Words like “best” and “long range” are fairly subjective, but there are enough commonly agreed upon elements when figuring out the best long range scope to choose from a wide selection. It has a reach out and touch something ability of at least 500 yards, and ideally much further than that, and that it should be some sort of combination of rugged, reliable, and hopefully somewhat affordable.
The best long range scope for you may not be the best long range scope for somebody else. Even among professional military and police marksmen and snipers, you are unlikely to find a universal consensus for a single best long range scope.
But you start seeing common themes as to what goes into a top-notch long range scope. And here again we enter into the territory of the subjective.
What to Look for When Searching the Best Long Range Scope
When searching for the best long range scope, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, magnification is an important factor to consider. Long-range scopes typically have a higher magnification than other types of scopes, allowing you to see your target at a greater distance. Look for a scope with adjustable magnification that fits your shooting needs.
Reticle is another important factor to consider. Reticles come in a variety of shapes and designs, including crosshairs and dots. Consider the type of reticle that you prefer and the one that will be the most useful for your shooting needs. Additionally, look for a scope with adjustable turrets that allow you to make quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments.
Glass quality is also an important factor to consider. Good quality glass will provide a clear and bright image even in low light conditions. Look for scopes with multi-coated lenses that reduce glare and improve image quality. Durability is another important aspect to consider, as a good long-range scope should be able to withstand the rigors of the field. Look for one that is built with high-quality materials and has a solid construction.
Finally, it is important to consider the reputation of the brand when purchasing a scope. Well-established companies generally offer higher quality products with good warranties, so consider the brand reputation before making a purchase. By considering these factors, you can find the best long-range scope that meets your shooting needs and provides you with reliable and accurate performance.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the forward lens on the scope and the one that your image passes through. A small objective lens means a small sight picture, and less light coming through the scope tube. Taken to an extreme, think about little cheap 3/4” rimfire scopes.
Pretty crappy huh? Usable, but barely so and only on nice days or in good lighting. What we want on a long range scope are big objective lenses with quality glass and high-grade coatings on the lens. However, this is where we start straying into the realm of the highly subjective again.
I would say at a minimum a 30mm objective lens is all but required for a proper 500+ yard scope, but I have seen smaller, although that is pushing it.
Commonly you will find objective lenses top out around 50-50mm in diameter, although larger ones do exist. Beyond that point, you really start needed custom rings and mounts and don’t gain much except bragging rights and a slightly emptier wallet.
The next part of the equation on an objective lens is the optical coating. Manufacturers go out of their way to convince you of the scientific sorcery behind the optical coatings on their lenses, and the science is certainly far beyond the scope of this article, or the interests of most laypersons.
Suffice it to say, that when lenses are coated with various metals or other substances, the amount and type of light transmitted can be enhanced, reflection reduced, and the optical qualities of the lens improved. It is all a fairly well-known science, and any reputable scope manufacturer will have quality lens coatings.
It is a great area for marketing hype though. Realistically, once you start playing with top tier scopes, you can ignore the hype and just start looking to see which one is best for your needs.
Tube Size, Illuminated Reticles, and Other Nice Things
The standard diameter for scope tube bodies is one inch, although a great many high end and European scopes are 30mm diameter tubes. Just like objective lenses, the wider the body is, the more light gets passed through, and the clearer the picture is.
Ideally, the best long range scope will have a 30mm tube, but it is not a requirement. Too, you may want an illuminated reticle.
These are nice because they let you place visibly lit crosshairs over a target, instead of the sometimes awkward black reticle over a dark colored target.
You may also want a scope with a rangefinding reticle that uses calibrated marks on known sizes to help you estimate range.
Many long-range scopes can also be had with reticles pre-calibrated for different popular rifle cartridges and bullet weights, which take into account the known ballistic trajectory of a particular round.
Magnification
Here’s another sticky one folks. What magnification is needed for a long range scope? For some shooters, a 3-9 might do the job. Others want a scope with enough magnification to shoot at dead satellites and other debris orbiting the Earth.
