Today, we will show the best long range scopes ideal for hunting, target shooting and competitive match events. These rifle scopes harbor beneficial features that impact positively on optical quality and performance.
A long range rifle scope is your best bet when shooting at extended ranges as you need to be very precise. Mounting a long range scope on your firearm is the first step to unlocking your full potential and ultimately improving your shooting experience.
Hitting a target at an extended distance is an extremely thrilling experience. However, it is no mean feat. It calls for a lot of practice and patience to fine-tune your skills especially if you are new in this profession.
One of the most valuable gears to have for long range shooting is an optic specially designed for the sport. The scope simplifies your target acquisition process by providing a clear point of aim. It also goes a long way to boost your shooting confidence and make you competitive.
What Makes a Great Scope for Long Range
Several aspects of long range scopes differentiate a great scope from a cheap one. The first one is accuracy. A great scope for long range shooting should maintain consistent accuracy at all the ranges you will be shooting in.
Secondly, the scope should have a magnification power that is high and versatile enough to accommodate all the distances you will be shooting at. So, the broader the zoom setting is the better.
The other important features that the best long range scopes should be built with include:
- A large objective lens
- Sturdy and robust construction
- A reticle that allows you to transition smoothly through the entire magnification range and still maintain great accuracy
- Adjustable parallax
- Long eye relief
8 Best Long Range Scopes
Highlighted below are the crème de la crème rifle scope to mount on your long-range rifle.
1) Burris Signature HD 5-25×56 FFP Rifle Scope
Burris Signature HD 5-25×56 FFP Rifle Scope is a high-powered optic that excels at mid and long ranges. The scope is packed with features that you need for precision shooting in all environments.
The optical clarity this rifle scope delivers is a force to reckon with. This is made possible by the large 56mm aperture that draws a large amount of light inside the optics. Moreover, the lenses are multi-coated to amplify light transmission when shooting at long ranges. The optical prowess of this rifle scope ensures you don’t miss that perfect shot.
With a 65 MOA adjustment range for both windage and elevation, the scope ensures great precision in all kinds of terrains. With unparalleled tracking performance and crisp reticle, you will have a dependable long-range hunting optic.
The magnification adjustment is seamless for added convenience and with the unique dynamic zero-stop turret system, the scope holds zero consistently at any range. Boost your confidence and take long-range shots with conviction knowing you have a reliable optic by your side.
Solid construction is another thing that makes it one of the best long range scopes. It is crafted with aircraft-quality aluminum to take in any abuse. The optical tube is also waterproof and fogproof.
Features
- 5-25x magnification
- Second focal plane reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- 50mm objective lens
- Flat field of view
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Push/pull locking turrets
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- Quality construction
- Zero stop
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor eye relief
2) Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to long and extreme long-distance shooting, you should get the Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm rifle scope. Carrying the highly respected Leupold name, this scope provides the extra magnification you require to take advantage of the range that precision rifles can shoot.
This rifle scope is built with a 35mm tube which provides sufficient room for adjustments and turret travel. It is sturdy enough to weather rough handling and perform in all fields. Besides, the tube has waterproof and fogproof protection for use in all kinds of weather conditions.
Complementing the robust construction is a Twilight Max HD Light Management System that makes the scope usable in any lighting condition. This system provides more minutes of shooting light and eliminates glare-producing light.
Moreover, the scope is built with a side parallax adjustment that makes parallax correction a breeze. Over and above that, it has a first focal plane reticle which provides accurate holdovers in the entire 7-35x magnification range.
Features
- Repeatable 3-turn ZeroLock dial
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system
- First focal plane reticle
- 35mm body tube
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- 7-35x total magnification
- DiamondCoat 2 lens coating
- Side focus parallax adjustment
Pros
- Unmatched durability
- Good eye relief
- Excellent optical clarity
- Broad windage and elevation adjustment range
Cons
- Heavy
- High price
3) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm is one of the best long range scopes for budget-conscious buyers. The scope is a testament that you don’t have to break the bank equipping your long-range rifle with a reliable optic.
It is versatile enough to meet all the needs of tactical professionals and hunters looking to take on the challenge of long-range shooting. Harboring all the beneficial features essential for taking down distant targets, this optic is arguably one of the best long range scopes the industry has to offer.
