Leupold RX User manual

RX Series Rangefinder
Artwork Part No. 61309
Part No. 61374
PMS Black 7
PMS 873C
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 1
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5
Cleaning/Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32
Helpful Hints for Using the Leupold
RX Digital Laser Rangefinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33
Warranty/Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 36
Table of Contents

Congratulations! You have purchased a Leupold RX™ Series digital laser
rangefinder that has been designed by Leupold’s engineers and designers
to be the best rangefinder on the market and to provide you with years of
solid performance in the field. Following are detailed instructions regarding
the proper use and employment of your RX Series rangefinder. To ensure top
performance for the life of the product, please read these instructions before
operating your RX-I, RX-II, RX-III, or RX-IV.
Your new Leupold RX Series digital laser rangefinder is a revolutionary, range-
finding device that incorporates advanced digital electronics with state-of-
the-art ballistic algorithms. True Ballistic Range
™
algorithms were developed
by the same engineers who developed Sierra Infinity
®
Exterior Ballistics
Software and who helped develop navigation and guidance systems for ICBMs
and other missiles with far more demanding trajectory requirements than a
hunting bullet. Other useful features that are included are an inclinometer,
thermometer, compass, and the Match 13™ Reticle System™, but the truly
Introduction
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innovative and unique feature is True Ballistic Range (TBR™), which is available
on RX-II, RX-III, and RX-IV models.
True Ballistic Range (TBR) is a marriage of laser ranging, inclinometer, and an
advanced computerized ballistics program. The result is distance measuring
precise within a yard, no matter the angle at which the laser is fired.
Bullets
and arrows travel in a ballistic arc, yet conventional rangefinders only provide
a linear distance to your target. True Ballistic Range delivers the ballistically
equivalent range to the target, accounting for the effects of inclines (either up
or down) on the path of your bullet or arrow. Other features that are provided
for firearms are outputs that display either MOA adjustments, or inches/
centimeters of holdover at that specific distance. True Ballistic Range eliminates
any potentially significant error, and provides a precise range for your aiming
calculations.
TBR is matched to each of seven firearm ballistic groups and three
archery ballistic groups, allowing use with most popular firearms and bows.
The ranging accuracy of all Leupold RX Series rangefinders is +/- one yard/meter.
The maximum range of the unit depends on the reflectivity of the target (as
do all rangefinders). Below is a reference table listing the ranges of the various
models under different conditions: (see page below)
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Surface texture, color, size and shape of the target all affect the reflectivity,
which in turn affects the maximum range of the instrument, to some degree.
As a rule of thumb, brightly colored targets are much more reflective than
darker targets. Tan game coats are more reflective (and thus provide a more
solid reading) than a black roof. A shiny surface is more reflective than a dull
surface. Smaller targets are more difficult to range than larger targets. Light
conditions, haze, fog, rain, and other environmental conditions can all affect
ranging performance. Any factor which degrades air clarity is a negative to
making the rangefinder work to the longest practical distances.
MAXIMUM RANGE
CONDITION RX-I RX-II RX-III RX-IV
Reflective Target (yd) 750 750 1200 1500
Trees (yd) 600 600 800 900
Deer (yd) 500 500 700 800

