Ready to take your shooting game to the next level? We will show you the best long-range AR scopes ideal for hunting and target shooting. AR rifles are the most common rifles among hunters and tactical shooters. They are highly accurate, easy to shoot and dependable. Additionally, AR rifles are quite versatile but only suitable for close to mid-range targets.
If you want to use your AR to shoot long-range targets, you’ll need the best long-range AR scopes. The best long-range AR scopes have higher magnification to bring far-away targets closer. This gives you greater accuracy regardless of the range or shooting activity you are engaged in.
What Makes a Great Long-Range AR Scope?
A great long-range AR scope is one with high-quality optics and good magnification power. A scope with premium-quality glass and fully-coated lenses helps improve your shooting accuracy by providing bright and clear image views.
Magnification, having the right magnification is important. A great scope should be able to provide accurate shots at both close and long-range shots. The scope should also have a parallax adjustment to enhance your accuracy, especially when shooting long-range targets.
More importantly, the scope should be built to last. A great scope should be able to withstand harsh outdoor environments. On top of that, it should be fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability.
8 Best Long-Range AR Scopes
If you are looking for the best long-range scope for your AR, we have a list of the best scopes for your high-powered AR rifle available on the market today. Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
#1) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Speed and versatility best describe the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope. The scope adapts easily to a wide range of shooting conditions, helping shooters engage their long-range targets with ease. You can use it to shoot both close- and long-range targets.
The scope is made to stand up to anything thrown at it. The one-piece, 30mm main tube is made with aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting durability. The scope is also shockproof and recoil-proof for added durability. Besides, the scope is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for reliable fogproof and waterproof performance.
The optical performance of this scope is impressive. All air-to-glass surfaces have an anti-reflective coating to enhance light transmission and reduce light reflection. The result is bright and clear images even in low-light situations.
Thanks to the illuminated BDC3 reticle, the riflescope provides easy target acquisition in low-light situations. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for fast and simple reticle focusing which also aids in quick target acquisition. Overall, this is a budget riflescope with top-notch features.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Shockproof and recoil-proof 30mm main tube
- Fully waterproof and fog-free
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle
- Versatile magnification
- Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose application
- Lightweight design
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Less eye relief
#2) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm is your ideal scope for mid to long-range shooting. The scope provides great accuracy at all ranges. It is easy to use and great for beginners and professionals. It also provides a wide field of view even at the highest magnification for easy target identification.
The reticle of this riflescope is on the first focal plane. It increases with an increase in magnification, so you can effortlessly estimate the range at all magnification settings. Made with hunters in mind, the riflescope provides unmatched low-light performance.
The Twilight Max HD Light Management system provides up to 30 minutes of shooting light in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn. It also provides the best glare reduction for bright, clear, and sharp images, especially when shooting under broad daylight.
When it comes to construction, the scope is built to stand up to the harsh outdoors. It is made with high-strength aluminum for rugged durability. It is also sealed to lock out moisture and prevent internal fogging caused by changes in temperature.
Weighing about 2 pounds, the riflescope is fairly light and easy to carry. You can mount in on your rifle and carry them on the field with ease. To top it all, the scope comes with generous eye relief to provide comfortable shooting even with your eyeglasses on.
Features
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- Suitable for mid to long-range shooting
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- First Focal Plane reticle
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- M5C3 turrets
Pros
- Smooth zoom
- Impressive low-light performance
- Fairy light
- Matte finish
Cons
- Expensive
#3) Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56mm Riflescope
The Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56mm Riflescope is a multi-purpose scope suitable for medium and long-range shooting. With a versatile 4-16x magnification, the scope can be used for hunting, patrol, and tactical shooting.
One notable feature of the scope is the bright and clear images. The high-quality optics deliver incredible light transmission for brilliant, clear and sharp images. The large 56mm objective lens also gathers optimum light for clearer image views. The scope is ruggedly made to withstand the harshest outdoor environments.
It is crafted with solid, high-grade aluminum for unbeatable durability and rugged strength. Moreover, the scope is fully fogproof and waterproof. You can therefore use it even in wet and cloudy conditions.
Another impressive feature of the scope is the Steiner’s Special Competition Reticle (SCR). The reticle has an extended illuminated area for superior long-range accuracy even when shooting in low light.
The windage and elevation knobs provide precise adjustment when shooting at a distance. For added accuracy, the scope has a parallax adjustable from 50 yards to infinity.
Features
- 34mm main tube
- Sturdy and durable steel construction
- Precise windage and elevation knobs
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Special Competition Reticle
- Versatile 4-16x magnification
Pros
- Compact and light
- Bright and crystal-clear images
- Generous eye relief
- Great accuracy
Cons
- Pricey
#4) EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
When it comes to precision, versatility and durability, you can hardly go wrong with the EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm Precision Rifle Scope. The scope is designed to meet the needs of most shooters and stand up to the harshest outdoor conditions.
