Bushnell Legend 1200 ARC Rangefinder User manual

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Model: 204100/204101
Lit. #: 98-1354/07-11 ENGLISH

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CONTENTS
English
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2 - 24
25 - 46
47 - 70
71 - 92
93 - 116
117 - 139

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Legend®1200 ARC™
204100 & 204101
In ranging distance and ballistic capability, no unit on the market packs this much power in such a handy, easy-to-
use package. Engineered with a compact, vertical configuration, the Legend®1200 ARC™delivers instant distance
readings to 1,200 yards, while calculating a true “shoots-like” distance based on terrain angle using Angle Range
Compensation technology. In Rifle Mode, it tells you where to hold and VSI™(Variable Sight-In) allows the rifle
hunter to choose between four sight-in distances and provides holdover / bullet-drop data in inches, centimeters or
MOA. Bow Mode eliminates guesswork with true horizontal distance from 5-99 yards. And weather is never an issue
thanks to fully waterproof construction and Rainguard®HD anti-fog lens coating technology.
This booklet will help you achieve optimum performance by explaining its adjustments and features as well as how to
care for this device. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, please read these instructions before using you’re
Legend 1200 ARC laser rangefinder.

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HOW OUR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WORKS
The Legend®1200 ARC™emits invisible, eye safe, infrared energy pulses. The Legend 1200 ARC‘s Advanced
Digital microprocessor and ASIC chip (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) results in instantaneous and accurate
readings every time. Sophisticated digital technology instantaneously calculates distances by measuring the time it
takes for each pulse to travel from the rangefinder, to the target, and back.
RANGING ACCURACY
The ranging accuracy of the Legend 1200 ARC is plus or minus one yard/meter under most circumstances. The
maximum range of the instrument depends on the reflectivity of the target. The maximum distance for most objects
is 850 yards/777 meters while for highly reflective objects the maximum is 1200 yards/1097 meters. Note: You will
get both longer and shorter maximum distances depending on the reflective properties of the particular target and the
environmental conditions at the time the distance of an object is being measured.
The color, surface finish, size and shape of the target all affect reflectivity and range. The brighter the color, the longer
the range. White is highly reflective, for example, and allows longer ranges than the color black, which is the least
reflective color. A shiny finish provides more range than a dull one. A small target is more difficult to range than a
larger target. The angle to the target also has an effect. Shooting to a target at a 90 degree angle (where the target
surface is perpendicular to the flight path of the emitted energy pulses) provides good range while a steep angle on
the other hand, provides limited ranging. In addition, lighting conditions (e.g. the amount of sunlight) will affect
the ranging capabilities of the unit. The less light (e.g. overcast skies) the farther the unit’s maximum range will be.
Conversely, very sunny days will decrease the unit’s maximum range.

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GETTING STARTED
INSERTING THE BATTERY
Remove the battery cap by lifting the battery door tab and then rotating counter clockwise. Insert a CR-2 3-volt
lithium battery into the compartment positive end first, then replace the battery cap.
NOTE: It is recommended that the battery be replaced at least once every 12 months.
ADJUSTING THE EYEPIECE
Your Legend®1200 ARC™is constructed with an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 2 Diopter Adjustment) that allows one to
focus the LCD display relative to the image. Simply rotate the eyepiece until the reticle and object distanced to are
in focus to your eye.
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY
While looking through the 6x eyepiece, depress the power button once to activate the in-view Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD). Place the aiming circle (located in the center of the field of view) upon a target at least 5 yards away,
depress and hold the power button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display.
Crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired,
you can release the power button. The crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle will disappear once the power button
has been released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted). Note: Once activated, the LCD will remain active and
display the last distance measurement for 30 seconds. You can depress the power button again at any time to distance
to a new target. As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods of time
with magnified lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 10 seconds. To re-fire, press the button
down again.

