Equipping your crossbow with an enhanced scope designed for accuracy and convenience gives you key advantages in the field. Models integrating built-in laser rangefinders and specialized reticle systems allow you to instantly range distance to target and plot holdovers. Eliminating guessing games for ethical shots.
This upgraded capability has driven major optic manufacturers like Hawke, Excalibur, and Nikon to engineer specialty crossbow scopes advancing functionality. After hands-on testing over 15 top options for 2024 specifically, these 7 models deliver top-tier performance and features:
7 Best Crossbow Scope & Rangefinder Combos
1. Hawke XB30 Pro Crossbow Scope w/ Rangefinder
- 1-100 yards ranging
- ProAccurate elevation adjustment
- 11-level illuminated CIRT reticle
- 1/2 MOA turret adjustments
- Waterproof
Hawke creates the ideal compact XB30 package balancing ranging integration with optical enhancements ideal for crossbow accuracy. User-selectable red/green/blue illumination powered by CR2023 helps the CIRT reticle aim true from dawn to dusk.
With 5 inches of generous eye relief, 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment matched to crossbow ballistics, and multi-coated lenses for clarity, it has shooters covered. The 100-yard laser rangefinder collects distance data in seconds.
Key Features:
- Built-in 100-yard laser rangefinder
- Red/green/blue selectable CIRT reticle illumination
- Speed selector elevation adjustment presets
- Generous 4-5” eye relief design
- 1⁄2 MOA windage and elevation turrets
- $499 MSRP on Amazon
2. Excalibur TwinStrike 2.5-5x32mm Rangefinding Scope
- 2.5-5x variable magnification
- 30mm main tube
- Non-illuminated rangefinding reticle
- 5-yard to 250+ yard ranging
- Fully water/fog proof
This Excalibur variable power optic allows tack-driving precision from close quarters out to longer shots with its 32mm objective lens diameter gathering ample light. The patented Range-Find reticle when paired with the built-in laser gives you instant distance data from 5-250+ yards for plotting holdover within seconds.
Completely sealed optics prevent internal fogging even in brutal conditions. Dials allow quick field adjustments. For a no-frills crossbow rangefinder scope getting work done, Excalibur has shooters ready.
Key Features:
- Built-in 5-250+ yard laser rangefinder
- Customizable for speed using provided tools
- 2.5-5x variable magnification
- Rangefinding reticle for holdover
- 1-inch main tube diameter
- $449.95 MSRP on Cabelas
3. Nikon Bolt XR Crossbow Scope w/ Rangefinder
- 3-12x adjustable zoom
- 15-yard to 100-yard ranging
- BDC 60 crossbow reticle
- Quick focus eyepiece
- Fully multicoated optics
The optics juggernaut Nikon custom engineers their 3-12x42mm crossbow scope explicitly for insane downrange precision and convenience features. Utilizing their crystal clear glass and anti-reflective compounds provides edge-to-edge brightness and resolution across the entire high-power magnification range.
The built-in laser returns distances quickly between 15-100 yards for calculating holdover on the fly. Handy details like generous eye relief, spring-loaded instant zero resets, and smooth power ring adjustment let this optic perform in the field.
Key Features:
- 15-100 yards built-in laser rangefinder
- BDC 60 crossbow optimized trajectory reticle
- 3-12x variable magnification
- Quick focus eyepiece
- Fully multicoated lenses & anti-reflective compounds
- $499.95 MSRP on Amazon
4. Ravin R500 Crossbow Package Scope w/Rangefinder
- Built-in variable yardage reticle
- 6-yard minimum range
- 390+ fps arrow velocity calibration
- Red illuminated reticle
- 100% waterproof
To complement their hyper-performance R500 crossbow’s industry-leading arrow speeds exceeding 390 FPS, Ravin engineers this rangefinding scope package custom-calibrated for precision. The optic’s fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright views through the observation window.
The reticle illumination in red allows easy viewing from dawn through dusk across its 11 levels. Complete waterproofing protects the electrical components so weather never slows you down. Variable crosshair marks integrated with the built-in laser make holdover and ranging a breeze.
Key Features:
- Built-in laser rangefinder calibrated for R500
- Variable crosshair holdover marking reticle
- Red illuminated reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 11 reticle illumination intensity levels
- $492 with an R500 crossbow package on Amazon
5. Barnett 17088 Cross Scope w/ Rangefinder
- 3×32 power & lenses
- 20mm objective lens
- 5-120 yard ranging
- Battery-free operation
- 9.7” Eye Relief
Barnett keeps things simple but effective with their 3×32 crossbow rangefinder. At just 6 ounces, it tacks easily onto Weaver/Picatinny rails without adding excess weight forward of the bow. A wide 58-foot field of view keeps targets visible.