This is one of the shortest long-range rifle scopes available on the market today. It has an approximate length of 11.2 inches. The unique short design allows you to add another accessory in front or behind the scope for greater accuracy and better performance.
You can either choose to clip on a night vision or a thermal imaging device. The optical performance of this scope is impressive. The XC high-density glass ensures excellent light transmission for extremely bright and clear images even in low light. The illuminated reticle has 10 brightness settings for use in adverse lighting conditions.
The scope is well-made to offer a longer service life. It is made with aircraft-grade aluminum for extreme durability. The single-piece tube is also fully waterproof and fog-free for all-weather reliability.
For added convenience, the scope comes with a throw-lever for quick and simple magnification changes and precise turrets with the ability to re-index to zero. Besides, the scope is very light. It only weighs 1 pound which makes it easy for you to carry it and your AR rifle in the field.
Features
- Waterproof, fog and shock-resistant
- XC high-density glass
- Versatile 5-25x magnification
- Unbeatable long-range accuracy
- First Focal Plane reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Pros
- Small profile
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Throw lever for quick magnification changes
- Push-button illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings
Cons
- Shorter eye relief
#5) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Viper PST Gen II riflescope is another long-range scope suitable for the AR rifle. This is a high-quality scope with several key features suitable for multiple shooting applications. It features a versatile 5-25x magnification suitable for close to long-range shooting.
Weighing just 1 pound, the scope is fairly light and great for shooters who are always on the go. This riflescope features a laser-etched reticle, RZR zero stop and adjustable parallax. It also comes with a fiber optic rotation indicator which helps you monitor the turret position with ease.
The durability of the scope is unbeatable. You can take it anywhere you want and it will still perform. The single-piece tube is made with aircraft-grade aluminum which provides a durable platform while keeping weight at a minimum. Additionally, the scope is O-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof and fog proof reliability.
The other imposing feature that makes the Viper PST Gen II shine among the best long-range AR scopes is the superior optical performance. It has an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness levels for quick and easy target acquisition.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide bright, clear and sharp images even in dismal environments. The extra-low dispersion glass also increases image resolution and color fidelity. Overall, this is a durable and reliable scope that offers great value for money.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Armortek coating on the exterior lenses
- Multipurpose 5-25x magnification
- Fiber optic rotation indicator
- Waterproof and fogproof
- First focal plane reticle
Pros
- Multi-purpose application
- Lightweight design
- Durable
- Adjustable parallax
Cons
- Expensive
#6) Ade Advanced Optics 6-25×56 35mm Long Range Rifle Scope
If you looking for a budget long-range scope for your AR, the Ade Advanced Optics long-range scope is your ideal choice. The scope comes with numerous features suitable for long-range shooting. As one of the best long-range AR scopes, the Ade Advanced riflescope is the ultimate optic to extend the shooting range of your rifle.
The large lens provides a wider field of vision of your target even at high magnification. When you have a large viewing area, you can identify different targets easily and takedown fast-moving targets easily.
The high 25x magnification also brings faraway targets closer for accurate shot placement. Weighing about 3 pounds, the riflescope is fairly heavy compared with other riflescopes on this list. However, the heavyweight is advantageous if you intend to use it with heavy recoil rifles other than AR rifles.
The scope has a 35mm tube diameter. It is made with high-strength aluminum for long-lasting durability. It is also O-ring sealed to prevent moisture damage and protect against fogging caused by changes in temperatures.
The illuminated Mil-Dot Bar Reticle provides accurate target acquisition even in low light conditions. The scope also features 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment and a quick side-focus range adjustment.
Features
- 35mm tube diameter
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- 6-25x magnification
- Illuminated Mil-Dot Bar Reticle
- Matte black finish
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Best budget option
- Multiple accessories included
- Great long-range accuracy
Cons
- Bulky
#7) Burris RT Series Long Range Rifle Scope
The Burris RT Series Long Range Rifle Scope is another top-notch scope available at a decent price tag. The scope is specially made for users looking to advance their shooting skills to long-range during high-stake competitions.
If you engage yourself in competition shooting, this is your ideal AR rifle scope. The riflescope packs an array of impressive features that makes it stand out among other long-range AR Scopes.
The scope comes with a front focal plane SCR 2 MIL dot reticle. The reticle increases with an increase in magnification. The windage and elevation turrets are adjustable and lockable.
The elevation turret has a zero stop to prevent over-rotation when going back to zero. Besides adjustable windage and elevation, the scope has a parallax adjustment knob located at the left side of the main tube.
Weighing about 24.5 ounces and having a length of 14.3 inches, the Burris RT Series Long Range Rifle Scope is one of the lightweight scopes on this list. You can take it with your wherever you go and it won’t weigh you down. Plus, it won’t add any unnecessary weight to your rifle which might affect your accuracy.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a 30mm body tube made with high-strength aluminum. The scope is nitrogen filled so it’s fully waterproof and fog proof.
