How much range can I expect from these radios in rugged, mountainous and forested terrain?

It depends because there are 3 (yes 3) different FCC filing for the GXT1000. The newest GXT1000 radios made after Sept 2018 under FCC ID MMAGXT1050G are now only 2.5w. These radios are junk. If you can find GXT1000s a bit older before 2018 under the FCC ID MMAGXT1050P, those are a bit better at 3.07w. Then there's the totally discontinued GXT1000s manufactured before 2015 that have FCC ID MMAGXT950 that have the full advertised 5.33w. If you can get your hands on these older radios, they are amazing.

do I need a gmrs license?

From someone who has worked at the FCC since the rule change, to the best of my knowledge: any GMRS or GMRS/FRS radio which is CAPABLE of operating above 2w of power requires a license, even if you only intend to use the lower powered channels. Currently the fee is $70 for a 10 yr term and it does of course cover immediate family members. The radio service code is ZA and you can to go to FCC.gov/uls to file. If you're having trouble, use the paper forms or call the 877 number for help. There IS temporary operating authority available while the app is being processed, for up to 90 days. Download the 605 Schedule F from FCC.gov/forms, fill it out, and keep that on hand along with a reference copy of the application (available right after you submit, or in ULS License Manager under My Applications). In reference to the shutdown: they're processing apps received during the shutdown but the latest public notice says to give it up to a few weeks. Use your temporary in the meantime. If you apply now, they're saying the newer apps should be processed in the typical 1-3 business days, assuming all goes well.

what is the best REAL range I can expect?

There are certainly many different choices available to folks regarding radio choices. Many consumers, however, fall into the trap of believing the misleading advertising that various manufacturer’s use to help sell their products, especially when they are in panic mode due to a natural disaster (like an earthquake) or (currently) various lock-down scenarios due to the latest overseas virus. One frequently used example of this buying trap are the claims of 35 to 50 mile range from 1/2 watt UHF FRS/GMRS handheld radios with non-removable antennas (frequently seen on various Cobra, Midland, Motorola, and Uniden radios sold at various big box stores or on the internet). At UHF frequencies (and with a decent antenna), you’ll normally get around 1 mile of range for every 1 watt of power on transmit, so a 1/2 watt big box store FRS/GMRS radio is likely to get only 1/2 mile of range, nowhere near the 35 to 50 mile claims shown on the box in large type (with the phrase “under optimum conditions” shown in very small type). What that means is that if one individual is standing near the cliff face on a tall 9,000 ft. high mountain and his friend is doing the same thing 35 miles away (with nothing between the two mountains but air), then they “may” get the 35 mile range as advertised. When both individuals are at ground level, normal range is reduced to a 1/2 mile (or less) depending upon obstructions that may be in their way.

can you also use AA batteries to power these radios?

Yes you can, however the output power will drop drastically (form 5 to I think about 2W) with no indication on the display - it would still show “H” for High power. With the included battery pack though (which is essentially 5 1.2 NiMH AAA batteries in series) it achieves 5W transmit power. Which means if you buy it because of 5W output you must use battery pack. However battery pack does not last long. It is only 700mAh. Radio consumes 42mA on standby. So about 16 hours standby time if you don’t transmit. Charding time on the other hand is 12 hours. Make your own conclusions.

Item Weight	4.8 ounces
Product Dimensions	7.9 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
Item model number	GXT1000VP4
Batteries	8 AA batteries required. (included)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Display Type	LCD
Warranty	3 Year
Height (inches)	3.25 inches
Width (inches)	9.25 inches
Weight	3 Pounds

Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio (50-Channel, Long Range, 142 Privacy Codes, SOS, NOAA, Rechargeable Nickle Battery, Black/Silver, 2-Pack)

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