Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting Reviews 2024

If you’re a bow hunting or archery enthusiast, this review is just for you. We will look at some of the best rangefinders out there but limit our choices to those that provide truly functional performance for bow hunting.

Let’s face it; there’s a big difference between a bow and gun hunting, and a rangefinder for the former doesn’t need to have all the bells and whistles. While these are all rugged and compact, our choice for the best rangefinder for bow hunting is the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R.

Our Pick: Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R 40535

The superior optics, the range of features, and easy readability in this Leica Rangemaster rangefinder made it an easy choice for the best bow hunting rangefinder. The monocular has a magnification of 7x, yet the quality of the optics exceeds any other comparable rangefinder.

That means even if you aren’t ranging animals, you can get a sharp and bright view of that trophy buck. It has a 24mm objective lens and combined diopter compensation. But, what makes this a great rangefinder for bow hunting is the equivalent horizontal range that will perform the necessary calculations to compensate for gravity between 10 and 600 yards.

So, in addition to measuring both the linear and horizontal distance, you’ll be able to calculate the precise angle when shooting downhill, like when you’re in your tree stand, or when shooting uphill, such as when stalking deer through the forest.

Unlike many other rangefinders, this rangefinder also has no problem with too much or too little light, making it a dependable addition to your bow hunting gear. It also weighs only 6.6 ounces and measures 4.4 inches by 2.9 inches by 1.3 inches. This high-performing rangefinder for bow hunting has a bright LED screen that automatically adjusts brightness. With its great compact size and lightweight, you can easily throw it in your jacket pocket for easy access.

Runner-Up: Bushnell Team Primos the Truth Laser Rangefinder

Of the many options available, few range finders for bow hunting are specifically designed for bow hunting use. Most come with the versatility to use them for the gun season or even golfing, but that usually translates into many extra features – and a higher price tag – than you truly need if bow hunting and archery are your primary interests.

That’s where The Truth by Bushnell range finder for bow hunting differs. It’s designed exclusively for bow hunting and has all the features you need – no more, no less. It has a 4x magnification and a range of 7 to 850 yards.

While that’s not as impressive as other rangefinders which can sight out to 2000 yards, the important thing to ask yourself is, “Can I hit a deer at that distance?” Yeah, me neither. So this is a more than sufficient working range if you’re serious about actually bringing in a deer and filling that freezer.

This rangefinder also has HD-quality optics, so you can be sure you’re looking at a buck coming towards you through that thick underbrush. The Angle Range Compensation (ARC) bow mode will precisely read the linear distance and the exact distance between you and your target at a range of 7 to 199 yards.

The built-in inclinometer will provide you with an accuracy of +/-1 degree at the angle from -90 to 90 degrees, making it perfect for use while shooting downhill in your deer stand or stalking on a hill, as well as while shooting uphill for when that monster swamp buck emerges on the hill above you.

It weighs just 5.3 ounces and measures 3.8 inches by 1.4 inches by 2.9 inches. It’s rainproof, has a non-slip finish, and comes with a carrying case, neck strap, and battery.

Value Pick: Nikon Aculon Laser Rangefinder 8397

Of all these bow hunting rangefinder reviews, the Nikon ACULON Laser Rangefinder 8397 is easily the most user-friendly rangefinder in the list. It features simple two-button control with large buttons that are placed strategically for accurate use. One touch of the button closest to you will instantly give you a distance reading.

You can scan the area and receive a continuous reading if the button is held. The button further away changes the reading from yards to meters. It comes with a default Distant Target Priority mode that automatically measures the distance of the farthest target when there is more than one target measured. This is useful if you like to hunt in thick underbrush, heavy woods, or where tall grass and scrub growth may partially obscure your target.

It has a fixed magnification of 6x, a 20mm objective lens, and an eye relief of 16.7 mm, allowing for comfortable use for those wearing glasses. Multi-coated optics ensure bright images with precise details.

The Nikon Aculon Laser Rangefinder has a functional range of 6 yards to 550 yards. It’s also water resistant, allowing you to use it on those drizzly fall days. It weighs just 4.4 ounces without batteries and measures 3.6 inches by 1.5 inches by 2.9 inches.

Also Great: Wild Game Innovations Halo Xray 600 Z6X Rangefinder

For the more frugal hunter, the Halo Xray 600 rangefinder for bow hunting is affordable and still has the necessary features to be functional.

It has a 6x magnification and a maximum range of 600 yards with a reflective target. This is an important point to consider as any animal you’ll be out bow hunting for will generally be fluffy and won’t provide accurate distance readings at that range.

But keep in mind that we’re talking about bow hunting here, so it’s not like you’ll be trying to peg that elk at 600 yards. You’ll still get a good view of your target and a very close idea of the distance, but you’ll have to get closer either way if you want to take a shot.

The scan mode on this rangefinder is always an appreciated feature as it lets you scan the area while getting readings accurate to +/- 1 yard as you do. The AI slope technology instantly tells you the angle your target is at in relation to you, allowing you to compensate while shooting from your deer stand.

Although this rangefinder is a little larger than other models, it’s no bigger than a pair of compact binoculars and weighs about 11 ounces. It’s powered by a CR2 lithium-ion battery which is not included. This is a rugged, water-resistant rangefinder that’s incredibly easy to figure out how to use in a matter of minutes. The price is so good that you may want to pick up a few extras as stocking stuffers for your hunting crew.

What is the Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting?

We covered a good variety in our bow hunting rangefinder reviews, each with strong positives and drawbacks. These should give you the performance you need while on your next bow-hunting excursion. While we were torn about choosing a favorite, the superior optics quality of the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R made it clear that it was the best rangefinder for bow hunting.

It offers some serious performance that won’t let you down and will provide you with highly accurate readings of your target, leaving you to take that shot and think about how much you want in steaks and hamburger meat. The price may cause for some to dismiss the Rangemaster, but after you try it out, we bet you’ll never regret your purchase.

---

References & Resources

• Leica, Official Brand Website.
• Bushnell, Official Brand Website.
• Nikon, Official Brand Website.
• Wild Games Innovation, Official Website.