Known primarily as a maker of premium long-range hunting rifles, Gunwerks of Cody, Wyo., not only also specializes in shooting systems and training, but even spun off its own optics company back in 2013 with the creation of the Revic division. Here we review the Revic BR4, a compact and lightweight laser rangefinder that is packed with a suite of sensors. In addition to the rangefinding function, the handheld package contains a barometer, compass, inclinometer, thermometer and ballistic computer—while standing just 3.25" tall, 4.75" long and 1.65" wide, and weighing 10 ozs.—about the same size as a compact binocular.
The unit features an IP67 weather-resistance rating and a welcome 1/4x20 TPI threaded tripod mount on the bottom of its aluminum body. The four rubberized buttons on the top of the BR4 provide tactile feedback when pressed and are big enough to use while wearing gloves. One button fires the laser itself, while the other three activate and navigate through the rangefinder’s menu system.
An attached, flip-down rubber cover protects the optical elements. The Revic BR4 features 10X magnification from a 25 mm objective. It has a 4.5 degree field of view equating to 23 feet at 100 yards. We found the glass quality to be adequate for the task, with no chromatic aberration or distortions through the viewfinder. The beam itself has a divergence of 0.2 milliradians (mils) vertically and 1.6 mils horizontally. In use, a rectangular reticle represents the beam divergence. Revic claims a single CR2 lithium battery is good for 2,000 uses of the ranging laser with an operating temperature between -4o F and
140o F. The maximum ranging distance against reflective targets is 4,000 yards, and the company claims the BR4’s measurements will be accurate to within 1/2 yard on targets closer than 200 yards, within 1 yard on targets between 200 and 2,000 yards, and within 3 yards on targets out beyond 2,000 yards.
The BR4 pairs with an associated phone app via Bluetooth. The app allows for the configuration of multiple rifle and ammunition combinations. It also allows for “truing” the results of a zero session to better tailor the BR4’s ballistic solutions. The app supports turrets marked in minutes of angle (m.o.a.), mils (MRAD) and also bullet drop compensating (BDC) turrets. One feature we found to be very helpful was that the BR4 incorporates all of the atmospheric and incline data as part of the ballistic calculation and provides the corrected m.o.a., MRAD or BDC adjustments. In addition to the profiles set up within the app, up to 10 profiles can be stored within the BR4 itself independent of the app. The internal menu system displayed within the optic is minimalist and not particularly intuitive; we had to reference the manual several times to locate certain settings. Once set to our preference, however, we did not have to adjust it again.
For field testing, we loaded two profiles and took a pair of rifles of different chamberings to a 1,000-yard range with targets at unknown distances. For both rifles, the BR4 provided near-instant and accurate ballistic solutions for every target. We were also able to test the target modes with the BR4, which include Near, Far, LR Near and LR Far. Near or Far determines which is the desired range to use when there are multiple layers of possible targets—Near will use the closest measurement, while Far uses the farthest. The LR modes, which should be used with a tripod, increase data collection and help provide accurate readings when there is interference from brush or other obstacles.
In all, we found the Revic BR4 to be an excellent tool for mid- to long-range shooting and beyond. It serves both hunters and long-range target shooters alike well, thanks to its combination of a powerful and accurate ballistic engine, excellent ranging capabilities, and lightweight and compact form factor.
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