of sophisticated digital technology to measure the time it takes for each pulse to travel from the unit to the target and back.
The accuracy of your laser measurement can be severely affected due to environmental factors and targets of different nature.
However, the 2nd generation E.S.P Turboprocessor assesses these less than ideal scenarios and improves measurement for increased accuracy.
Basic Modes
The normal modes on the unit are Rifle Mode, Bow Mode, and Regular Mode.
Rifle Mode
Rifle Mode allows users to select the sight-in range they prefer.
It also gives you the option to choose the ballistic chart that closely matches your gun’s trajectory.
To ensure that you are indeed in Rifle Mode, look for the rifle icon at the top left of the screen.
In previous models of Bushnell rangefinders, we saw the line of sight distance with the angle of the shot directly below it and the compensated yardage range or holdover info to the right.
In this model, after ranging to the target, the line of sight yardage will pop up on the display.
Below the line of sight yardage, the angle of the shot is displayed for a brief period then it will be replaced by the holdover calculation.
The holdover readings are displayed in MOA or MIL, inches or centimeters.
However, this is only possible when ranging in yards.
Ranging in meters will display holdover information in centimeters, MOA, or MIL but not inches like it does when ranging in yards.
Bow Mode
Bow Mode works similarly to Rifle Mode where a bow icon appears to the left of the screen when this mode is activated.
The line of sight appears beneath the crosshair with the angle of shot underneath displaying briefly then replaced by the angle compensated distance in yards.
A key point to note is that the unit is only capable of providing angle compensated distances from 10-99 yards/meters with a maximum inclination of +/- 90°.
Regular Mode
Regular Mode simply offers the basics of a rangefinder which is to deliver the line of sight yardage to the target.
It does not provide any holdover information or compensate for any inclines or declines in the terrain.
Target Priority Modes
These selective targeting modes allow users to adjust the right performance parameters to suit any given situation or environment.
Standard with Automatic Scan
This mode allows you to scan multiple targets in just one go.
It allows the range to be continuously updated as you move the rangefinder from target to target.
To use this mode, hold down the Power button for 3 seconds and release, then aim at your targets for continuous ranging.
Bullseye
Bullseye is an advanced mode that can lock on and help you to acquire smaller targets instead of giving you distances to targets in the background.
In Bullseye Mode, if the Bushnell G-Force 1300 ARC laser rangefinder receives a split reading, the rangefinder will display the distance to the nearer of the two objects.
To be sure that you are getting the distance to the object nearest to you, a crosshair surrounding the bullseye indicator will appear.
Brush
The Brush mode works in the opposite way of the bullseye and its main aim is to deliver the distance to the furthest target.
It will bypass trees and branches so that the distance to the background object is displayed.
When more than one object has been acquired, a circle will surround the brush indicator to let you know that it is displaying the distance to the furthest object.
Range
The Bushnell G-Force DX has an effective range from 5 to 1300 yards.
The maximum range can be acquired on reflective targets with a range out to 900 yards for trees and 500 yards for deer.
It can provide incredible accuracy up to ½ yard whenever possible, and 1/10th precision from 5-199 yards and +/- 1-yard accuracy from 200-1300 yards.
The unit is equipped with 6x magnification to bring targets closer to you with a field of view of 393.0′ at 1000 yards.
Design
This Bushnell rangefinder is made from a metal housing that is rubber coated to ensure that the unit grips well and slippage is minimized.
Although it is made from metal, the rangefinder is small and lightweight measuring 4.0 x 2.9 x 1.3″ and weighing 8 ounces.
The unit is both waterproof and fog-proof so you can use it anytime no matter the weather.
Equipped with Rainguard-HD, using this unit in the rain or snow will still give you a clear view of your target.
The lenses are protected with multiple coatings to reduce any scratching that may occur during use or when cleaning the unit.
There is also the option to mount this unit on a tripod due to the 1/4″-20 tripod mount
built-in tripod mount.
Battery
Bushnell G-Force 1300 ARC laser rangefinder is powered by a single CR2 battery which comes with the purchase.
The remaining power of the battery can be seen on the display.
If the battery indicator is blinking that means it is time to replace the battery.
During this time the unit will not be operable until you replace the battery with a new one.
It is recommended to replace the battery every 12 months as it provides an excellent battery life that can last for thousands of readings.
Warranty
The Bushnell comes warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year.
This one-year period begins the day after the purchase of the product.
They will replace or repair the product if it was determined that the issues were caused by the manufacturer’s defect
- Super sharp 6x optics enhanced with Vivid Display Technology (VDT) to dramatically improves...
- Bow-mode (provides true horizontal distance from 5-99 yards); Rifle mode (provides...
- 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme Speed Precision); 5-1300 yards effective range; 1/2 yard accuracy and...
