Top 7 Best Long Range Rifle Scope [2024 Update]

Long Range Scopes

Whether you are hunting or simply enjoying a few rounds at the shooting range, the best long range rifle scope can make a massive difference to the way you shoot. Attention to detail is fundamentally important when shooting at a precision level. A top quality scope is something that will offer you this precision and excellence for every shot.

For example, a good rifle-scope for deer hunting is going to make a massive difference in your hunting game. I have spent numerous hours on researching and testing some of the best long range rifle scopes available on the market. Having another PH (Professional Hunter) assist me in the search for these products, I also found out which features are the most important to consider.

In this article, we not only look at the best long range rifle scopes but also the most important features to consider when choosing a scope for your needs. That being said, let’s get started and help you find the best long range rifle scope for all your shooting needs.

Chart of The Top 7 Best Long Range Rifle Scopes

Here are some great choices for a long range scope. Some scopes are better for target shooting and others are better for hunting. Here are two of my favorites: 1) Best Long Range Hunting Scope and 2) Best Rifle Scope for the Money.

Best Long Range Rifle Scope – Reviews

Here is more detail on the best long range rifle scopes on the market today.

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When it comes to optics technology, Vortex Optics is one of the top brands that we can rely on. The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T is highly rated with state of the art features!

Features

• Massive 6-24X magnification for your longer range shots. All of this can be adjusted to your specific needs.
• The field of view is a staggering 17.1-yard, making it easier to keep track of all your targets in the vicinity.
• Having the integrated fast focus technology makes the rifle scope perfect for shooting numerous targets when the need arises.
• The multi-coated optics improves the overall spectrum of your view. This coating makes it much easier for the scope to minimize the glare from the sun.

Pros

Things we like

• Lightweight aluminum construction keeps the weight down and improves durability.
• Excellent light transmission from the multi-coated optics.
• Reasonably priced for all the features.
• The 6-24X magnification is excellent for longer ranged shots.

Cons

Things that could be better

• Crosshair is not thick enough to be seen easily.

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While the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T is one of the more affordable long-range scopes, it is still an excellent option for intermediate hunters at medium range. The scope features a 50mm objective lens and this is actually more than enough for those who need the additional light transmission. I would definitely recommend it for the quality and the value it offers.

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Nightforce is one of the leading brands that many people love around the US. This scope has been expertly designed and it comes at a price. While shooting, the Nightforce ATACR™ 7-35×56 F1 Riflescope will not disappoint you in any way.

Features

• The scope has a large 56mm objective lens and this will help with optimal light transmission in low-light conditions.
• Since it is a high-end scope, it has much better magnification at 7-35X, which makes it great for long range hunting in the plains.
• The illuminated reticle is a great addition that will help you keep your eye on the target when the light starts fading away.
• Since Aircraft grade aluminum is used for the construction, the durability is extremely high.
• This scope is also completely fog proof.

Pros

Things we like

• Excellent durability due to 6061 aluminum construction.
• Large magnification brings you close to your target.
• Illuminated reticle for easier targeting.
• Great light transmission.

Cons

Things that could be better

• The scope is a little heavy.
• One of the most expensive scopes on the list.

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Although, the Nightforce ATACR scope is really expensive, buts its features and quality are completely worth the money. It also comes with a decent warranty, which is important with this type of investment. This scope is highly recommended for the top hunters who need the best for their long-range shots.

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If you are looking for a high end rifle scope at a reasonable price, which is worth your investment, Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×50 NXS Rifle Scope is the best match for you. The features of this scope works well for all intermediate shooters.

Features

• The 50mm objective lens perfectly meets the industry standards for optimal light transmission in all conditions.
• Once again, we have the fast focus system that helps you get a clear sight on your target much faster.
• With a 100 MOA turret, the scope definitely offers you the best possible adjustment settings and compensation.
• While the 5.5-22X magnification might not be the best on the market today, it is more than enough for medium-ranged shots.

Pros

Things we like

• Decent magnification with the 50mm objective lens.
• Multi-coated optics reduce glare.
• 6061 Aluminum construction for durability and to reduce the weight.
• 100 MOA adjustment turrets for added versatility.

Cons

Things that could be better

• A bit expensive so this is an investment.

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Nightforce is one of the most expensive brands that you can find commercially. However, these scopes are worth the money you pay. The Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×50 NXS is a great value for the features it contains. Additionally, it is worth noting that you receive a limited lifetime warranty that should offer you some peace of mind.

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Once again, we have another top quality Vortex scope. The Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 PA Second Focal Plane could be an ideal option especially for beginners to long range shooting.

Features

• At 100-yards, you have a 17.4-yard field of view. This makes it possible to keep all your targets in view.
• The argon purged O-ring sealed optic is great for fog resistance and it should ensure low-light shooting capabilities.
• A 50mm objective lens allows you to get good light transmission for a brighter image.
• This scope can be used with most rifles and a 6.5-20X magnification is perfect for your mid-ranged shots.

