Kit test: Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Rangefinder

Time Well Spent January 10, 2023

Leupold’s 5x magnification pocket-sized laser rangefinder comes in a compact Cordura case with a silent elastic fastener. There’s a neck lanyard to keep it close when hunting, as well as waterproofing sufficient for heavy rainfall and snow. It’s rated for operation from -40°C to +71°C.

The True Ballistic Range function offers 25 trajectory models to approximate your cartridge’s ballistics, calculating drop as well as approximate 10mph windage aim-off values, including shot inclination uphill and downhill. 

The black -and-grey casing is protectively rubber panelled for grip and the single upper button initiates the internal screen and fires the laser. There’s an almost immediate refresh rate to keep up with moving targets and a long hold initiates continuous scan mode. 

The range-finding capability is advertised as 6yd to 1,400yd (from reflective surfaces) with realistic values of 1,200yd on trees and 900yd on deer-sized game. The supplied CR2 battery is rated at 3,000 readings (depending on temperature) in a unit measuring 100x35x76mm (4×1.4×3″). The overall weight is 145g (5.1oz) and the angular field of view is 7°, which equates to 368ft at 1,000yd or 122m at 1,000m. 

The 21mm objective lens gives a bright daylight image with a sharply contrasting display. There’s good colouration with none of the yellowish tinge that many low-cost rangefinders seem to suffer from. Overall light transmission through this optic is 60%. Rangefinding accuracy/error is laboratory rated at 0.5yd at 125yd, 2yd out to 1,000yd, and 0.5% beyond that. Eye relief is comfortable at 18.3mm, with a fast-focus eyepiece that offers dioptre correction from -3 to +3 and a soft rubber eyecup that nestles around your eye. Importantly, a good instruction manual is supplied. 

Using presses and holds, the two control buttons scroll through menus that allow you to select metres/yards, display intensity and result readout in either MOA or mrad. There are also choices of halo, crosshair or combination reticle. The display is clear with distinct letters and symbols, and thankfully no colour bleed or sparkle. 

The ballistic profiles are not calculated from the ballistic coefficient and muzzle velocity. Rather, Leupold use a printed list of 25 cartridge/calibre combinations from which you can choose the closest to your trajectory. It may be the case that small refinements (one step either way in the menu) will perfect your results in the field. 

To minimise error, Last Target mode ensures that the furthest target is read, not intervening reflections. The internal reticle coincides well with actual laser strike point and signal return, which didn’t seem to suffer badly from beam divergence.

This is a very compact and neat solution for general rangefinding needs and long shot correction. Good image quality and simple ergonomics are presented at a very reasonable price and it works in all weather conditions. It’s perhaps not the fastest to set up, but when you have it done it’s a fast, accurate assistant.

SRP: £231
Contact: Viking Arms