Bushnell Bone Collector 850 Rangefinder Review
- Ranges 850 yd reflective, 500 yd to trees and 350 yd to deer
- ARC angle compensation gives true horizontal distance
- 6x24mm all-glass optics, one-button control and scan mode
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A 6x24mm hunting rangefinder in Realtree Edge with ARC angle compensation, one-button control and 350 yards to deer. Here's what its numbers mean in a stand or on a ridge.
Quick verdict
The Bushnell Bone Collector 850 covers what most hunters actually need: 350 yards to a deer, true horizontal distance on angled shots and a one-button layout you can run with cold hands. All-glass, fully multi-coated 6x24mm optics help at dawn and dusk, and scan mode updates four times a second. Long-range rifle shooters will want more reach, and its IP54 protection is built for rain, not a dunking.
Pros and cons
What we like
- ARC angle compensation gives true horizontal distance from stands
- 350 yards to deer covers every bow shot and most rifle shots
- All-glass, fully multi-coated optics for a brighter low-light image
- Scan mode updates four times per second
- One-button operation with yards or meters on the display
- Light at 180 grams, with a case included
What could be better
- IP54 protection covers rain and dust, not submersion
- The 850-yard maximum applies only to reflective targets
- 6x magnification is modest for glassing at long range
- Runs on CR2 batteries, which are less common than AA cells
Key features, explained
Three range numbers, and which one matters
Bushnell lists three maximums: 850 yards on a reflective target, 500 yards to a tree and 350 yards to a deer. The gap is normal for any laser rangefinder. A bright, hard surface bounces the beam back strongly, while hide and hair absorb much of it. For planning hunts, the deer figure is the one that counts, and 350 yards covers every bow shot and most rifle shots in timber, field edges and food plots. Treat the reflective number as a ceiling for landmarks, not game.
ARC angle compensation
From a tree stand or across a steep draw, the straight-line distance to an animal is longer than the horizontal distance that gravity acts on. Aim for the line-of-sight number and you can send an arrow over a deer's back. Bushnell's ARC technology accounts for the angle and gives you the true horizontal distance instead, and the display shows the incline angle as well. For bowhunters, whose arrows drop quickly over short distances, this is the feature that matters most on a hunting rangefinder.
All-glass 6x24mm optics
The optics are all glass and fully multi-coated, with a larger objective lens designed to draw in more light for a brighter image at dawn and dusk. Bushnell adds Ultra Wide Band coatings for true-to-life color, which helps when you're picking out a brown animal against brown cover. Magnification is 6x through a 24mm objective, a common hunting configuration that's easy to hold steady by hand. A fast-focus eyepiece lets you sharpen the reticle to your eye in a few seconds.
One-button control and scan mode
Everything runs from a single button, so ranging a target is quick even with gloves on. Scan mode updates the reading four times per second, which helps when you sweep across terrain to range several landmarks or follow an animal that's on the move. The display shows distance in yards or meters, plus the incline angle and remaining battery life. Simple controls matter more than they seem: when a buck steps out, you won't be digging through menus.
Build, power and weather protection
The plastic housing wears Realtree Edge camo and the unit weighs 180 grams, about 6.3 ounces, so it rides easily in a chest pack or pocket. It comes with a case and runs on a 3V CR2 lithium battery; carry a spare, since CR2 cells are harder to find than AA batteries. Bushnell lists IP54 protection, which covers dust and splashing water. That's fine for rain and snow, but keep it out of creeks and puddles. A limited warranty applies.
Bushnell Bone Collector 850 specs
| Brand | Bushnell |
|---|---|
| Model | 202209 |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Objective lens | 24mm |
| Maximum range | 850 yd reflective, 500 yd tree, 350 yd deer |
| Angle compensation | ARC (true horizontal distance) |
| Scan mode | Updates 4x per second |
| Display units | Yards or meters |
| Optics | All-glass, fully multi-coated |
| Weather protection | IP54 |
| Battery | 3V CR2 lithium |
| Weight | 180 g (6.3 oz) |
| Finish | Realtree Edge camo |
| In the box | Rangefinder, case |
| Prices change often. See the live price: Check Price | |
Who should buy it?
Great for
- Treestand bowhunters who need true horizontal distance
- Deer hunters whose shots fall inside 350 yards
- Hunters who want simple one-button ranging at first light
Skip it if
- You shoot long-range rifle and need game ranging past 350 yards
- You need a unit that's submersible, not just weather-resistant
- You want a rangefinder that doubles as a high-power glassing optic
Frequently asked questions
How far can the Bushnell Bone Collector 850 range a deer?
Bushnell lists 350 yards to deer, 500 yards to trees and up to 850 yards on reflective targets. Actual distance depends on light, the target's surface and how steadily you hold.
Does the Bone Collector 850 have angle compensation?
Yes. ARC technology accounts for uphill and downhill angles and gives you the true horizontal distance, and the display shows the incline angle too.
Is the Bushnell Bone Collector 850 waterproof?
The specs list IP54 protection, which covers dust and splashing water. It will handle rain and snow, but don't submerge it.
What battery does the Bone Collector 850 use?
It runs on a 3V CR2 lithium battery. The display shows remaining battery life, so you can swap it before a hunt rather than during one.
Can the Bone Collector 850 show meters as well as yards?
Yes. Distances can be shown in yards or meters, alongside the incline angle and the battery level indicator.
Final verdict
The Bushnell Bone Collector 850 is a focused hunting rangefinder: 6x24mm all-glass optics, ARC angle compensation, scan mode and one-button control in a Realtree Edge shell that weighs 180 grams. Its 350-yard deer range covers every bow shot and most rifle shots in timber and along field edges. Long-range shooters will want more reach, and IP54 protection asks for some care around water, but for stand and blind hunting it is an easy recommendation.
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