Ranging For Dummies

These days, most archers head afield with a laser rangefinder. The reason is simple: you can be the greatest shot in the world, but if you misjudge the range, you're in serious trouble. Since I got my first laser rangefinding unit about eight years ago, their cost has come down considerably, putting ownership well within reach of most archers.

Meanwhile, the quality of ranging technology has improved dramatically, giving you even more bang for your buck. One such example is Bushnell's new Bowhunter Chuck Adams Edition laser rangefinder, which was designed specifically with archers in mind.

The Bowhunter Chuck Adams Edition features Angle Range Compensation (ARC) Bow Mode technology. In layman's terms, ARC technology automatically adjusts for the upward or downward angle between you and the target, meaning you know exactly which pin to use whether you are looking down at a shooter buck from a treestand or up at one from the bottom of a ravine. ARC technology determines the true horizontal distance from five to 99 yards and works at angles up to +/- 90 degrees.

Each time you look through the viewfinder and press the button, the internal display shows the actual (line-of-sight) distance to the target, the angle and true horizontal (shooting) distance. For example, I ranged a recent uphill shot at 75 yards line-of-sight, but with the 38-degree angle, the shooting distance was a mere 59 yards. Needless to say, I wouldn't come anywhere near that target using the 70-yard pin held high. I don't know the mathematical formula for calculating such things, but I am sure glad I don't have to worry about it.

Outside Bow Mode, the unit can provide straight line-of-sight readings from five to 800 yards. The Bowhunter Chuck Adams Edition rangefinder also features a vertical design for one-handed operation, a 20mm objective lens, fully coated optics, 4x eyepiece and Realtree AP camouflage. The unit retails for $249, which includes a carrying case and 9-volt battery.

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Contact: Bushnell Corp., 9200 Cody, Overland Park, KS 66214; 800-423-3537; www.bushnell.com