Top 10 Best Long Range Rifle Scope : Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
For many gun enthusiasts, long range shooting is a queen of marksman art and a challenge that both thrills and intimidates. Evidently, for mastering the Art of Long-Range Shooting, we need a lot of knowledge and adequate tools.
Besides the essential equipment – rifle, another integral part is a best long range rifle scope appropriate for the typical target distances ranging from 300 to 1,200 yards.
Long-range rifle optics have come a long way in its evolution, from brass tubes as long as the rifle, through warhorse PU 3.5x scope, to standard 3X9 whitetail scope, but today all of these devices belong to the history.
Contemporary long-range riflescopes for bench shooting or shooting long-range competition feature minimum 16 power magnification and all the way to the incredible 80x zoom.
Except for magnification capacity, for long range shooting, it is vital to consider the objective lenses size, the reticle, scope body and, of course, adjustment range.
When it comes to long-range shooting, the price is usually higher than your standard hunting riflescope, but for under a thousand dollars, you can find a decent long-range scope with a powerful magnification and a large objective.
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Name |
Magnification & OL |
Reticle |
FOV |
Price |
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Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 4-16×50 |
4-16×50 |
DEAD-HOLD BDC |
27.4-7.4 feet/100 yards |
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Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm 30mm |
4.5-14×50 |
Duplex Reticle |
19.10-7.40(ft 100 yd/m/100 m) |
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Leupold Waterproof VX-6 7-42x56mm |
7-42x56mm |
TAC-MOA Plus reticle |
16.30′ – 2.70′ at 100 Yards |
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Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope w/ Ballistic Plex E1 Reticle |
4.5-14x42mm |
E1 reticle |
22 low – 7.5 high (ft. @ 100 yds.) |
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Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope |
3.5-14×40 |
BDC reticle |
7.2-28.6 ft (@ 100 yds) |
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leupold mark 4 4.5-14x50mm scope |
4.5-14×50 |
Non-Illuminated Reticle |
19-7.6′(@100 yds) |
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Steiner 5X-25X-56mm MSR |
5-25×56 |
MSR Reticle |
23.6-4.6 (100 YD. FT.) |
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SecozoomScope Review 4-50x75mm |
4-50×75 |
Mil-dot reticle |
8.9m-0.75m(M@100M) |
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Nightforce nxs 5.5-22×50 review |
5.5-22×50 |
MOAR Reticle |
5.5x:17.5ft/22x:4.7 ft(@100 yards) |
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Ade Advanced Optics 6-25×56 |
6-25X56 |
Mil-Dot Bar reticle |
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Our Picks
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Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 4-16×50 |
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> Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) <
Score: 4.7 Andrew Garfield
The Vortex Viper HS LR series of riflescopes is a similar version to the recently released Viper HS-T (Hunting Shooting Tactical). Designed to enable hunters to shoot accurately at great distances, the Viper HS-LR (Long Range) unlike HS-T comes with capped windage and parallax turrets for greater protection.
At both models, the tall elevation turret is exposed to fast and easy dialling featuring the Vortex’s Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) zero stop.
The Viper HS 4-16×50 LR riflescope is ideal for hunting, and target shooting at various ranges as the adjustment on the turrets are very positive and repeatable with the maximum 75 MOA of elevation travel and 50 MOA for windage.
Features:
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– The one downside concerns the lack of the hash marks for the windage in correlation to the elevation range.
– Some users found uncomfortable and undefined the reset procedure on the windage turret.
The Vortex Viper HS is a powerful optic that combines a variety of useful all-round features in a long-range platform. The Viper HS LR 4-16×50 is one of the best long-range designed scopes under $1,000, and since it is relatively compact and lightweight, it is perfect for mounting on a lighter rifle.
Its standard 30mm tube and a 50 mm objective bell allow the owner to attach the riflescope with low or medium mounts.
Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm 30mm |
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> Side Focus CDS Matte Wind-Plex 170712 w/ Mark 2 Integrated Mount <
Score: 4.2 Andrew Garfield
Leupold is long termed scope manufacturer and one of the world leaders in the optics industry. Today, this American brand features perhaps the largest array of models and series for every purpose and every pocket.
