Last Updated on March 15, 2021
Whenever you go for long-range shooting or hunting i.e. deer hunting, varmint hunting, predator hunting, etc. you must-need a special rifle scope that will cover longer distances. But selecting a long-range scope isn’t an easy task since thousands of riflescopes are available in the market. So, questions arise- what are the best long-range scopes on the market and which features are important for long-range shooting scopes?
When shooting distance exceeds 500 yards many calibers start to lose their accuracy. But ranges approaching 800 yards become very hard and out to 1000 yards it is nearly impossible to acquire a target without a specialized setup. That’s why we’re here. You must know about the important features and quality products from the experts, don’t you? So, start exploring with us!
Top Choices
Table could not be displayed.7 Best Long Range Scopes Reviews for Long Range Scope Shooters
01. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I Long-Range Riflescopes
This high-quality Viper PST is associated with the first focal plane reticle style with top-tier riflescopes. It has a 50 mm objective lens diameter with 6-24x magnification. The scope provides you enough windage and elevation adjustment. It has matching reticle and turret measurements which allow accurate, fast dialing of shots.
There are branded coatings that will increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. The O-ring sealing and argon gas purging made the full optics waterproof and shockproof. This is gen I type riflescope but will serve you a lot.
This scope is constructed from a single tube of aircraft-grade aluminum and machined precisely which will make the device shockproof. It has a hash marked ranging reticle of the enhanced battle reticle (EBR-2C) which is based on MOA will allow you for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. Its customizable rotational stop (CRS) will help you return to zero after dialing temporary elevation correction.
There is a fiber optic turret rotation indicator that will provide you a highly visible and tactile point of reference. It has a precision-force spring system that used premium components in the erector-spring system that will ensure maximum repeatability and ease of adjustment. The optics have extra-low dispersion (XD) glass which increases resolution and color fidelity, resulting in crisp, sharp images.
Pros:
- First focal plane (FFP)
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Easy ranging, holdover, and windage corrections
- Multiple anti-reflective coatings
- O-ring sealing
- Best rated long-range scope
- Larger objective Lens
- Shockproof and waterproof
- XD glass
- 6-24x magnification
- CRS for returning zero
Cons:
- Weak Illumination
- Generation I type
02. Nikon Buckmasters II, 4-12x40mm, BDC, Long-Range Riflescope
The low-priced scope, Nikon Buckmasters II is for passionate deer hunters. The Buckmasters II series offers extremely bright sight picture and clarity even in unwanted environmental situations. This is one of the top-rated rifle scopes for deer hunting and its fully multi-coated lenses will offer you increased light transmission for dawn to dusk brightness. The scope is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for complete waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance.
The device has generous and consistent eye relief which keeps your eyebrow safe. It has a popular BDC reticle that will allow you unique see-through ballistic circles offering an incredible advantage for long-range shooting. This will provide a normal sight picture for shorter-range shots where the crosshair itself is the aiming point.
The Optics has a 4-12x magnification and 40 mm objective lens diameter. There is precise hand-turn 1/4 inch at 100 yards positive-click reticle adjustments that will help you to get zeroed quicker and maintain your setting, even with heavy recoil. When you look for the best long-range scope under 200 it’s an absolute one to choose.
Pros:
- BDC reticle
- 100 yards’ parallax setting
- Top hunting scope for the money
- 1/4-MOA hand turn tactical style turrets
- Large eye relief
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Anti-reflective and fully multicoated lenses
- 4-12x magnification
- Best budget long-range scope
Cons:
- Won’t hold zero perfectly
- Will be exposed to chemicals
03. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Gen II Razor is designed and engineered for perfect precision shooting and tactical operations in extreme environments. The EBR-2C MOA hash marked ranging reticle has the first focal plane reticle style. The reticle has 11 illumination intensities and ensures suspensions stay accurate.
Razor has an O-ring sealed and argon purged system that delivers waterproof and fog-proof performance. The single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction gives you a durable platform. The lenses are fully multi-coated with XR plus anti-reflective coatings to increase light transmission for amazing brightness. The armored coatings protect the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
This vortex scope provides a 56 mm objective lens and higher magnification. It will allow 3.7 inches of eye relief, 25.3-4.4 feet /100 yards field of view (FOV), and 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation. There is an L-TEC turret system as a locking mechanism that prevents accidental elevation adjustments. This’ll provide you visual rotation indicator to keep easy track of revolutions on the turret.
The side parallax adjustment and illumination controls are integrated into one knob for easy access and streamlined performance. You’ll get stunning image quality through APO optical system premium, high density, extra-low dispersion glass.
