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As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods of time with magnifi ed lenses.
Your Bushnell® Prime™ is an ultra compact, premium laser rangefi nder with the latest Digital Technology, providing precise range readings from 5-1700 yards/5-1554 meters (for model LP1700SBL. Max range is 1300 y/1189 m for model LP1300SBL).
Measuring 1.3 x 4.3 x 2.9 inches, the 6-ounce Prime™ delivers extremely fast target acquisition, with +/- 1 yard accuracy to the maximum range. The Prime laser rangefinder features Bushnell's patented ARC™ (Angle Range Compensation with Ballistics Intelligence), a new Ranging Engine for faster, more consistent response and readings, a Vivid LCD display with higher light transmission and water resistant (IPX4) construction along with EXO™ Barrier Coating on the optics.
NOTE: You will get both longer and shorter maximum distances depending on the refl ective properties of the particular target and the environmental conditions at the time the distance of an object is being measured. The color, surface fi nish, size and shape of the target all affect refl ectivity and range. The brighter the color, the longer the range. White is highly refl ective, for example, and allows longer ranges than the color black, which is the least refl ective color. A shiny fi nish provides more range than a dull one. A small target is more diffi cult 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 fl ight 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.
The Prime laser rangefinder emits invisible, eye safe, infrared energy pulses. The Prime rangefinder's microprocessor 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.
Before first use: Remove the battery compartment cover by lifting the battery cover tab and then rotating the cover counter-clockwise. Remove and discard the red plastic disc covering the positive battery terminal, then replace the battery cover.
NOTE: It is recommended that the CR2 3-volt lithium battery be replaced at least once every 12 months. Insert it into the compartment negative end first.
Battery Level Indicator Icon (3):
Full charge
3/4 battery level remaining
1/2 battery level remaining
1/4 battery level remaining
Battery icon blinks - battery needs to be replaced and unit will not be operable.
The Prime rangefinder's display incorporates the following illuminated indicators:
Angle Range Compensation Modes
Targeting Modes
Holdover / Bullet-drop Horizontal Distance indicators for Rifle Mode
Secondary Numeric Display (14) (Holdover / bullet drop for Rifle mode, True Horizontal Distance for Bow Mode)
SETUP Mode (15)
Angle Indicator (16)
The Prime laser rangefinder can be operated in one of three available targeting modes, with Standard mode as the default. To select a different targeting mode, press the Mode button briefly until the desired indicator (BullsEye or Brush) appears. To return to Standard mode, press Mode one more time after the Brush mode indicator is seen. The targeting modes are:
When more than one object has been acquired, only the distance of the closest object will be displayed.
With the rangefinder in BullsEye mode, align the aiming circle onto the object (i.e. deer) that you want distance to. Next, press and hold the Fire button and move the Aiming Circle slowly over the deer. If the laser beam recognized more than one object (deer and background trees), the distance of the closer object (deer) will be displayed in the LCD.
With the rangefinder in Brush mode, align the aiming circle onto the object that you want distance to. Next, press and hold the Fire button and move the Aiming Circle slowly over the object. If the laser beam recognized more than one object (closeup tree branch and a deer in the background), distance of the further object (deer) will be displayed.
TIP: While pressing the Fire 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.
The Prime Laser Rangefinder with ARC™ was especially designed with hunters in mind. Your Prime rangefinder features a built-in inclinometer that solves a problem hunters have been faced with for years. 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 ARC™ solution: an integrated inclinometer provides angular data to a processor chip when targeting objects that are either uphill or downhill. This data is then combined with internal algorithmic formulas. The user selectable ARC modes allow you to adjust the performance parameters of the unit to suit your specific situation and environment. Along with the standard "line of sight" distance, when the Fire button is released, the Prime laser rangefinder's display can also show you the true horizontal distance (in Bow Mode-see the ARC MODES section) or bullet drop/holdover (in Rifle Mode) near the bottom of the display (14), along with the angle of incline in degrees, indicated at the left side of the display (16). For example, a bowhunter in a tree stand may be aiming at a deer that is downhill at a -52° relative to his position. The line of sight distance is 32 yards, but he is likely to "overshoot" the target based on that. The THD distance (compensated for the angle) reads 23 yards. That is the distance the hunter should base his shot upon.