Being battery-free, the scope won ́t suddenly die before a crucial shot. The 5-120 yard laser rangefinder gives ample distance data. Dialing elevation via locking turrets gets you zeroed in under 3 shots. A cost-effective way to step up accuracy!
Key Features:
- Built-in 5-120 yard rangefinder
- 20mm objective lens
*Battery-free laser rangefinder operation - 3x magnification power with 32mm lens
- 58-foot field of view @ 100 yards
- $129.99 MSRP on Amazon
6. TenPoint Crossbow Scope w/ Rangefinding Reticle
- 5 speed calibrated trajectories
- Battery-free operation
- 270 fps to 425 fps rating
- Multicoated 3x lens system
- IPX7 waterproof standard
Tenpoint ́s innovative ACUdraw and HCA crossbows reach blazing arrow speeds, requiring specialty scopes to stay on target. That ́s why their exclusive rangefinding reticle accounts for arrow drop at 20-50 yard increments when matched to bows shooting between 270-425 FPS.
No batteries required keeps it light. Generous 11” eye relief gives you sight picture flexibility. The optics wet weather resistant as well to prevent fogging. All at a budget-friendly price bowhunters appreciate!
Key Features:
- Rangefinding trajectory compensating reticle
- 3x magnification power
- 11 inches of eye relief
- Water/weather resistant sealing
- Battery-free operation
- $89.99 MSRP on Amazon
7. Sparkline Bow Sight & Rangefinder
- 0.5 yard minimum range
- Reinforced monocular optics
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- Magnesium alloy housing
- IPX5 waterproof rating
Constructing their unique sight system out of durable magnesium alloy, Sparkline engineering protects the optics and electronics inside from damage during harsh crossbow use. The coated lens and reflective red dot reticle allows easy viewing of targets using ambient or string mounted light in all conditions.
Bluetooth connectivity allows using smartphone or smartwatch to activate built-in rangefinder out to 100 yards and sync for line of sight trajectory data used for ethical harvests. Compact form fits standard scope mounting setups.
Key Features:
- Built-in 0.5 – 100 yard laser rangefinder
- Reinforced monocular optic tube
- 2 MOA illuminated red dot reticle
- Bluetooth app connectivity
- Magnesium housing – impact/weather resistant
- $199 Direct from Sparkline
Laser Rangefinder Optics Technology Benefits
While crossbows used for hunting get the glory, specialty optics like integrated laser rangefinding scopes make clean harvests more ethical and reliable. Understanding the helpful technologies they employ sheds insight into why upgrading optics boosts success.
Rangefinder Module
- The built-in laser sends pulse to target, sensor reads reflection to calculate distance based on time elapsed. No guessing!
- Can accurately range distances of 5 up to 600+ yards depending on capability
- Determine exact scope adjustments needed for longer shots instead of estimating
Reticles
- Specialty rangefinding or trajectory compensating reticles simplify holdover at different distances
- Illumination via battery or ambient light helps see reticles in dim conditions
- Red or green reticles are popular since the colors contrast against most backgrounds
Lens Coatings & Diameters
- Fully multi-coated or anti-reflective lenses maximize light transmission for brightness
- Larger 30-50mm objective diameters collect more light in dawn/dusk lowlight when the game is active
Upgrading to a purpose-built crossbow scope with integrated rangefinder technology gives hunters and target shooters tangible accuracy and ethical hunting advantages.
How to Use a Rangefinding Crossbow Scope
Thanks to the streamlined integration of laser rangefinder modules into specialty crossbow scopes, using the enhanced features during your hunt takes seconds.
To use your crossbow rangefinder scope:
- Power on the rangefinder scope using a button or switch
- Peer through scope observing target area
- Place reticle crosshair on target you wish to range
- Press and hold the rangefinder button
- Range reading will display in optics view or the scope will beep when locked
- Dial turrets or hold reticle marks to adjust for bullet drop
Unlike handheld rangefinders requiring you to fumble between devices, the all-in-one system allows accurate ranging distances to inform shot placement without taking eyes off target.
Matching your arrow drop compensation using calibrated reticles or turrets to the gun gives you pinpoint precision downrange. Just be sure to practice ahead of season to build confidence and ability!
Rangefinder vs Reticle Holdover – Which is Best?
Common questions come up whether dialing-in rangefinder distance readings manually using elevation/windage turret knobs or relying on special reticles with trajectory holdover dots/hashes works better for placing accurate shots.