Pros

Things we like

• Great durability with an anodized finish.
• Reasonably priced for the features.
• Multi-coated lenses for improved clarity and reduced glare.
• Lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down your gun.
• A massive field of view.

Cons

Things that could be better

• Eye-relief is only 3.1-inches.

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When it comes to the price of the Vortex scopes, you will notice they are actually affordable or reasonable for most hunters. The Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 is really durable and offers you a lot of value for your money as well. We would recommend it for beginners and intermediate hunters. We have also tested it to work on numerous rifles with great success.

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If you want a top brand scope at an affordable price that offers great quality, the Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV is the perfect match for you. This rifle scope gives you the best features at a much more affordable price.

Features

• The scope has an industry exceeding 56mm objective lens and this will give you great light transmission.
• Exposed turrets allow you to lift for adjustments and then they lock back down.
• The second focal plane means the reticle will be magnified with the magnification of the scope for the best view on your target.
• Since it has been constructed from aircraft grade aluminum, the scope is lightweight and extremely durable.

Pros

Things we like

• Lightweight and durable aluminum.
• Exposed and easily adjustable turrets.
• Waterproof and fog proof.
• Large objective lens size of 56mm provides great low light performance.

Cons

Things that could be better

• Non illuminated reticle – illuminated is available for a higher price.

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Once again, Nightforce has an expensive scope compared to most of the rest. However, the Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV features are state of the art and offer you great value for your money. The limited lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind. Many people have used this scope on numerous hunting rifles.

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If you often need to use a scope during the low light hours of the day then the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Rifle Scope is the perfect choice for you. This scope uses Leupold’s Twilight Max HD light management system to reduce glare and provide some of the best lens clarity on the market. Leupold claims that this scope will perform 30 minutes longer in those pre-dawn and post-dusk hours, and I believe it. Check out the feature on the Twilight Max HD.

Features

• The Mark 5HD uses Leupolds proprietary gas to ensure 100% waterproof and fog proof performance.
• At 30 ounces, it is one of the lightest long distance scopes available on the market.
• Extreme low light performance that provides a bright and clear image when other scopes fade.
• Push button ZeroLock MOA turret with 3 revolutions of elevation adjustments. Quickly make adjustments and get audible feedback on the changes.
• This is a scope that will last after punishment in the field or on the range. Leupold tests the scope to last over 5000 impacts on a simulator that is 3x more powerful than the recoil on a .308 rifle.

Pros

Things we like

• Twilight Max HD provides the best low light performance for scopes in the category.
• Quick turret elevation adjustments with the ZeroLock push button feature.
• Extremely durable and versatile – will perform in temperature from -40 to 160 degree Fahrenheit.
• One of the lightest scopes at 30 ounces.

Cons

Things that could be better

• Needs 35mm mounts.

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It is really hard to find something negative about the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Rifle Scope. You might need to buy a new set of scope mounts to fit the 35mm main tube, but that isn’t too much of a hassle. The Mark 5HD is simply a great low light and lightweight scope that should be considered if you are looking at high end scopes.

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If you primarily want to use your scope for long distance hunting, then the Burris Optics Veracity is a great choice. These scopes feature a 5 times zoom feature, which allows you to have a larger field of view for short range targeting. It also provides quick target acquisition at longer ranges. The Burris Optics Veracity is a great choice whether you are hunting big game or varmints. Check out the primary features on this scope:

Features

• Great light collection with the 50mm objective lens.
• Hi-Lume multi-coating improves low light performance and reduces glare.
• Zero click stop knobs make it easy and fast to return the scope to the original yardage.
• Body tubes are filled with nitrogen so you have waterproof and fog proof performance on the inside of the optic.
• Amazing “Forever Warranty” is a no questions asked lifetime warranty to protect your investment.

Pros

Things we like

• 100% fog proof and waterproof nitrogen filled body tubes.
• Multi-coated lenses to improve low light performance and reduce glare.
• 5 times zoom feature for fast targeting and a larger FOV for close targets.
• 30mm body tube with a 50mm objective lens.

Cons

Things that could be better

• Fewer turret adjustments since it is primarily a hunting scope.

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The Burris Optics Veracity is the perfect long range scope for the hunter that occasionally shoots long range competition targets. You can be sure this scope will last a lifetime with the Burris Forever Warranty. This is a great hunting scope that can be passed down for generations.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Long Range Rifle Scope

Before delving into the intricate features, you might be wondering how we picked these top rifle scopes. To help you understand a little better, this intricate buyer’s guide contains all the legwork done to find out more about these products. Here are the most important features I believe you should consider when choosing a new rifle scope.

Scope Body

One of the first things you should consider looking at is the scope body. The body makes a massive difference when it comes to durability. Most of the top scopes have been constructed from durable aircraft grade aluminum. Shock absorption is an important addition that could save you plenty in those accident-prone situations.

Aircraft grade aluminum is also lightweight, which means the scope will not force too much weight on the rifle. This makes it the ideal material to choose for long range distances.