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LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) INDICATORS
Your Legend 1200 ARC LCD incorporates the following illuminated indicators:
Angle Range Compensation Modes
Rifle Mode (1)
Bow Mode (2)
Battery Life Indicator (3)
Aiming Circle (4)
Active Laser (5)
Targeting Modes
BullsEye Mode (6)
Brush Mode (7)
Primary Numeric Display displays Line-of-sight Distance (8)
Holdover / Bullet-drop measure for Rifle Mode
MOA (9)
CM (10)
IN (11)
Secondary Numeric Display (12)
(Toggles from Degree of Angle to Holdover / bullet drop for Rifle mode)
(Toggles from Degree of Angle to True Horizontal Distance for Bow Mode)
1 2
3 4
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8
910
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ANGLE RANGE COMPENSATION
The Legend®1200 ARC™is an advanced premium laser rangefinder featuring a built-in accelerometer-based
inclinometer that digitally displays the exact angle from -90 to +90 degrees of elevation and is +/- 1.0 degree accurate.
The Bushnell®Legend 1200 ARC solves a problem hunters have been faced with for years. The problem: Bow and
rifle hunters have struggled with extreme uphill and downhill angles because of how these angles alter true horizontal
distance to your target. The Solution: ARC’s integrated inclinometer provides elevation angle to allow for distance
compensation when targeting objects that are either uphill or downhill. This data is then combined with internal
algorithmic ballistic formulas.
ARC (ANGLE RANGE COMPENSATION) MODES
Bow Mode ( ): Displays line of sight distance, degree of elevation, and true horizontal distance from 5-99 yards/
meters and a maximum inclination of +/- 90°.
Rifle Mode ( ): Calculates and displays the amount of bullet drop, at the target in inches, centimeters or
MOA. The amount of bullet drop is determined by the line of sight distance to the target, degree of elevation, along
with the specific ballistic characteristics of the caliber and ammunition load. When you range your target, the line of
sight, degree of elevation, and bullet-drop/holdover in inches, centimeters, or MOA will be displayed from 100 to
800 yards/meters with a maximum inclination of +/- 90°. One of eight ballistic groups (identified as A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, and H) for center fire rifles and two ballistic groups (Identified as I and J) for Black Powder/Muzzleloaders can
be selected by the user, with each formula representing a given combination of caliber and loads. The ballistic groups
are selected by the user in the SET-UP menu.
Regular Mode ( ): This mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated distance, but instead,
line of sight distance only.

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BATTERY LIFE INDICATOR
Battery Indicator:
Full charge
2/3 battery life remaining
1/3 battery Life remaining
Battery Indicator Blinks - Battery needs to be replaced and unit will not be operable.
UNIT OF MEASURE OPTIONS
The Legend®1200 ARC™can be used to measure distances in yards or meters. The unit of measure indicators are
located in the lower right portion of the LCD.
ACTIVE LASER
Crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired,
you can release the power button. The crosshairs surrounding the circle will disappear once the power button has been
released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).
SELECTIVE TARGETING™ MODES
The Legend 1200 ARC was especially designed with hunters in mind. The selective targeting modes allow you to
adjust the performance parameters of the unit to suit your specific situation and environment. To move from one
mode to another, press the POWER button once to turn on the unit. While looking through the eyepiece, press the
MODE button and quickly release. The different targeting modes available and mode indicators are listed below:
Standard with Automatic SCAN (LCD Indicator – none) This setting allows most targets to be distanced up to 1200
yards. Used for moderately reflective targets that are typical of most distancing situations. The minimum distance in

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the standard mode is 5 yards. To use the Automatic SCAN feature, simply hold down on the POWER button for
approximately 3 seconds and move the rangefinder from object to object while leaving the POWER button depressed.
Automatic SCAN will allow the range to be continuously updated as multiple objects are targeted.
BullsEye™(LCD Indicator - ) This advanced mode allows easy acquisition of small targets and game without
inadvertently getting distances to background targets that have stronger signal strength. When more than one object
has been acquired, distance of the closer object will be displayed and a crosshair will surround the BullsEye™indicator
informing the user that distance to the closer object is being displayed in the LCD. Once in this mode, press the
POWER button to turn the unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object (i.e. deer) that you want distance
to. Next, press and hold the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the deer until crosshairs surround the
BullsEye indicator. If the laser beam recognized more than one object (i.e. deer and background trees), distance of the
closer object (i.e. deer) will be displayed and crosshairs will surround the BullsEye indicator informing the user that
distance to the closer object is being displayed in the LCD (Figure 1). There may be times when only the laser beam
only sees one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be displayed, but because more than one object was not
acquired, crosshairs will not surround the BullsEye indicator.
Figure 1