The problem is, the greater the magnification, the greater the distortion. While you may be fine and seem stable at 10x, bumping it up to 15x suddenly gives you a wobbly, and increasingly distorted field of vision. Personally, I draw the line around 20x.
Anything much more than that generally becomes a waste of optical power unless you are shooting from a machine rest or have the physical stability of the Rock of Gibraltar. Stick to a modest level of magnification and you’ll be fine.
First Focal Plane?
A relatively new feature on high-end scopes and one that is often expected without being understood, a front or first focal plane scope is meant for shooters who may be engaging multiple targets at different and often unknown ranges in rapid succession.
In other words, if you are a highly competitive sport shooter or a tactical shooter, you may find value in a scope where the reticle changes in size consistent with the magnification of the scope, which keeps the mil scale on the scope consistent, eliminating the need to recalculate the scale each time magnification is changed.
A simpler reality is, these are new and popular scopes but came from a shooting world most of us will never take part in. Is it nice? Sure. Is it a must-have for the best long range scope?
Unless your job involves shooting at people trying to kill you or somebody else, probably not. But they are really cool and if you want the absolute best and cutting edge gear, then a first focal plane scope is well worth considering.
Tying it Together
Honestly, one could write a literal book about choosing the best long range scope. I got told to do it in several thousand words, including reviews, so we are sticking to the highlights here. What follows are several of the best long-range scopes based on certain criteria.
- Objective lens of at least 30mm and no more than 55mm.
- Magnification of at least 3x and no greater than about 20x.
- 30mm tube if possible.
- Illuminated reticles are nice but not required.
- Famous names. There are some great scopes out there made by people few have heard of, but that puts them squarely into the highly specialized category.
- Reasonable prices. We’ll look at a sub $500 scope, a $1000+ scope and a roughly $2000 scope.
1. Leupold VX-3i
- Model #170684 - VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- DiamondCoat 2 - Ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission and the greatest level of abrasion resistance
- Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation offer absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use
- Made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to guarantee a lifetime of performance even under harshest recoil
A highly refined long range scope that remains affordable, Leupold is a well known name that has been serving American soldiers and sportsmen for several generations now. The VX-3i meets enough criteria for one of the best long-range scopes to make it a more than the rational choice for your needs.
Featuring a massive light gathering 50mm objective lens with state of the art optical coatings, a nice and reasonable 3.5-10x magnification and a standard 1” tube which ensures a wide array of fine rings to choose from when mounting to your rifle.
Really this is a great long range scope for bolt action or semi-auto rifle and will go great on most any precision rifle build. Aside from the very reasonable price, I like the fact this is a Leupold and backed by their famous warranty and customer service.
Really, the VX-3i epitomizes what a long range scope in this price range should be. I’d stick this on a heavy barrel AR-15 or .308 AR or get a nice semi-custom bolt rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor for it. However, no matter what you stick it on, this is a scope that will not let you down.
2. Vortex Viper
- Model #170684 - VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- DiamondCoat 2 - Ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission and the greatest level of abrasion resistance
- Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation offer absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use
- Made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to guarantee a lifetime of performance even under harshest recoil
Here is about the perfect long range scope. Available either as a first or second focal plane model, featuring a 50mm objective lens, illuminated reticle, 6-24x magnification, 30mm tube, and built like a tank, the Vortex Viper all but defines the best long range scope.
The argon gas purged body ensures that it will never fog up during rapid temperature change, while the precision ground and coated lenses are built to be reliable under the most adverse of conditions. Vortex has been building high-grade optics for some time now and made quite the name for themselves.
The Viper was designed to have extreme elevation ability, ensuring that you can squeeze every possible yard out of your long-range shots. Capable of withstanding the punishing recoil from the harshest magnum cartridges, you’ll find the Viper as much at home on top of a .223 AR as a .338 Lapua sniper rifle.
I hate to use tactical terminology as it is so grossly overused in the gun parts world, but the Viper is a true sniper scope, and well suited for the needs of a professional shooter, but equally perfect for the demanding long range target shooter or hunter who wants to take the most difficult shots that those with lesser scopes have to pass up.
