Hitting a target at great distance is an extremely satisfying experience. It also takes quite a bit of practice and patience. This is when a long range scope becomes your most valuable asset because it’s going to simplify your target acquisition process.
There isn’t any standard operational definition of “long range” because effective shooting range depends on the type of gun and cartridge used. Some rifle calibers are remarkably effective with just iron sights up to 500 yards, and others become ineffective past 150 yards – you can learn more by checking out our rifle caliber guide. Generally speaking, it becomes very difficult to maintain accuracy with most rifles beyond 350 yards without some kind of optical sight. And at that range the scope doesn’t necessarily have to be designed for long range. However, it gets increasingly difficult with most rifles to maintain consistent accuracy at 500 yards and beyond without a long range scope.
It’s important to keep in mind certain aspects of long range shooting that factor into accuracy and precision.
– Magnification
This will be your primary consideration. You need to determine the general distance of your targets. Magnification range can significantly affect the price of a scope so you want to make sure you’re purchasing within your ideal range. Long range scopes are usually versatile enough to accommodate shorter distances so you’ll often find scopes in the variable 2-10x zoom range. 10x is more than enough magnification power for most hunters, but magnification can go up to 15x or 20x for extremely long ranges.
– Objective Lens
Brightness and optical clarity are extremely important at long ranges where targets become difficult to spot under low light conditions. The objective lens size directly impacts your scope’s light-gathering capability. Bigger lenses will create brighter images with a wider field of view at greater distances. The drawback to a bigger objective lens is obviously its size and how that may affect the weight and balance of your rifle, particularly if the lens must be mounted higher up.
– Reticle Type
Reticles in the first focal plane (FFP) are a good option for long range shooting because the size of the crosshair and holdover marks will adjust on target relative to the magnification level. This will allow you to transition through the magnification range and maintain accuracy without needing to perform ballistic calculations. The downside of FFP is that the reticle may become too thin or thick at respective magnification levels. Second focal plane (SFP) reticles will maintain a precise and consistent size at all zoom levels which many people prefer as well. Moreover, you want the reticle to be clear and crisp. Some reticles feature advanced illumination and outstanding clarity at very long distances, even in low light. Look for reticles that offer bullet drop compensation. These reticles are usually called BDC or CDS (Custom Dial System) and offer very quick bullet drop adjustments and small aiming circles that don’t obstruct your field of view. SCR reticles are excellent for precision and competition use.
– Parallax Adjustment
Scope parallax is an optical illusion that makes your reticle appear to move across the target when you adjust your head position. This is terrible for long range target acquisition. Almost all long range scopes have a parallax adjustment to compensate for this inconsistency.
You want a long range scope that will address these issues so check out this list to consider which features you may specifically need.
The Best Long Range Scopes Reviewed
Bushnell Elite Tactical 4.5-30 x 50 Illuminated
The Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-8.5x24mm is designed to seamlessly switch between a wide focal range, allowing the user to zoom from true 1x magnification to 8.5x very quickly and accurately to engage long-range targets.
It features Bushnell’s new and exclusive EXO Barrier Protection lens coating to repel water, oil, dust, and surface debris while preventing scratches. The Elite Tactical is one of the best long range scopes because of its exceptionally versatile BTR-2 Ballistic Tactical Reticle (first focal plane) that provides supreme clarity and illumination up to 600 yards.
Offers great eye relief and a “both eyes open” aiming experience at low magnification. But more importantly, the Bushnell Elite Tactical is a fantastic long distance 3-gun competition/tactical scope that offers well-calibrated ranging T’s and very accurate hold over for longer range shots. For more quality scope options check out our guide to great scopes.
The optics are clear and adjustments are crisp and precise for instant target acquisition.
Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm
The relentlessly performing VX-6HD 2-12x42mm offers an incredibly wide FOV while allowing the shooter the versatility to transition to long-range targets with elite optical performance.
Ideal for hunters needing a best long range scope that is durable and lightweight, the Leupold VX-6HD provides a wide zoom range (2x-12x) with outstanding color consistency, brightness, and resolution to maximize the early and late hours of the day.
The VX-6HD is a truly versatile optic with an advanced in-scope electronic reticle level, CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock elevation dial and removable throw lever. It has a unique combination of features that give it excellent ruggedness and supreme performance at all ranges, including clear long distance shots up to 500 yards with consistent accuracy.
Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm
The extremely versatile VX-5HD 2-10x42mm offers a wide field-of-view while allowing the shooter the ability to transition to long-range targets with outstanding clarity and accuracy.
Ideal for hunters and shooters needing a best long range scope that can adapt to any environment, the Leupold VX-5HD provides versatile magnification (2x-10x) with outstanding color consistency, brightness, and resolution (with its Twilight Max HD Light Management System) to maximize the early and late hours of the day.
