Last Updated on
If you’re a hunter or serious shooter, a quality rangefinder is a necessary addition to your gear collection. However, most will agree a rangefinder isn’t the most exciting piece of gear out there, and they are probably not the devices you want to spend an entire season’s budget on (but don’t be fooled, the top tier rangefinders do some amazing things…) So to address your key range finding needs for now, we’ve picked out five laser rangefinder models under $200 that will be a nice addition to your next hunt or day at the range.
Simmons Volt 600 4×20 Rangefinder
First on our list is the ultra-affordable Simmons Volt 600 4×20 Rangefinder. The Volt 600 is a compact rangefinder with simple operation and an easy to read LCD display that ranges up to 600 yards on reflective targets. The device is also weather-resistant so you can use it in the elements, and it is accurate within one yard. You won’t be able to use the max 600 yard range on live targets like deer, and the 200 yard range for game makes this a smaller landscapes only model. The lower magnification of 4x won’t be a problem when used in shorter range scenarios either. This said, the Volt 600 is still a great, inexpensive rangefinder for those who hunt in places like the Midwest or eastern US or shoot short to medium distances. The Volt 600 comes in both a tan/camo finish or a flat black finish. Right now at Gritroutdoors you can pick up this rangefinder for $122.18.
Key Specs: Magnification: 4x, Total Range: 600 yds., Range (deer): 200 yds., Dimensions: 1.9″ x 3.6″ x 4.2″, Weight: 7.7 oz., Eye Relief: (not disclosed by manufacturer).
Wins In: (none)
Bushnell Bone Collector 4×21 Rangefinder
Next up in our list is the stylish camo Bushnell Bone Collector 4×21 Rangefinder. Part of the signature series inspired by the popular hunting show, the Bone Collector Rangefinder offers simple and fast ranging in a slightly smaller package when compared to the Simmons Volt 600. The other features here are pretty much the same with one-button operation, a waterproof casing, and an identical reflective to game ranging distance of 600 yds. – 200 yds. However, the lighter package and sharper camo design may make this rangefinder preferable to some when compared to the Simmons Volt. Right now you can get the Bone Collector rangefinder for $141.88 at gritroutdoors.com.
Key Specs: Magnification: 4x, Total Range: 600 yds., Range (deer): 200 yds., Dimensions: 1.4″ x 3.8″ x 2.9″, Weight: 5.3oz., Eye Relief: (not disclosed by manufacturer).
Wins In: (none)
Nikon Aculon 6×20 Rangefinder
The Nikon Aculon 6×20 Rangefinder is a step up from the previous two in several regards. First you’re going to get added magnification at 6x versus the previous two models that only offered 4x, and while it’s not a dramatic up tick in magnification, it can still make a difference in pinpoint range finding settings. While the max range has diminished a bit in the Aculon (550 yds.), it is much more responsive on live targets and does not suffer from a max range of 200 yds. on game like deer. The Aculon also offers a continuous ranging mode (up to 20 seconds) where the device will range on the fly while the button is held down. The Aculon offers the best eye relief of all models at 18mm. Finally, the quality multi-coated Nikon optics are sure to make a difference in longer range settings. The Aculon is also smaller than the two models listed above. Right now you can get this quality Nikon Rangefinder at Gritroutdoors for $166.95.
Key Specs: Magnification: 6x, Total Range: 550 yds., Range (deer): (not disclosed by manufacturer), Dimensions: 3.6″ x 2.9″ x 1.5″, Weight: 4.4 oz. Eye Relief: 18 mm.
Wins In: Weight: 4.4 oz., Eye Relief: 18mm.
Redfield Raider 600 6×20 Rangefinder
Another quality rangefinder available for under $200 is the Redfield Raider 600 6x 20 Rangefinder. Redfield, the now sister brand of Leupold, benefits from the same quality craftsmanship and design as Leupold optics, and that attention really shines through in the Raider 600. It features a max range of 600 yds. similar to most other models in our list, and you get both single ranging and scan modes depending on whether you press or hold the button on the device. The Raider 600 does suffer from a reduced eye relief range at 12mm when compared to the Aculon and Leupold RX-650, but the device’s weight and compact design still make it worth a look for anyone in the market for a quality rangefinder. You can get it now at Gritroutdoors for $189.95.
Key Specs: Magnification: 6x, Total Range: 600 yds., Range (deer): (not disclosed by manufacturer), Dimensions: 3.7″ length, Weight: 5.0 oz., Eye Relief: 12 mm.
Wins In: (none)
Leupold RX-650 6×20 Micro Rangefinder
The Leupold RX-650 6×20 Rangefinder is Leupold’s lightest / most compact rangefinder out today. That said, the RX-650 also offers the best range of all models listed here at a total 650 yds. against reflective surfaces. The max range for deer is also the highest offered among all models at 575 yds. That is some serious performance out of a small package. You can use the RX-650 in both single reading and scan mode ranging settings, and Leupold’s fast-focus eyepiece make precision adjustments in the field a snap. The RX-650’s eye relief of 16.5mm is not the best of all models, but it is still more than enough for most users. Simply put, the Leupold RX-650 offers the best value and features of all five listed here at $179.90.
Key Specs: Magnification: 6x, Total Range: 650 yds., Range (deer): 575 yds., Dimensions: 3.6″ x 1.4″ x 2.9″, Weight: 6.3 oz., Eye Relief: 16.3 mm.
Wins In: Total Range: 650 yds., Range (deer): 575 yds., Dimensions: 3.6″ x 1.4″ x 2.9″
Note: Prices and availability subject to change at gritroutdoors.com.
