Best Long Range Rifle Scope – Good for shooting

The definition of long-range varies from rifle to rifle and hunter to hunter. Particularly, there are two main factors long-range depends such as your rifle’s barrel length and selected caliber. In such a way, each rifle scope has different long ranges. Some scope considers 200 yards as long-range, and others take 1000 yards or above. So, there is no single parameter by which you can define the long-range. In short, your rifle’s ballistic and scope’s characteristics will define the specified long-range for you. 

If you aim to hit 500 or 1000 yards consistently, you not only have to buy a quality rifle but also the scope. The lens quality, size, and other factors should match the ammo performance. To help you search for the best long-range rifle scope, we have discovered some top-notch rifle scopes. 

We have compiled a comprehensive information guide of high-quality and precision longest-range scope. You don’t need to invest in the wrong optics, as we did this to find a suitable long-range rifle scope for you. Read the article to get complete information about the good long-range rifle scopes. 

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Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Reviews and Buying Guide 2022

Finding a good and high-quality best scope for long-range shooting is not an easy feat. Firstly, the several products’ availability will confuse you due to similarity in features, sizes, lens quality, and others. However, you don’t need to worry about it. We have tested several best rifle scopes for long-range hunting. We have shortlisted 9 top-rated long-range rifle scopes after the hands-on experience. Our efforts will help you choose the right scope with more ease.

Read further to know about the detailed long-range rifle scope reviews in the following. 

1. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Riflescopes – Cheap Scopes

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope is an updated scope for long-range hunting. It is known for its high speed and versatility in the fields. It features a true 1x on its low end, suitable for long-range scenarios. It lets the shooters quickly engage the target several meters away without any issues. 

If we talk about magnification, this best rifle long-range scope consists of updated magnification rings included with a thread-in throw lever. The benefit is that you can now see the magnification indicators without coming off the optics. Consists of BDC3 reticles, which allow the shooter to focus quickly. Likewise, the holdovers help get immediate sight up to 650 yards or up to any known distance. 

In addition, the eyepiece consists of a fast-focusing dial that helps get the fast target acquisition. Do you know how a clear view is obtained from the scope’s lens? Yes, the lens and air-to-glass surface ratio are responsible for this. It is to be noted here that Vortex Optics Strike Eagle riflescope provides the increased light transmission to get a clear view even in low light conditions. 

Further, the tube is filled with purged nitrogen. It not only isolates the scope, but it’s very helpful to make the rings waterproof, shockproof, and vibration-proof. The tube is a one-piece aircraft-grade metal, and you can get an idea of the quality of this scope. This best-budget scope also shrugged against the recoil and other impacts. In short, it’s a good option for beginners and experienced shooters. 

Besides all, you will find some distortion at the edges, and it will be a challenge to get the proper eye relief while hunting.

2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope – Best Long Range Caliber

If you like to have a multiple configuration rifle scope for long-range hunting, Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope might be your ideal choice. It is considered in the list of big gaming scopes such as hunting predators, varmints, muzzleloaders, slug shotguns, and many other long-range hunting applications. Vortex always takes care of its customers, and you will get ahead to hunt in the sunlight. It’s a small but valuable gift for the customers. 

Equipped with Dead-Hold BDC reticles that are good for multiple hunting applications. Whether you want to hunt nearer or shoot at varying ranges, Vortex optics diamondback will be there. This 1000-yard scope is a perfect hunting tool where the hold-over is your primary concern. To give you a precise and clear view, the lens is coated with high-quality coatings. Enjoy the crystal clear view from dawn to dust and brighter images with the high-quality lens. 

Furthermore, the metal-on-metal precision turrets are pretty easy to use, and you can use them even after sighting from the scope. Not to mention, a precision glide erector system is responsible for repeatability and correct tracking.  

You can get the idea of the quality of a single-piece tube with a premium-quality anodized finish. It not only prevents the tube from having rust but also makes it a shockproof and durable scope. Further isolation is provided by filling the argon gas inside it. 

In the end, we want to share a downside of this scope after the hands-on experience. The lens cover is of cheap quality and can be cracked after a few weeks of use. 

3. Vortex Optics Viper PST Riflescopes – Best Long Range Scope

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope is another masterpiece offered by the Vortex brand. This upgraded scope offers incredible performance in the field regardless of the hunting range. The scope’s solid rock features will take your hunting experience to the next level. It’s a first focal plane riflescope that’s a good feature and ideal for close to long-range shooting scenarios. 

