Are Laser Rangefiner Rifle Scopes any good?

[Xman]

I've been thinking about putting a digital range finding scope on my M14. Anyone have any experience with them? What are the pros and cons, how do they hold up, how cold is too cold for them, etc.

If you have one, where did you get yours?

Something like this:

The new Nikon Laser Rangefinding 4-12x42 Riflescope (8477) is the result of Nikon's renowned riflescope building expertise combined with its prowess in creating hunting's most sought after rangefinders.

Long-range shots are now easier than ever, thanks to the speed and simplicity of this new rifle scope. It features Nikon’s Immediate Ranging Technology (IRT) system, which combines their patented BDC reticle with an integral laser rangefinder that returns precise and continuous distance readings with a single touch of the button - even when sighting moving or multiple targets.

Simply place the reticle on your target, press the scope's patent pending one-touch activator button and select the proper ballistic circle on the BDC reticle to make your shot.

Featuring fully multicoated optics for a bright, sharp sight picture, 4-12 power zoom, precise 1/4-MOA reticle adjustments and Nikon’s guaranteed waterproof, fogproof performance, this 4-12x42 riflescope includes a low-profile mounting system and remote control laser activator that can be easily attached to most firearms.

 

[wpgguy]

*bump*

cause I too am curious. Burris just came out with a new one too.. The Eliminator

http://www.burrisoptics.com/laserscope.html

 

[CrimsonArmy]

I like the "Remote Activation" feature on the Burris range finder....very cool.

 

[canucklehead]

One downfall - everything you are ranging, you better be ready to destroy. Pointing a gun at everything you want to range is not always ideal.

Also, inability to switch between guns (or shooters) is a PITA. I use my Geovids and LRF for all kids of stuff, and would HATE to have it stuck to a single rifle.

 

[Xman]

One downfall - everything you are ranging, you better be ready to destroy. Pointing a gun at everything you want to range is not always ideal.

Also, inability to switch between guns (or shooters) is a PITA. I use my Geovids and LRF for all kids of stuff, and would HATE to have it stuck to a single rifle.

I guess you're right, that might be one downfall. The upside of it though is that you can go from ranging to shooting in about 2-3 seconds if you're already pointing your gun at what you've ranged and want to shoot, vs. 10-15 seconds that would take you to switch between your range finder and your rifle.

In both hunting and fighting, those extra seconds might as well be years, sometimes.

Now, I also have a hand held range finder and that's how I'd solve that problem.

 

[P of PDent]

The same manufacturing plant in the Phillippines makes the Burris, Bushnell and the Nikon (Nikon as of this date has not brought this model into Canada). All the units share similar performance with a few differences between them and come in under the the $900 mark. These do what they claim but you are mixing an average performing scope at about the level of a Bushnell 3200 with an average performing laser range finder. Contrary to some peoples opinion the scope does not adjust the reticle for you based on the distance identified however Burris has a newer model coming out that you program some info before hand and it will indicate a hold over point. These type of scopes are for the most part considered a novelty at this point due to the bulkiness and average performance considering the price. Until the size comes down and the performance and features go up I don't see much volume in sales. BTW Zeiss has their own model called the Diarange and is in the mid $5000 range. Great performance but huge price and bulky unit. Phil.

 

[JohnC]

Nice and I suppose would have some application for long range shooting such as gophers or antelope but a separate rangefinder is only a few ounces and can be packed comfortably - plus if its a long range shot you should have time for separate rangefinding since game is normally not skittish at the longer ranges. I'd rather just set up the rifle for MPBR and be good for most applications.

When they develop one thats only a few extra ounces, has programmable ballistic curves so that holdover requirements can be eliminated, has quality glass, and allows for wind compensation, and is reasonably pirced as far as it goes, i'll consider one- but I think we're at least 10 years away.

 

[Xman]

The same manufacturing plant in the Phillippines makes the Burris, Bushnell and the Nikon (Nikon as of this date has not brought this model into Canada). All the units share similar performance with a few differences between them and come in under the the $900 mark. These do what they claim but you are mixing an average performing scope at about the level of a Bushnell 3200 with an average performing laser range finder. Contrary to some peoples opinion the scope does not adjust the reticle for you based on the distance identified however Burris has a newer model coming out that you program some info before hand and it will indicate a hold over point. These type of scopes are for the most part considered a novelty at this point due to the bulkiness and average performance considering the price. Until the size comes down and the performance and features go up I don't see much volume in sales. BTW Zeiss has their own model called the Diarange and is in the mid $5000 range. Great performance but huge price and bulky unit. Phil.

It's not a "one mile shot" kind of scope, I agree, but that's not what I am looking for either.

As for it being bulky, it doesn't appear any bulkier to me than a full size, 30mm tube scope and because it doesn't need rings, it actually mounts pretty low and out of the way.

This year I shot my deer at 183 yards, with my M14. I used my range finder and the deer almost took off by the time I had put it away and brought my rifle up. That's the kind of shooting where I think the rangefinder scope would be awesome. Up to 400-500 yards, which is really the only hunting I am interested in.

 

[PatD]

When you are prepping for that longer shot, get prone, shoulder your rifle, brace it with your off hand, and while resting the rangefinder on top of your scope, range the shot.
You are generally going to break your sight picture anyhow, to look at your holdover card, Unless you are one of the few that have it memorized.

This way is pretty quick, and solves the "unsteady rangefinder" problem most of us have when shooting at meat with horns.

P of PDent said it best. It's a mediocre rangefinder inside a mediocre scope for a less than mediocre price.