When it comes to long-range shooting and hunting, a good optic is an indispensable item to have, in this review we look at the best long range scope.
The market today offers dozens of scope options but only a few are ideal for shooting long-range. We have made a list of the best scopes for long range shooting and hunting to help your selection process be less daunting.
These scopes will help you aim at distant targets with ease and dominate close-quarter engagements. That said, let’s get started.
Best Long Range Scope-Our Top Picks
1) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope has a large magnification of up to 24x which makes it ideal for long-range shooting.
It also boasts a VMR-1 MOA reticle which is perfect for accurate holds at long ranges.
This rifle scope is made with premium extra-low dispersion glass which delivers excellent resolution and color contrast.
Additionally, it has fully multi-coated optics that enhance light transmission for bright and clear image views and an Armortek coating that shields the external lenses from scratches and dirt.
It also has a side focus parallax adjustment which provides optimal image focus and easy parallax removal.
Another remarkable thing about the scope is that it is well-made so you are guaranteed many years of use.
It is O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver fog proof and waterproof performance.
The Viper HS-T also brings to the table precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks, a fast focus eyepiece for easy reticle adjustment, and a CRS Zero Stop which allows for a simple return to initial zero after dialing temporary elevation corrections.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Weight: 22.6 oz
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
Pros
- Premium extra-low dispersion glass
- Versatile 4x zoom
- XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Exposed target-style turrets
- CRS Zero Stop
- VMR-1 MOA reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
This Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope suits you if you are looking to amp up your accuracy when shooting targets at long ranges.
It is simple to use and offers superior precision across varying ranges. Plus, it works well with a wide range of firearms and it is designed to be simple to mount and detach.
Made with top-tier optical glass that has an index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coating, the scope enhances light transmission and minimizes glare and light loss through reflection.
This results in the production of bright, clear, and razor-sharp image views even in dismal environments.
It also has an FFP reticle that stays true at every magnification and a parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity for greater accuracy at long distances.
Moreover, the scope has a versatile 5x zoom which provides a large viewing angle at close quarters and finer target detail for better target acquisition at long ranges.
It also utilizes a 1-piece tube design that is outstandingly durable, shockproof, and recoil resistant.
To top it all, this optic features several reticle options and numerous brightness settings for easy shooting in different lighting conditions.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Weight: 32.1 oz
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 4.3 – 21 ft at 100 yds
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 2 DPT
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Battery Life: 500 hours
Pros
- First focal plane reticle which increases or decreases as magnification is increased or decreased
- Parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Made for long-range precision rifle shooters
- Numerous reticle options
- Easy-to-reach parallax
- Versatile 5x zoom
- Excellent resolution optics
- 11 brightness settings (night vision, low light, and daytime)
- Nitrogen-filled body
Cons
- None
3) Steiner T5Xi 5-25×56 mm Rifle Scope
The Steiner T5Xi Tactical rifle Scope is a compact and multi-purpose scope suitable for multiple applications.
It provides superior long-range precision which makes it ideal for multiple long-range activities.
It features an FFP Special Competition Reticle (SCR) designed for precision competition use. The reticle is glass etched to stand recoil for greater durability and illuminated for easy aiming in low light settings.
Moreover, the scope boasts high-quality optical systems which provide tack-sharp image clarity from sunrise till when the sun sets
Another strength of the scope is the robust housing.
It has a 34mm tube that is toughly built to endure anything you throw at it.
It is also waterproof and fog proof for reliable all-weather performance.
Other notable features found in this scope are low-profile Never-Lost turrets, a throw lever, and a locking diopter.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Weight: 33 oz
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Field of View, Linear: 21.5 – 4.3 ft at 100 yds
- Focus Range: 50 yds to infinity
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Parallax: Adjustable
- Exit Pupil: 2.3 – 11.2 mm
- Battery Type: CR2450
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.3 in
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -3 – 2 DPT
Pros
- Second rotation indicator
- 34mm tube for strength and reliability
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Ideal for Competitive Shooting and Law Enforcement
- Low profile Never-Lost turrets
- Razor-sharp image clarity
- Throw lever
- Submersible to 33ft.
- Illuminated glass-etched reticle SCR reticle
- Versatile 5x zoom
- Locking diopter
- Razor-Edge Image Clarity
- Generous eye box
Cons
- Pretty Expensive
4) Sightron SIII SS 10-50×60 Side Focus Long Range Rifle Scope
This Sightron SIII SS 10-50×60 long-range rifle scope is designed for avid seasoned shooters who demand reliability and top performance.
It features an ultra-wide magnification of up to 50x for extreme long-range shooting.