Pros:
- EBR-2C MOA reticle
- 11 illumination intensities
- Armortek resistant coatings
- Waterproof, fog proof
- L-TEC turret system
- Best quality long-range scope
- APO optical system
- First focal plane (FFP)
- 5-27x magnification
- Large objective lens diameter
- 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
04. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Crossfire II series of riflescopes offer the highest levels of performance and reliability to the hunters and shooters. The scope has four inches of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box allows you quick and easy reticle focusing. The BDC reticle is Dead-Hold type which helps you eliminate holdover and windage corrections for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
The body is a single-piece tube constructed from hard-anodized aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures strength and shockproof performance. The device performs as waterproof and fog proof due to its O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. The lenses are anti-reflective and fully multi-coated which will provide bright and clear views.
The reticle style is a second focal plane (SFP) which maintains the same appearance when you’ll change the magnification. The adjustable objective (AO) provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter. There are resettable MOA turrets that allow finger adjustment with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
This device has 6-24x magnification, 50 mm objective lens diameter, 17.3-4.4 inch/100 yards field of view, capped turret style, 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation,10 yards to infinity parallax setting.
Pros:
- Second focal plane reticle style
- Resettable MOA turrets
- Anti-reflective, fully multicoated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Capped turret
- Hard anodized finish
- 6-24x magnification
- Larger objective lens
- 3-4.4 inch@100 yards FOV
- 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation
- 10 yards to infinity parallax setting
Cons:
- Loss of clarity at higher power
05. Vortex Optics Diamondback HP Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Viper Diamondback HP (High Performance) riflescope offers additional features for hunters and shooters. The optical device will provide you XD (extra-low dispersion) glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses result in a clearer, sharper sight picture that increased light transmission. There are finger adjustable capped reset turrets that can be reset to zero after sighting in. The fast-focus eyepiece will allow you for quick and easy reticle focusing.
The optics are O-ring sealing, nitrogen purging, and shockproof single-piece construction will ensure its rugged, waterproof, and fog-proof performance. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for any hunting or shooting at varying ranges so you needn’t be concerned at holdover. Diamondback riflescope has a second focal plane type reticle that can be used for many situations.
Some basic specifications of the long-range rifle scopes are 4-16x magnification, 42 mm objective lens diameter, 4 inches eye relief, 23.8-6.1 feet /100 yards field of view, 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation, 30 yards to infinity parallax setting.
Pros:
- XD glass
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Second focal plane
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Capped turret
- 4-16x magnification
- 8-6.1 feet /100 yards FOV
- 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation
- 30 yards to infinity parallax setting
Cons:
- Little problem with eye relief adjustment
06. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Viper HS-T (Hunting, Shooting, and Tactical) is a versatile riflescope like the Bushmaster 450 that can be used for hunting, benchrest target shooting, or tactical application. It has VMR-1 Reticle (MOA) which is perfect for accurate holds at extended ranges. There is a forgiving eye box with increased eye relief that will help you to get on target quickly and easily. The CRS Zero Stop allows for the reliable return to zero capability after dialing temporary elevation corrections.
The long-range rifle scope has multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses which will allow excellent resolution and color fidelity pictures. One-piece machined aluminum tube is O-ring sealed and argon purged to ensure waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof performance. The second focal plane (SFP) reticles are located near the scope’s eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses.
The Viper will provide you 6-24x magnification, 50 mm objective lens, 4 inches eye relief, 17.8-5.1 inch@100 yards field of view, tactical turret, 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation, 50 yards to infinity parallax setting
Pros:
- Second focal plane
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- VMR-1 (MOA) Reticle
- Weather-resistant
- Versatile features
- 6-24x magnification
- Large objective lens dia
- 8-5.1 inches/100 yards FOV
- Tactical turret
- 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation
- 50 yards to infinity parallax setting
Cons:
- Needs more power for changing magnification
07. Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope
The BTR riflescope has some built-in features to make your shots easy, as well as performs well optically. The Argos BTR provides you exclusive XPL (nitride of aluminum and chromium) coating for extra protection of the lenses from dirt, grease, and harsh weather conditions. It also has advanced fully multi-coated optics that deliver a crystal clear bright image in dark environments. There is argon purging which gives you better waterproofing and stability like an awesome thermal scope.
This Athlon Optics has the first focal plane reticle which shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out. The tube is constructed from 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum that’ll allow you exceptional strength superior mechanical integrity. The scope has a side parallax adjustment to give you the fingertips adjustment. The device has an exposed turret which will allow you quick elevation and windage adjustment.
Some features of this long-range riflescope are the 6-24x magnification, 50 mm objective lens diameter, 3.3 inches eye relief, 16.7-4.5 feet@100 yards field of view, 5MIL adjustment graduation, 10 yards to infinity parallax setting. The scope has an etched glass reticle which is excellent for complex reticle design and the illuminated reticle enhances visibility during dusk and dawn.
