Western Hunting Journal, Premiere Issue whj001_premiere | Page 35

user to pan over a target, or following a moving target,
to get up to the moment progress on distance. Other
settings may tell the unit to calculate the return sig-
nal differently due to rain, brush or irregular target
shapes or backgrounds. Some of the most advanced
models can even be uploaded with your hunt condi-
tions such as elevation and temperature, and even
your specific ballistic data, to produce some of the
most accurate readings available.
Magnification
Another notable feature on rangefinders is that most
include some degree of magnification. Is this so they
can double as a monocular in a pinch for quick glass-
ing? Well, to some degree you can do this, but the
magnification is actually to help improve your view
on prospective targets; enlarging the target and al-
lowing a bigger reference points on where to aim
the rangefinder. Most units will be in the 4x, 6x, or 8x
magnification range, and unless you really plan on a
lot of long range target acquisition, the lower magni-
fications seem to allow a bit faster target reference
in the viewfinder, as well as performing better in low
light situations. Models with larger objective lenses
also benefit low light usage.
LCD Readouts
In low light, another troublesome area for some
rangefinders is being able to read the display. Many
displays feature LCD readouts with black numbers,
which can be incredibly hard to see on dark back-
grounds or in low light. When I tried to get readings
on my bull, I had to keep panning the rangefinder up
to the sky so I could read the black display, because
the numbers blended in with the dark, pre-dawn hill-
side. Some units have backlit displays, or illuminated
numbering which makes viewing in all lighting situa-
tions a breeze, but may also be hard to read in bright
sunlight.
Ease of Use
Lastly, look at overall construction and design layout.
I personally think it’s important that a rangefinder
has some sort of designation as being waterproof
or water resistant. Are the activation and mode ad-
justment buttons well sized and easily located? Can
they be manipulated with gloves? Are they in a place
where they can be accidentally bumped or adjusted
when the unit is jostling around in your pocket? What
about the battery? Does the unit specify battery life?
Can the battery be easily changed, and is it a common
size? I once had a rangefinder that had such an irreg-
ular battery no store in the small town I lived even
carried them. I like units that use common batteries,
not rechargeable, so that in a pinch, you may be able
to rob batteries out of a flashlight or radio in camp
and not be stuck up a creek with a dead rangefinder.
When you factor in all the time and expense that
goes in to each hunting trip, not to mention the con-
cern for the animals that you pursue, it only makes
sense to invest in a quality rangefinder so that when
the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself you can
confidently make an accurate shot. WHJ
Testing Process,
Criteria
Over a period of two months WHJ
Gear Editor Eric Martin tested 10
rangefinders. Each unit was test-
ed for the following:
CLARITY/BRIGHTNESS
Does the unit produce a crisp,
clear field of view that is bright
enough to easily acquire targets
under all light and environmental
(weather) conditions?
ACCURACY
Units were tested at four ranges
from 100 to 600 yards to best rep-
licate common hunting scenari-
os. Cattle were used to simulate
animal targets, and vehicles were
used as reflective targets. An out-
building was used for maximum
reflective range testing. Targets
were located in open fields, in
wooded areas with partial ob-
structions, and on slopes. Test-
ing was done in low light, bright
(overcast), and in light rain. Each
target was ranged 20 times, and
then the deviation of range read-
ings and the average were calcu-
lated.
FEATURES
Are there multiple modes, i.e.,
scan, target priority, weather, etc.?
Is the display easy to see without
cluttering the viewfinder? Can
the display be adjusted in bright-
ness/ intensity, or can the style of
reticle be changed? Does the unit
measure/correct for slope?
CONSTRUCTION
Is the unit rugged enough for
years of dependable service? Is
the unit waterproof? Is the bat-
tery compartment easy to access
and secured to prevent batteries
from rattling use in the field? Are
range/mode buttons well located
so they don’t cause confusion in
the excitement of ranging an ani-
mal? Does the unit fit well in hand
and does size allow easy carrying?
Sig Sauer
KILO2200MR TM
$500.99
7 x 25mm
WEIGHT: 7.6 OUNCES
MAX REFLECTIVE RANGE: 2 MILES
ILLUMINATED DISPLAY: YES
Accuracy VVVVV
Clarity/Brightness VVVVV
Features VVVV+
Construction VVVVV
Overall VVVVV
From weekend plinking to serious long range
pursuits, the KILO2200MR™ from Sig Sau-
er ® will provide the edge you need to ensure
shots find their mark.
The first thing I noticed when looking
through the KILO2200MR™ was superb im-
age clarity and overall brightness, even in the
dim first and last light of the day. A 7x magni-
fication is well suited for longer range target
acquisitions while still providing a respectable
field of view at closer distances. The slim de-
sign of the magnesium housing allows this
sleek powerhouse of a rangefinder to be
comfortably stowed in a shirt pocket, while
being tough enough to handle the rigors of
years of backcountry adventures. The OLED
display automatically adjusts to the amount
of ambient light, ensuring easy reading of the
display while not distorting vision in low light.
Adjusting between the various display prefer-
ences and setup modes is also a breeze.
When it comes to accuracy, you can take
the readings given by the KILO2200MR™ to
the bank. On animals, the variance in twen-
ty-shot groups of range readings was a mere
.2 yards at 200 yards, and the same test at
550 yards at a vehicle varied just .9 yards.
There was also no contest when it came to
maximum distance; the KILO2200MR™ easi-
ly ranging larger targets at over 2,000 yards.
Given this unit’s capabilities at long distances I
would like to have seen a tripod mount.
sigsauer.com
www.wes