Selecting the right scope for long-range shooting can often feel like a daunting challenge. I get it. I’ve spent plenty of time squinting through subpar optics, missing targets, and questioning if the problem is me or the gear. Spoiler: it’s usually the gear. Whether you’re hunting across vast terrain or trying to nail that 1,000-yard shot, a dependable long-range scope is more than just an accessory; it’s essential.
But let’s face it: the market is flooded with options, each claiming to offer crystal-clear glass, pinpoint accuracy, and durability strong enough to withstand anything. How do you cut through the hype? And what about those common frustrations like struggling with poor eye relief, dealing with parallax issues, or fighting turrets that can’t hold zero? If you’ve ever felt the disappointment of investing in a scope that falls short, you’re not alone.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the 5 Best Long-Range Scopes. I’ll walk you through top choices that cater to various needs and budgets, while addressing those annoying problems that many shooters face. Stick with me you’re about to find the perfect piece of gear for your next adventure. Let’s jump in!
Our Tasting Experience
To ensure we brought you the absolute best long-range scopes, we left no stone unturned. Our team tested over 130 different brands of rifle scopes, ranging from well-known names like Leupold, Vortex, and Nightforce to rising stars like Delta Optical and Vector Optics. We meticulously evaluated each scope based on critical factors such as optical clarity, turret precision, reticle functionality, durability, and overall value. This wasn’t just a quick glance-through—we spent countless hours in the field and at the range, putting these scopes through real-world conditions to see how they performed under pressure.
We focused on addressing common pain points that shooters face: poor light transmission, unreliable tracking, parallax issues, and lack of ruggedness. Each scope underwent rigorous tests for long-range accuracy, ease of adjustments, and performance in varying light conditions. From precision shooting at 1,000 yards to dynamic hunting scenarios, we made sure every contender was pushed to its limits.
After all this testing, we narrowed it down to the top 5 scopes that excelled in their categories. These picks aren’t just great—they’re the best solutions to real problems shooters encounter. Whether you’re a hunter or a competitive marksman, these scopes are the cream of the crop.
Best selections
Best for Benchrest and Precision Shooting : LHD 8-32X56-FFP Rifle Scope
Best for Medium to Long-Range Versatility : CVLIFE EagleFeather AO Rifle Scope
Best for Multi-Purpose Use : UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope
Best for Budget-Friendly Long-Range Shooting : BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 Rifle Scope
Best for Advanced Precision Shooting : Triton Tempest Rifle Scope
Best for Benchrest and Precision Shooting
LHD 8-32X56-FFP Rifle Scope
Magnification: 9, Clarity: 8, Reticle: 9, Illumination: 8, Zero Stop: 9, Tube Quality: 9, Durability: 8, Eye Relief: 7, Turret Precision: 9, Value for Money: 8
Magnification: 8-32X , Objective Lens: 56mm ,Reticle Type: Illuminated FFP, Tube Diameter: 34mm ,Feature: Zero Stop
The LHD 8-32X56-FFP Rifle Scope is a powerhouse of precision, designed specifically for long-range shooting enthusiasts and benchrest competitors. Engineered with a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, this scope ensures that holdovers and subtensions remain accurate across its impressive 8x to 32x magnification range. Its large 56mm objective lens delivers exceptional light transmission, providing clear and bright visuals even in low-light conditions.
Crafted from aviation-grade aluminum, the scope is lightweight yet robust, offering shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof performance. It features a 34mm tube diameter for enhanced elevation and windage adjustment capabilities, with a total elevation adjustment of 36 MRAD and windage adjustment of 18 MRAD. The turrets are tall and non-locking, delivering loud, tactile clicks for precise adjustments. A cog-and-tooth style zero-stop mechanism ensures repeatable accuracy—a critical feature for competitive shooters.
The FFP Christmas tree reticle is skeletonized for optimal visibility at high magnification, with illumination that enhances the center crosshairs for twilight or low-light shooting. The side focus dial adjusts parallax from 25 yards to infinity, while the metal throw lever on the magnification ring ensures smooth transitions between power settings.
However, its tight eyebox may challenge dynamic shooters but is well-suited for stationary precision work.
At just under $250, the LHD 8-32X56 offers premium features at an unbeatable price point, making it a standout choice for serious long-range shooters.
