Dual Purpose Hunting Rangefinders

Dual purpose rangefinders are rangefinders that can be used for both archery and rifle hunting. While there are a large number of rangefinders on the market only a handful of them meet the criteria for a good dual use rangefinder.

What to Look For

Range: While selecting a 1000+ yard rangefinder might seem like overkill even for a rifle; it is important to remember that these maximum ranges are based on ranging highly reflective targets under good conditions. In reality you can usually expect to get around half the maximum reflective distance under normal conditions when trying to range a big game animal. So starting with a 1000 yard rangefinder stills allows ranging of animals out to around 500 yards which should cover most scenarios. Also, consider that it is often easier to get a first attempt reading on an animal at 300 yards with these more power models than it would be with a rangefinder listed for a maximum range of say 600 yards.

Medium Magnification: Because these units will be used for both archery and rifle hunting a good all around magnification is needed to cover the variety of distances that might be encountered. 6x magnification seems to be the sweet spot allowing enough field of view for closer targets, while still having enough precision for targeting animals at several hundred yards.

Last Target Priority: Target priority settings are how a rangefinder handles a split reading, i.e. when two objects are ranged on the same press of the button. The First priority mode will display the range to the closer of the two objects, while the Last priority setting will display the range of the further of the two objects. While golfers need a First priority mode to report the range to the flag and not the trees in the background; hunters usually want the Last priority setting to give the range to the animal and not the twig or brush they are trying to range through.

Angle Compensate Readings: While this feature is probably one of the most hyped technologies on rangefinders, there is often very little difference between line of sight readings and angel compensated readings in most hunting situations. That said there are a few times such as bowhunting from a high treestand, that angle compensation can make the difference between a hit and miss. Since, these dual rangefinders will be used for both rifle and bowhunting it is a nice feature to have. 

Dual Purpose Rangefinder Comparison Chart

Full Review >>	Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W	Nikon Prostaff 7i	Bushnell Scout DX 1000	Vortex Ranger 1000	Leica CRF 1000-R
Picture
Estimated Price	$419	$299	$249 - Black $299 - Camo	$379	$599
Configuration	6x22mm	6x21mm	6x21mm	6x22	7x24mm
Display	OLED	LCD	LCD	OLED	LED
Display Color	Red	Black	Black	Red	Red
Weight	7.8oz	6.2oz	6.6 oz	7.7oz	7.8oz
L x W x H	3.8" x 1.4" x 3"	4.4" x 1.5" x 2.8"	4" x 1.3" x 2.9"	3.9" x 1.6" x 3"	4.5" x 1.3" x 3"
Reflective	1200 yds	1300 yds	1000 yds	1000 yds	1000 yds
Target Priority	Last	First & Last	First & Last	None	None
Angle Compensation	Yes	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes