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NIKON VISION CO., LTD.

Customer Service Department

3-25, Futaba 1-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0043, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3788-7699   Fax: +81-3-3788-7698

Printed in China (185K)/1E

CAUTIONS BEFORE USE

Please observe the following guidelines strictly so you can use the equipment
properly and avoid potentially hazardous problems. Before using this product, read
thoroughly the “SAFETY AND OPERATION PRECAUTIONS” and instructions on
correct usage accompanying the product. Keep this manual within reach for easy
reference.

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WARNING

This indication alerts you to the fact that any improper use ignoring the contents
described herein can result in potential death or serious injury.

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CAUTION

This indication alerts you to the fact that any improper use ignoring the contents
described herein can result in potential injury or material loss.

SAFETY AND OPERATION PRECAUTIONS

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Warning

Never look directly at the laser beam or directly at the sun when using the Nikon
RifleHunter / Archer's Choice.

• Do not depress the POWER button while aiming with the eye or looking into the

optics from the objective side.

• Do not operate the unit with other additional optical elements, such as lenses or

binoculars. Using an optical instrument together with the Nikon RifleHunter /
Archer's Choice increases the danger of damaging the eyes. 

• Do not disassemble the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice. A product that has

been disassembled is not guaranteed by the manufacturer. 

• When Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice’s body cover is damaged, or if it emits

a strange sound due to dropping or for some other cause, immediately remove
the battery and stop using. 

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Cautions

• When not using the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice, do not push the POWER

button.

• Do not leave the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice within the reach of small

children.

• Rain, water, sand and mud should be removed from the rangefinder body surface

as soon as possible, using a soft, clean, dry cloth.

• Although the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice is waterproof, it is not designed

for use underwater.

• Do not swing the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice by its strap. It may hit

someone and cause injury.

• Do not leave Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice in an unstable place, as it may

fall and cause injury, or damage the equipment.

• Do not look through the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice while walking. You

may walk into something and get hurt.

• Do not leave the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice in a car on a hot or sunny

day, or near heat-generating equipment. This may damage or negatively affect
it.

• Do not leave the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice in direct sunlight.

Ultraviolet rays and excessive heat may negatively affect or even damage the
unit.

• When the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice is exposed to sudden changes in

temperature, water condensation may occur on lens surfaces. Do not use the
product until the condensation has evaporated.

• Do not use alcohol for cleaning the main body.

• Do not leave the polyethylene bag used for packaging within the reach of small

children.

• Be careful that small children do not inadvertently swallow the eyecup. If it does

happen, consult a doctor immediately.

• If you use the rubber eyecup for a long period of time, you may suffer skin

inflammation. If you develop any symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

• When carrying the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice, store it in the soft case.
• If your Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice should fail to operate correctly,

discontinue use immediately and consult the Troubleshooting Table. If you are
unable to fix the problem, contact your local dealer for instructions on where to
send it for repair.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Lenses

• When removing dust on the lens surface, use a soft oil-free brush.
• When removing stains or smudges like fingerprints from the lens surface, wipe

the lenses very gently with a soft clean cotton cloth or quality oil-free lens
tissue.
Use a small quantity of pure alcohol (not denatured) to wipe stubborn smudges.
Do not use velvet cloth or ordinary tissue, as it may scratch the lens surface.
Once the cloth has been used for cleaning the body, it should not be used again
for the lens surface.

Main body

• Clean the body surface with a soft, clean cloth and a dry cloth. Do not use

benzene, thinner, or other organic agents because they may cause
discolouration or rubber degeneration.

Storage

• Water condensation or mould may occur on the lens surface because of high

humidity. Therefore, store the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice in a cool, dry
place.
After use on a rainy day or at night, thoroughly dry it at room temperature, then
store in a cool, dry place.

NOTES ON LITHIUM BATTERY

If handled incorrectly, batteries may rupture and leak, corroding equipment and
staining clothing. Be sure to observe the following:
• Install batteries with the + and – poles positioned correctly.
• Batteries should be removed when exhausted or during extended periods of

non-use.

• Always use the same brand of battery.
• If battery fluid contacts eyes or skin, rinse well with water. If swallowed, consult

a doctor immediately.

• Do not short-circuit battery chamber terminals.
• Do not carry batteries together with keys or coins in a pocket or bag. This may

overheat and short-circuit batteries.

• Do not put batteries in fire or water. Never disassemble batteries.
• Do not charge batteries.
• Do not subject stored batteries to extremes in temperature.
• Do not subject batteries to strong vibrations or shock.

Key Features

Body ...........................................1
Soft case (CCN: RifleHunter,    /CCV:
Archer's Choice) ..........................1

Neckstrap ...................................1
Lithium battery (CR2)  ..................1

Composition

• Linear distance measurement range: 

10-500 meters/11-550 yards (RifleHunter)
4.5-91.5 meters/5-100 yards (Archer's Choice)

• Distance measurement display step:

(Linear Distance) 

0.5 meter/yard   (measurement distance is less than 100 meters/yards)
1.0 meter/yard   (measurement distance is 100 meters/yards or farther)

(Horizontal Distance) 

0.2 meter/yard   (measurement distance is less than 100 meters/yards)
1.0 meter/yard   (measurement distance is 100 meters/yards or farther)

• Easy-to-aim 6x optical observation system
• Quantifies the horizontal distance to the target in relation to the rangefinder’s

level by measuring linear distance and angle.

• The results are displayed on internal LCD panel.
• Target Priority Switch System allows you to easily match the measuring

situation. (RifleHunter only)

• Archer's Choice is First Target Priority.
• Waterproof design (NOT designed for underwater usage)
• Invisible/Eyesafe IEC Class 1M Laser
• 8-second results display
• Compact, lightweight, ergonomic design
• Automatic shut-off (after approx. 8 sec. unattended)
• Default to “Last Use” settings
• 20-second continuous measuring function

The Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice emits invisible, eyesafe, infrared energy
pulses that reflect off the selected target back to its optical receiver.
Sophisticated precision charge circuitry is used to instantaneously calculate
distances, by measuring the time it takes for each pulse to travel from the
rangefinder to the target and back. Laser reflectivity and measurement results
may vary according to climatic and environmental conditions, the colour, surface
finish, size, shape and other characteristics of the target.

The following factors ensure best range and accuracy:

• Nighttime use
• Cloudy weather
• Bright-coloured targets
• Targets with highly reflective surfaces
• Targets with shiny exteriors
• Large-size targets
• Shooting targets facing at 90 degrees

Measurement may result in inaccuracy or failure in the following cases:

• Slender or small target
• Target has diffusing reflective surface
• Target does not reflect the laser beam (glass, a mirror, etc.)
• Black target
• Target has varing depths
• In snow, rain or fog
• Target measured through glass
• Reflective surface measured from diagonal direction
• Moving target
• Obstacle moving in front of the target
• When targeting the surface of water

Nomenclature

Internal Display

1.

- Target focusing/Laser irradiate system

- Aim at the target. Position the target at

the center of the reticle.

- Appears while the laser is being used for

a measurement. (Remains present during single
measurement. Blinks during continuous
measurements.) 

Warning: Do not look into the objective lenses
when this mark is shown.

2

.『

88

.

8

: Distance/measurement status display

Digitally indicates measured distance in meters/yards.
Also indicates measuring status such as
“Measurement in progress”, “Measurement
unsuccessful” or “Unable to measure.”

<Examples of measurement results>

(Distance)
Display of results: (

100m/yards) 

e.g. 234 meters = 

Display of results: (

100m/yards) 

e.g. 76.5 yards =  

- Now measuring

- Failure to measure or unable to measure distance

---

-

-

-

Operational Summary

Caution—use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure

1. Install a battery in the battery chamber. (See “Changing

Batteries”)

2. Rubber eyepiece cup 

Eyeglass wearers: Roll up the rubber eyepiece cup and use.
Non-eyeglass wearers: No need to roll up the rubber eyepiece cup for use.

3. Diopter adjustment 

Adjust diopter to obtain a clear image in the LCD. 
First, rotate the diopter adjustment ring counterclockwise until it comes to a
complete stop. Next, turn on the power to activate the LCD when you look
through the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice. Rotate the diopter adjustment
ring clockwise until the display comes into focus. 
If the diopter is not adjusted to correspond to your eyesight, you may not be
able to clearly focus your subject. 