Bottom line, this is one heck of a scope, and has the reach out and touch something you need.
3. NightForce NXS
- NIGHTFORCE GUN SCOPE - The NXS 5.5-22x50mm scope provides a broad magnification range, excellent eye relief, and 100 MOA of elevation travel; These characteristics, combined with the extreme...
- MAXIMUM PRECISION - This Nightforce gun scope features superb resolution at high magnification which opens an entirely new world of extended range shooting for the accomplished marksman; Nightforce...
- HIGH PERFORMANCE - The slim profile of the NXS 5.5-22 x 50 shooting scope makes it easily adaptable to a wide range of mounting systems; Overall length is 15.1 in; Mounting Length is 6.6 in; Weight is...
- MOAR 20 MOA RETICLE - This Nightforce gun scope is equipped with a MOAR - 20 MOA Reticle; Ir features a floating center crosshair, which makes it extremely fast and easy to use in the field; The...
- SPECIFICATIONS - Magnification Range: 5.5-22x; Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (F2/SFP); Body Tube Diameter: 30mm; Click Value: .250 MOA; Internal Adjustment Range: E: 100 MOA, W: 60 MOA; Parallax...
NightForce scopes are among the all-time best long range scopes. Built, as their name suggests to be useable under low light conditions, NightForce combines the latest cutting edge technology with proven design features to bring an absolutely amazing scope to market.
A 5.5-20 power magnification range ensures that you will not have to deal with the problems of excessive magnification, while the ideally sized 50mm objective lens and 30mm body give excellent light transmission.
Combine this with the phenomenal multicoated optics NightForce is known for, bundle it with an illuminated reticle, and one could all but define the ultimate long range scope by holding up an NXS.
Sure, it is a bit over two thousand bucks, but it is the sort of heirloom quality scope you buy once and pass on down to your children and grandchildren, or if you are a professional shooter, but and rest assured knowing that the pinnacle of long-range optical technology is sitting on top of your rifle. Basically, if you need the absolute best long range scope full stop, no other questions asked, here it is.
Best Scope for 1000 Yards
Choosing the best scope for 1000 yards and beyond is one, if not the most important aspect of long-range marksmanship.
No other feat will establish the relationship of precision marksmanship better than hitting a target from 1000 yards. Having a quality rifle, a round with a superior ballistic coefficient are crucial factors in making the shot, but you can’t shoot what you can’t see.
Rifle scopes, or telescopic sights, are essentially scaled down refracting telescopes. There are several factors to consider when selecting the proper scope, such as what optical magnification works best for the distance you’ll be shooting from, what type of weapon you’ll be shooting with, and which reticle will work best for you.
Before we discuss the latest and greatest scopes, let’s cover the basics of optical magnification, which zoom works best for what, and objective lenses.
Optical Basics
The first thing you’ll need to know before buying a rifle scope is the magnification. Magnification is essentially an enlargement of a distant object. This process is possible through calculating the angular and linear magnification every time your eye looks through the scope.
Light is gathered from an object the scope’s objective lens is aimed at, the focused light rays reflect off the scopes primary mirror and a high-resolution image is then projected through the exit pupil. Scopes with larger objective lens diameters will capture more light rays from the target, thus producing a brighter, precise image through the eyepiece.
If you take a second and look at the information for a potential rifle scope, you’ll probably see something like “5x50mm,” a scope with “5x” means the scope will project a sight picture with target appearing five times closer to the shooter. The second variable is the diameter of the objective lens, measured in millimeters.
The rule of thumb is 10 times scopes are best suited for shooting off hand at distances of 500 yards or less, scopes with greater than 10 times magnification are best for extremely long-range precision shots.
Variable Zoom Vs. Fixed Zoom
Both variable zoom and fixed zoom scopes both have their individual perks, and both offer their own attributes that the other doesn’t. Variable zoom scopes feature adjustable magnification ranges, allowing for comfortable precision shooting over a wide variety of distances, useful for hunting and completion based person shooting.
