If you want to go beyond the limits of your rifle when shooting at a distance, this guide is for you. Highlighted in this post are some of the best long-range scopes ideal for hunting and target shooting. The rifle scopes harbor advanced features that will help hone your shooting skills.
Target hitting at a distance is a satisfying experience. Hitting long-range targets requires some skill as well as some practice and patience. Appropriate gear is part and parcel of long-range hunting and shooting.
To have the best experience in long-range shooting, you need a high-quality scope designed for this purpose. A long-range scopes is valuable as it supports fast target acquisition. Some of the pertinent features that qualify a scope as a long-range scope are comprehensively explained here so read on and learn more about long-range scopes.
With a myriad of options to choose from, it can be daunting to pick the best long-range scopes. That’s why we have done the homework for and compiled a selection of the best long-range scopes in the market.
Without further ado, Let’s dive in:
Best Long-Range Scopes
1) Burris RT Series 5-25x56mm Long Range Riflescope
Burris RT Series Long Rage Riflescope is equipped with a wide magnification range, great optical acuity, and a high-quality construction; no wonder it tops our review of the best long-range scopes. The scope comes at a price that’s easy on your wallet.
The scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, allowing it to handle anything thrown at it. The 30mm tube is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure longevity.
Since a scope’s glass is a manifestation of its long-range capability, the Burris RT 5-25x56mm doesn’t disappoint. You can see clearly at long distances. There is no chromatic aberration. Besides, there is no edge-to-edge distortion. The scope delivers a sharp, bright, and focused picture quality.
The 5-25x magnification is, without a doubt, perfect for long distances. A throw lever allows seamless power changes on the fly. A dovetailed fit to the power ring and dove-tail cut-out design is uniquely included. You can quickly adjust that power ring if it obstructs the elevation turret or the bolt.
Moreover, its turrets are exposed. Thanks to the push-pull locking turrets, you can rest easy knowing that accidental changes are eliminated. Once your zero has been reset, you can confidently use the zero stop to return to it. This is particularly practical if you want to maintain your eyes on the sight picture while your fingers carry out the task.
Features
- Integrated throw lever
- Side parallax adjustment
- Adjustments have a zero-click stop
- Exposed tactical turrets
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Designed with high-quality aluminum
- Versatile 5-25x magnification
- 56mm clear aperture
- 5 to 4.25 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Premium glass quality
- Affordably priced
- Ideal weight
- Wide zoom range
Cons
- No MOA
2) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope
Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope boasts a 3-9x magnification making it the perfect bet for long ranges. The wide field of view offers ample terrain so you can scope out your target before focusing on the shot. Optically, the scope shines. It is fully coated to allow maximum light into the scope.
The lenses are anti-scratch, glare, and anti-reflective. HydroShield Lens Coating delivers a clear target picture across all weather situations. This results in the best views ever viewed on an optic and reliable use in all lighting environments.
Regarding construction, the scope has O-ring seals and nitrogen filling so that it is not a victim of damage or performance hindrance by fog or moisture.
A QTA eyepiece is another positive attribute of the scope. It delivers a constant eye relief of 4 inches doing away with the need to close in on the scope as the power increases.
The TrueZero adjustment system is also worth mentioning. This system delivers unrivalled stability. A unique ball bearing and spring detent system are used in the True Zero dial design to offer solid, audible clicks, giving you the assurance that any changes you make are precise and repeatable.
Simmons .22 nevertheless features SureGrip rubber surfaces for smooth adjustments regardless of the conditions. Gloves wearers also get to experience headache-free adjustments.
Features
- HydroShield lens coating
- QTA eyepiece
- TrueZero elevation and windage dials
- Multi-proof properties
- Second focal plane Truplex reticle
- Flex erector system
- Adjustable parallax from 50 yards to infinity
Pros
- A-grade glass quality
- Price
- Holds zero well
- Easy adjustments
Cons
- Reticle issues
3) Sightron SIII S 6-24×50 Long Range Riflescope
Sightron SIII S 6-24x50mm is hinged with incredible features that cement its name as one of the best long-range scopes. Firstly, the exceptional glass quality makes it outstanding. It boasts a fully multi-coated lens that does a great job of letting in maximum light and enhancing color and contrast.
Unpredictable conditions are inevitable when you indulge in long-range shooting or hunting. It is built like a tank and is filled with dry nitrogen gas for reliable weatherproofing. This said, the scope is made for anything and everything.
To enhance accuracy, the windage and elevation knobs have a well-executed design. They are reliable, feature an audible click sound, and are easily reset to the desired position. The scope is notoriously accurate, which is a big perk. Anyone wanting to improve their shooting skills should not hesitate to invest in this scope.