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TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally
force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only displaying the closest of the objects recognized by
the laser.
Brush™(LCD Indicator - ) This advanced mode allows objects such as brush and tree branches to be ignored so
that distance only to background objects are displayed. When more than one object has been acquired, distance of
the further object will be displayed and a circle will surround the Brush™indicator informing the user that distance
of the farthest object is being displayed in the LCD.
Once in this mode, press the POWER button to turn the unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object that
you want distance to. Next, press and hold the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the object until a circle
surrounds the Brush indicator. If the laser beam recognized more than one object (i.e. close-up tree branch and a deer
in the background), distance of the further object (i.e. deer) will be displayed and a circle will surround the brush
indicator informing the user that distance to the farther object is being displayed in the LCD (Figure 2). There may
be times when only the laser beam only sees one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be displayed, but
because more than one object was not acquired, the circle will not surround the Brush indicator
Figure 2

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TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally
force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only displaying the furthest of the objects recognized by
the laser.
Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to the last targeting mode used.
MENU SETUP – SELECTION OF BOW, RIFLE, REGULAR MODES, UNIT OF MEASURE, SIGHT-IN DISTANCE, AND BALLISTIC CORRECTION
There are two ARC (Angle Range Compensation) modes and one REGULAR mode. The two ARC modes are BOW
mode and RIFLE mode.
To select between these modes, first turn the unit “ON” by pressing and releasing the POWER button. Next, press
and hold the MODE button for five seconds. The “SETUP” display icon will light and the current compensation
mode will be identified by either the “BOW” symbol ( ), the “RIFLE symbol ( ) lit with one of the ballistic
groups (A thru J) displayed and flashing, or no indicators lit and the message ( ) flashing in the bottom of the
LCD.
The modes can be cycled through in a circular fashion by pressing and releasing the mode button. The order of modes
is a follows: BOW, RIFLE A, RIFLE B, RIFLE C, RIFLE D, RIFLE E, RIFLE F, RIFLE G, RIFLE H, RIFLE I,
RIFLE J, REG, etc. When the bow selection is displayed, the “BOW” icon will flash and when a “RIFLE: selection
is displayed, the “RIFLE” icon will be steady, but the ballistic group will be flashing toward the bottom of the LCD.
When the ( ) is displayed, the message ( ) will flash near the bottom of the LCD.
Once the desired distance compensation mode is displayed, select it by pressing and releasing the POWER button.
Following this selection, the current unit of measure, “Y” for yards or “M” for meters will flash in the LCD and the
SETUP icon is still lit. Pressing the MODE button will toggle the unit of measure. When the desired unit of measure

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is displayed, press the POWER button to accept the unit of measure.
If the user chooses RIFLE mode, and after having determined unit of measure, the user has two more options:
1. Variable Sight-In (VSI™) - Allows the rifle hunter to choose from four sight-in distances (100, 150, 200, or 300
yards or meters). The “Sight Dist” indicator will turn on and the current Sight-In Distance number will blink in the
bottom portion of the display (i.e. 100, 150, 200, or 300). The Sight-In Distance options can be cycled through in a
circular fashion by pressing and releasing the mode button. Once the desired Sight-In Distance is displayed, select it
by pressing and releasing the power button.
2. And finally, if RIFLE mode was chosen, and as long as unit of measure and a sight-in distance was selected, you
have the option of determining how you would like hold-over/bullet-drop displayed. If measurement units are in
yards, you will be able to choose between inches, or MOA. The “CM” for centimeters or “IN” for inches will flash
in the LCD and the SETUP icon is still lit. Once the desired ballistic measure is displayed, select it by pressing and
releasing the power button. If units of measure selected previously was Meters, then your hold-over / bullet-drop will
automatically be displayed in centimeters.
Upon returning to the normal operating menu, the current compensation mode and unit of measure will be identified
in the LCD as indicated below.
SETUP menu Normal Operating Menu

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When the unit automatically powers down, operation will always return to the normal operation (i.e. away
from SETUP) with the last used ARC mode active (i.e. BOW, RIFLE, or REGULAR) along with the last used
TARGETING modes active (Standard SCAN, BULLSEYE, or BRUSH). If the unit turns off while in the SETUP
menu, the unit will always return to the last mode(s) still active.
Once the range is displayed, continue to hold the POWER button down for approximately 2 seconds while holding
the aiming circle on the object and keeping the unit as steady as possible so as to allow the inclinometer enough time
to measure angle. Then release the POWER button. Once you have released the power button, the line of sight will be
displayed along with unit of measure. Beneath the line of sight distance and unit of measure, the degree of angle will
be displayed for approximately 1.5 seconds, and will then automatically switch to the compensated range. The line of
sight distance, unit of measure and automatic toggle from degree of angle to compensated distance will continue for
30 seconds at which time the display will automatically shut off.
BOW MODE EXAMPLE
Line of sight is 32 yards, angle is -44 degrees, and the Angle Range Compensated distance is 23 yards. The “ ”
means “play” or “shoot as,” so instead of shooting as 32 yards, shoot as 23 yards. If you were to shoot as if 32 yards,
you would shoot over the top of the deer because of the severe angle.