The Setup Menu is used to select various options, such as the ARC Mode (Bow, Rifle, etc.) and distance units (Yards or Meters) of your preference. To enter the Setup Menu after powering on the unit, hold the Mode button down until "SETUP" appears in the display (15). You will remain in the Setup Menu until you change or confirm all possible settings (varies depending on selected ARC mode), and "SETUP" is no longer displayed. Once in the Setup Menu, press the Mode button to scroll through or toggle the available items. Press the Fire button to confirm and save the currently displayed option/setting.
The first item you can select from the Setup Menu is the ARC Mode. Press the Mode button until the icon for the mode you want is displayed, then press the Fire button to confirm and continue selecting other related options/settings. More details regarding the various ARC modes are provided in the next section.
Bow Mode Example
The true horizontal distance is shown near the bottom of the display (14) , alternating with the tilt angle in degrees. For example, a bowhunter in a tree stand may be aiming at a deer that is downhill at a -52° angle relative to his position. The line of sight distance is 32 yards, but he is likely to "overshoot" the target based on that. The THD distance (compensated for the angle) reads 23 yards. That is the distance the hunter should base his shot upon.
If he was to shoot as if the target was 32 yards away, he would shoot over the top of the deer because of the severe angle.
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.
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 via the Setup menu. After entering the Setup menu (by holding the Mode button for a few seconds), briefly press the Mode button until you see the blinking Rifle icon (2), along with the letter for the ballistic group for your preferred ammo (or load).
Knowing Which Ballistic Group To Select
Bushnell engineers have researched currently available ballistic data 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). Below are a few of the most popular caliber/load combinations. A complete list of approximately 2000 caliber and load combinations can be found on Bushnell's website (www.bushnell.com).
Popular Caliber & Load Combinations | |
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 |
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 |
After you have determined which ballistic group corresponds to your caliber and load, select this ballistic group letter along with Rifle mode. 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.
What if my caliber/load 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.
After you have confirmed your selection of Rifle mode with the ballistic group you need (by pressing the Fire button while it appears in the display), the next item is the Unit of Measure option (13). Pressing the Mode button will toggle the Units from the default "Y" (yards) to "M" (meters). Press the Fire button to confirm your selection (leave units set to Yards, or change it to metric).
Next, you will see "SD", meaning Sight-In Distance. Briefly pressing the Mode button will cycle through a choice of 100, 150, 200 or 300 yards. Press the Fire button to confirm and save the setting when your preferred sight-in distance is displayed.
Lastly, you will have a choice of formats for the bullet drop/holdover data that will appear in the secondary numeric display (14): IN (inches)*, ML (Mils) or MOA (moa). Briefly press the Mode switch to cycle through the 3 options, pressing the Fire button to confirm and save the setting when your preferred bullet drop format is displayed. *Note: if the unit of measure was set to Meters (M), the bullet drop will be calculated and displayed in CM (centimeters) rather than inches.
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.
The Prime rangefinder's 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.
The lenses of your Bushnell Prime laser rangefinder are fully multi-coated for highest light transmission. As with any multicoated optics, special care must be taken in cleaning the lenses. Follow these tips for proper lens cleaning:
All exterior lens surfaces have our new EXO Barrier™ coating (in addition to full multi-coating). EXO Barrier, quite simply, is the best protective lens coating technology Bushnell has ever developed. Added at the end of the coating process, EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to the lens and fills the microscopic pores in the glass. The result is an ultra-slick coating that repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris - rain, snow, fingerprints and dirt will not stick. EXO Barrier is built to last: the bonded coating will not fade with the passage of time or normal wear and tear.
