Don’t Buy a Wilcox Raptar ES Before Reading This

Article summarizes the key problems reported with the Wilcox Raptar WMRLF, highlighting user experiences and the possible implications for tactical and recreational shooters.

1. Inability to communicate with any ballistics software

Does not have Bluetooth and will only connect to AB Ballistics via a cable. There is another tier above this with the included ballistics suite, but is several thousand dollars more and improves on nothing else.

2. IR illuminator useless

Won’t light anything up at all after 20 yards

3. No QD mount

4. There is no cosign/angle from 0 feature.

High angle shooting, especially at night requires you to adjust ballistic range.

5. Short battery life

Battery lasts 1-2 days in the field, max. Bring spare batteries or you’re gonna have a bad time.

6. Insane MSRP

Overpriced for what it is. Even at 1/3 the retail price still not happy with the unit.

7. Technical Malfunctions

One of the most significant issues reported by users on Snipershide.com pertains to technical malfunctions of the Wilcox Raptar WMRLF. Several users noted inaccuracies in distance readings, particularly at longer ranges. For example, users have mentioned discrepancies where the WMRLF would report distances that were significantly off from what was measured using other accurate rangefinders.^1.

Additionally, there have been reports of the Raptar malfunctioning in various environmental conditions, such as rain and fog. Users noted that the WMRLF’s effectiveness decreased substantially in these conditions, leading some to describe it as unreliable under varying weather circumstances.^2.

8. Build Quality and Durability

Another common point of contention is the build quality of the Wilcox Raptar. Some reports indicate that the material used in construction may not withstand rigorous field use. Users expressed concerns about the device’s fragility, citing instances where the unit became inoperative after minor drops or impacts. This observation is particularly alarming given the demanding environments in which shooters typically operate^3.

Furthermore, users have noted issues with the battery compartment design, pointing out that it can become loose over time, leading to power failures during crucial moments. Such design flaws can render an otherwise effective tool useless when it is needed most, reinforcing doubts about the Wilcox Raptar’s overall reliability as a tactical accessory^4.

9. User Interface and Usability Issues

In addition to technical malfunctions and build quality concerns, some users have suggested that the Wilcox Raptar WMRLF suffers from poor user interface design. Several reports highlight difficulties in operating the device, particularly when trying to adjust settings quickly in the field. Complicated menus and unclear instructions exacerbate this problem, requiring users to dedicate more time to familiarizing themselves with the device rather than focusing on their primary tasks. In fast-paced environments, where every second counts, usability issues can result in critical delays^5.

Moreover, there have been comments regarding the visibility of the display in various lighting conditions, often cited as another significant drawback. Users have mentioned challenges in reading measurements in bright sunlight, which can counteract the advantages that a modern WMRLF is supposed to provide. This contributes to user frustrations and reduces the overall effectiveness of the tool during critical operational periods^6.

Other 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, which looks like this:

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.

Disagree with our comments? We want your opinion! Voice it below.

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Footnotes

1. Snipershide.com. ‘User Reviews on WMRLFs.’ Accessed October 2023. [Link].
2. Snipershide.com. ‘Issues with Wilcox Raptar in Adverse Weather.’ Accessed October 2023. [Link].
3. Snipershide.com. ‘Build Quality Concerns with the Raptar.’ Accessed October 2023. [Link].
4. Snipershide.com. ‘Battery Compartment Problems.’ Accessed October 2023. [Link].
5. Snipershide.com. ‘User Interface Feedback.’ Accessed October 2023. [Link].
6. Snipershide.com. ‘Visibility Issues in Various Lighting Conditions.’ Accessed October 2023. [Link].