Lenses and Optics

Most shooters consider the lenses to be the most important aspect when it comes to a rifle scope. If the optics and the lenses do not work well, the scope might not actually offer you what you are looking for. When it comes to the lenses, you should be looking for the best possible lenses with the best coatings for protection.

Multi-coated optics are generally recommended by the pros. This will remove the glare from the sun when it’s belting down on your eyes. Another feature that you want to look for is a purge of the oxygen from the lens. Argon is the most common replacement because its doesn’t contain water that can fog the lens on the inside. Fog proof optics are generally expensive, but they offer some of the best possible value for your money.

Reticle

Rifle scopes all come with a reticle, which is the crosshair or dot in the scope. This is a critical element you will need when it comes to compensation and ensuring that you can actually hit the target. The reticles generally come in MIL or MOA, which is only referred to as a method of compensation and how much you need to adjust the scope or turrets on the scope when needed.

These reticles can be found in green or red and this makes them an excellent option for night shooting. The green reticle can actually help when the backdrop is a little shiny or in your face. Having both reticle colors is much more functional for all weather conditions. They can be found in different shapes as well. However, you should spend some time choosing the shape that you feel the most comfortable with using.

Objective Lens

Another one of the top features we always consider is the objective lens. Most people believe that a large objective lens means a better scope, and this is correct to an extent. The larger the objective lens, the higher the light transmission will be in the scope. More light means better vision and a much clearer line of sight when you are shooting.

The industry standard is anywhere between 42 and 55mm for the objective lens. You will be able to find many scopes with a larger objective lens, but I personally feel that this might be a waste. The light transmission differences are not really all that different when you have an objective lens that is larger than 50mm.

Magnification

Magnification is really important to all hunters. The better magnification you have, the clearer you can see the target. While it is actually hard to determine the ideal magnification, we generally divide the objective lens size by 5 to find the optimal magnification for a top quality scope.

Having more than 10X magnification sometimes seems like a waste when hunting at shorter ranges. It is hard for us to determine which magnification you will actually need, but be sure to look at your target and the average range that you will be shooting. The rifle quality will also make a massive difference and you should ensure that the rifle can actually reach the range of the indicated magnification.

Eye-Relief

It is really uncomfortable to have your face directly forced into the scope. Without sufficient eye relief, you will see a black ring that minimizes the image.

While most of us can deal with a small eye relief, if you are shooting with glasses then you might need to look a little deeper. You want a scope with at least 15 mm of eye relief so you have a clear view while wearing your glasses.

Having better eye relief could also improve the overall focus you have on your target. This helps you avoid bad shots.

Focal Plane

The focal plane generally falls into two categories. The front focal plane and the second focal plane. This will show how much the reticle increases in size when the magnification is used. When it comes to the magnification and focal plane, they should match as nothing can actually be more frustrating than having to worry about the reticle being too small for you to aim.

Adjustments

An adjustment turret is generally mounted on the side or the top of each rifle scope you use. Depending on the rifle and the round you are using, you might need to have more adjustments or clicks to work with. All of this will work together with the compensation of the rifle.

Most people believe the 50 MOA or MIL adjustment is more than enough. However, at longer ranges many people might run out of their adjustments and need to resort to manual compensation. Manual compensation is definitely not the best option and it can be really frustrating for most people. If you prefer going the manual route, it could be a little troublesome if the wind also picks up.

Guns & Ammo has a great article that explains MOA vs MIL adjustments on a scope.

Warranty

Last but certainly not least is the warranty. Since there is a lot of technology included in a scope, the warranty can be a real lifesaver. These scopes can be really expensive and the tech features included are expensive. A manufacturer warranty is the answer to all these woes and makes a difference when you are choosing a scope to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can any scope work on any rifle?
A. Most scopes can work on virtually any rifle. However, you should keep the range and magnification in mind. If you are shooting at longer ranges, the magnification should be on par when selecting the ideal rifle scope for your needs.

Q. Do these scopes come with adjustments?
A. As we have already mentioned, these scopes do have the turrets mounted to the top and side. This is measured in MIL or MOA and you need to use it for adjustments. The more adjustment levels you have, the less manual compensation needs to be done.

Q. Which brand would you recommend?
A. While all of these brands are highly rated, Nightforce and Leupold are two of the best brands that could potentially provide you the most satisfaction when shooting. Though they might be a little expensive, but we do rate them highly to get better overall performance. Vortex is one of the more affordable brands with a great reputation.

Wrapping It Up

Now that you have seen some of the best long range rifle scopes, you should be ready to buy your own scope. All of these have been tested and we definitely recommend them to every avid hunter.

For hunting, you can’t go wrong with the Burris Optics Veracity. It is a scope that will last a lifetime.

We would like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts. Let us know in the comment section which of these scopes you have used. We would also love to see some of the other scopes you have used. We look forward to reading your comments on the best long range rifle scope.