The name of this line VX-3i denotes that riflescopes boast 3 times zoom and “i” means this is improved and redesigned old VX-3 series. Unlike the old model, VX-3i comes with extended power selector to help its more comfortable handling, more significant and brighter numbering on power indicator and a greatly-improved resolution.
Leupold offered VX-3i rifle scopes in different magnification range for virtually any hunting situation becoming a top recommendation of many hunters.
The increased windage and elevation travel is possible thanks to the reliable Twin Bias Spring Erector System housed in a capacious 30mm central tube.
Features:
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– After all, there are not too many cons on this scope, then some inconsistency with clicks on standard MOA style elevation dial.
Featuring a 4.5-14x power magnification the Leupold VX-3i scope is undoubtedly a perfect choice for hunting but it could be used for target shooting also.
If the most of your hunting activities take place in the twilight, this Leupold with big 50mm objective lenses will add you the extra 15 minutes at daybreak or sunset.
Leupold Waterproof VX-6 7-42x56mm |
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> Side Focus Rifle Scope Matte Black <
Score: 4.5 Andrew Garfield
Another proposal for a long-range riflescope comes from Leupold &Stevens too, but it ultimately belongs to the new tier by its crystal clear images throughout the entire magnification range and the higher price tag.
Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm is the enhanced version of the VX-7 featuring a 6:1 zoom ratio and adjustable turrets, which are interchangeable with the exposed CDS dials.
Since the scope is designed for a long-range shooting and occasional hunting, the VX-6 features very appropriate TMOA Plus reticle with an open center and hash-marks.
This simple, fine crosshair is located in the second focal plane because this scope is intended to be used on-range at known distances.
The F-Class shooters and precision-shooting community have influenced the development of the new 7-42x56mm putting its shoulder to shoulder with the best, world-class riflescopes from European optics manufacturers.
Features:
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– Aesthetically the scope is thick and requires specific and rare to find 34 mm rings.
– However, from the high-end riflescope customers expect a full set of quality accessories but, instead caps for the lenses Leupold offers low quality and cheap protective covers while it omitted the sunshade.
The Leupold has followed a dominant trend in riflescope industry, as the precision shooting is one of the fastest growing shooting sports.
Featuring a 6 times zoom factor and customizable CDS knobs the modularity of this optics offers extreme versatility even to the best rifleman.
Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope w/ Ballistic Plex E1 Reticle |
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Score: 4.7 Andrew Garfield
The Burris optics is reputable riflescope manufacturer mainly known for affordable and low budget optics. The model Fullfield E1 4.5-14×42 belongs to the Burris entry-level line of scopes for hunting use no matter how harsh the conditions are.
In support of this statement also speaks solid 1 inch, one-piece aluminium tube construction, nitrogen purged and reinforced with quad-seal gas seals to keep out moisture, fog and small debris.
Features:
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– The parallax adjustment, designed, as the Adjustable Objective ring is hard to turn and placed forward towards an objective is not an optimal solution for situations when parallax must be changed in prone position.
The Burris Fullfield E1 riflescopes are designed for enthusiasts who want a simple, specialized scope suited for hunting predatory animals.
The Fullfield E1 long-range scope sports 3 times zoom range and enough magnification power variety to satisfy the short to long-range quick encounters.
As the low budget category long-range scope, Fullfield offer eye relief of 3.1–3.8 inches and glass quality on par with others in this price point humbly.
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope |
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Score: 4.9 Andrew Garfield
Some hunters are so demanding that they only go for riflescopes with several technology upgrades that they can rely on in any situation. If you are one of them, the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope could be a good match for you.
This scope weighs 17.6 oz. and it measures 3.3 x 4.7 x 15.8 inches. It prides itself in its new optical system, topnotch hand-turn reticle adjustments and very useful quick-focus eyepiece.
Overall, this scope is 13.6 inches and its respective eye relief, exit pupil, objective diameter and eyepiece outside diameter are 4 inches, 2.2-8.9mm, 40mm and 44mm.
Even when you are shooting through thick brush and timber, you want to be on target. This scope will allow you to do so as it has a wide field of view and enough power for the longest-range shots.
