EP 146: Instructor's Corner | Smart Range Finders vs Dumb Range Finders

Published on May 8, 2024
Duration: 44:56

This episode of Long Range Pursuit Podcast delves into the evolution and functionality of rangefinders, differentiating between 'smart' ballistic rangefinders and older 'dumb' models. The discussion highlights how smart rangefinders integrate rifle ballistics and environmental sensors (temperature, pressure, humidity, angle) for accurate ballistic solutions, eliminating the need for separate devices like Kestrels or dope cards. Key topics include the limitations of traditional methods like dope cards and BDC turrets when environmental conditions change, the superiority of dialing turrets over holding for wind under stress, and the inaccuracies of the 'rifleman's rule' for angle compensation beyond 500 yards and 20 degrees. The importance of verifying rangefinder offset and the advanced features of ballistic rangefinders, such as multiple gun profiles and trajectory validation, are also emphasized.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Rangefinders
  2. 00:49Defining Smart vs. Dumb Rangefinders
  3. 01:53Generations of Rangefinders
  4. 03:00How Smart Rangefinders Work
  5. 04:01Calculated Numbers vs. Dope Card
  6. 06:16Progression of Ballistic Solutions
  7. 07:40Historical Use in the Marine Corps
  8. 10:02Field Efficiency: Smart Rangefinders
  9. 11:17Is Velocity Still King?
  10. 13:00Bullet Selection Criteria
  11. 14:10Knockdown Power vs. Terminal Ballistics
  12. 16:02Dialing vs. Holding for Wind
  13. 18:17Impact of Rangefinders on Choices
  14. 19:18Angles and the Rifleman's Rule
  15. 21:14Correct Angle Compensation Method
  16. 23:39The Difference: Cosine x Range vs. Cosine x Dope
  17. 25:56Trusting the Technology
  18. 26:32Precision and Stacking Errors
  19. 29:23Rangefinder Offset and Calibration
  20. 32:33Rangefinder Offset Scenario
  21. 33:33Multiple Gun Profiles in Rangefinders
  22. 37:13BR4 Trajectory Validation Feature
  23. 40:04Field Application: Truing Systems
  24. 41:10Targeting Modes: Near vs. Far
  25. 43:52Conclusion: Why You Need a Smart Rangefinder

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