4. Measuring

Note: Depressing and holding down the POWER button causes all symbols to be

displayed in the internal LCD panel. After you remove your finger from the
POWER button, the last-used setting is displayed. (If you briefly press the
POWER button then remove your finger, the LCD panel may display the last-
used setting without displaying all of the symbols. This is not a malfunction or
other problem.) 

Before measuring, be sure to confirm settings, such as unit, measurement/display
mode and priority mode.

: See the relevant mode section in this manual for setting.

Changing Batteries

• Type of battery: 

3V CR2 lithium battery

• Battery condition indicators

:

Battery has enough charge for use.

:

Battery charge is getting low.

flashing:

Battery charge is low and battery 

should be replaced.

disappears:

Battery is exhausted and should 
be replaced.

flashing in the LCD indicates that the battery should be replaced. 

1

Open the battery chamber cover

Using the ball of the thumb or a coin in the recessed part of the battery
chamber cover, rotate the cover following the Open/Close arrow indicator. 
It may not open easily due to its rubber packing for water resistance.

2

Replace the old battery with a new one

Install new battery with the [+] and [-] correctly positioned following the
“Battery installation” indication seal in the battery chamber. (Insert battery
positioning the [+] pole towards the inside of the chamber.) [The RifleHunter
/ Archer's Choice will not operate if the battery is installed incorrectly.] 

3

Close the battery chamber cover

Align the Open/Close indicator with the white dot and insert the battery
chamber cover. Using the ball of the thumb or a coin, turn the cover in the
opposite direction to the arrow indicator. It may not close easily due to the
rubber packing for water resistance, but continue to turn it all the way until
it stops. Confirm that the cover is securely closed.

• Battery life

Continuous operation: 

Approx. 10,000 times (at 20°C)

Target focusing, measurement, and automatic power off are included in a
single cycle. This figure may differ according to temperature, and other factors
such as target shape, colour, etc.
* The Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice come with a 3V CR2 lithium battery. However,

due to natural electric discharge, the life of the battery will likely be shorter than that
noted above.
Replace battery if the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice is ever submerged in water or
if water enters in the battery chamber.

Specifications

Laser Rangefinder

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer’s
Choice.

This high-spec laser rangefinder features a new angle measurement function in
addition to the existing linear distance measurement function for enhanced
enjoyment of sports and other outdoor applications. (The Nikon RifleHunter  /
Archer's Choice is also able to measure the horizontal distance to a target.)

Please observe the following guidelines strictly so you can use the equipment
properly and avoid potentially hazardous problems. Before using this product,
read thoroughly the “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” and instructions on correct usage
accompanying the product.

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures
other than those specified herein may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.
Keep this manual within reach for easy reference.

• Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
• No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief

quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written
authorization from NIKON VISION CO., LTD.

Instruction Manual / Mode d’emploi

E F

RifleHunter 550 / RifleHunter 550 MAX-1 / 

Archer's Choice

1

Monocular objective lens/
Laser emission aperture

2

Laser detector aperture

3

MODE button

4

POWER button

5

6x monocular eyepiece

6

Eyecup/dioptre adjustment ring

7

Dioptre index

8

Strap eyelet

9

Battery chamber cover

!p

Battery chamber cover
“Open/Close” indication

!q

Product number/explanatory label

!w

Laser warning label

Invisible laser radiation. Do not view directly with 
optical instruments (Binoculars or Telescopes)
Class 1M Laser product 15w/870nm/14ns IEC 60825-1:2001
Complies with FDA performance standards for laser
products except for deviations
pursuant to Laser Notice No.50, dated June 24,2007.
NIKON VISION CO., LTD.
3-25, Futaba 1-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0043 Japan

Made in China

16184

8

6

!w

!q

9

!p

1

2

4

3

5

7

☆【

Continuous measurement mode

Depressing the POWER button allows you to perform continuous

measurement for 20 seconds.

Blinks while performing measurements.

Power turns off 8 seconds after the last operation.

5. Selecting display unit

(Factory default setting is yard.)