The turrets are multiturn and zero-resettable. They are sealed and waterproofed for unfailing performance even in inclement weather. For the price point, these turrets are fantastic since they have a nice feel and are audible. Moreover, the side focus parallax adjustment on this Sightron SIII long-range scope is included. Its range is 40 meters to infinity.
What’s more, a fast focus for diopter setting and forgiving eyebox eliminates the need for alignment all the time. Eye fatigue will be a thing of the past, even if you shoot a lot.
Features
- Shockproof
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Single-piece tube made of industrial-grade aluminum
- Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coated lenses
- ExacTrack windage and elevation system
- Glass-etched reticle for enhanced viewing
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Crystal-clear glass
- Crisp reticle
- Unparalleled accuracy
- Great eye relief
- Fairly priced
Cons
- No caps on turrets
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm Riflescope
The top-notch performance and reliability that Vortex scopes are famous for are manifested in the Viper 6.5-20x44mm Riflescope. The scope is engineered to make your long-range activity remarkable.
You get to choose between a Mil-Dot reticle and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle. These are ideal for shooting at diverse ranges where holdover estimation is important.
Excellent visibility is another reason the Viper 6.5-20x ranks as one of the best long-range scopes. The fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses provide world-class color fidelity and resolution. XR lens coating maximizes light-gathering prowess. Even better, there are Armortek coatings that keep abrasion and scratches at bay.
The scope’s construction is also commendable. It is made of rugged aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand the rough and tumble that comes with the outdoors. O-ring seals and argon purging deliver all-weather reliability.
Further, a fast-focus eyepiece supports quick reticle focusing, enabling rapid target acquisition. Thanks to the MAG-Bar, magnification changes are a breeze.
It also brings to the table capped reset turrets whose role is zero-reindexing the turret to zero. Parallax adjustments are a cinch using the side knob.
Consider the Vortex Viper if you are a mid-range buyer who wants a versatile scope that will change your long-range shooting and hunting for the better.
Features
- O-ring sealed and argon purged
- MAG-Bar for seamless changes in power
- Aircraft-grade aluminum constitution
- Capped reset turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Scratch-resistant Armortek coatings
- 30mm tube
- Hard anodized finish
Pros
- Easy mounting
- Well-executed design
- Best-in-class optical quality
- Robust design
Cons
- Limited eye relief
5) Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30x56mm Riflescope
Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30x56mm is a favorite for many long-range buffs as it brings to the table unrivaled craftsmanship, insane accuracy, and great performance. Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflection deliver images with sharpness and clarity not seen in another scope. Distortion-free images are yours as well.
Moreover, the illuminated reticle is a plus when it comes to shooting in low-light scenarios. With an off between each level, user-selectable LED brightness settings can be adjusted to fit any environment. You can shoot between red or green for more adaptability.
You can effortlessly adjust the 4.5-30x magnification levels using the provided magnification lever. This is a valuable tool when speed and accuracy matter most.
The 34mm tube offers plenty of movement for the elevation and windage adjusters. Also, you may expect accurate adjustments with the zero-stop mechanism.
Construction-wise, the scope is housed in a 6061-T6 aluminum body that withstands anything thrown at it. It is also waterproof and fogproof to keep the internal components in the perfect shape. This is in addition to being resistant to recoil and vibrational stress.
Features
- Fully multi-coated with anti-reflection
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Toolless and precise windage and elevation adjustments
- Matte finish
- Increased adjuster range
- Matte finish
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Perfect for all weather conditions
- Repositionable magnification lever
Pros
- Great tracking
- Easy adjustments
- Clear glass
Cons
- Turrets could be better
6) Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Riflescope
Made with versatility in mind, the Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm is another riflescope that will hone your skills for a memorable shooting session.
The field of view it gives you is impressive while providing a zoom range that is perfect for long distances. A powerful 6:1 zoom ratio provides edge-to-edge clarity and sharpness across the entire power range.
Blackened lens edges give higher resolution, increased contrast, and enhanced optical performance by reducing unwanted glare and diffusion through the lens edges. High-Definition lenses also boost clarity.
On top of that, it has the Twilight Max Light Management System that improves low-light performance. Hunters who love to move at dusk and dawn will find this feature handy.
The 30mm tube, engineered from aircraft-grade aluminum, is rugged yet lightweight. The fact that it is waterproof and fogproof means it suffices in all weather.
