Are Rangefinder Reticles A Viable Hunting Tool?
Yes—for some hunters. I prefer to get as close as possible to an animal to ensure proper shot placement, but there are habitat types and game animals that demand longer shots, and this is where a rangefinder scope is valuable. Obviously, there’s no reason to mount one on a close-range slug gun, but I do have them on a couple muzzleloaders and a variety of long-range centerfire rifles. Truth be told, laser rangefinders have become so compact and affordable that I rarely use a scope’s rangefinder reticle for estimating distance. But if the batteries fail in my laser rangefinder, or I forget to pack it, a rangefinding scope is a great back-up. Obviously, the secret is to practice with your rifle and scope so you can confidently place your shots with lethal accuracy from a variety of distances.