Built with a broad 6-24x magnification, the scope is good for medium to long-range use. The large 50mm objective lens makes the magnification useful even at the highest levels by collecting more volume of light inside.
Furthermore, this optic is based on the MOA scale. It has exposed tactical turrets that enable speedy impact point correction. Moreover, both windage and elevation adjustments are made at 1/4 MOA per click with 15 MOA travel in every rotation and a broad 65 MOA adjustment range.
Construction-wise, the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Scope has a sturdy 30mm single-piece main tube for unmatched strength and durability. The tube is built from aircraft-quality aluminum and treaded with an anodized finish that is non-reflective and scratch-proof.
Features
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Slip-resistant zoom ocular
- Broad 65 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Durable aluminum housing
- XD extra-low dispersion glass
- Fully multi-coated optics
- EBR-2C MOA FFP reticle
- Zero reset turret design
Pros
- Broad zoom range
- Crisp clear glass
- Smooth focus
- Long eye relief
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Cheap lens covers
4) NightForce 5.5-22×56 NXS Rifle Scope
The NightForce 5.5-22×56 NXS rifle scope is the ultimate long-range scope for anyone looking to elevate their shooting performance. Nightforce manufactures rifle scopes that are outstanding in quality and functionality, and this long-range scope is not any different.
The adjustable 5-22x magnification power is built into a second focal plane reticle. During use, the size of the reticle does not change with a change in magnification. This ensures speedy and accurate target acquisition in all situations.
Furthermore, the scope is built with 100 MOA of internal adjustment to offer exceptional precision. Ensure you don’t miss the perfect shot by mounting this rifle scope.
In terms of construction, it has a 30mm main tube composed of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The entire tune is rigorously tested for perfection and weatherproofed for use in all environments.
The other noteworthy features included are 1/4 MOA adjustment click value and proprietary titanium beta erector spring. This top-notch rifle scope combines innovative features and a state-of-the-art optical system making it one of the best long range scopes.
Mounting the NightForce NXS scope is a significant advancement in precision long-range shooting. Open a new world of shooting opportunities with the finest long range rifle scope on the market.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 100 MOA internal adjustment range
- Waterproof and weather-resistant
- 30mm tube diameter
- Titanium beta erector spring
- 25 MOA impact point correction
- 5-22x magnification range
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Great magnification range
- Good quality glass
Cons
- Heavy
5) Elements Optics Titan 5-25x56mm FFP Rifle Scope
As one of the best long range scopes, Elements Optics Titan 5-25x56mm FFP Rifle Scope is a powerhouse for both magnification and clarity. It is good for medium to long-range shooting where it yields superior optical performance.
The selling point of this scope is ease of use. It uses a turret system that is incredibly easy to operate. Furthermore, it comes with precision-engineered internals that are very stable.
Optically, the scope has an oversized 56mm objective lens. It collects a large volume of light inside the optics and amplifies performance in low light. The scope is also built with ED glass which provides a sharp and crisp clear field of view.
The Elements Optics Titan 5-25x56mm FFP Rifle Scope is built in a 34mm tube. The large tube design helps shooters dial in shots at long distances by allowing for great elevation and windage range. The scope is also crafted with the most durable materials to last long.
Features
- Removable magnification lever
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- HD glass elements
- 34mm body tube
- An illuminated first focal plane reticle
- Side parallax adjustment
- Tool-free resettable turrets
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Sufficient eye relief
- Excellent clarity
- Crisp turrets with solid click adjustments
Cons
- Heavy
6) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 8-34X56mm Rifle Scope
Argos BTR Gen II 8-34X56mm APLR2 Rifle Scope is designed to seamlessly switch between a broad magnification range and a large field of view. It is perfect for bench rest rifle shooting where it yields great accuracy at all ranges.
The scope is built with fully multi-coated lenses that are responsible for boosting light transmission. This guarantees crisp views of the targets through the whole 8-34x zoom range.
On top of that, the scope employs an ultra-fine first focal plane reticle that is glass-etched and illuminated. To be operable in all weather conditions, the Argos BTR Gen II 8-34X56mm APLR2 Rifle Scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof and dustproof.
The ruggedized housing can withstand the rigors of competition shooting. The scope is also resistant to shock and impact to maximize longevity. With all these handy features plus the precision zero-stop system, this scope will help your next bench rest match and make you stand out.