This budget long-range scope brings many benefits for the users, such as you can dial turrets for bullet drops. Likewise, the wind compensation helps the laser-etched turrets. The adjustable parallax and RXR zero stop offer you to dial the accurate settings for long-range hunting. The scope is also equipped with a fiber optic rotation indicator. It helps you keep track of turret position more easily and within no time. 

In addition, the scope is equipped with high-quality laser-etched turrets for bullet drop and wind compression. The combination with parallax and RXR zero stop makes your hunting easier and flexible according to the shooting scenario. You can also keep track of the turret’s position with the help of a rotation indicator with ease. 

To make this best long-range optic highly functional for long-range hunting, the reticles used are of premium quality. You can change the light intensity up to 10 levels for every setting. In the same way, the extra-low dispersion glass keeps the precise light transmission from the air to the glass. It also yields viewing images having higher resolution and color fidelity. The multi-coating helps to get the accurate light transmission and also protects the lens from oil, dirt, and scratches. 

On the other hand, I have noticed a negative point of this scope that is necessary to tell you. The flip cap is of very poor quality, and the windage screws keep losing after continuous shots.

4. Vortex Optics Razor HD Riflescopes – Tactical Scopes

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope is another intelligent rifle scope for long-range hunting applications. The compact dimension makes it suitable to mount on several rifles. It’s a Gen II scope that delivers precision in shooting and tactical operations. You don’t need to worry about the accidental adjustments of the turrets because the high-quality locking mechanism makes it stick to the settings. Plus, you can easily track the revolution of the turrets with the help of a visual rotation indicator. 

In addition, this ERB-7C model is specially designed for long-range hunting applications. You can make wind/elevation corrections with the help of a windage tree in the lower quadrant. The vertical stadia are moved a bit outside the windage for less obstruction. Likewise, the 6x zooming capability makes it a versatile scope for long-range hunting. You just need to adjust the settings to get a sharp focus and clear image. 

Moreover, the parallax is on the sides to control and adjust the illumination. The knobs are integrated with the scope’s body to give you streamlined performance and accessibility. Likewise, this affordable scope consists of an APO optical system responsible for stunning image quality. All this is done with the help of extra-low dispersion and high-quality glass. The lens coating is also of premium quality, i.e., XR plus anti-reflective coating, which increases the light transmission to produce a colorful image even in low light.

The other features are common, as found in similar scopes such as o-ring sealed and argon purged. We can say you can use it in any environment without any issues of shocks, vibrations, and water draining into the tube. However, the packaging includes cheap-quality lens covers that get cracked with time. The manufacturer should increase the quality of the lens caps. 

5. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescopes – Best Hunting Scope

If the first focal plane scope appeals to you, Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen 2 rifle scope might be your primary choice. It is the newest addition to the scopes and is perfect for medium to long-range hunting. The black finish makes your rifle look elegant and increases your shooting performance in the fields. You don’t need to worry about the weather as you can use it in all weather conditions. The robust construction and sealed o-rings make it a versatile scope for the hunters.

This best long-range rifle scopes 1000 yards plus is crafted from high-quality but lightweight material. It only weighs 51.2 ounces and does not disturb the equilibrium of the rifle while hunting. To make it suitable for medium to long-range hunting, the lens offers 6x magnification that is suitable to hunt beyond 100 yards.  

This best scope for 1000 yards is for all those who just started in PRS or want to improve their hunting skills. Take a close look at it, and it will look like Argos BTR GEN 2 family scope. In short, this is also a high-end scope and is available at an affordable price. It is responsible for creating a clear image even in a low-light environment. All this is integrated into an aluminum-grade metal tube. 

Furthermore, the precision zero stop system allows you to set zero positions within no time. Likewise, the XPL extra coating on the lens protects it from environmental dirt, oil, and any scratches. The length of the scope is 14.1” and is specially made for all long-range hunting enthusiasts.

6. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR Riflescopes – Hunter Scope

Vortex Optics Viper HS LR is one of the best long-range hunting and shooting scopes in our collection. Whenever you want to extend your shooting range up to higher levels, this second focal plane riflescope will help you at this spot. The shooting range, bullet drop, and wind drift compensation are the crucial features of this scope. 

This long-distance rifle scope is equipped with premium-quality Dead-Hold BDC reticles and is good for any type of shooting and hunting. The range is not an issue with this rifle scope, where estimating hold-over would be a concern. It consists of an advanced optical system to ensure quality images and shooting precision. The XD glass renders the image clearer like a digital camera from edge to edge. Whether low or high light in the environment, the multi-coating lens captures the most available light. 

Not to mention, the 4x zooming capability increases your range further and makes your sight closer to your target. The HS LR exposed target-style turrets are made for extended ranges. You can get back to the reference CRS zero anytime after several revolutions of the turrets. 

