Q-switched, diode pumped Nd:YAG lasers have been achieved through electro-optical Q switch and passive Q switch with Cr4+:YAG as saturable absorber. The laser pulse outputs are 11 mJ respectively, while the Q-switching efficiencies are 75% and 32.3%. Based on the passive Q-switched laser head, a laser range finder prototype has been developed with the effective receiver aperture of φ26 mm and without transmitter optics.