Specifications
RX-I RX-II RX-III RX-IV
Magnification 6× 6× 8× 8×
Inclinometer No Yes Yes Yes
TBR (True Ballistic Range) No Yes Yes Yes
Match 13™ Reticle System™Yes Yes Yes Yes
Quick Set Rotary Menu™Yes Yes Yes Yes
Long Range Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rain Mode No Yes Yes Yes
1st Target Mode No Yes Yes Yes
Last Target Mode No Yes Yes Yes
Line of Sight Distance (LOS) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Compass With Declination Setting No No No Yes
Compass With Tilt Compensation No No No Yes
Thermometer ºC to ºF Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yards/Feet/Meters Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Scan Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Illuminated Display No No Yes Yes
Clear Field™ Display Cleanup Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Battery Life 2000 Actuations 2000 Actuations 2000 Actuations 2000 Actuations
Weight 6.8 oz 6.8 oz 12 oz 12 oz
Dimension (Inches) 4.2" × 3" × 1.75" 4.2" × 3" × 1.75" 4.8" × 3.5" × 2" 4.8" × 3.5" × 2"
Low Battery Indicator Yes Yes Yes Yes
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 2 Years 2 Years
Weatherproof/Waterproof Weatherproof Weatherproof Waterproof Waterproof
The RX Series of digital laser rangefinders provides a variety of useful modes to
tailor performance to the conditions you experience in the field. The particular
models that feature each mode are identified on the following page.
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QUICK SET ROTARY MENU™
*Display shown with all possible modes visible
Operation
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-/+
RX-I
-/+
RX-I
RX™-I & RX™-II RX™-III & RX™-IV
Power
Mode
Focus
Set Mode
Power
Focus
The RX-I and RX-II have two buttons: Power and Mode. The RX-III and RX-IV
have three buttons: Power, Mode, and Set.
Battery
Battery
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When you initially push the Power button, the unit is ready for scanning. When
you first press the Mode button, the Quick Set Rotary Menu™ is prepared for
navigation. To set or activate a function, you must advance the mode selector
to that function by pressing the Mode button until that function is flashing by
itself. To lock in that function, press the Set button if using a RX-III or RX-IV;
press the Power button if using a RX-I or RX-II.
NOTE: Activating certain modes automatically disables other modes. For
example, 1st Target and Last Target Mode work in an opposite way, so when
one is activated the other is automatically turned off to ensure proper ranging
function. Long Range and Rain Mode can be on at the same time.
FUNCTION 1: LONG RANGE MODE
This mode is used when you want the rangefinder
to range only those items beyond 150 yards. If you
are ranging targets closer than 150 yards, turn the
Long Range Mode off.

FUNCTION 2: RAIN MODE
The Rain Mode is used in rainy conditions and screens
out false returns from raindrops or other atmospheric
interference to provide an accurate range.
FUNCTION 3: 1ST TARGET MODE
1st Target Mode is used to display the range to the
closest object when more than one object may be
hit by the beam. Multiple objects will often return
an average distance. 1st Target Mode ensures an
accurate reading on the closest object.
Last Target Mode is automatically disabled while 1st Target
Mode is activated.
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FUNCTION 4: LAST TARGET MODE
This mode is used to find the distance of the
farthest object when more than one object may be
read. Multiple objects will often return an average
distance. Last Target Mode ensures an accurate
reading on the farthest object.
1st Target Mode is automatically disabled while Last Target Mode is activated.
FUNCTION 5: METER OUTPUT
This mode displays both LOS (Line of Sight) and TBR
ranges in meters, and will disable readings in yards
or feet. TBR is displayed with one decimal place
resolution in large numbers just above the reticle,
LOS is displayed in small numbers above the angle
readout (just below and to the right of the reticle).

FUNCTION 6: FEET OUTPUT
This mode displays both LOS (Line of Sight) and TBR
ranges in feet, and will disable readings in yards
or meters. TBR is displayed with one decimal place
resolution in large numbers just above the reticle,
LOS is displayed in small numbers above the angle
readout (just below and to the right of the reticle).
FUNCTION 7: YARDS OUTPUT
This mode displays both LOS (Line of Sight) and
TBR ranges in yards, and will disable readings in
meters or feet. TBR is displayed (no decimal place
resolution) in large numbers just above the reticle,
LOS is displayed in small numbers above the angle
readout (just below and to the right of the reticle).
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FUNCTION 8: LINE OF SIGHT OUTPUT
This mode, when activated, provides the straight line
distance to the target. The output is displayed in smaller
numbers just below and to the right of the reticle.
NOTE: On the RX-I model, LOS is displayed in large
numbers above the reticle (in the TBR position).
FUNCTION 9: FAHRENHEIT OUTPUT
When activated, this mode displays the air
temperature in Fahrenheit. If Fahrenheit is activated,
the Celsius Mode and LOS (Line of Sight) range
will be disabled. The output is displayed in smaller
numbers just below and to the right of the reticle.