Features:
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Pros
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Cons
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The Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope will let you enjoy long-range shooting to the fullest. With its topnotch adjustments and quick eye focus eyepiece, you can achieve a higher level of precision and bring the reticle into focus instantly.
This is not the most affordable scope on the market today but it is not considered an expensive one either. It is a good investment for your regular shooting experience.
leupold mark 4 4.5-14x50mm scope |
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Score: 4.1 Andrew Garfield
Leupold Optics’ Mark 4 MR/T M1 scope has high-quality German engineering at about half the price of the Steiner scope. Plus, this 50-millimeter objective lens is smaller in diameter compared to Steiner’s 56-millimeter scope.
Even better, this scope is much lighter than most models on the market at just 22 ounces. The main tube is 30 millimeterswide.. The knobs are easy to adjust, and it has a mildotreticle so you see your image more clearly through the crosshairs.
The viewfinder has a big knob for quick adjustments when you have to change something in a hurry when your target moves in the distance.
One-piece construction means this is weatherproof, fogproof and waterproof. Leupold touts recoil resistance, even against high-caliber weapons. Lens coatings match each focal point within the scope for maximum light-gathering capabilities, the best image clarity and amazing focus.
The U.S. Army uses Leupold scopes on some of its long-range rifles, so clearly this manufacturer is doing something right. If you want a high-quality scope without the most expensive price in the business, this long-range scope works when you are an occasional shooter who needs to see far-away targets.
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Steiner 5X-25X-56mm MSR |
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Score: 5 Andrew Garfield
Steiner’s 5X-25X 56-mm MSR is part of this German manufacturer’s M5Xi series. The objective lens comes in a 56 millimeters, so it’s a bit wider than recommended.
The tube diameter shortens to 34 millimeters across the main body of the scope. One-piece body construction means this scope is waterproof, weatherproof and fogproof. The reticle uses no-frills mil-dots rather than hashmarks.
Even with dots, you get a clear shot without any fancy bullet drop marks getting in the way. Just know what each dot represents when it comes to wind measurements and bullet drop.
The scope does have an elevation scale included. When you change any of the three knobs, you feel a click that lets you know you made the adjustment. You can make each adjustment to 1/10 mil for precise downwind calculations.
The illuminated reticle has seven levels for night viewing and four for during the day. It also has two “off” positions. The scope remembers each setting so you can return to previous settings very quickly.
The lens has anti-reflection coatings that amount to 94 percent or more light transmission. The objective lens, combined with the anti-reflection coatings, make for great visuals as you align your target within the reticle.
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SecozoomScope Review 4-50x75mm |
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Score: 4.1 Andrew Garfield
Secozoon Optics has the best long-range scope for shooting beyond 1,000 yards. Compared to the Steiner scope’s weight, this one is lighter because it comes in at slightly more than 3 pounds.
The reticle illuminates with red, green or black markings. The objective lens is 75 millimeters and the main body of the scope is 35 millimeters, so you will need oversized rings to hold this scope to the rifle.
The scope holds its adjustments well, even after 250 shots, despite not having a locking mechanism. This indicates a durable long-range scope that holds up to lots of recoil.
The multi-coated green lens filters light for clarity. The glass is anti-scratch, anti-haze and it prevents dust buildup. Secozoom Optics touts this scope as the perfect fit for large-caliber rifles such as a 50 BMG, .308 and 338 lapua magnum.
Secozoom isn’t as well-known as German manufacturers when it comes to the best long range scope for 2022, but this item does very well for targets more than 1,000 yards away. You may have trouble focusing on targets closer to you.
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Nightforce nxs 5.5-22×50 review |
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Score: 5 Andrew Garfield
NightForce has a good long-range scope that’s mid-range in price. It’s not as expensive as the Steiner or Schmidt & Bender models, but it’s still more expensive than scopes that are on the low end of prices for these types of optics.
NightForce created some of its best scopes for use in the U.S. military, so you know you’re getting some of the best optics money can buy with this model.
Perhaps the best part of this NightForce scope is the eye relief. At four inches, you can look through the scope from as far away as four inches behind the eye piece.
This does several things. You can wear field glasses, you don’t need to squint, and you can avoid the scope hitting you in the eye as it deals with the rifle’s recoil. With this kind of eye relief, you can leave the binoculars at home.
