Laser Ballistics 1500 Laser Rangefinder

American Technologies Network Corp

Review by Fred Fusco

This is the gear review for Laser Ballistics 1500 Rangefinder 1500 manufactured by ATN (American Technologies Network Corp). I will discuss this device in four categories…Cost, Durability, Size, and Function. Here are some of the manufacturer’s specifications:

• Magnification 6x
• View angle 7.2°
• Precision to ± 1 y/m
• Range 5-1500 y/m
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Smart Phone Applications Android or iOS
• Environmental rating Waterproof
• Pairs with Smart HD Obsidian II or higher
• Traditional Optics Compatibility Works with Mil and MOA scopes using ATN Ballistic Calculator App
• Battery Life 6 months or 50,000 measurements

The Laser Ballistics 1500 has a retail price of $349. This is probably one of the least expensive rangefinders for its range capability. For the hunter or long-range shooter on a budget, this is the way to go. The company who manufactures the rangefinder, ATN, offers a 2-year warranty. More details can be found on the company’s website (https://www.atncorp.com/productreturninformation)

The overall durability and ruggedness of construction is high compared to other brands. It comes with a small nylon case to protect it when not in use. The weak point in this design is the battery compartment opening. The small cover with a metallic clamp is vulnerable to damage if not careful. The unit is waterproof so using it in the rain is no issue.

The rangefinder is a small handheld device and light weight. It can fit nicely into a jacket pocket or you can put the carrying case on a belt and wear it on your waist. It’s hardly noticeable.  It also has a hole to girth hitch a lanyard through to wear around the neck for more constant use.

Unlike most laser range finders that only display distance to target, the Laser Ballistics 1500 allows complex ballistic solutions to be displayed via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. The range finder has a power up button and a mode button on the top of the unit.  Holding the power up button turns the device on and opens the startup screen which is the object distance measurement screen. Then you simply point the target reticle on the intended target, push and hold the power up button until the distance is displayed.

The distance will be shown in meters or yards depending on what the user sets up in the settings. Then the distance display is followed by the cosine angle to target in degrees. This gives you your shooting angle which you can use for your ballistic solution. The fast focus eyepiece has an adjustable bezel to focus for different ranges. There is also a low battery indicator that appears as a battery icon on the digital readout screen.

To change the units of measure, all you must do is press and hold the Mode button marked with a letter “M”. This will change between meters and yards. It’s quite simple. Also, in the mode settings, you can go back and forth between normal and fog modes. This is handy for shooting in foggy or hazy conditions where the laser’s line of sight can be obscured.

The ability to accurately range targets varies with the target size, distance, and reflectivity. The more reflective the surface is, the better it will receive the signal. For example, if you are ranging something like a building or vehicle that has windows, your reading will be more accurate. You will also be able to reach farther out. The limit for distance that the manufacturer claims is 1500 meters. I couldn’t find something at that distance and reflective enough. The farthest out I was able to get a reading was 980 meters to a building with large windows.

If you are trying to get a range to an animal for hunting purposes, the ability to range these “soft” targets is reduced due to size and reflection. I was not able to get a true distance to an animal past 400 meters due to inability to spot one at greater distance. Another factor that adds to the difficulty of ranging soft targets at greater distances is the ability to have a steady enough hand to hold it still. With the limited magnification of 6 power, this is difficult. A unit this small and compact is expected to have limitations. Hopefully with more time I will be able to truly test the limits for distance. I do believe this range finder will suit most people for their needs and the limits are based on terrain and climate conditions. This device was extremely reliable every time I took it out to use.

The feature that is impressive to me on this product is the Bluetooth capability. You can pair the device with other ATN smart scopes such as the Thor HD Thermal scope. You are also able to pair the device to the ATN Ballistics app for Apple or Android devices. This app is handy, and you can set up a ballistic profile based on your rifle caliber. Included are a few pre-programmed ballistic profiles for common calibers like; 22LR, .223 Remington, 30-06, .308 & .50 BMG. All stored profiles can be modified as well as new custom profiles created. Then it calculates the environmental factors, winds, and target direction and distance and provides you with a shooting solution to dial into an optic or apply holds with.

In closing, The ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 laser rangefinder is a very economical and reliable rangefinder for the average hunter or long-range shooter. It’s very compact and easy to use. In comparison to other rangefinders in it’s class, it’s a top contender. If you are on a budget and need something fast and easy, I recommend you pick up one of these.

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.