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If in BOW mode, the line of sight distance will display in the primary numeric display and the inclination and
horizontal distance will display in the secondary numeric displays. Bushnell determined through extensive testing and
interviews with high-profile bow hunting experts that multiple bow ballistic groups were not necessary. Bow-hunters
want to know true horizontal distance because that is how they practice shooting, and once they confidently know
that, they can make any necessary adjustments. Giving the bow-hunter anything else other than horizontal distance
creates additional confusion and uncertainty.
Many people mistakenly believe that uphill shots perform differently from downhill shots because of gravity. However,
it is not due to gravity, but more of an aberration of the sighting system used on bows. The sighting pin on a bow
resides several inches above the mechanical axis of the arrow. For example, when one is aiming 23 degrees up an
incline, the arrow is at a different angle.
RIFLE MODE EXAMPLE
Line of sight is 376 yards, angle is -33 degrees, and the bullet-drop/holdover is 28 inches. ARC not only takes into
account ballistic data based off your caliber and load from distances of 100-800 yards, but also compensates for any
uphill and downhill angles which also affect bullet-drop.

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If in RIFLE mode, the ballistic group will be displayed in the bullet drop numeric field anytime that the primary
numeric display is showing dashes (i.e. no target acquired). When a target is acquired in RIFLE mode, the line of sight
distance will display in the secondary numeric displays. The “IN” icon (i.e. inches) will light next to the bullet drop
numeric display, if the unit of measure is set to Yards (Y). If the unit of measure is set to Meters (M), the bullet drop
will be calculated and displayed in centimeters and the “IN” icon will be turned off. If the bullet drop / hold over
number is blinking, this means the user should add 100 to the number blinking.
REGULAR MODE
This mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated distance, but instead, line of sight distance only.
The will still appear below the line of sight numeric display, but there will not be any information displayed in this
secondary numeric display.
KNOWING WHICH BALLISTIC GROUP TO SELECT
Bushnell engineers have worked with Sierra®Bullets’ ballistic programs and grouped many of the most popular calibers
and loads into eight ballistic groups (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H). Once you know what caliber and load you are shooting
simply look through the chart to determine which one of the eight ballistic groups match with your particular load
and caliber. For Muzzleloaders, we have worked with PowerBelt Bullets to incorporate ballistic data into two ballistic
groups (I and J).
POPULAR CALIBER & LOAD COMBINATIONS
Ballistic Group
Federal Cartridge .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55 gr. Bear Claw at 3600 fps G
Federal Cartridge .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 60 gr. Partition at 3500 fps F
Remington Arms .224 dia. 22-250 Remington Arms , 50 gr. V-Max at 3725 FPS H
Remington Arms .224 dia. 22-250 Remington Arms , 55 gr. PSP at 3680 FPS G

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Winchester .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55 gr. Ballistic Silvertip at 3680 FPS H
Winchester .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55 gr. PSP at 3680 FPS G
Federal Cartridge .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. Ballistic Tip at 3060 fps F
Federal Cartridge .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. Partition at 3000 fps F
Remington Arms .277 dia. 270 Win, 140 gr. PSPCL Ultra at 2925 FPS E
Remington Arms .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. SPCL at 2850 FPS D
Winchester .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. Partition Gold at 2930 FPS E
Winchester .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. PP-Plus at 2950 FPS E
Federal Cartridge .308 dia. 30-06 Spring, 180 gr. AccuBond at 2700 FPS D
Federal Cartridge .308 dia. 30-06 Spring, 180 gr. Bear Claw at 2700 FPS D
Remington Arms .308 dia. 30-06 Springfield, 180 gr. A-Frame at 2700 FPS D
Remington Arms .308 dia. 30-06 Springfield, 180 gr. BRPT at 2700 FPS D
Winchester .308 dia. 30-06 Sprg, 180 gr. FailSafe at 2700 FPS D
Winchester .308 dia. 30-06 Sprg, 180 gr. Partition Gold at 2750 FPS D
Federal Cartridge.308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. AccuBond at 2960 fps F
Federal Cartridge.308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. Bear Claw at 3025 fps F
Winchester .308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. Ballistic Silver Tip at 3010 FPS F
Winchester .308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. Fail Safe at 2970 FPS F
Remington Arms .308 dia. 300 R.S.A.U.M., 180 gr. PSPCL Ultra at 2960 FPS E
Remington Arms .308 dia. 300 Wby Mag, 180 gr. PSPCL at 3120 FPS F
Above are a few of the most popular caliber/load combinations. The enclosed Ballistics CD contains approximately
1000 caliber and load combinations. Simply load the CD into your computer CD drive and follow the instructions on
your screen. This complete list can also be found on Bushnell’s website (www.bushnell.com).