It’s necessary to protect the lens to get long-lasting and guaranteed performance. Therefore, the lens has Armortek, ultra-hard, and scratch-resistant coatings, just like expensive scopes. Lastly, the argon purging and black anodized coating make it durable and look cool too. 

On the contrary, the only downside is that the field of view gets very small at large distances. This parameter should be improved by the manufacturer. 

7. Athlon Optics Midas TAC Riflescopes – Rifle Optics

Athlon Optics Midas TAC 6-24×50 riflescope is specially designed to get the desired long-range hunting results. Enjoy the 0.1 MIL click value and 25 MIL total elevation adjustment to get a clear and accurate image of your prey. Whether you want to hunt predators, varmints, or any animal, this Athlon Optics might be your primary choice. 

Ten yards to infinity parallax adjustment makes this scope suitable for short, mid, and long range hunting. It’s a completely first focal plane riflescope, and you can utilize all the settings while using it. When you zoom in or out the target, the reticles adjust themselves along with the adjustments, i.e., grow or shrink. So, what benefit do you get in such a way? Yes, you get the accurate target acquisition and shooting level with it. 

Not only that, the system consists of a precision zero stop system by which you can fix the zero position. This feature is very helpful when you want to reach after several rotations of turrets. When you just click the back to zero buttons, you will get back to the zero position with a sharp and precise stop.

In the same way, the advanced and fully multi-coated lens is very effective in reducing light dispersion. These top long-range scopes provide accurate light transmission, minimal light reflection, and increased light transmission to create a clear image even in low light. The image creation is just like the expensive scopes, and the result is much better than the normally coated lens. Likewise, the exposed elevation and capped windage make the sight adjustments easy and quick. 

On the contrary, this scope is very great but not illuminated. In my opinion, the manufacturer should improve this feature. 

8. NightForce NXS Scope – Long Range Scope for Hunting

NightForce NXS riflescope has a broad magnification, and it is more than other similar models. Not only that, the excellent eye relief and 100 MOA of elevation travel make it the most loved scope. Suitable for large calibers and amazingly suited to the heavy .50 BMG. Buy this all-in-all scope and enjoy the outstanding performance beyond a mile in the distance. 

The scope is designed in such a way to provide a beautiful and slim profile. This feature makes it easily accessible and adaptable to a wide range of mounting systems. You will not have to face any issues in balancing the rifle while hunting. In short, it helps you get a smooth hunting session even for hours. 

In addition, the scope provides superb resolution at higher magnifications. It will open an entirely new world of hunting and shooting at long distances. Whether you are a beginner at shooting or an experienced shooter who wants to enjoy long-range hunting, NightForce NXS might be your vital choice. In my experience, the noticeable range of this scope is 2000 yards or beyond. Plus, you can shoot and explore things beyond 2000 yards with accurate turrets adjustments. 

Let me tell you the most prominent feature of this scope. The titanium beta erector spring delivers 3-4 times the spring pressure to the scope. This best-budget long-range rifle scope helps get the right view immediately and accurate target acquisition. Besides all, the scope needs extra high rings to clear the rail. That’s a downside that we observed in this long-range riflescope. 

9. Leupold Mark 5HD Riflescope – High Power Rifle Scope

Last but not least, Leupold Mark 5HD is the newest addition to the long-range rifle scopes. Equipped with front focal TMR reticles that give you accurate targeting acquisition for both medium and long-range shooting. The anodized coating and matte black finish make your rifle look more beautiful. It weighs only 2.5 pounds and is perfect for small and big rifles. You do not need to worry about handling the scope because it will not disturb the balance of the rifle. 

In addition, the turrets are also of premium quality, i.e., M5C3 exposed turrets. This low profile scope has 1/10 MIL per click dials and allows you to complete 30 MILS in 3 revolutions. The scope is also equipped with visual and tactile revolution indicators. Their primary purpose is that you don’t get lost in the travel. 

If you are worried about the focal plane, this best rifle long-range scope is the first focal plane scope. The overall functions provide you with a magnified and colored image. This feature helps you a lot to get the estimated range at different magnification settings. 

Moreover, Leupold rifle scopes have a single-piece machine-design scope with a scratch-resistant lens. This military-standard scratch resistance coating helps you get the accurate light transmission and also adds further protection to the lens. The waterproofing and shockproofing features make it one of the most loved scopes. 

Lastly, state-of-the-art customer support is always there to help you. Whether you want to ask a technical or non-technical question, they are always there to help you. The thing that we don’t like about it is the short eye relief. It should be improved by the manufacturer. 

