The Top Rated Long Range Scopes Worth Owning

TheGunSource.com is proud to bring you the most valuable guide on Long Range Scopes on the entire internet.  We’ve shot miles worth of ammo with countless scopes.  Any brand you might want to use at long distance is reviewed right here!

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.

 

Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescope XRS II, 4.5-30 x 50, G3 Reticle, Flat Dark Earth_ET46305GZA
  • [ELITE TACTICAL] is Bushnell's flagship optic, crafted to the most exacting standards. Developed for the best, by the best to deliver precision at extreme distances.
  • Precise - 10 Mils per Revolution on elevation, windage turrets for exact Adjustments
  • ED prime glass - delivers colorful, high-contrast images in any light
  • Throw hammer Throw Lever - Removable lever enables quick magnification changes
  • [KING OF 2 MILE] This is it. The scope that's been to the podium at the King of 2 Miles and countless precision rifle matches.

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-6HD 2-12x42mm Riflescope
  • Leupold Model #171557 - VX-6HD 2-12x42mm with Illume. T-MOA CDS reticle and Matte finish
  • 100% Waterproof, fog proof, & shockproof
  • Zero Lock CDS (Custom Dial System) - Simplifies longer shots by eliminating the need for holdovers or ballistic calculations by using a dial that is customized to your rifle and ammo
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management system - Adds up to 30 minutes of shooting light, best in class glare reduction, and edge to edge HD lens clarity
  • Illuminated Reticle, ideal for lowlight conditions, and in-scope electronic level simplifies mounting and improves long-range 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.

 

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope
  • Model #171389 - VX-5HD 2-10x42 Riflescope with an Illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle, CDS-ZL2 and a Matte finish
  • The CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) provides two revolutions of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also features Leupold's award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a laser-marked bullet-drop dial to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
  • Motion Sensor Technology (MST) extends battery life by automatically deactivating illuminated reticles after five minutes of inactivity and then reactivates instantly as soon as movement is detected.
  • Guard-ion is a hydrophobic lens coating that sheds dirt and water for a maintenance-free, clear, crisp image. High-definition, calcium-fluoride lenses ensure incredible clarity at all magnification levels.
  • Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold's legendary customer care

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.

 

Burris Optics Xtreme Tactical XTR II 4-20x50mm Precision Rifle Scope with 5X Zoom and Zero Click Stop Adjustment, Illuminated SCR MOA Reticle, 4x-20x-50mm Illum (XTRII)
  • Designed for serious, technical, long-range precision rifle shooters, both tactical and competitive; Excellent resolution optics and tactical-appropriate reticles and adjustment knobs make it easier to identify targets and adjust for windage and elevation
  • Versatile 5x zoom system allows for a larger field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition at long ranges; Ergonomic side focus and easy-to-reach parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity for improved accuracy at long distances
  • Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs for quickly and easily reverting back to the original yardage setting without counting clicks; Advanced windage and elevation adjustments for accurate and repeatable reticle adjustments
  • High-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability; Precision-gauged and hand-fitted internal assemblies maintain a consistent point of impact through the magnification range, regardless of shock and vibration
  • Scope is waterproof and the nitrogen-filled body tubes prevent internal fogging in the cold and rain; Triple internal spring-tension system allows the scope to hold zero through shock, recoil, and vibrations

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.

 

Bushnell Nitro Riflescope 6-24x50_RN6245GS1, Black
  • The fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, high-contrast images with minimal eyestrain.
  • EXO Barrier coating bonds to exterior lens surfaces, and repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris.
  • The best resolution and contrast in all lighting conditions.
  • Easily correct parallax error without removing eyes from target.
  • Included Components: Scope Covers