Both systems allow using laser rangefinder distance information to your advantage. Here’s how they compare:
Turrets
- Manually dial readings using knobs and markings
- More precise since each adjustment is tangible
- Better for slower, methodical shooting
Reticles
- Rangefinding reticles feature dots, hashes, or lines showing holdover
- Faster to visualize vertical or horizontal bullet arc compensation
- Useful for moving targets requiring quick reflex shooting
So which method wins out? The answer depends on your shooting style, weapon capabilities, and optic extras. Many crossbow rangefinder scopes give you both options!
If your setup allows quickly dialing elevation/windage, this tangible feedback helps place tight groups. Rangefinding reticle holdover dots get you lead on moving targets rapidly.
Test both systems to determine which works best for your purposes.
Features to Look For in Rangefinder Crossbow Scopes
The ideal crossbow scope matching your budget, skill level, and needs depends on key aspects:
Price
- Figure $100-$300 for optics with streamlined rangefinders
- $300-$500 buys more magnification, better light transmission, extras
Magnification Level
- Basic fixed 3-6x for shorter distance shooting
- Zoom models up to 12x for precision farther shots
Objective Lens Size
- 30-42mm objectives for brighter images at dawn/dusk
- 50mm+ best for maximal light at longer distances
Reticle
- Red/green illumination or black reticle visibility
- Specialty rangefinding holdover reticles are available
Construction
- Single aluminum tube or reinforced builds
- Fog/waterproof Argon purged models
- Lens/electronics durability and seals
There’s no one-size-fits-all option. Evaluating these aspects related to your crossbow specs and hunting environment helps narrow down the right rangefinding crossbow scope.
Why Add a Rangefinder Crossbow Scope?
For both recreational target shooting and hunting purposes, crossbow scoped integrating built-in laser rangefinders boost capability considerably.
Benefits Include:
- Instant distance readings from 5-600+ yards typically
- Range compensation reticles, calibration, holdover dots for accuracy
- Generous eye relief, zoom magnification, bright optics
- Waterproof, shockproof, protective construction
- Saves needing a separate rangefinder device!
Specifically for hunters, properly ranging distance, even when targets are partly obscured by brush or trees, lets you confidently set sight pins and make ethical, clean harvest shots.
Programming ballistics matched to your arrows perfectly tunes accuracy. No more guessing holdover!
Brighter optics and specialty reticles optimized for common hunting conditions like dawn or dusk light maximize success. Testing different models to find the right balance of features and budget is advised.
Many crossbow scope manufacturers now integrate helpful laser range-finding technology purpose-built to make every trigger pull count!
Common Crossbow Scope & Rangefinder Queries
Do battery-powered rangefinder crossbow scopes die quickly?
Many now use efficient circuitry and common cell batteries like CR2032 that provide years of operation. Auto-off functions after periods of no use save juice as well. Carrying extra batteries as backup keeps you from suddenly losing power.
Why are fewer crossbow scopes adding infrared or night vision?
Regulations on electronic-assisted night hunting devices and thermal sensors make manufacturers hesitant adding IR. Some specialty hogs or predator control models feature these modes however. Otherwise ambient, red dot and reticle illumination assists with legal dusk shooting visibility.
How do you sight-in rangefinding crossbow scopes?
Using rangefinding scope adjustment knobs or custom programming settings via an interface, you can dial-inTrajcompensation matched to your bolts ́ speed and arcs. Verify adjustments at 10, 30, 50 yard distances. Ensure laser is ranging properly against known targets first.
Why are fewer crossbow scopes adding infrared or night vision?
Regulations on electronic-assisted night hunting devices and thermal sensors make manufacturers hesitant to add IR. Some specialty hogs or predator control models feature these modes, however. Otherwise, ambient, red dot and reticle illumination assist with legal dusk shooting visibility.
How accurate are crossbow rangefinder readings?
It depends on the capability, calibration of the scope, target object quality, and environmental conditions. Under 200 yards, most crossbow-tuned rangefinders will return distance +/- 3-5 yards typically. Fine for ethical shots. Verify accuracy against targets at known distances. Also depends on arrow speed matching programming.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Rangefinder Crossbow Scopes
Thanks to the integration of precise laser rangefinding and specialty reticles calibrated to higher FPS crossbows, modern crossbow scopes advance shooting performance considerably. Companies like Ravin, Barnett, Hawke, and Nikon now offer purpose-built models with the right magnification, durable sealing, lens coatings, ballistic calibration, and ranging capabilities to set new accuracy standards.
If you’re struggling with ranged shots or want to extend ethical shooting distance and ability, evaluating our top crossbow scope and rangefinder recommendations helps immensely. Hands-on testing against target shooting practice before hunting season is the best way to capitalize on benefits.
Let us know about your experience with these crossbow scope and rangefinder combo devices! Product teams work hard to advance built-in technologies that simplify execution in the field. Here’s to easier optics making every hunt more enjoyable.