Pros: Bushnell G-Force 1300
- Vivid Display Technology
- Suitable for bow and rifle hunters
- Target priority modes
- 4-setting brightness levels
- E.S.P. Turbo Processor for speed and precision
- 1-year warranty
Cons: Bushnell G-Force 1300
- The display can be hard to read in bright sunlight
- Price may be a bit steep for some
Competitors to the Bushnell G-Force 1300 ARC laser rangefinder
Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.7 oz
The Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 rangefinder costs less than the Bushnell G-Force 1300 and offers the opportunity to measure the distance to targets at a longer range.
With the Vortex Optics Ranger rangefinder, you can range out the targets up to 1800 yards.
Like the Bushnell rangefinder, it comes with 6x magnification power along with a built-in inclinometer and can be used by rifle hunters and archers.
The inclinometer helps to measure the relative angle between you and the target and displays the adjusted range.
This will help you to accurately calculate your ballistic drop compensation. (BDC)
However, there is no pre-loaded ballistic chart to choose from as you would with the Bushnell rangefinder so you will have to manually calculate the Bullet Drop Compensation.
The Vortex is also very fast and you can get your readings in just one second.
It features a 2-button intuitive design and is simple to operate.
The display is also illuminated which makes it easier to read your measurements in different lighting conditions.
It has a collar around the eyepiece that helps to sharpen and bring your view into focus.
This device provides a long eye relief so it is perfect for reducing eye strain.
In terms of build quality, the unit is both waterproof and fog proof to withstand extreme weather conditions.
It is protected by a rubber coating which helps you grip it better and if needed, you can mount it on a tripod just like the Bushnell rangefinder.
Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 2600 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 12.8 oz
The Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX rangefinder is an affordable unit that elevates your hunting game like no other rangefinder on the market.
The maximum range of this rangefinder is 2600 yards with 7x 25mm monocular covered with anti-reflection coatings.
These coatings provide superior light transmission and optical clarity for an improved view when ranging targets.
It is equipped with optics and electronics that can range targets and send holdover data directly to compatible rifle scopes.
All you need to do is paired the Sig Sauer rangefinder with your compatible scope via Bluetooth.
Then using the free SIG BDX app for iOS or Android, the rangefinder can send the elevation and windage information straight to the scope’s reticle.
Just like the Bushnell G-Force 1300, this unit is extremely fast due to its Lightwave Digital Signal Processing engine that runs sophisticated algorithms to guarantee accuracy.
It enables the unit to provide 4 different measurements per second when ranging moving targets at distances over 1 mile.
For angle compensation, this unit features a built-in inclinometer to compensate correctly for any uphill or downhill shots which can greatly improve accuracy out in the field.
The LCD is simple with its Lumatic Display that automatically adjusts the display brightness to match lighting conditions.
This rangefinder was designed with durability in mind and is constructed from lightweight and durable magnesium.
- 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…
- Comes with BDX Ballistic Data Xchange built in, providing your BDX riflescope/Phone app with an…
ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1500 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 12.8 oz
The ATN Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder provides accurate distance measurements from the unit to the target.
It provides ballistic calculations that are done in the background via the ATN Smartphone App.
Moreover, with the use of cutting-edge technology and a powerful Class 1R laser, it offers a maximum range of 1500 yards which is greater than the Bushnell.
It is accurate up to +- 1 yard, equipped with 6x magnification power, and clear optics to provide sharp and clear HD images.
This rangefinder can be combined with your Day Scope and the ATN smart App for iOS and Android to provide precise ballistic calculations to make exact turret corrections.
In other words, the required windage and elevation adjustments are sent directly to the scope and your reticle adjusts according.
This means you won’t even have to touch your turrets at all which increases accuracy and guarantees you hit your mark.
Further, the integrated inclinometer measures upward or downward angles to compensate for any inclines and declines in the landscape.
- 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.
Final Verdict: Bushnell G-Force DX
In the end, the Bushnell G-Force DX ARC 6x 21mm laser rangefinder is a powerful rangefinder that matches up to the Bushnell name.
It comes fully loaded with all the things you want in a hunting rangefinder at a reasonable price.
This unit offers great value for money and is one of the few rangefinders on the market that comes fully decked out in this price range.
It may not be for everyone but if you are a serious hunter who needs their rangefinder to go the extra mile, then this is the unit for you.
Both bow and rifle hunters will benefit greatly since it makes things easier in the field.
Take advantage of the Vivid Display Technology, 2nd generation Turboprocessor, Variable Sight-In for both Bow and Rifle, Bullseye, Brush Targeting Systems, and a whole lot more.
If you’re interested in more rangefinders, read this best hunting rangefinder and best Bushnell rangefinders posts.
Rangefinder
Features
Price