At just 31 ounces, this long-range scope is in the middle range for weight. The objective lens diameter is 50 millimeters and the tube is 30 millimeters in diameter. There’s no need to go the extra mile for higher locking rings.
Adjustment knobs on this long-range scope are easy to turn. Customers rave about the great clarity this scope brings, and shooters routinely report hitting targets 2,000 yards away.
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Ade Advanced Optics 6-25×56 |
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Score: 4.3 Andrew Garfield
Ade Advanced Optics touts precision controls with ¼ MOA. The main shaft is made of one piece and is 35 millimeters wide. Three knobs adjust the reticle inside, while the eyepiece also has adjustment knobs.
Add the sunshade towards the end of the objective lens and you have a better sightline when the sun is in front of you along the horizon.
This long-range scope comes with mounting rings and an allen wrench. You can be shooting at targets thousands of yards away in no time.
Unfortunately, consumers report that the mounting rings break after a very short amount of time. Consider buying different mounting rings than the ones that come with the scope.
Overall, you get good clarity and light-gathering for the price. This long-range scope is probably one of the least expensive you can buy on the market today.
This model is less than 1/10 of the price of the Steiner scope. If you don’t need a longer range, or you might not use this scope very much, than consider this model.
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The Ultimate Buying Guide for The Best long range scope
Several important features combine to make long-range scopes worth the investment. The lens, reticle, scope body, magnification and adjustment ranges are crucial to the operation of long-range scopes.
Lenses
Lenses are the most important feature on a long-range scope. Lenses must give you a clear picture at high and low magnifications. The clarity must be top-notch because you have to read the wind in between your location and your target.
When you have a clear range to your target without a lot of trees or bushes, you have to see which way the grass or dust blows in the wind. A scope with great clarity gives you the visuals at the target you need to assess wind conditions 1,000 yards away or more.
Materials
As stated earlier, long-range scopes must be able to handle heavy-duty situations and massive amounts of force behind high-powered rifles. The best material for long-range scopes is aircraft-grade aluminum.
The scope should be cast from a single piece of aluminum. That’s because a single piece is more durable, allows for better waterproofing and lets manufacturers create more precise optics. Aircraft-grade aluminum is the industry standard for the top long range rifle scope.
Reticles
Reticles are another important consideration when it comes to long-range scopes. Some reticles have bullet drop compensators built into them, but those markings may limit the types of bullets you can use.
Instead, traditional reticles with hash marks or single dots are the way to go. These reticles form a cross in the center to align your shot.
These reticles mean you must compensate for the wind and bullet drop on your own, but in the long run these reticles improve your overall shooting ability as you get comfortable with your rifle and ammunition.
Magnification
Versatile magnification is one key to long-range scopes when it comes to hunting. You might sight deer 500 yards away at one point, but then another deer might sneak up on you at just 25 yards.
A long-range scope that can’t change its magnification quickly reduces your chances of shooting shorter-range targets. If you plan on taking your rifle hunting, find a scope with versatile magnification.
Adjustment Ranges
Adjustment ranges are critical when shooting over 1,000 yards because of bullet drop. Try to find a scope that lets you make 100 MOA or MIL adjustments.
Objective Lens Size
The size of the objective lens is an important factor to consider in long-range scopes. Wider objective lenses let in more light. Unfortunately, wider lenses need taller scope mounts.
Once you get to a 50-millimeter objective lens, the light-gathering capability becomes nominal above that point. Try to find a scope with an objective lens between 42 and 50 millimeters for best results.
Best long range rifle scope Advantages
Obviously, the best advantage of a long-range scope is to see targets that are far away from your location. Long-range shooting usually means 100 yards or more for .22 caliber rifles. to rifles.
For other calibers designed to travel farther, long range may start at 500 yards or more. Long-range scopes bring targets far away into close focus so you can determine how to best approach your shot.
Long-range scopes have some of the most advanced optics available to shooters. That means scopes must be durable, have wider lenses and attach securely
Conclusion
There are no alternatives to have a correct scope when you are about to shoot in a long distance. This buying guide helps the peoples to choose a best long range rifle scope without any doubt. In this review, we tried to select the best scopes for the readers.
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