What To Consider Before Buying A Long Range Rifle Scope – Buyer’s Guide

Buying the right extreme long-range rifle scopes is not easy, especially when you are a beginner at long-range hunting. People just consider the ordinary aspects while choosing a scope for them, such as price, size, lens quality, etc., No doubt these parameters are important to consider. Still, there are some other important characteristics that you should take care of. Just check the details of the buying considerations for long range rifle scope in the following:

Magnification 

It is one of the most important aspects that justifies the exact range of the scope. It shows how long the bullet can fall off. Likewise, the magnification settings show the impact on how accurate you can hunt your prey at extended ranges. 

The scopes come in different magnification settings, such as 2x, 4x, 10x, 16x, and more. Particularly, your selected scope should have a minimum of 4x magnification to hunt at a few hundred yards. Our reviews of long range rifle scopes even offer 6-24x magnification that you will like due to the extended range. 

What Should You go for? Fixed or Variable Magnification

If you can’t change the magnification settings of a rifle scope, it’s called a fixed magnification scope. On the contrary, if a scope allows you to adjust the magnification, it’s known as variable magnification scope. 

These two features change the price of the scope. However, you can find a variable magnification scope at an affordable price. In our opinion, it’s good to go with variable magnification because you can alter the shooting distance with the magnification settings. 

Objective Lens

A scope’s lens is responsible for collecting light to give you accurate image viewing. The size of the lens allows a particular amount of light to enter and leave the lens. In short, if the lens is bigger, it will create a bigger image and vice versa. If you want a high-power magnification scope, you should go for the bigger size objective lens. 

On the other hand, when the size of the objective lens increases, its weight also increases. It might be a significant disadvantage of using a large-diameter objective lens. In our recommendation, you should go for a 30 to 50mm objective lens to hunt at long distances. 

Reticles: First Focal Plane, second, or other?

The type of reticle is also important, just like other factors. If you are a beginner, it’s better to go for the first focal plane scopes. You can change the size and easily switch between the different magnification levels. You don’t need to perform tasks in a hurry, and you can hunt with peace of mind. 

On the other hand, you can’t change the magnification in the second focal place. They are usually higher power levels and require some experience for operation. Whether a beginner or an experienced hunter, it’s better to go for the first focal plane riflescope. 

Some models come with both options, and it’s also a good idea to buy them. You can use a single scope for dual purposes. 

Durability

The durability of the scope means how long the scope will last. It’s an essential factor because you are going to do a good investment while buying a scope. Always check the manufacturing material, lens coating, and o-ring isolation. For long-term usage, the scope should be waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. It also helps you use it in hard weather conditions. 

Lens Coating

Lens coating also plays an important role in light transmission and image production. You should go for a lens having multiple coatings that will control the light transmission and will produce a brighter image. Moreover, the coatings are also responsible for protecting the lens from dirt, dust, oil, and scratches. 

Eye Relief

When you sight into the lens, the eye relief matters a lot. Commonly, it’s the distance between your eye and the scope lens. It plays an important role in seeing an accurate image. Different manufacturers set the eye relief at different levels from 1 inch to 3.5 inches. Try to go for a scope that has 3.5 inches of eye relief, as it will save you from receiving a bruise around your eyes. 

MIL or MOA

Choosing the right measurement units is also an important deal. It helps you calculate the distance between you, your prey, and other important values. There is no suitable answer about choosing MIL or MOA because you can know the answer after the experience. Some people prefer to go with MIL, and others like MOA. However, most experienced hunters prefer to go with MIL. 

FAQs

Final Verdict

Shooting at long range is itself a thrilling challenge. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced hunter, pinging metal targets, shooting at a long distance is uncommonly addictive. With our reviews scopes, you can easily hit your target at 1000 yards or more with full accuracy. Keep in mind that long-range shooting is not as easy as it looks. You have to choose the right 2000-yard rifle scopes and settings to make it easier. We hope you will find a good and suitable long-range rifle scope for yourself from here. 

Our Recommendations

We have reviewed multiple best scopes for long-range target shooting having different budgets, sizes, shapes, and other features. To help you out further in the selection, we recommend the top ones in the following. 

• Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes is a budgeted scope for long-range shooting. The prominent features are updated style, versatility, and speed. Also, the construction and other features are just like the expensive scopes.
•  Vortex Optics Viper HS LR Second Focal Plane Riflescopes is a high-end riflescope for long-range shooting. It is a versatile scope with all-in-all features. The environmental conditions and other aspects do not matter when you have this scope. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters. 
• Vortex Optics Diamondback SFP Riflescope is our premium pick with multiple configurations for long-range shooting.