Pros:
- First focal plane reticle
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Weather-resistant
- Illuminated and etched glass reticle
- 6-24x magnification
- Large objective lens
- 7-4.5 feet@100 yards field of view
- Exposed turret
- 5MIL adjustment graduation
- 10 yards to infinity parallax setting
Cons:
- Doesn’t hold zero perfectly
Buying Tips for Best Long Range Scopes
The scope is an essential add-on for long-range shooting. Before you come to a decision to purchase any scope, you need to be selective and sure to choose the right one. What you really want and what the products are offering, you need to match the first. You should decide wisely if you are planning for high-quality night vision scopes. Here, we’ll be talking about some key features that you need to consider before buying long-range scopes.
Magnification of Long-Range Scopes
Magnification is an important factor for a rifle scope. Generally, scopes offer two types of magnification fixed (i.e. 12x) and variable (i.e. 10x-25x). Variable power is especially handy for scouting out targets and focusing more in-depth. Before buying a scope, you need to determine how much magnification you’ll need. For that, you need to consider your shooting distance and target size.
The more the target distance and the smaller its size; the higher magnification you’ll need. The fewer the area you’ll see through your scope by setting higher magnification like the red dot. You need 4x-10x magnification scopes like Vortex HD Razor for shooting under 500 yards and more than 15x-25x magnification scope for a longer range. But, with more magnification, you’ll opt the image quality will be blurry. To solve this, you need to choose the right-sized objective lens and well glass coatings.
Optical Lenses
You are going to spend wisely, but never compromise with lens quality. Nowadays quality scopes lenses have multi-coating, anti-reflective finish, and high-quality (i.e. XR) glass. Lens coating means all lens surfaces are coated with a variety of chemicals that do a number of different jobs. It can work as a protector and even anti-glare, color filtering, scratch resistance, and numerous other factors.
You need to choose a larger objective lens diameter for long-range hunting purposes. Because a larger objective lens allows more light it gathers hence quality sight. The more magnification you want, the more diameter you need. Hence, you shouldn’t pick too big an objective lens. Otherwise, it’ll generate extra weight and a waste of money. We recommend, an objective lens diameter of 40mm to 50mm for a longer range rifle scope.
Exit pupil plays a big role in low light conditions and this is determined by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification level. We recommend at least 4mm of exit pupil diameter. This offers your eye sufficient light when it’s dilated in lower light conditions.
The Reticle of Long-Range Riflescopes
Considering reticles or crosshairs types are extremely important for a scope, especially for a long-range scope. BDC (Ballistic Drop Compensating) reticles are largely using for long-range shooting. It allows you some special features ‘holdover’ point for longer range shots and ‘Kentucky Windage’ for windage adjustments.
BDC reticles will provide you correct adjustments and clearer sight pictures at long range. But, this reticle is designed for some fixed cartridges such as .223 and .308. You won’t be able to use them successfully with a different cartridge. Sometimes, hunters/shooters choose other reticles according to user preference.
First Vs Second Focal Plane
Most of the hunters will face various factors when purchasing a new riflescope for their firearm. The most misunderstood factor that many hunters miss is choosing between the FFP and SFP focal-plane type. A riflescope’s reticle can be placed in either the first focal plane (FFP) or the second focal plane (SFP).
FFP is also referred to as front focal plane scopes are placed towards the front of the optic. When you’ll increase its magnification, the reticle’s size will be increased with it. Especially, this is useful in keeping what you see through the scope a consistent size despite which level of magnification is being used. The scopes allow for long-range and tactical shooters more accuracy due to the constant MIL/MOA values.
SFP is also referred to as the rear focal plane means the reticle is positioned at the rear of the magnifying lens. The reticle size does not magnify with the object as the magnification is adjusted. The MIL/MOA values are correct only at one magnification. If you adjust the scope for different magnification, the spacing changes and is not consistent.
Most long-range scopes are first focal plane scopes while the majority of hunting scopes are second plane scopes. An FFP scope might be more expensive than an SFP, but well worth the price difference.
Durability and Protection
Before buying your rifle scope ensure that it is durable, waterproof, and weatherproof. Probably the best material for a scope is aluminum alloy-like aircraft-grade with a single construction tube. You need to get the scope that is enough shockproof and can handle the rounds you plan on using in difficult endeavors like coyote hunting with quality scopes. In that situation, adding a quality predator hunting light can ease the pressure on you too. If you need, a special coyote hunting light is also there for you.
Modern scopes are sealed with O-ring and purged with an inert gas like nitrogen, argon, or mixed with special gases. These ensure your scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and dust resistant to use in different environmental conditions. Nowadays, some companies provide scopes with anti-oil, grease, or dirt penetration features.