This rifle scope provides unparalleled optical performance. It has precision-ground lenses which provide high-quality images and ZACT-7 seven-layer multi-coated lenses which enhance light transmission and resolution.
It also features a unique ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system which offers unmatched precision and performance.
Furthermore, the scope has a 30mm 1-piece main tube crafted from aircraft aluminum to provide maximum strength and rigidity.
The housing is waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent internal fogging in inclement weather.
Additionally, it is rated to be shockproof, recoil, and impact-resistant to stand the toughest loads.
To top it all, the scope has a side focus parallax adjustment for quick and simple parallax correction and an illuminated rheostat designed for low-light shooting applications.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 60 mm
- Magnification: 10 – 50 x
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Exit Pupil: 1.2 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Battery Life: 400 hours
- Field of View, Linear: 2.2 – 9.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.5 in
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 1 DPT
Pros
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- ZACT-7 seven-layer multi-coated lenses
- ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Fast Focus Eyeball
- Robust aircraft aluminum housing
- Illuminated rheostat
- Nitrogen filled
- Fast focus eye bell
- Long eye relief
- Large 10-50x variable magnification
- Recoil and impact rated
Cons
- None
5) Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Vortex is renowned for its top-tier and affordable optics and the Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope is no different.
It brings to the table a wide array of high-quality and shooter-friendly features to help you tackle distant shots more efficiently.
First, the scope has a versatile 5x zoom which allows for a wide field of view at close ranges and easier target acquisition at long ranges.
It also boasts a large 56mm objective lens which provides crips target views at every magnification setting and a 34mm tube which allows for a massive amount of reticle and turret travel.
Furthermore, this optic boasts a first focal plane EBR-7C reticle which provides accurate holdovers at every magnification, and a RevStop Zero System for fast, easy, and reliable return to zero and a long eye relief that aids in rapid target acquisition.
It also brings to the table exposed tactical turrets and a throw lever that allows for quick and simple magnification adjustments.
In addition to everything else, this rifle scope is fully waterproof and fog proof for use even in harsh weather conditions and shockproof and impact resistant to endure rough field conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification:5-25x
- Tube Size: 34 mm
- Length: 15.3 inches
- Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Field of View: 21.2-4.7 ft @100 yds
- Parallax Setting: 15 yards to infinity
- Weight:35 oz.
- IPX7 Waterproof
Pros
- RevStop Zero System
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Rugged, shockproof construction
- Premium XD glass
- Tall, exposed tactical turrets
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- 34mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- EBR-7C first focal plane reticle
- Throw lever
Cons
- None
6) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x70mm Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
ATN is renowned for its high-quality night vision equipment and the X-Sight-4K Pro is no exception.
It is made with modern technology and has a 30mm tube which makes it look and feel just like a traditional rifle scope.
The scope has a dual functionality which makes it ideal for use day and night. It is powered by a dual-core processor with a low-light 4K sensor to provide the best of both worlds.
It also has a powerful, long-range IR illuminator which broadens your vision when shooting at night.
Furthermore, the scope has a lightweight design for easy portability and it offers long eye relief for snug observation for all users with or without eyeglasses.
It also provides a wide field of view for fast target scanning and a variable 5-20x magnification suitable for close and long-range shooting.
This rifle scope also comes with 30mm standard rings for easy mounting, an ATN ABL Laser range finder, and an ultra-low power profile which provides up to 18 hours of continuous runtime.
Specifications
- Magnification-5-20x
- Field of view at 1000 yds-240 ft (5°)
- Dimensions-14.9″x3″x3″/ 379x76x76 mm
- Weight-2.2 lb / 1.01 kg
- Warranty-2 years
- Operating Temperature–20°F to +120°F / -28°C to 48°C
- Smart Mil Dot Value Range-1.0-10.0
- 18 + hrs battery life
- 30 mm Standard Rings
Pros
- IR illuminator
- Wifi / Bluetooth
- One Shot Zero
- Smart range finder
- Recoil activated video
- Long eye relief
- Up to 18 Hours of Battery Life
- Ballistic calculator
- Weather resistant construction
- Standard mounting rings
- High-resolution and fast viewing
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption
Cons
- Before operating the device you must update the firmware to the latest version
7) Athlon Optics 4.5-30 x 56 mm Rifle Scope
This rifle scope has virtually every feature you will need for long-range shooting.
For starters, it features variable magnification from 4.5x to 30x and a 56mm objective lens which provides a massive field of view and clear image pictures at every magnification setting.
It also boasts extra-low dispersion glass which provides bright and tack-sharp images with superior color fidelity.
The reticle on this rifle scope is placed on the first focal plane so it stays valid at all power settings. Even better, it is illuminated to provide greater visibility in subpar lighting conditions such as dawn or dusk.