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After you have determined which ballistic group corresponds to your caliber and load, select this ballistic group
(See MENU SETUP above). The internal formula will determine amount of bullet drop/holdover in inches or
centimeters based upon distance, angle, and ballistics of your caliber and load.
This state-of-the-art digital technology allows the hunter or shooter to know precisely where to hold for an effective
shot. This information should be treated as a helpful guide or tool and in no way should it ever replace practice and
familiarity with your rifle, cartridge and load. We encourage practice shooting at different ranges so you know how
your rifle, cartridge and load will perform under various conditions. Always know what is behind your bullet; if you
don’t know, don’t take the shot.
EXAMPLE
You have a 300 WSM and are shooting the following Winchester brand load: 180 gr. Ballistic Silver Tip bullet at 3010
FPS muzzle velocity. This combination falls under Ballistic Group “F”. After setting the rangefinder to ballistic group
“F”, go to the range and sight in your riflescope at 100 yards. If you then take a shot at a target at 317 yds, the bullet
drop will be 9 inches. If the shot is at angle of 27 degrees upward, then the corrected bullet drop will be 8 inches.
WHAT IF YOUR CALIBER IS NOT LISTED?
While we have taken great care to include as many calibers and brand names in our ballistics tables, new loads are
always being developed. In addition, some shooters load their own ammunition with unique ballistic characteristics.
If you cannot find your load in our ballistic tables, you can still use the bullet drop feature of the laser rangefinder. As
above, sight in your rifle at 100 yds. Then shoot the rifle, without adjusting the riflescope, at 300 yds. Measure the
bullet drop from the point of aim. Using this drop, select the ballistic group from below. If you will be shooting longer
distances then you may want to check the bullet drop at 500 yds. Because there is enormous variation in rifle barrels,
chambers, and hand loads, you should thoroughly test the ballistic setting before actual hunting. You may need to
move up or down one group depending upon your tests.

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If Bullet Drop is: @300 yds @300 m @500 yds @500 m
Use:
A25-31 inches 63-79 cm 114-146 inches 291-370 cm
B20-25 inches 50-63 cm 88-114 inches 225-291 cm
C16-20 inches 40-50 cm 72-88 inches 182-225 cm
D13-16 inches 34-40 cm 61-72 inches 155-182 cm
E12-13 inches 30-34 cm 55-61 inches 139-155 cm
F10-12 inches 25-30 cm 47-55 inches 119-139 cm
G8-10 inches 20-25 cm 39-47 inches 99-119 cm
HLess than 8 inches Less than 20 cm
Less than 39 inches Less than 99 cm

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OPTICAL DESIGN
Magnification and Coatings
The Legend®1200 ARC™features 6x magnification and Fully Multi-Coated optics. A liquid crystal display (LCD)
is mounted within the optical system and when activated, displays a reticle for targeting, yards/meters, and Mode
indicators. Inherent in the manufacturing process are small black spots that appear in the optical system. These are a
natural characteristic of the LCD and cannot be fully eliminated in the manufacturing process. They do not affect the
distancing performance of the unit.
RAINGUARD®HD
The outer surfaces of the objective and eyepiece lenses are coated with RainGuard®HD. RainGuard®HD is Bushnell’s
permanent, patented, hydrophobic (water repellant) lens coating that prevents fogging by causing condensation from
rain, sleet, snow or even your own breath to bead up into much smaller droplets than on standard coatings. Smaller
uniform droplets scatter less light which results in a clearer, brighter view.
TRIPOD MOUNT
Molded into the bottom of your Legend 1200 ARC is a threaded tripod mount that will allow you to attach a tripod
for a more stable operation during long periods of use.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Dimensions: Measuring 4.0 x 2.6 x 1.7 inches
Weight: 7.4 oz.
Ranging Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
Range: 5-1200 Yards / 5-1097 Meters
Magnification: 6x
Objective Diameter: 24 mm