Adjustments for Long-Range Scopes
The three most common adjustments are needed for any rifle scope especially when you go for long-range shooting. These are elevation, windage, and parallax adjustment.
The elevation adjuster is located on the top of the scope body and allows vertical adjustment for your reticle to adjust for the bullet drop of the target. The windage turret sits on the right side of the scope and provides you to adjust the horizontal alignment of your reticle to adjust the point of impact for wind. Elevation and windage adjustments are measured in MOA or MRAD measurement systems.
The parallax error adjustment or adjustable objective (AO) turret sits on the left side. It is detectable when you look at the reticle from different angles and the crosshair seems to move around and point to different things. It’s dangerous for long-range shooting as it will throw off the accuracy of your shot. If your scope has parallax it might have an adjustment for this that you will simply need to play around with and practice until you get it right. The AO provides you to adjust your scope’s parallax to a certain distance.
There may also be another adjustment for scope known as the power ring. This is usually located just in front of the ocular bell and is what you will use to change the level of magnification when you use a scope of variable powered. When it comes to adjustment, bowhunters are lucky to have an excellent bow sight like the awesome single pin bow sights along with them. These are wonderful hunting equipment for an enthusiastic hunter.
Budget
There are various companies with different price range scopes for long-range shooting. You’ll find products at a lower price under $500, at mid-price at $500 to $1000, and higher than $1000 and many more price range products. What is your affordable budget range, fixed budget, or variable? After that, research thoroughly our reviewed products, hope you’ll find your desired ones within your price limit.
Warranty
Some optic brands offer you a short time warranty, others may offer you a long warranty period. Which will you purchase, it’s up to you. You have to consider product quality as well as price when you look for a warranty.
Night Vision Long Range Scopes
Here we have covered the scopes that will cover long ranges successfully in the daytime. You will have to increase your budget for nighttime devices. While planning for night vision target shooting you have to choose accordingly. You should keep in mind that, the working principle of a night vision system is greatly profounding. Therefore, more options are going to be available in the coming days.
While planning for hunting in the long-range, you may need the support of additional optics like hunting quality monocular, quality squirrel hunting scope, coyote hunting scope, good night vision goggles, quality target shooting scope, etc. These will equip you with the best optics for hunting.
In the case of target shooting, you can consider Vortex Red Dot Sight as a safe option. You may need some red dot magnifiers to increase the magnification too.
These are all for your optional choice if you want them to explore.
How to Adjust a Long Range Rifle Scope?
Riflescope adjustment for long-range shooting might be a challenging task. Knowing how to properly adjust a rifle scope will help you get consistent and accurate results during hunting or target practices like turkey hunting. Basically, there are basic things you need to consider when adjusting a rifle scope.
- Firstly, aim at the target with the scope and line up the gun to the target. When you are ready to adjust your scope, choose a perfect rest position to avoid body straining. Sandbags and rifle rest can help a lot.
- Fire a few practice-rounds at least 3 shots from 25 yards away. Firing 3 shots or more at the same spot is considered a group. Make a shot at the center of the target, which will immediately tell your sight’s accuracy.
- Zero your scope starting from the short distances and working your way upward. For zeroing, adjust elevation, windage calculation of long-range, and parallax by regulating turret knob.
- After necessary adjustments, repeat firing at 25 yards, 3 shots again, and check the accuracy. If you are still having trouble make more fine-tuned adjustments repeating the last steps until you are comfortable with the scope and where your bullets hit the target.
- Be comfortable with operating the focus knob to make quick and fluid adjustments. Modern scopes offer automatic or speed focus feature that does the work for you, you will still need to familiarize yourself with how quickly they work so you will be able to time your shots more efficiently.
- Know how to use the crosshairs for accuracy. Scopes today use crosshairs that can help you estimate bullet drop and wind direction, some offer illuminated bullseyes or laser guides to increase your skills even further. Other things that can be included with are the mil-dot, a ballistic plex reticle, a BDC reticle holdover chart, and a ballistic calculator.
Conclusion
Long-range shooting is always thrilling. But you’ve to take challenges, especially when you’re a new long-range hunter. To kill your target, you may face challenges like moving targets, wind, mirage, rough environmental conditions, etc. So, for the best long-range shooting result, you need to acquire skills.
We’ve listed the high-quality products for you at a different price range. I hope, this exclusive buying guide will help you to buy from the best long range scopes easily. Good luck with your long-range shooting!
Kalman is a hunting expert who has a vast experience with wild game hunting. Though night time hunting is his favorite, he masters the art of daytime hunting and shooting. Being a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, he wants to pass the knowledge acquired over time to the next generation.