The extreme fast-focus eyepiece guarantees a generous eyebox, a superb field of view, and the best in-field diopter adjustment. The user can adjust over the whole diopter adjustment range with just one full eyepiece rotation. The scope uses a Duplex reticle that makes target acquisition a walk in the park on a sunny day.
The tip of the iceberg is the throw lever that facilitates fast magnification adjustments and an in-scope cant indicator for precise leveling. Better yet, a solid erector system is another plus.
Features
- FireDot illumination
- Electronic reticle level
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- 30mm tube
- FireDot Duplex reticle
- 6:1 zoom ratio
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- Motion sensor technology
- Push button illumination
Pros
- Great turrets
- Superior glass
- Durable
Cons
- No side focus
7) Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm Riflescope
The last candidate on our list of the best long-range scopes is the Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm Riflescope. The scope hosts plenty of features that many long-range shooters and hunters demand.
The scope features a 34mm tube made of 6061-T6 aluminum for heavy-duty use. It is made for all-weather use as it has multi-proof properties. A hard coat anodized finish does a great job minimizing glare and keeping away scratches and abrasion.
The 6-30x zoom range is perfect for shooters who want to exceed the 600-yard range. The 56mm objective lens also packs on pounds. Its massive size allows maximum light to enter the scope, resulting in high-quality images.
There is an illuminated reticle housed in the first focal plane. This comes in handy in low-light conditions. The red illumination has night vision capabilities which is a big bonus.
On the outer ring of the side focus knob is a knob for the reticle illumination. The tactical-style turrets are large and exposed. They are also zero-resettable with the click of a finger for readily tracking the adjustments and have a zero-stop system.
Features
- Japanese-made glass
- Hardcoat anodized finish
- Zero-resettable turrets
- 34mm tube
- First focal plane reticle
- Large 56mm aperture
- Weatherproof
- High-grade aluminum build
Pros
- Auto-ranging
- Reticle illumination
- Solid construction
- Unmatched glass quality
Cons
- Weight
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How to Choose the Best Long-Range Scopes
When looking for the best long-range scopes, some essential features should be taken into account. Doing so makes your decision-making process easier despite the many available options. These include:
Glass Quality
Premium glass quality delivers a high-resolution image with brightness, sharpness, and consistency all the way to the edges.
Inferior scopes frequently have a little edge blurriness or distortion or even appear grainy or shadowy. Some cheap coatings can result in a blue image.
Elevation Adjustment
Shooting a yard range of 800 and above can cause you to run out of elevation adjustment depending on your scope, rings, and specific cartridge.
The best long-range scopes should have 120 MOA or more of available adjustment. Even rings with 20 MOA of built-in elevation are available.
If you’re using a cartridge or bullet with a lot of drop at longer distances, get a scope with lots of mechanical elevation adjustment; otherwise, your shooting will be unpleasant.
Reticle
High-grade long-range scopes come with different reticle options in the first and second focal planes. Many people choose an “open-center” reticle for PRS-style shooting because it obscures less of the target and surrounding area and has a small dot in the center surrounded by some empty space.
Many shooters prefer a more conventional, fine-crosshair reticle for static benchrest or paper target shooting. Your ideal scope should have the reticle that you want.
Weight
The weight of a scope is paramount if you intend to spend a lot of time on foot. The weight of the rifle, bipod, and optics can add bulk that may weigh you down.
The best long-range scopes should match your shooting style when combined with the optic’s weight and that of the rifle.
Price
The best long-range scopes come in various prices. Get a scope that remains within your budget. However, ensure you don’t settle for cheap while compromising on performance.
Eye Relief
Eye relief also matters. Eye relief of 3 to 4 inches is sufficient. A scope with more eye relief is ideal if the rifle produces more kickback. Insufficient eye relief can result in a black eye or more serious injuries.
Best Long-Range Scopes FAQs
Q: What Objective Lens Size is Ideal?
A larger objective lens is handy for long-range shooting. This ensures that the lens can accommodate the high-powered magnification of your rifle. Besides, it draws plenty of light leading to bright, clear, and sharp images.
Q: What is the Best Magnification for a Long-range Riflescope?
The best long-range scopes are those that are high-powered. The zoom range typically varies from 12-20x. This is essential for a fruitful session at the range.
Q: Why is a Long-range Scope Essential?
A long-range scope allows you to aim at targets at distances of up to 1000 yards. Such a scope is often used for hunting purposes. Also, military personnel uses them for their operations.
Conclusion
The ideal scope is requisite to push the boundaries of long-range shooting and hunting. All the scopes elucidated above boast all the features you need for a successful session. Also keep in mind that your shooting skill and environment play a huge role in determining the best scope.