Top Selling Long Range Scopes on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 1
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount
  • 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
Bestseller No. 2
Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle
  • 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 the shooting position.
  • 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, shrugging off recoil and other impacts.
Bestseller No. 3
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, SFP Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) with Vortex Hat
  • The 6-18x44 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
  • The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views.
  • With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
  • Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
  • A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fog proof performance. Vortex Optics hat included, hat color may vary.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Monstrum G2 6-24x50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle and Parallax Adjustment | Flat Dark Earth
  • High precision tactical rifle scope with 6-24x magnification, a 50mm objective lens, and an eye relief of 4-4.5 inches
  • Functionally designed first focal plane rangefinder reticle, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction
  • Equipped with an adjustable objective lens - or AO - that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
  • Dial controlled reticle illumination in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities
  • Product is not a sniperscope, is not a night vision device, does not project infrared light source, does not posess an electronic telescope, and does not enable locating objects at night
Bestseller No. 5
Monstrum Hornet 6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope | Includes Zero Stop, Scope Level, and Detachable Sunshade | Black
  • NOTE: ZERO STOP SCREW within the ELEVATION TURRET needs to be Un-Set [ UP Position ] prior to Zeroing the Scope 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
  • 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 spring loaded flip-up lens covers for protecting your scope lenses when not in use.
  • All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
Bestseller No. 6
Monstrum Guardian 4-12x50 AO Rifle Scope with Parallax Adjustment | Black
  • Adjustable 4-12 times magnification, for targeting out to 800 yards and beyond
  • An adjustable objective lens or AO - that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
  • Aircraft grade 6061 aluminum scope body with a sealed, nitrogen-charged tube for resistance to water and fog
  • Precision 1/4 MOA/click windage and elevation adjustments with locking turrets
  • Package includes High Profile Picatinny/Weaver Scope Rings and set of flip-up lens covers
Bestseller No. 7
UUQ 6-24x50 AO Rifle Scope -for Hunting, Shotguns, and High-Powered, Long-Range Shooting with Rimfire, Pellets and Air Guns. Includes Illuminated Red/Green Reticle, Long Eye Relief with 20mm Mount
  • ✔【High-definition observation】:The UUQ 6-24x50 rifle scope has a 6-24x adjustable magnification, allowing you to observe hunting targets at different distances with clarity. It is suitable for quick shooting of moving and normal targets, with a 50mm objective lens, a field of view of 28 feet @ 100 yards, and a click value of 1/8 inch @ 100 yards.
  • ✔【Upgrade Precision Multi-coated Lens】:The UUQ 6-24x50 rifle scope adopts a second focal plane rifle scope with an anti-reflective coating on all glass surfaces, which increases light transmission. Compared with other glass surfaces, the fully multi-coated glass provides excellent transparency.
  • ✔【Dual-color illumination and AO adjustment】:The UUQ rifle scope has five levels of red and green brightness, providing clear long-range shooting with excellent optical performance. The adjustable objective lens (AO) can be moved with the parallax adjustment knob at the end of the rifle scope to eliminate parallax and range estimation, with a quick-focus eyepiece, and can be adjusted for different people's vision.
  • ✔【Durable construction】:The body of the UUQ rifle scope is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which is earthquake-resistant and suitable for hunting. The floating design of the rifle scope provides excellent waterproof and fog-proof performance, with O-ring seals and nitrogen filling to ensure the scope can be used in any environment.
  • ✔【Outstanding customer support】:This scope is equipped with two high-quality 1-inch complementary rings, which are easy to install on any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rail and can be used with various guns. UUQ is your best choice, providing you with perfect and rapid service to solve any of your concerns.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scopes with Tripod, Carrying Bag and Quick Phone Holder - BAK4 High Definition Waterproof Spotter Scope for Bird Watching Wildlife Scenery1,Green
  • Variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system - makes it easy to zoom in. Perfect for archery, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, scenery, outdoor sporting, astronomical observation etc.
  • Fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens provides a field of view at 82.9-48ft/1000yards. The quality BAK4 Porro prism optics increases light transmission and make your view brighter, clearer and delivers crisp images
  • Nitrogen filled waterproof and fog-proof design enables the scope to withstand the toughest environments. Durable Framework and Rubber Armor provide non-slip grip, shock-proof grip and durable external lasting protection. The eyepiece shield can be stretched out to protect the eyepiece
  • A smartphone digiscoping adapter included enables you to take photos and videos of what you have observed. Bring the nature closer to you and you can explore the distant world easily through the phone screen. A tripod provides you a more stable observation from any angles. A carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain
  • Includes tabletop full metal tripod and tripod mount for steady observations. The carry case, eyepiece and lens protection covers, cleaning cloth make you more convenient to carry and maintain.
SaleBestseller No. 9
DISCOVERYOPT HD GEN-II 5-30x56 Rifle Optics, First Focal Plane, FFP Rifle Scope with Red Illuminated Reticle, Zero Stop 34mm Tube, Long Range RifleScopes for Hunting and Precision Shooting
  • 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.
  • Zero stop function will help zero. When you adjust Elevation& 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 increases clarity.
  • Parallax adjustment that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation. CO2 dry nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
  • Package include: 1*rifle scope, 2*precision scope rings, 1*extinction tube, 1*silicone cover, 1*chamoIs cloth, 1*manual.
Bestseller No. 10
Burris 4.5 x-14 x -42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope , Matte Black
  • Popular And Premium Traditional Hunting Scope At An Affordable Price; High-Grade Optical Glass Provides Excellent Brightness And Clarity With Lasting Durability
  • The Burris Hunting Line Of Riflescopes Builds On Over 40 Years Of Optical Engineering Experience To Offer Scopes With Clarity And Unfailing Reliability
  • Shooting And Hunting Is More Than A Hobby. It'S A Way Of Life. Burris Has Always Been A Part Of That Life
  • Durable, Stress-Free, Solid 1-Piece Outer Tube Withstands Shock And Vibrations Of Even The Heaviest Recoil
  • Fullfield II variable power 4.5x-14x-42mm matte black ballistic plex adjustable objective

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.