When it comes to long-distance precision shooting, there are some tools you can live without, and others that are just mandatory. A good laser rangefinder falls into the “mandatory” category if you are serious about long-distance shooting in the field where target distances and angles are not pre-defined. I’ve been pushing my shooting out further and further with the Ruger Precision Rifles, and I decided it was time to get a laser rangefinder that could reach out to a full mile. After looking around, I decided to try out the Bushnell Elite Tactical 1 Mile Rangefinder with ARC technology.

This rangefinder is packed with features, and satisfies all of my requirements for field shooting and hunting. Here’s a high-level summary of the features packed into this unit:

• Full mile ranging, from 5-1760 yards. This is perfect for my needs!
• Waterproof, fog-proof, with RainGuard HD (I shoot and hunt in the rain, so this is GREAT).
• Fully multi-coated optics with Vivid Display Technology (VDT) – amazing clarity!
• Variable sight-in (choose your sight-in distance) and ARC (Angle Range Compensation). Provides bullet-drop values with look-angle taken into account.
• 2nd generation ESP2 technology (Extreme Speed and Precision) for quick ranging and 1/2 yard accuracy.
• Tripod mount

This list of features and capabilities is exactly what I was looking for in a rangefinder. I also like the fact that it takes 123-class batteries, the same type my Streamlight flashlight uses- I can tap into my existing stockpile of batteries! Other nice features: magnetic latch carrying case, and neck strap. This is going to be in my core collection of field gear: the items I always have on me while hunting and field shooting.

Here’s a picture showing everything that’s included in the box: (also includes a battery, not shown here)

Here’s what’s in the box:

• Rangefinder unit
• 123-class battery
• Instruction manual
• Microfiber lens cleaning cloth
• Neck strap with buckle quick release
• Carrying case with magnetic latch

As you can see in the video shooting on my property, I do a lot of shooting in dynamic field conditions. There’s no guarantee you’ll be shooting flat (angle), I usually don’t have a level surface to shoot from, and ranges change drastically. And then there’s the wind situation! With all of these factors at play, it’s really nice to know I can quickly get range and angle, and use either the actual or angle-compensated range to dial in my dope. It’s amazing how today’s advanced tools can work together to get a shooter on target. I’m sure some old-timers would accuse today’s rifle shooters of cheating!

This rangefinder has worked great so far, but I really haven’t even scratched the surface of the features that are built into this rangefinder. I’ll be posting follow-up coverage as I get used into some of the advanced features (like rifle mode). So look for more information and perspectives as I continue with the Ruger Precision Rifle series and other rifle shooting adventures coming up shortly.

Do you have a Bushnell Elite Tactical 1 Mile rangefinder? I’d love to hear your experiences with it- please leave a comment!

Thanks,
Gavin