Best for Medium to Long-Range Versatility
CVLIFE EagleFeather AO Rifle Scope
Magnification: 9, Clarity: 8, Reticle: 9, Illumination: 8, Zero Stop: 9, Tube Quality: 9, Durability: 8, Eye Relief: 7, Turret Precision: 9, Value for Money: 8
Magnification: 4-16X , Objective Lens: 50mm ,Reticle Type: Illuminated Mil-dot, Tube Diameter: 1 inch ,Feature: Adjustable Objective (AO)
The CVLIFE EagleFeather AO Rifle Scope is a feature-packed optic designed to deliver exceptional performance for medium to long-range shooting. With a magnification range of 4-16x and a 44mm objective lens, this scope provides a versatile balance between field of view and target clarity, making it ideal for hunters, tactical shooters, and enthusiasts seeking precision across varied distances.
Its standout feature is the adjustable objective (AO) lens, which eliminates parallax from as close as 20 yards up to 400 yards, ensuring sharp images and precise targeting. The fully multi-coated HD lenses enhance light transmission and color fidelity, offering edge-to-edge clarity even in low-light conditions. The etched glass reticle, illuminated in red or green with five brightness settings, ensures visibility in diverse lighting environments.
The scope is constructed from a one-piece aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum tube, providing durability while remaining lightweight. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, holding zero even after 1,000 rounds of 5.56/.223 ammunition.
The exposed locking turrets allow for quick and tactile windage and elevation adjustments, with audible clicks for accuracy. Additionally, the included sunshade and flip-up lens covers protect against glare and debris.
Priced competitively, the CVLIFE Eagle Feather delivers premium features at an accessible cost, making it a reliable choice for versatile shooting needs.
Best for Multi-Purpose Use
UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope
Magnification: 9, Clarity: 8, Reticle: 9, Illumination: 8, Zero Stop: 9, Tube Quality: 9, Durability: 8, Eye Relief: 7, Turret Precision: 9, Value for Money: 8
Magnification: 6-24x , Objective Lens: 50mm ,Reticle Type: Rangefinder, Tube Diameter: 34mm ,Feature: Zero Stop
The UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a versatile optic designed to meet the needs of hunters, target shooters, and tactical enthusiasts. Its wide magnification range of 6x to 24x, paired with a 50mm objective lens, provides exceptional clarity and adaptability for both close-range and long-distance shooting. The scope is compatible with rifles, shotguns, rimfire, air guns, and pellet guns, making it a true multi-purpose tool.
One of its standout features is the adjustable objective (AO) lens, which eliminates parallax for precise focus at any range. The multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare, ensuring bright and sharp images in both daylight and low-light conditions. The illuminated rangefinder reticle offers dual-color (red/green) options with five brightness levels, allowing for optimal visibility in varying environments.
Constructed from durable aluminum, the scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliability in harsh weather conditions. It features 1/8 MOA windage and elevation adjustments for fine-tuning accuracy at long distances. The quick-focus eyepiece and generous eye relief enhance usability and comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Included with the scope are high-profile mounts for 20mm Picatinny rails, lens covers, and a CR2032 battery. With its robust build and versatile features, the UUQ 6-24x50 AO is an excellent choice for shooters seeking performance across multiple platforms.
Best for Budget-Friendly Long-Range Shooting
BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 Rifle Scope
Magnification: 9, Clarity: 8, Reticle: 9, Illumination: 8, Zero Stop: 9, Tube Quality: 9, Durability: 8, Eye Relief: 7, Turret Precision: 9, Value for Money: 8
Magnification: 4-16X , Objective Lens: 44mm ,Reticle Type: Illuminated SFP, Tube Diameter: 25.4mm ,Feature: Locking Turrets
The BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 Rifle Scope is a highly capable yet affordable optic, designed for shooters seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. With a versatile magnification range of 4x to 16x and a 44mm objective lens, this scope is ideal for long-range precision shooting, hunting, and recreational target practice. Its second focal plane (SFP) design ensures the reticle remains consistent in size across all magnifications, making it user-friendly for shooters new to long-range optics.
This scope features an adjustable objective (AO) lens, allowing parallax correction from close distances to infinity for enhanced accuracy. The multi-coated lenses deliver excellent light transmission, ensuring clear and bright visuals even in challenging lighting conditions. The illuminated reticle offers three color options—red, green, and blue—with multiple brightness levels to adapt to various environments.
Built with a durable 25.4mm (1-inch) aluminum tube, the scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring consistent performance in rugged outdoor conditions.
It offers precise windage and elevation adjustments with 1/4 MOA clicks for fine-tuning your shots. The side focus dial and locking turrets enhance usability, while the included mounts provide compatibility with both 11mm and 20mm rails.
At just 665g, this lightweight yet robust scope is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who demand quality and versatility.