The VX-5HD is a truly versatile optic with an advanced illuminated Fire Dot Duplex CDS reticle, Zero Lock CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System) and removable throw lever. The shooter can simplify long range shots by eliminating the need for holdovers or ballistic calculations.
The VX-5HD has a unique combination of features that give it excellent ruggedness and supreme performance under the toughest lighting conditions, including incredibly illuminated long distance shots up to 500 yards with consistent accuracy.
Definitely one of the best long range scopes with elite optical quality in its price range.
Burris XTR II 4-20x50mm
The Burris XTR II 4-20x50mm is designed for serious long-range precision shooters — tactical or competitive.
Featuring an ergonomic side focus and easy-to-reach parallax adjustment for improved long distance accuracy, the XTR II is one of the best long range scopes for precision rifles because it has great magnification power, a crisp and clear reticle, easy adjustments, and maintains point of impact through the magnification range so you can consistently engage targets down range.
It has a versatile 5x zoom system for excellent target acquisition at long ranges. The XTR II is a very high resolution optic that also features tactical or competition reticles like the SCR MOA (Special Competition Reticle) or SCR Mil.
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Bushnell Nitro 6-24x50mm
If you thought Bushnell was not the most premium brand on the market, think again.
The Forge 2.5-15x50mm with Deploy MOA (Second Focal Plane) Reticle is one of the newest Bushnell riflescopes designed for recreational or competitive long range shooters/hunters, or even on a pink gun! This best long range scope has a lot of great features at a great price: a turret-halting Revlimiter zero stop that guarantees a true zero stop that can be easily adjusted, a Throw Hammer power change lever to assist in zooming in and out with speed and precision, and astonishingly clear and bright optics.
The Forge 2.5-15x50mm has a compact size with great field of view and an ability to engage long-range targets with speed and consistency. Makes a great option as a .308 scope.
Top Selling Long Range Scopes on Amazon
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- Field Of View: 28 ft @ 100 yards
- Click Value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards
- Illuminated Type of the rifle scope: Red and Green
- 25-75x zoom: SV28 spotting scope is easy to focus and change magnification; easily set up when looking at birds and scenery; a great spotting scope for beginner to novice
- 70mm large object lens: more powerful light gathering ability; 70mm tube allows plenty of light and decent view of the target once set; extendable sunshade built onto the main barrel to reduce glare
- Waterproof; can avoid sudden environmental changes to damage the SV28 spotting scope; the finish is made of a seamless Non-Slip material so it doesn't feel like it would slip out of your hands if wet
- Includes phone adapter and portable desktop tripod: the desktop tripod is perfect for range spotting; phone adapter makes it easier to share videos and photos
- Lightweight and portable weight: very suitable for carrying when going out for observation; can also be easily put into the car for use in family camping
- Adjustable 6-24x magnification with integrated throw lever for smooth adjustments
- Newly designed first focal plane X-Tree reticle for faster range estimation and holdover correction with 6 levels of illumination. Available in MOA or MIL reticle versions.
- 1/8 MOA/click windage and adjustment knobs with an easy-to-use zero stop mechanism for the elevation turret. Set zero stop at your designated elevation setting and return to zero effortlessly at any time.
- The package also includes: a set of Monstrum Next Level Series high profile 30mm scope rings with an integrated level bubble, a detachable aluminum sunshade for reducing glare, a set of bikini lens covers for protecting your scope lenses when not in use.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
- The single piece 3-9x50 Sonora second focal plane riflescope has a 1-inch, aircraft-grade aluminum tube and offers a versatile blend of adjustment for a wide variety of applications.
- The Dead-Hold BDC is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- The locking diopter eyepiece allows the user to set and lock the eyepiece setting once for their eye and forget it.
- The hard anodized finish provides a low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage position. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Sonora delivers water and fogproof performance. Rugged construction means this scope is shockproof.
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
- MASTER EVERY SHOT - Clear, rugged, and bright, the SIG SAUER TANGO-SPR shooting riflescopes are packed with premium features that keep you on-target, near or far; Outfitted with a removable magnification throw lever and a locking zero-stop elevation turret, this 30mm maintube rifle scope ensures lightning-fast, no-guess adjustments
- PRECISION REDEFINED - Designed for those who demand pinpoint accuracy, this F2/SFP shooting rifle scope comes equipped with an exposed zero-stop elevation dial and low-profile capped windage turret, providing reliable adjustments with every shot; Dedicated side focus, elevation, and windage controls mean you're always tuned for perfect precision
- UNMATCHED CLARITY - Equipped with SIG's MOA BDC-1 reticle and a superior 4:1 optical system featuring low dispersion glass, this riflescope brings your target into vivid focus; Whether you're pushing the limits of long-range competition or stalking backcountry game, this riflescope delivers crystal-clear views and precise control in any environment
- DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE - With dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction, this second focal plane shooting optic is ready to handle the real-world demands of serious hunters; Built with superior craftsmanship and advanced technology, this hunting rifle scope is made to perform when it matters most
- READY OUT OF THE BOX - Every TANGO-SPR riflescope comes with a factory-installed SPR Scope Mount, providing a rock-solid fit to your favorite rifle for maximum stability; Plus, the included lay-flat flip-back lens covers protect the low dispersion glass lenses from dust, debris, and scratches, ensuring your optics stay crystal-clear from the range to the field
- The Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane (MOA) riflescope is built for long-range and competition with a 5-25x mag range built into a 34mm tube for a massive amount of turret travel (85 MOA max elevation/windage).
