8 Benefits of Weapon-Mounted Laser Rangefinders (WMLRF) For Tactical and Military Applications

1. Faster ranging
Instead of fumbling with a handheld rangefinder, weapon-mounted rangefinders enable you to take aim and range simultaneously. Faster ranging ultimately contributes directly to increased first round hit potential.

2. More accurate ranging due to better optics and greater stability
Rather than trying to hold the rangefinder steady on the target, in the case of a WMLRF, the rangefinder is co-witnessed (aligned) with the riflescope, so you can range by holding your scope on the target. That alone is a major benefit, because you’re able to use the superior optics of the scope to accurately pick out the target and range it. You can see the target better, and therefore gain a more reliable reading.

3. Scope and rangefinder operate as a single-unit
Depending on scope and rangefinder choices, by co-witnessing the rangefinder with the scope, the two become a unified electro-optical sensor, with all the benefits associated with that. For example, if you use the Sig Sauer BDX platform in conjunction with the Sightlok RF-1 mount, you aim at the target, press the rangefinder button, and the scope instantly displays a digital holdover dot in the reticle, eliminating the need to dial for elevation.

4. Fast view switching between rangefinder & scope
Again, this is a benefit unique to users of the Sightlok RF-1 mount, but because the rangefinder can be mounted right next to the scope, the shooter can easily switch their view between the rangefinder and the scope, eliminating the need to fumble with the scope as a separate device.

5. Eliminate Potential Interference from bright LCD displays that interfere with night vision and potentially alert the target to your presence
When compared to a dedicated WMLRF which displays the range information on a LCD or OLED screen, using a Sightlok RF-1 mount with a traditional handheld rangefinder is a more stealthy choice. The is a significant advantage when you consider that many WMLRF, including the Vortex Impact 4000, are notorious for bright displays which lights up your rifle and your face, potentially alerting the target to your presence, and interfering with your low light vision.

6. Integration with Ballistic Calculators
Most WMLRF integrate a ballistic calculator which is a priceless contributor to accuracy downrange. For those on a budget, however, there’s cheap WMLRF that just range targets, such as the Laserworks LE-032. The LE-032also greatly benefits from being stabilized and co-witnessed using a Sightlok RF-1 mount, as shown below:

7. Faster firing solutions
A faster ranging process, combined with a ballistic calculator onboard enables faster firing solutions, which is a significant benefit as well.

8. Increased first round hit potential
This is the ultimate goal. Hitting the target more accurately, hitting with the first shot fired, and hitting that target faster. And that is ultimately the promise of a WMLRF, and why so many shooters are now deploying them.

WMLRF Options
While it’s possible to purchase a dedicated WMLRF, a more economic and arguably accurate approach is using a Sightlok RF-1 mount with your existing handheld rangefinder.

The advantages of using a Sightlok RF-1 mount in conjunction with a handheld rangefinder versus a dedicated WMLRF include:

– Approx 1/5 the price of a dedicated WMLRF.
– Superior ranging performance & functionality
(Premium handheld rangefinders like the Sig Sauer KILO5K offer longer ranging, a better ballistic engine, and integration with the Kestrel wind meters for real-time windage calculations).
– Eliminates the need the scope mount / scope ring combination which typically add up to $500 to the total cost of a dedicated WMLRF ownership
– More flexible mounting options
– Eliminates the problem of illumination from the rangefinder display shining on the shooters face, which can reveal the shooter’s position during night-time engagements
– Enables more fully integrated electro-optic systems such as the Sig Sauer BDX rangefinder/scope system which automatically calculate the firing solution and display a holdover point in the scope reticle, eliminating the need to dial the scope’s elevation turret.

Concerned about recoil damaging your rangefinder?

Sightlok RF-1 clamps use a specialized anti-shock rubber that is specifically designed to help isolate and protect rangefinders from recoil-related damage. While we don’t guarantee every rangefinder will stand up to the recoil of every rifle, here’s a documented test of the mount with the Sig Sauer KILO1000BDX rangefinder versus .308 rifle recoil:

Here’s a test of the mount with the Sig Sauer KILO1000BDX rangefinder versus 6.5 Creedmoor:

If you don’t need a ballistics calculator, the Laserworks LE-032 is another low budget WMLRF that works with the Sightlok mount, cost is about $160 instead of about $2000 for a dedicated WMLRF. The mount that comes with the Laserworks LE-032 is floppy and unusable, but the rangefinder itself is functional enough when combined with a Sightlok RF-1 mount, which stabilizes it. Looks like this:

To learn more about the Laserworks LE-032, click here.

To learn more about the Sightlok RF-1 mount, click here.

Or watch an independent, uncompensated review of the Sightlok RF-1 by the famous long range shooter MarkandSam AfterWork here.

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