Features
- Front focal plane reticle
- 8-34x total magnification
- LED illumination
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm body tube
- 45 MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- XPL lens coating
Pros
- Clear glass
- Illuminated reticle
- Solid and sturdy construction
Cons
- The image quality is dim at the highest zoom settings
7) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm SFP Rifle Scope
Vortex outshines other optics brands with their top-tier rifle scopes and this is clear with the Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm SFP Rifle Scope. It is packed with an array of incredible features that offer phenomenal performance in all environments.
A highlight of this scope is the XD lens elements that work together with the XR fully multi-coated optics to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Besides that, the parallax setting is adjustable from 50 yards to infinity to fine-tune accuracy at long ranges. The scope also has a 30mm diameter tube that provides maximized internal adjustment.
Another remarkable feature of the scope is the tall turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing and with the 65 MOA adjustment range, you are promised great accuracy in a wide range of shooting fields.
Vortex is known to make rugged scopes and this optic is not any different. It has an aircraft-grade aluminum body that is shockproof to withstand recoil and impact. Over and above that, the scope is also 100% waterproof and fogproof.
Features
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Single-piece 30mm tube size
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- XD lens elements
- Capped turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision force erector system
- Hard anodized finish
- Side focus
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Value for money
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- Short eye relief
8) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Our last long-range scope recommendation is Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope. Getting this scope for long range hunting or shooting will increase your hit potential under any lighting condition.
It boasts a stunning 5-20x magnification that is useful even at the highest settings. This is made possible by the 50mm ocular that delivers the light needed to enhance the detail of the targets at long ranges.
Moreover, the scope is graced with a handy third turret that is responsible for refocusing the retile to eliminate parallax. The reticle provides a vibrant point of aim in all light settings thanks to the dual tritium/fiber optic illumination. This enables confident aiming in any light.
In addition to everything else, the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope is crafted with a 30mm aluminum tube that is waterproof and submersible to 10’.
Features
- Multi-layer lens coating
- Side focus parallax correction
- 30mm main tube
- Dual tritium/fiber optic illumination
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 40 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Quick and easy adjustment
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Battery-free reticle illumination
Cons
- Expensive
Further Reading
- Best Vortex Scopes for 1000 Yards
- Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- Best Scopes for 50 BMG
- Long-Range Nightforce Scopes
- 1000 Yard Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
How to Choose the Best Long Range Scopes
Magnification
Magnification power is the first and main thing to consider. For long range hunting and shooting applications, you need a scope that has a high and broad magnification power. We recommend a model with a 12x and above zoom setting at the highest level.
Objective Lens
Magnification power and objective lens diameter go hand in hand. The further you shoot, the more light the scope should collect to provide a precise point of aim.
For the best long range scopes, it is best to get a unit that has at least a 42mm objective lens size.
Read: Best Scopes for 500 Yards
Optical Quality
The next thing to take into consideration is the quality of optics the scope is built with. For both long range hunting and shooting, get a scope that is built with high transmission glass.
The scope should also feature proper anti-reflective coatings. Lens coatings play an important role in amplifying light transmission and preventing glare.
Reticle
Don’t forget to look at the reticle. As rifle scopes continue to evolve, there are so many reticle styles and shapes to choose from. If you are buying a scope for the first time, a reticle is the part that provides the point of aim.
Long-range shooting and hunting require a reticle that is optimized for long-range use. Such reticles include Mil-dot, MRAD and BDC.
Read: Best Long-Range Deer Hunting Scopes
Best Long Range Scopes FAQs
Q: What is the Best Rifle Scope for Long Range?
The best rifle scope for long-range is one that comes with all the features you need for your specific hunting needs. So, always look at the specs and features that the scope is graced with and ensure that they fit your needs.
Q: What Magnification Do I Need for Long Range?
Long-range hunting and shooting applications call for a high-powered scope with at least 10x maximum magnification. The further you shoot, the more magnification power you need to find and acquire targets with ease.
Conclusion
Each of the rifle scopes in this buying guide is optimized for long-range use. Before you settle on any particular model, remember that the application you will be using the scope for plays a big role in determining the unit that you get.
Choosing the best long range scopes is not always a walk in the park, but whatever you have in plan, there is a scope out there for you.