Meter [

]

m

Yard [

]

1. Confirm the internal LCD panel is on.
2. Press and hold the 

button for more than two seconds.

3. When display unit has switched, release the 

button.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your desired mode is displayed.
5. When you have completed setting, results will be converted and displayed

in the your selected measurement unit.

Measurement System

Measurement mode 

Linear distance

: No sign

display

Horizontal distance

: Ang

Measured range

10-500 meters/11-550 yards

Distance indication 

No sign (Linear distance):

step

0.5 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

1.0 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

Ang (Horizontal distance):

0.2 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

1.0 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

Target System

Target Priority Switch System

Measuring system

Single mode/Continuous mode

Optical system

Type

Roof-prism monocular

Magnification

6x

Effective diameter of objective lens 

ø21mm

Angular field of view (real)

6.0

°

Eye relief 

18mm

Exit pupil 

ø3.5mm

Dioptre adjustment

±4m

-1

Others

Operating temperature

-10° — +50°

Power source

CR2 lithium battery x 1, 3V DC

Dimensions (W x H x D)

130

×

37

×

69 mm

Weight

Approx. 180g  (without battery)

Structure

Body: Waterproof (maximum depth of 1 meter 

for up to 10 minutes)*

Battery chamber: Water resistant**

Safety 

Class 1M Laser product (IEC 60825-
1:2001)
FCC Part15 subpart B Class B
CE, EMC directive, c-tick, WEEE

Laser

Class

IEC Class 1M

Wavelength

870 nm

Pulse duration

14 ns

Output

15W

Beam divergence

Vertical: 5° — 8°, Horizontal

:

25° — 36°

Operating humidity

80% RH (without dew condensation)

* Waterproof models

The Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice is waterproof, and will suffer no
damage to the optical system if submerged or dropped in water to a
maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 10 minutes.

The Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice offers the following
advantages:

• Can be used in conditions of high humidity, dust and rain without risk of

damage.

• Nitrogen-filled design makes it resistant to condensation and mold.

Observe the following when using the Nikon RifleHunter /
Archer's Choice

• As the unit does not have a perfectly sealed structure, it should not be

operated nor held in running water.

• Any moisture should be wiped off before adjusting movable parts (focusing

knob, eyepiece, etc.) of the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice to prevent
damage and for safety reasons.

To keep your Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice in excellent condition, Nikon
Vision recommends regular servicing by an authorized dealer.

** The battery chamber is water resistant, not waterproof. Water may enter the

device if the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice is submerged in water. If
water enters the battery chamber, wipe out any moisture and allow time for
the chamber to dry.

POWER

LCD is illuminated

Set your desired modes

Align the reticle

with the target

POWER

appears

Results are converted to the

mode set and displayed.

MODE

Indication

remains 

illuminated 

for 8 sec.

8 seconds pass without operation 

Power off: LCD indications disappear.

Measure

again

Fail

to

measure

Cannot

m

easure

Successfully

measured

For continuous distance
measurement (up to 20
seconds), keep button
depressed.

or

 

Troubleshooting/Repair

If problems persist after consulting the Troubleshooting Table,
please contact your local dealer to check/repair the Nikon
RifleHunter / Archer's Choice. Never let anyone than the official
representative of the product manufacturer check or repair the
Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in injury, or damage to the product.

Symptom

Check Points

Unit does not turn on —
LCD fails to illuminate

Target range cannot be
obtained

[- - -] (“Cannot
measure”) appears

Closer target cannot be
measured

Target beyond a certain
distance cannot be
measured

Measurement result is
unstable

Incorrect result is
displayed

• Depress POWER button.
• Check and replace batteries if necessary.

• Be sure that nothing, such as your hand or finger, is

blocking the laser emission aperture and laser
detector.

• Be sure that the laser emission aperture and laser

detector are clean. Clean them if necessary.

• Be sure that the target shape and condition is

appropriate to reflect the laser beam.

• Replace battery.

• Be sure to hold the unit steady while depressing the

POWER button.

• Be sure the target is within measuring range 

(10 - 500m/11 - 550 yards: RifleHunter, 
4.5 - 91.5m/5 - 100 yards: Archer's Choice)

• Be sure that nothing, such as leaves or grass, is

between the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice and
the target.

