Laser Rangefinder (LRF)
Definition
A device that measures range by timing the return of a laser pulse from the target. Typical accuracy: plus or minus 1 m. Used by snipers for primary range input; LRF logs are recoverable forensic evidence in post-incident investigations.
- Measurement principle
- Time of flight of a laser pulse
- Typical accuracy
- Plus or minus 1 metre
- Primary user
- Snipers, for range input to ballistic solutions
- Forensic value
- Device logs recoverable in post-incident investigation
Common questions
Why are LRF logs forensically significant in a shooting investigation?+
A recovered device's stored range readings can corroborate or contradict a shooter's claimed firing position and target distance, providing objective data that is compared against scene measurements and trajectory reconstruction.
How does LRF accuracy affect long-range shot reconstruction?+
A metre-scale range error feeds directly into the ballistic drop and time-of-flight calculations used to predict bullet path, so at extended distances even this small input error can shift the reconstructed point of aim relative to point of impact.
Related terms
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- Coriolis Effect
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- Eötvös Effect
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- Fire Control System (FCS)
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- Magnus Effect
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- MOA (Minute of Angle)
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- Spin Drift
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