I don’t know about the 2 mi range - but the 23 mi range is in best possible conditions, line of sight from mountain top to valley. Those same walkie talkies advertise a 1 mi range in a "Neighborhood"

They are much farther then line of sight. I certainly get two miles in heavy forests and other side of hill. These work great for groups hiking and climbing.

http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2006/07/the_truth_about_...

From your link:

> The range that a two-way radio advertises is the range that the radio should get in "ideal" conditions. Ideal conditions are line of sight, such as from a mountaintop to a valley below -- no interference at all.

> So what type of range can you expect from your radio? Usually half a mile up to two miles

As I said I get about 2 miles

Don't forget about the $65 licensing fee to operate the GMRS radios legally, which can only be used by the applicant and their immediate family:

https://www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmr...

FRS = free the GMRS is not on by default and has to be programmed into the unit.

You're not going to get 23 miles or anything close to it with the FRS 500mW.