Fixed ranged scopes are great because of their simplicity in setting up your shot, and generally better light transition. The only downfall is you’re limited in the distance you can engage a target from, unless you displace your position for a better vantage point.
Reticles
Reticles, or crosshairs, come in dozens of different styles and range in complexity. The most common reticle is the standard crosshair, just a cross with intersecting points in the center of the optic.
Mil-Dot is the most common amongst military and law enforcement personnel because each dot in the reticle is a measure of distance, it can account for windage, and horizontal trajectory of the bullet, so the marksman can make fast adjustments without having to look away from the target.
There are countless other reticle patterns and each serves a unique purpose, many manufacturers have started introducing their own, unique reticles into the market, but the Mil-Dot is by far the preferred aperture for professional marksman due to its simplicity and precision across the board.
Objective Lens
For shoots at 1000 yards or greater, an objective lens with a diameter of 50mm or greater will be ideal. Keep in mind, the smaller the diameter, the less light that will be reflected to the eye of the shooter.
Factors such as clarity and background images will be slightly diminished the smaller the objective lens. If you’re going to be using a variable zoom optic, you’ll want a larger objective lens to accommodate the wide range of distances you’ll be shooting at.
1. NightForce NXS
No products found.
The 6061-T6 aluminum casing and glass lenses are about two to three times thicker than the average sporting scope, so make sure your weapon can accommodate the added size and weight. The finish is a nice, even matte finish that minimizes light reflection.
There are several tools incorporated with the NXS, such as the extended eye relief of four inches to accommodate for minor parallax adjustments and to give your eye plenty of clearance from the recoil of shooting a large caliber weapon.
Pros
- The NXS is an extremely long-range rifle scope with a maximum magnification of 22X. At that magnification, engaging targets at 1000 yards and beyond with precision with half inch groupings. This high-power optic best compliments rifles .308 caliber and beyond, all the way to .50 caliber BMG.
- The large objective lens allows for high-resolution sight pictures and a wide field of vision, even at distances past 1,000 yards. 52mm adds a solid ¼ MOA, which is 2mm more than most standard lens diameters, which really makes a difference at these distances.
- MOA reticle with defined white markings on the adjustment turrets allows the shooter to make easy ballistic adjustments to the magnification power settings. The adjustment turrets use the standard ¼ MOA turn system and work seamlessly with the reticle for easy ballistic coefficient calculations.
- The windage adjustment turret allows for adjustments of up to 60 MOA, and the elevation adjustment turret can be adjusted up to 100 MOA. In addition to easy ballistic adjustments, there are thicker crosshairs for the scope’s reticle to make your target more visible in low-light conditions.
Cons
- The only con I can personally think of is the price tag. The NXS’s MSRP is generally expensive.
2. Leupold Mark 4 Tactical Scope
The adjustment turrets make an audible click so if you’re shooting in low light, or if you can’t stop tracking your target, you can adjust the magnification without looking away from your scope. The front focal plane allows exact spacing of your reticle while you’re adjusting the magnification.
The Mark 4 Tactical scope uses the TMR, or tactical milling reticle, which is essentially a hybrid mil-dot reticle, but with larger markings and reference points for faster target acquisition and easier range adjustments.
In my experiences with the Mark 4, I can honestly say it projects a bright, clean, sharp image well beyond 500 yards. I’ve even used this scope as a spotting scope in a pinch.
- Long range turret adjustments allow the shooter to make adjustments and accommodate for bullet drops up to 50 MOA at ranges of to 50 yards.
- If sighted in correctly, it’s possible to make mil adjustments of up to 100 MOA when taking longer ranged shots.
I have taken 1000 yard shots with a Springfield M1A with the Leupold Mark 4 with a 300 yard zero. The average round will drop about 37 inches at this range, but if you use a magnum load with the Mark 4, the drop is easily compensated.
- Setting up the illuminated reticle is extremely user-friendly. Just install the battery and turn the reticles control knob to turn on the reticle.