Best for Advanced Precision Shooting
Triton Tempest Rifle Scope
Magnification: 9, Clarity: 8, Reticle: 9, Illumination: 8, Zero Stop: 9, Tube Quality: 9, Durability: 8, Eye Relief: 7, Turret Precision: 9, Value for Money: 8
Magnification: 6-24x , Objective Lens: 50mm ,Reticle Type: Illuminated FFP, Tube Diameter: Not specified ,Feature: Zero Stop
The Triton Tempest Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic designed for advanced precision shooting, offering unparalleled accuracy and durability. Featuring a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, it ensures that holdovers and subtensions remain accurate across its entire magnification range of 4x to 16x, making it ideal for long-range shooting and tactical applications. The reticle is illuminated with multiple brightness levels, ensuring clear visibility in low-light or challenging conditions.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Tempest is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, capable of withstanding harsh environments and heavy recoil, including .50 caliber rounds. The scope incorporates fully multi-coated lenses and Triton ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass, delivering superior light transmission, true color fidelity, and razor-sharp images. This ensures excellent performance even in dim lighting or adverse weather conditions.
The exposed turrets provide tactile and audible 0.1 MIL adjustments for windage and elevation, allowing precise zeroing and repeatable accuracy. A side parallax adjustment ensures sharp focus from close ranges to infinity. The 30mm tube design enhances durability while offering a wide adjustment range for long-distance shooting.
Weighing just under 1.5 pounds and featuring a smooth magnification ring with a removable throw lever, the Tempest is both lightweight and user-friendly. Its robust construction and advanced optics make it the perfect choice for shooters who demand reliability and precision in every shot.
Buying Guide
When choosing a long-range rifle scope, several key features are essential to ensure precision, reliability, and adaptability. Here’s what to look for:
Magnification Range: A variable magnification range, such as 5-25x or higher, is ideal for long-range shooting. It allows you to zoom in on distant targets while maintaining flexibility for closer ranges. Keep in mind that higher magnification reduces the field of view, so balance is key.
Objective Lens Size: A larger objective lens (e.g., 50mm or 56mm) gathers more light, providing a brighter image in low-light conditions. This is critical for hunting or shooting at dawn or dusk.
Reticle Type: First focal plane (FFP) reticles are preferred for long-range shooting as they scale with magnification, ensuring consistent holdovers and windage adjustments. Technical reticles, such as Christmas tree designs, offer precise aiming references.
Turrets and Adjustments: Look for exposed, tactile turrets with precise windage and elevation adjustments measured in MOA or MRAD. Features like zero-stop mechanisms ensure repeatable accuracy and prevent over-adjustment.
Parallax Adjustment: Adjustable parallax eliminates errors caused by misalignment between the reticle and target, ensuring sharp focus at extended ranges.
Glass Quality: High-quality, multi-coated lenses with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass improve clarity, color fidelity, and light transmission for a crisp sight picture even at high magnifications.
Durability: A rugged construction with waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof capabilities ensures the scope withstands harsh conditions and heavy recoil.
Illumination: Reticle illumination with adjustable brightness levels enhances visibility in low-light environments without causing glare.
By focusing on these technical aspects, you’ll find a scope that meets your needs for precision and reliability in long-range shooting scenarios.
FAQs
What magnification is ideal for long-range shooting?
For long-range shooting, a magnification range of 5-25x or higher is recommended. This allows you to engage targets at distances exceeding 500 yards while maintaining a clear view of your target. First focal plane (FFP) scopes are particularly beneficial as the reticle scales with magnification, ensuring consistent holdovers and windage adjustments at any zoom level.
Should I choose a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope?
FFP scopes are preferred for precision shooting because the reticle adjusts in size with magnification, keeping your ballistic references accurate across all settings. SFP scopes, on the other hand, keep the reticle size fixed and are generally more affordable. If you’re engaging targets at varying distances or competing in precision matches, FFP is the better choice.
What features should I prioritize for long-range accuracy?
Key features include high-quality multi-coated lenses for clarity, precise turrets with tactile feedback for windage/elevation adjustments, and parallax adjustment to eliminate aiming errors. Additionally, a durable build with waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof capabilities ensures reliability under harsh conditions.
Final Thought
In conclusion, selecting the right long-range rifle scope depends on your specific needs and shooting style. The LHD 8-32X56-FFP stands out as the best for precision shooting, offering high magnification, a zero-stop feature, and an FFP reticle, making it ideal for competitive shooters. For versatility, the CVLIFE EagleFeather AO is perfect for medium to long-range scenarios with its lightweight design and illuminated reticle.
The UUQ 6-24×50 AO excels in multi-purpose use, while the BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 provides budget-friendly performance. For advanced precision, the Triton Tempest delivers unmatched clarity and ruggedness. Overall, the LHD 8-32X56-FFP is the top choice for serious long-range shooters.
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