The rangefinder is manufactured and tested to withstand water exposure up to IPX4 standards. It is water resistant, but should not be submerged.
Never disassemble your laser rangefinder. Irreparable damage can result from unauthorized service attempts, which also void the warranty.
NOTE: The last range reading does not need to be cleared before ranging another target. Simply aim at the new target using the display reticle, depress the power button and hold until new range reading is displayed.
SKU | Mag x Obj Lens Diam. | Max Range (Y/M) (Reflective Target) | Range to Tree (Y/M) | Range to Deer (Y/M) | Ranging Accuracy | Optical Coatings | Length (in/mm) | Weight (oz/g) |
LP1700SBL | 6x 24mm | 1,700/1,554 | 1,000/914 | 700/640 | +/- 1 yd | Fully-multi coated, EXO Barrier™ | 4.3/109 | 6.0/170 |
LP1300SBL | 6x 24mm | 1,300/1,189 | 800/732 | 600/549 | +/- 1 yd | Fully-multi coated, EXO Barrier™ | 4.3/109 | 6.0/170 |
Products manufactured on or after April 2017 are covered by the Bushnell Lifetime Ironclad Warranty. The Ironclad Warranty is a full lifetime warranty that covers the lifetime of this Product. Each Product has a defined lifetime; lifetimes can range from 1 to 30 years. This Product's lifetime can be found at the website listed below and/or on the Bushnell webpage specific to this Product.
We warrant that this Product is free from defects in materials and workmanship and will meet all represented performance standards for the lifetime of this Product. If this Product isn't working properly due to a covered defect, we will, at our option, either repair or replace it and ship it back to you at no charge. This warranty is fully transferable and does not require a receipt, warranty card, or product registration. This warranty does not cover the following: electronic components; batteries; cosmetic damage; damage caused by failing to properly maintain the product; loss; theft; damage as a result of unauthorized repair, modification, or disassembly; intentional damage, misuse, or abuse; and ordinary wear and tear. This Warranty will be void if the date stamp or other serialization codes have been removed from the Product.
To view the full warranty and find details on how to request service under the warranty, go to our website at www.bushnell.com/warranty. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the warranty by calling us at 1-800-423-3537 or writing to us at one of the following addresses:
IN U.S.A. Send To:
Bushnell Outdoor Products
Attn.: Repairs
9200 Cody
Overland Park, Kansas 66214
IN CANADA Send To:
Bushnell Outdoor Products
Attn.: Repairs
140 Great Gulf Drive, Unit B
Vaughan, Ontario L4K 5W1
For products purchased outside the United States or Canada please contact your local dealer for applicable warranty information.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights.
You may have other rights which vary from country to country.
©2019 Bushnell Outdoor Products
This product uses a Lithium based battery. Lithium batteries can overheat and cause damage if physically abused. Do not use batteries that are damaged or show signs of physical wear.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Shielded interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Specifications and designs are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
Class 1 laser product in accordance with IEC 60825-1:2007.
Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 for laser products except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Caution: There are no user controls, adjustments or procedures. Performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in access to invisible laser light.
Industry Canada Statement:
This device complies with ISED's license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This device complies with the Industry Canada portable RF exposure limit set forth for an uncontrolled environment and is safe for the intended operation as described in this manual. Further RF exposure reduction can be achieved if the product can be kept as far as possible from the user's body or if the device is set to a lower output power if such function is available.
Disposal of Electric and Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the EU and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This equipment contains electric and/or electronic parts and must therefore not be disposed of as normal household waste. Instead, it should be disposed at the respective collection points for recycling provided by the communities. For you, this is free of charge.
If the equipment contains exchangeable (rechargeable) batteries, these too must be removed before and, if necessary, in turn be disposed of according to the relevant regulations (see also the respective comments in this unit's instructions).
Further information about the subject is available at your community administration, your local waste collection company, or in the store where you purchased this equipment.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Bushnell PRIME LP1700SBL, LP1300SBL Laser Rangefinder Manual
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