- The reticle’s intensity can be adjusted brighter or dimmer based on the number of clicks on the Mark 4’s illumination turret.
One neat little feature about the illumination setting is there are off switches incorporated in between the variable illumination settings, so the shooter can quickly turn the reticle illumination on and off without adjusting the intensity or brightness of the reticle.
Cons
- I wouldn’t recommend this scope to a shooter who doesn’t have an intimate understanding of the Mil Dot system.
3. Bushnell Elite Tactical Rifle Scope
- Ultra Wide Band Coating and fully multi-coated optics for light transmission and image clarity; Rain Guard HD anti-fog technology keeps lens clear in any condition
- Adjustable power, tactical target scope with 6 to 24x magnification and a 50-millimeter objective lens offers exceptional brightness and extended-range magnification
- G2DMR features a mil-hash marked First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle designed for ranging, holdover and windage correction
- Features side focus parallax adjustment for adjustable long-range accuracy; .1 Mil Click Value
- 30-millimeter one-piece tube; argon purged; 3-inch sunshade; limited lifetime warranty
The Elite Tactical is constructed of Mil Spec aluminum, then is purged in Bushnell’s nitrogen immersion treatment that makes the optic waterproof, shockproof, and most importantly, fog proof. The optic uses a second focal plane, which means the mill dots will only be focused at one power setting, which is 6-24x50mm, with the turrets mill dot adjustment, you can adjust the optic up to 24x, which your mil dots will be set at .5 mil, offering more precision and tighter groupings than most single focal plane scopes in this class.
Although the scope can be set to 6x magnification, I wouldn’t recommend it because it will be set at 2 mils per click, still accurate but I wouldn’t bank on it personally. I’ve found that 12x is the sweet spot for a perfect zero with this optic.
Pros
- Smooth adjustment oversized Bushnell turrets knows to allow for easy windage and elevation adjustments to accommodate operating in various environments and weather conditions. The audible click ensures your adjustment is made correctly but is muted enough to maintain stealth. Adjustments are smooth and functional, yet rigid enough to not be knocked out of adjustment when on the move.
- Nitrogen treated mil-spec single piece aluminum tube that’s impact resistant, fog proof, and waterproof. The tube diameter is 30mm. The scope also features 5-inch-long sunshade and standard plastic lens covers to keep your lenses safe and free of scratches and debris during transportation and storage.
- The Elite Tactical 50mm objective lens gives the marksman a high-resolution point of view due to the large amount of ambient light that’s absorbed by the lens. I’ve personally noticed the clarity of this lens is substantially more clear than other 6-24x power scopes. The light absorption is so well, taking shots in low light conditions didn’t require the addition of a night scope attachment.
Cons
- Eye relief is only around three inches, so use caution when firing with high powered rifles. I haven’t had any issues but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
- I did a quick measurement of the eye relief and I got measurements that are well within the parameters of scopes of this magnification.
4. Vortex Optics 4.5-27×56 Razor HD Gen II Riflescope
- The Razor HD Gen II 4. 5-27x56 riflescope is feature rich and deadly accurate; perfect for advanced precision shooting and tactical operations. The glass-etched EBR-2C MOA reticle has 11 illumination...
- Built for dialing in long-range, precision shots, the L-TEC Turret System features a locking mechanism that prevents accidental elevation adjustments. A visual rotation indicator allows shooters to...
- A 6x zoom range offers magnification versatility while the fast focus eyepiece adjusts the reticle into sharp focus. Side parallax adjustment and illumination controls have been integrated into one...
- The APO optical system delivers stunning image quality through premium, high density, extra-low dispersion glass. All lenses are fully multi-coated with XR plus anti-reflective coatings to increase...
- O-ring sealed and argon purged, the Razor delivers waterproof and fogproof performance while the single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction gives shooters a durable platform. Armortek coatings...
The Razor HD ll features a 4.5-27×56 magnification range with an illuminated EBR-2C reticle, which is very thin compared to most reticles, which goes nicely with the scopes magnification range.