When it comes to construction, this rifle scope is crafted from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum which maximizes its strength to stand any punishment you throw at it.
The heat-treated 1-piece tube is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for all-weather performance and greater durability.
Other noteworthy features found in this rifle scope include XPL coating, fully multi-coated lenses, and a precision Zero Stop System.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Magnification: 4.5 – 30 x
- Exit Pupil: 1.9 – 8.8 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
- Field of View, Linear: 3.75 – 24.5 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 36.5 oz
Pros
- Precision Zero Stop System
- XPL coating
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Etched glass reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Locking windage turret
- Heat-treated one-piece tube
- Extra Low Dispersion glass
- Argon Purging
- Ultimate recoil resistance
Cons
- None
8) Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
This Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope is your ideal scope for glassing targets at long ranges both at night and during the day.
It provides either black-and-white or classic green image views at night and full-color viewing when the sun is out. It also has a versatile 4-32x optical zoom which makes it ideal for medium and long-range shooting.
The scope comes with a removable IR flashlight that improves your vision at night.
It also has 10 reticle options with 9 different colors for greater accuracy and easier aiming even in adverse lighting conditions.
Moreover, this rifle scope boasts a high-definition sensor for simple target identification and high-resolution imaging with video recording in 1080p HD that you can use to capture your shooting trip.
Additionally, the scope boasts an additional weaver rail for mounting extra accessories and 5 different weapon profiles for use in different firearms.
Specifications
- 3.5 – 4.5 hours battery life
- CMOS sensor
- Mem card upto 64GB
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Magnification: 4 – 32 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Operating Temperature 20 to 122 / – 6 to + 50 F / C
- Waterproof Rating IP55 water resistant
- Field of View, Linear: 21 ft at 100 yds @ 4 degrees
- Parallax: 200 yds
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Day and night mode
- 10 reticle options with 9 different colors
- Additional weaver rail
- Up to 200 yards detection range at night
- 5 weapon profiles
- Removable IR flashlight
- Video recording in 1080p HD
- Removable eyecup
- High-definition sensor
Cons
- 3.5 – 4.5 hours could be better
- Not Nitrogen purged
9) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
The Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope will help you lock in your target quicker and shoot more accurately.
This rifle scope has an aluminum housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
It is tough to stand in rough field conditions yet lightweight for easy portability. It also offers exceptional recoil resistance which makes it ideal for use with heavy-caliber weapons.
This rifle scope provides exceptional optical performance. It has extra-low dispersion glass which provides high resolution and exceptional color fidelity.
To add on that, it comes with fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright, clear and sharp sight pictures.
Furthermore, this rifle scope brings to the table ribbed magnification rings which makes magnification adjustment a five-finger exercise and a fast focus eyepiece to help you bring the reticle into focus quickly and easily.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Weight: 23.1 oz
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.75 – 11 mm
- Parallax: 20 yds to infinity
- Field of View, Linear: 6.7 – 26.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Ribbed magnification rings
- Precision-glide erector system
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Glass-etched reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
Related : 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range
Choosing the Best Long Range Scope
Magnification
The first thing you should consider is magnification. The high magnification a scope has, the further you will be able to shoot. Magnification brings distant objects closer and aids in rapid target acquisition. Therefore, a scope with high magnification is a must-have for long-range shooting and hunting.
Objective Lens
A scope with a high magnification must have a large objective lens as well. The further you shoot, the more light the scope needs to collect to form clear image views. This is where a large objective lens comes in handy. A tip is to get a scope that has a large objective lens of at least 40mm.
Lens Quality
To hit your targets clearly, you will want a scope that provides crisp clear target views even at the highest magnification. Besides, having a clear sight picture at high power will give you a better understanding of how the wind will affect your shot.
Go for scopes whose optics are made from ED or HD glass and whose lenses are fully multi-coated to have a rewarding long-range shooting experience.
Parallax Adjustment
A scope for long-range shooting must have a parallax adjustment. If a scope has parallax and it is not corrected, you will have a hard time hitting your targets accurately.
For long-range shooting, make sure that you get a scope that has a parallax adjustment function. You can either choose a model that has a parallax adjustment knob or one that has an adjustable objective lens.
Reticle
Different scopes for long-range shooting have different reticle styles. Go for a scope that has a simple reticle pattern. This way, you will have an easy time using it in the field.
It is also best to get a scope with an FFP reticle. The reticle will stay true at every magnification setting which is essential when taking long-range shots.
Conclusion
Choosing the best long range scope doesn’t have to be a hard, daunting, and unpleasant experience.
As you can see, there are plenty of quality scopes to choose from. Invest in any scopes listed above and use them to transform how shoot.
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