- XD Optical System delivers impressive resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness and greatly reduces chromatic abberation. Fully multi-coated lenses provide superior light transmission for exceptional clarity and low-light performance.
- The RevStop Zero System offers an easy to set, fast and reliable return to zero. Side knob parallax adjust allows quick and easy parallax adjustments with range numbers visible while in use.
- EBR-7C reticle ensures subtensions are accurate throughout the mag range making it easy to measure and range targets.The fast focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing while the included throw lever allows for fast transitions between magnifications
- Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed providing water and fogproof performance. Armortek coating protects the lenses from scratches and oil. The one-piece, aircraft grade aluminum, 34mm tube is shockproof.
- Superior Multi-Coated lenses for reduction of glare and reflection, while maximizing light transmission for ultimate image brightness and clarity from edge to edge.
- Red, Green and Blue illuminated color Mil-Dot reticle, along with auto off to save battery life.
- QTA (Quick Adjustment) turrets with precise 1/4 MOA click value for wind and elevation adjustment.
- Constructed with single piece of premium Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with 1 inch tube diameter body.
- Nitrogen filled scope body, completely sealed with o-ring, making scope shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof.
- Long Range Rifle scopes upgraded optical systems and provide you with high brightness and ultimate clarity. 5-30 magnification with 56mm objective diameter and 34 mm tube size features 0.1MRAD click value adjustments for helping long-distance shooting precision adjustment which can help you aim better
- The zero stop function will help zero. When you adjust Elevation and Windage to Zero, the button will stop at the Zero location prompting the user that the rifle scope is in the zero position
- Glass-etched First Focal Plane Red Illuminated Reticle could six-gear adjustment for easy targeting in all light conditions. The hunting scope comes with fully multi-coated optics to Anti-Reflective and increase clarity
- Parallax adjustment that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation. dry nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- What's In The Box: 1*DISCOVERYOPT 5-30X56 MRAD rifle scope(Scope Rings are not included), 1*Sunshade, 1*Silicone Cover, 1*Cleaning Cloth, 1*Specification Card ,1*QC Check List ,1*User Manual.
- Adjustable 6-24x magnification with integrated throw lever for smooth adjustments
- Newly designed first focal plane X-Tree reticle for faster range estimation and holdover correction with 6 levels of illumination. Available in MOA or MIL reticle versions.
- 1/8 MOA/click windage and adjustment knobs with an easy-to-use zero stop mechanism for the elevation turret. Set zero stop at your designated elevation setting and return to zero effortlessly at any time.
- The package also includes: a set of Monstrum Next Level Series high profile 30mm scope rings with an integrated level bubble, a detachable aluminum sunshade for reducing glare, a set of bikini lens covers for protecting your scope lenses when not in use.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
- High Clarity and Low Dispersion: Equipped with Multi-Coated ED Japanese Glass, this scope delivers exceptional clarity and color fidelity, ensuring bright and vivid views with minimal color dispersion. Perfect for precise target acquisition in all lighting conditions.
- Precise Tracking: Features finely tuned adjustment turret with tactile feedback, allowing for precise and repeatable adjustments that enhance your shooting accuracy, no matter the distance.
- First Focal Plane (FFP) VPR Reticle: The FFP reticle ensures consistent scale across all magnifications, with the Variable Precision Reticle (VPR) system offering unparalleled flexibility and precision for both tactical and long-range shooting.
- ARKEN Zero Stop System: The ARKEN Zero Stop system provides a quick and accurate return to zero, ensuring you maintain precise settings with every elevation adjustment.
- Waterproof,Fogproof and Shockproof: Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, the one-piece construction is both durable and lightweight. Nitrogen purging ensures the scope is fogproof and waterproof, while shockproof construction makes it perfect for the toughest conditions.
Some Final Words
All of these scopes should offer the essential features you need as a long range shooter or hunter: variable magnification, advanced reticles, quick adjustments, and outstanding optical clarity. But because some of these scopes are incredibly advanced, you should carefully consider which ones offer features you may not require depending on your skill level and shooting environment.
Hey, Nice review article, I just missed the Stealth Vision Binoculars. I saw that they are pretty good for long-range shooting. They have good clarity and are lighter and smaller than the other ones.
Maybe you can make a review for them too
Thank you for compiling these recommendations; they help me and my friends in preparing for long-range shooting.