The 56mm objective lens is massive and absorbs an unprecedented amount of ambient lighting and clarity, the HD in the name is no joke, to say the least. The eye relief is a comfortable 3.7 inches so there is plenty of wiggle room. The low-profile turrets make up for the weight of the scope, which is a staggering 3lbs 12oz.
The windage and elevation turrets use the MRAD mil system of adjustment, the elevation turret is set at 10 mils per click, 5 mils per click left or right on the windage turret. One feature I absolutely loved about the turrets was how smooth locking and unlocking the turrets were, the clicks were smooth and didn’t feel wiggly or soft.
Pros
- Extremely long-range optic with a 4.5-27 variable zoom and a 56mm objective lens.
- Parallax adjustment turret size is the same as the windage and elevation turrets so the optic is well balanced and aesthetically pleasing, compared to several other Vortex models which featured a smaller parallax adjustment turret, which frankly, drove me crazy.
- Extremely precise EBR-2C illuminated reticle that stays sharp requires of the illumination settings. Each reticle illumination setting features an off switch in between each illumination power for quick On/Off toggling.
- Rugged, durable aluminum construction with high quality glass lenses.
Cons
- Some would say the weight would be an issue for the average user but in my opinion, I don’t think it’s too bad depending on the tactical application of the weapon will be used in.
- Some controls will be out of view for left handed shooters, so lefty’s will have to adjust accordingly.
5. Steiner M5Xi
- Steiner M5Xi is a premium, high-performance sniper riflescope with true 5X magnification
- Precise windage/elevation adjustments provide both visual and tactile indication of rotational position in a front focal plane design
- Illumination control features rotary digital control with intermediate stops rated for daytime, low-light and night vision use
- Shockproof, Fogproof, and Waterproof down to 33ft.
- Lifetime Steiner Heritage Warranty
The reticle is an illuminated multipurpose sniper reticle set in mrads. 26 mrads for elevation adjustment, and 6 mrads for windage adjustments. The illumination turret is set beside the parallax turret so adjustments are quick and easy to make. This optic is straight up designed for use in combat so the scopes nitrogen filled inner tube renders the optic waterproof, shock resistant, and fog proof. Flawless repeatability and reliability across the board.
Pros
- Extremely durable and resistant to pretty much anything you could think of that could destroy the optic.
- 56mm objective lens allows for up to 94% light transmission from the target to the scope for maximum clarity.
- Multipurpose sniper reticle designed for professional snipers allows for speedy magnifications and corrections for distances over 1000 yards.
- Full lifetime replacement warranty.
Cons
- Fairly Expensive!
My personal selection is the Steiner M5Xi because of its proven battlefield durability and design. This scope has almost every feature a marksman would need, all streamlined into one precision rifle optic. Happy Shooting!
Final Thoughts
In reality, there are many more high-quality long range scopes to pick from, but that is just half the battle. The truth is most any highly rated name brand scope can do the job, once you account for features you may need for your particular end use.
The physics and science are well known, and what is left is skill and dedication in manufacturing and a willingness to create a top quality product. However, once we accept the concept of the best long range scope, we now must turn our attention to deploying such a fine optic.
One often overlooked the aspect of mounting a long range scope is the critical alignment between the scope and rings.
It gives you everything you need to properly align and mount your scope. Rings need to be carefully lapped and hand polished to ensure the maximum gripping surface that will hold the scope true, and better secure it against harsh recoil.
While for most common shooting, fine alignment and lapping aren’t required, it is a well-known fact that by properly lapping and aligning the scope, long-range windage errors are all but eliminated.
The Wheeler Alignment kit allows you to properly align your crosshairs with your bore and will enable you to wring maximum long range accuracy from your scope.
Minor errors that translate into big misses will be eliminated, ensuring tight, accurate groups, and superior, sniper-like accuracy from your scope and rifle combo.
This kit lets you align and lap 1” and 30mm scope tubes, making it a highly versatile toolset, and at only just under $100, there is no reason not to buy one.
