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Head-to-head · Best Hunting Rangefinders

Muddy LR 1300X vs Vortex Optics Impact 1000

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Muddy LR 1300X comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Hunters needing reliable long-range performance in variable weather — read the strengths below before deciding.

Muddy LR 1300X
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Hunting Rangefinders
Muddy LR 1300X
4 sourcesall derived$168as of Oct 2

The Muddy LR 1300X rangefinder delivers accurate distance readings up to 1,300 yards with fast response times and includes angle measurement compensation for precise targeting on slopes. Bowhunting found the unit offers great clarity for its price point, while Lancaster Archery Supply noted it arrives field-ready with a CR2 battery installed. The device features a durable magnesium housing with IP54 water protection, though it comes with only a short wrist lanyard rather than a neck strap and has a minimum range of 4 yards. This model fits hunters who need reliable long-range performance in variable weather but may not suit those requiring close-quarters ranging or prefer wearing their gear around the neck.

Strengths
  • — Delivers accurate distance readings up to 1,300 yards with fast response times
  • — Features angle measurement and compensation for precise targeting on slopes
  • — Includes a durable ABS housing with IP54 water protection and rubber trim
Watch-outs
  • — Comes with only a short wrist lanyard rather than a neck strap
  • — Minimum range is limited to 4 yards which may not suit all close-range scenarios
$168 · Buy at budsgunshop.comFull review →
Vortex Optics Impact 1000
Ranked #3 in Best Hunting Rangefinders
Vortex Optics Impact 1000
5 sourcesall derived$1,499as of Oct 2

The Vortex Optics Impact 1000 offers a compact, lightweight design with intuitive two-button controls that remain operable while wearing gloves. targettamers found its Horizontal Component Distance mode provides accurate ballistic calculations on slopes up to thirty degrees, making it useful for mountainous terrain. However, the device suffers from significant low-light performance issues due to budget-grade lens coatings and a non-illuminated black LCD display that becomes unreadable in shadows. This optical limitation restricts effective use primarily to daylight conditions, as fading light quickly degrades clarity and color perception. While Vortex backs the unit with its fully transferable VIP warranty, the lack of tripod mounting threads further limits versatility for precision applications. The Impact 1000 fits casual hunters seeking a simple, durable tool for close-to-mid range shots but is unsuitable for those requiring reliable twilight performance or long-range stability.

Strengths
  • — Includes Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) mode to calculate true ballistic distance on slopes up to 30 degrees.
  • — Compact and lightweight design weighing just 5.5 ounces, fitting easily in an adult hand or pack.
  • — Backed by Vortex's fully transferable VIP warranty that covers damage without requiring a receipt.
Watch-outs
  • — Black LCD display lacks illumination, making it difficult to read in low-light or deep shadow conditions.
  • — Budget-grade lens coatings result in reduced clarity and color perception during fading light.
  • — Not tripod mountable despite its compact size.
$1,499 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Muddy LR 1300X

The Muddy LR 1300X provides a durable magnesium housing with IP54 protection, offering more robust weather sealing than the Vortex Optics Impact 1000's IPX4 rating. It reaches out to 1,300 yards, surpassing the Vortex's 1,000-yard maximum, though it does not include the advanced ballistic engine present in the Bushnell Bone Collector 1800.

Vortex Optics Impact 1000

While it offers a Horizontal Component Distance mode similar to the Bushnell Bone Collector 1800, it lacks the latter's ballistic computing engine and suffers from poorer low-light performance due to non-illuminated displays.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMuddy LR 1300XVortex Optics Impact 1000
Magnification6x6x
Objective Lens Diameter26mm20mm / 24mm
Max Range1300 yds1,000 yds
Water ResistanceIP54—
Display Type—Black LCD
Battery Type—CR2
Material—Aluminum
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