The precision-ground lenses are coated to provide the best optical performance and enhance durability. Overall, this is a well-constructed rifle scope with the great optical performance.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- SCR 2 Mil reticle
- Rugged 30mm main tube
- Side parallax adjustment knob
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- Zero click stop adjustment
- Adjustable throw level
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile magnification power
- Lightweight design
- Multi-purpose application
Cons
- None so far
#8) Athlon Optics Argos HMR 4-20×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Next on the list of the best Long-range AR scopes is the Athlon Optics Argos HMR 4-20×50 riflescope. This long-range rifle scope is best used for hunting and recreational target shooting. The variable 4-20x magnification makes it the ideal scope for hunters looking to take out a game at a variety of close and long-range.
The riflescope is made for the average outdoorsman. It is easy to use, compact and light. It provides impressive optical performance in a variety of hunting environments.
It features HD glass which provides better light transmission for bright and clear images. Additionally, the advanced fully multi-coated optics reduce light reflection and enhance light transmission. The result is brighter and sharper images full of color contrast.
The riflescope has an illuminated reticle with bullet drop holdovers for better visibility when hunting in low-light conditions. The reticle is glass-etched to provide backing support for complex reticle design and enhance durability and recoil resistance.
The scope is also well-made with aircraft-grade aluminum to provide long-lasting durability. For all-weather reliability, the scope is argon purged to give better waterproofing performance and thermal stability. It is also shockproof to withstand harsh outdoor impacts.
Features
- Glass-etched reticle
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Advanced fully multicoated optics
- Illuminated reticle with bullet drop holdovers
- HD glass
- 60 MOA total adjustment
- Parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity
Pros
- Compact and light
- Suitable for a variety of close- and long-range hunting
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Reduction in clarity and brightness at high magnification
See Also
Best Long-Range AR Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider when Buying Long-Range AR Scopes
Here are some of the key factors you should consider whenever you are looking for the best long-range AR scope.
Durability
You’ll want your rifle scope to be well-made so it will last for long. Look for scopes made with aircraft-grade aluminum. Such scopes are not only durable but also lightweight. They are shockproof and impact-resistant to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Magnification
As we earlier mentioned, the higher the magnification the better. However, if you are on a budget, you can go for a scope with medium magnification such as 3-9x. Scopes with high magnification tend to be more expensive. But if you are not on a budget, you can go for the highest magnification you want.
Quality Optics
A long-range AR scope is rendered useless if it cannot provide clear image views. For the best optical performance, look for a scope with a fully-coated or fully multi-coated lens. This provides enhanced light transmission for bright and clear images. It also reduces glare when shooting in broad daylight.
Illuminated Reticle
AR scopes with illuminated reticles are better than those without. An illuminated reticle improves your accuracy when shooting in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn. Besides, such scopes offer multiple brightness settings for use in extreme lighting conditions.
Eye Relief
The other important factor to consider is eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s eye relief. A scope with consistent and decent eye relief is important. With long eye relief, you will have a comfortable view of your targets and have less eye fatigue.
Weight
You should consider how heavy the scope weighs. If you intend to use the scope mainly for hunting, make sure that it is light and portable. This will give you an easy time carrying it with the AR rifle in the field. A light scope also enhances your shooting accuracy as it is easy to use.
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What Magnification Do You Need?
Magnification is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a long-range scope. Generally, the higher the magnification the better for long-range scopes. However, the magnification will also depend on the shooting activity you are engaged in.
For the AR rifle, what you need is a scope with adjustable magnification. This way, you’ll have better flexibility when shooting targets at varying ranges. A 3-9x magnification will be sufficient for your AR rifle.
You can use it for close ranges and extend it to longer distances depending on the shooting range. However, you can go for higher magnification from 10x and above if you want to extend your shooting range further.
Who Needs Long-Range AR Scopes?
AR rifles are popular options for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. These rifles are mainly designed to be used to shoot at close and medium targets.
However, pairing it with a long-range AR scope can help you reach further ranges. If you use your AR rifle for competition shooting, combat training, and hunting, you’ll find the long-range AR scope a lot useful.
Read: Best Long-Range Binoculars
Best Long-Range AR Scopes FAQs
Q: Should I Put a Scope or a Red Dot Sight on My AR?
You can go for a red dot sight if you only shoot closer range between 0 and 50 yards. For close to long-range shooting over 100 yards, you should get a long-range scope.
Q: How Much Eye Relief Do I Need?
AR rifles produce light to mild recoil. You don’t have to worry about it producing heavy recoil that can make the scope hit your eye. However, having a scope with long and consistent eye relief is important for snug viewing. Look for a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief.
Q: Which is the Best Long-Range AR Scope?
The best long-range AR scope is one that suits your shooting needs. The scope should have a high magnification power of at least 10x. It should also be well-made to provide many years of field use.
Conclusion
We hope that the information provided above will help you make the right buying decision. Keep in mind that what you intend to use the riflescope for will play a huge role in which unit suits your needs perfectly. Use this guide to compare the different options available then choose the riflescope that best suits your needs.