You’ll want a good set of rings or mounts as well. Some scopes will ship with a correct set of factory rings, but many do not.
You’ll need a high profile set of rights for anything with large objective lenses, and if you are mounting on an AR style rifle, you’ll probably want specially shaped rings to work better with the unique geometry of the flat top upper.
Mounts like this fantastic NightForce basework great for scopes with 30mm tubes, and ideal for any long range scope.
While these gems from Nikon are built with AR style rifles in mind.
Of course, there are a great many other rings and mounts available, and it may be best to work with your gunsmith to make sure you have selected the best set of rings to go with your long range scope.
Along those lines, it is important to choose the right scope to go with your rifle.
Long range rifles can vary wildly from single shot break action rifles to complex precision built semi-auto rifles.
I’m not especially fond of mounting giant scopes on top of AR-15 carbines, but have selected more modest scopes to go on them that allow me to wring the most performance out of the little 5.56mm cartridge, while a heavy barrel AR built strictly for match and long range shooting all but demands a big scope that would just be awkward on other rifles.
The practical consideration of what you actually need from a long range scope also comes to mind. I love a big giant scope as much as the next person, but my hunting rifle packs a modest 30mm objective lens 3-9 which I have shot out to long range distances.
You must consider the final application for your scope when choosing it. A hunting scope is not the same as a tactical scope which is not the same as a long range target scope, although there may be areas where those applications overlap.
A hunter needs a scope that is both powerful and not overly large and ungainly unless they plan to set up in a blind or other static position. A tactical shooter may need a scope with a front focal plane that can quickly acquire targets, and allow the shooter to rapidly choose their next shot while quickly switching magnification.
A sniper needs a scope that gives them a wide, clear field of view, with sufficient magnification to see their target, and an ability to take highly precise shots, which in turn is much like the needs of a long-range target shooter.
Toss in the possible need or desire for built-in range finding reticles and pre-calibrated scopes built around a particular cartridge and bullet weight, and the benefits of an illuminated reticle, and you start seeing how complex choosing the best long range scope can really be.
To that end, mating the right scope and rings to the rifle can be a difficult task or an absurdly easy one. Once you’ve identified what you are going to use the scope for and worked around any physical design features of the rifle, all that is left for you is to pick a set of rings you like, calibrate them to the scope, and go to town.
Well not quite. You still need to work up the load you are shooting, right? Some scopes have a return to zero settings that let you dial in a zero for a particular round and distance, and then return to that point after playing around with other ranges and settings. Once you’ve got your rifle scope, you need to start dialing it in for the round and distance(s) you are shooting.
Most people stick to just a couple of bullet weights and pet loads, and develop a round that works best for their rifle.
However, once you have zeroed your scope for your load at a given range, adjusting up and down using the reticle is a simple matter, but you will need to get your scope properly dialed in, which can be just a matter of a few shots and some careful calculation, or you may need to spend some time with different loads to work out what works best for you.
In the end, choosing the best long range scope is as much of an art as a science. All the high priced technology in the world won’t help you if you are a not a good shot, or have a poorly mounted scope, or a bad barrel, or any of the other host of problems that can affect accuracy.
If you’ve committed to a high-quality scope, you need to make sure the entire shooting platform you are mounting it on is properly assembled and in peak working order. You need to master your technique, choose the right loads, and bring it all together in a near zen-like sort of way.
The best long range scope will make your shooting more pleasant, more enjoyable and help you achieve better groups and achieve the most potential from your rifle. While often expensive, a quality scope is an investment into the future of your hobby or a critical piece of lifesaving equipment for your job.
But no matter what your intended purpose, a better understanding of what goes into choosing a high-quality long range scope will clear up many of the mysteries around this process. Picking a scope doesn’t have to be hard, and sticking to established principles and features makes it easier.
Match features to your needs, pick a high-quality brand or three that you like, compare the similar offerings and go from there. Once you’ve done that, get your rings, align, mount and zero your scope and you are good to go!
Nothing beats the pride of ownership of a fine optic, and right now, there is no better time to invest in one.