FUNCTION 10: CELSIUS OUTPUT
When activated, this mode displays the air
temperature in Celsius. If Celsius is activated, the
Fahrenheit Mode and LOS (Line of Sight) range
will be disabled. The output is displayed in smaller
numbers just below and to the right of the reticle.
FUNCTION 11: DIGITAL COMPASS MODE (RX-IV ONLY)
When this mode is activated, the compass heading will
be displayed in larger numbers above the reticle. If the
Digital Compass Mode is activated, the True Ballistic
Range (TBR) will be disabled. The compass will perform
accurately even if tilted for viewing targets up or
down hill, up to a 30° slope. This tilt compensation
is accomplished via a sophisticated computer processed
algorithm that incorporates both the compass and inclinometer readings.
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NOTE: Calibration of the compass must also be performed when the rangefinder
is initially used and anytime it is moved to a new region — see Function 17 for
calibration procedure.
FUNCTION 12: DECLINATION ANGLE OUTPUT (RX-IV ONLY)
This mode allows the user to manually set the
declination angle that corrects the usual compass error
between magnetic north and true north. Declination
angle for your area can be found on the corner of
any USGS topography map or on several Internet sites.
To set the declination, push Set in the Declination Mode.
The angle will begin at 0˚ and go up as you continue to push the Set button.
You can hold down the Set button and it will progress up at a slow rate. For
negative numbers, progress all of the way up to +30°. The next press of “Set”
will start the numbers at -30° and continue to progress in a positive direction.
Stop at the correct angle. Press Mode or wait for the power to “time out” to
save the declination angle setting.

NOTE: Pressing “Set” continues to run through these settings until you press
”Mode” to move on.
NOTE: Magnetic fields are constantly shifting on the Earth so declination angle
may need to be reset every couple of years for maximum accuracy.
FUNCTION 13: TRUE BALLISTIC RANGE
TBR calculates the equivalent horizontal range
(level fire range) from which you can determine the
correct aim for the conditions. For example, if you
are shooting a .270, 130 grain bullet at 3,050 feet
per second up a 30 degree incline at 400 yards, direct
line of sight, TBR output will be 364 yards. For this you
would hold 10 inches over the target, rather than 15 inches as you would hold
between your 300 and 400 yard marks. State-of-the-art processing algorithms
developed by the same engineers who developed Sierra Infinity© Exterior
Ballistic Software and who developed ballistic algorithms for many space
vehicles over the last 40 years to determine the True Ballistic Range with
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incredible accuracy, eliminating potential errors that could cause you to
miscalculate your aiming point. The first step in correctly using TBR is Practice,
Practice, Practice. Anytime you handle a firearm or bow, you are ultimately
responsible for where your projectile ends up.
The inclinometer output is shown below the LOS
output or thermometer, whichever is enabled. The
inclinometer output will be disabled when TBR is
turned off.
For rifle hunters, adjustment or holdover information
can also be displayed. The available settings are as
follows: MOA displays the minute of angle to adjust for, HOLD displays the
inches or centimeters to holdover the aiming point, and BAS outputs the
equivalent range to use with Leupold’s Ballistic Aiming System reticles or the
distance to shoot at if holding over. TBR for rifle settings is effective to 800
yards for most cartridges.
For rifle users, when TBR mode is selected by pressing Set or Power on RX-II,
the upper TBR output display will begin to flash, scrolling through three

options as you continue to press Mode. These options are HOLD (HOLd), MOA,
and BAS (bAS). One of these modes needs to be selected before moving on
to choosing your ballistic group in Function 15. To select ballistic groups for
archery, TBR needs to be turned off and BOW turned on.
HOLD will display your holdover for that target at that
distance, which is also based upon the ballistic group
and sight-in zero that you will choose in a later
mode. The upper digits display holdover in inches if
feet or yards are the chosen measurement output.
Centimeters will be displayed if meters are chosen
for your measurement output. Your hold will be
shown as “HI 999” or “LO 999”.
MOA Mode will show your minute of angle
adjustment for your target, taking into account
the True Ballistic Range. The upper display will
show MOA adjustment as “UP 999” and “dn 999”.
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BAS will display the equivalent horizontal range.
This is the range that you will want to shoot at,
instead of the line of sight distance, which can be
grossly off depending upon the angle of the shot.
The display will read the equivalent horizontal range
in the measurement you have chosen previously.
NOTE: True Ballistic Range is available only in the RX-II,
RX-III, and RX-IV models.

400 Yards (line of sight) at a 40º Incline
TRUE BALLISTIC RANGE™
Aim as if the target is 335 yards away
TBR™ (TRUE BALLISTIC RANGE™): RIFLE
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