• Be sure that nothing, such as leaves or grass, is

between the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice and
the target.

• Replace battery.
• Be sure that the target shape and condition is

appropriate to reflect the laser beam.

• Be sure to hold the unit steady while depressing the

POWER button.

• Be sure that nothing, such as leaves or grass, is

between the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice and
the target.

• Replace battery.
• Be sure that the target shape and condition is

appropriate to reflect the laser beam.

• Be sure that nothing, such as leaves or grass, is

between the Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice and
the target.

If your Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice should require repair, please contact
your local dealer for details regarding where to send it. Before doing so, you are
advised to consult the Troubleshooting Table below.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Measurement System

Measurement mode 

Linear distance

: No sign

display

Horizontal distance

: Ang

Measured range

4.5-91.5 meters/5-100 yards

Distance indication 

No sign (Linear distance):

step

0.5 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

1.0 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

Ang (Horizontal distance):

0.2 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

1.0 meter/yard (

100 meters/yards)

Target System

First Target Priority System

Measuring system

Single mode/Continuous mode

(RifleHunter 550 / RifleHunter 550 MAX-1 / Archer's Choice)

RifleHunter

Archer's Choice

1. Confirm the internal LCD panel is on.
2. Press 

button within 0.5 seconds.

3. When mode has switched, release the button.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your desire mode is displayed.
5. Switching the mode after measurement converts the results to the new

mode.

6. After the mode is set, measurements are performed in the new mode.

7. Switching Target Priority modes  (RifleHunter only)

(Factory default setting is Distant Target Priority mode.)

1. LCD panel should be on.

2. Press and hold 

button, then depress and hold  

button within

0.5 second. 

Note

If the 

button is not pressed within 0.5 second, the display

unit (m/yd/ft) will be switched.

3. Continue to press and hold both buttons (more than 2 seconds) until First

Target Priority mode and Distant Target Priority mode are switched. 

Note: If buttons are not pressed in the correct order, switching will not take

place.

Note: If switching fails to take place, repeat 2.

4. Release buttons.

[Deciding which Target Priority to use]

When obtaining different results from a single measuring operation, the Nikon
RifleHunter will display the distance to the farthest target on the LCD panel when
using Distant Target Priority mode, while First Target Priority mode will show the
range to the nearest target.
Archer’s Choice takes First Target Priority Distant Display System.

ex.) When measuring a tree standing in front of a house;

"115m" (distance to the tree) will be displayed in First Target Priority mode, and
"128m" (distance to the house) in Distant Target Priority mode.  First Target
Priority mode, for example, has applications for golf, while Distant Target Priority
is useful when hunting in heavily wooded areas.

8. Low battery indication

Flashing 

indicates that the battery charge is low and battery should be

replaced. (See "Changing Battery")

Tree

Fence

House

Distance to Target

115m

123m

128m

(RifleHunter 550 / RifleHunter 550 MAX-1)

(Archer's Choice)

First Target Priority [     ]

Distant Target Priority [

]

Linear Distance[

]

Horizontal Distance[

]

Ang

6. Switching measurement/display modes 

(Factory default setting is Horizontal distance measurement mode.)

3.

Display Units

Indicates distance being measured in meters.

Indicates distance being measured in yards.

4. 

-  Indicates battery condition. (See 

"

Changing Batteries

"

)

5.

Display Modes 

Linear distance mode

No unit displayed

Measures linear distance to your target and 

displays the results.

Horizontal distance mode

Calculates horizontal distance to your target by measuring 

the linear distance and angle, and displays the results.

6.

Target Priority mode (Archer’s Choice doesn’t have this mode.)

First Target Priority mode

No unit displayed

Indicates when First Target Priority mode is set.

Distant Target Priority mode

Indicates when Distant Target Priority mode is set.

Although the LCD was produced using the most advanced technology, it is
impossible to eliminate dust completely. When using this product, the LCD is
magnified by high magnification of the eyepiece lens and dust may appear as a
defect. It will not, however, affect measurement accuracy.

Ang

Ang

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Do not use the Nikon Nikon RifleHunter / Archer's Choice for purposes
beyond the limits of its stated accuracy.

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