Best Long Range Rifle Scopes of 2020

Finding the best long range scope is not an easy task. With so many scopes on the market, you’re going to have a tough time finding the best of the best. You’ll want to search long and hard to find the best scopes with the longest range.

It’s a good idea to check if the scopes are fog proof, shockproof and waterproof as well.  This in-depth guide will help you to learn more about some of the best scopes on the market, their unique specifications, and so much more.

Best Value Long Range Scopes

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Scope is likely one of the best but you’re going to spend a lot more. This is a great scope that is excellent for shooting long distances. It features an illuminated glass-etched BDC reticle to ensure it can be seen at any time of the day or night. Simultaneously, this scope can be used in any weather conditions. It is water and fog proof so you can use it in the rain.

Suitable Anytime

This scope features high quality glass and it can be used at any time of the day or night. It is fog proof and waterproof ensuring it can be used in any weather conditions. If you want a good scope that is suitable for target shooting or hunting, this one will not let you down.

Illumination Settings

Many scopes offer one or two illumination settings and this isn’t enough. You’ll want the best scope with tons of settings to experiment with. This is why you’ll want the Vortex Optics. This one provides the user with 11 illumination settings so you can switch quickly and conveniently. with 11 settings to play around with, you’ll be able to use this scope in any light conditions.

Highest Quality

Ultimately, this is one of the best scopes on the market. The company ensures the highest standards for their quality control so you can guarantee that this one is going to last a lifetime. For the price point, it is well worth it.

Athlon Optics First Focal Plane Scope

The Athlon Optics Scope is a good option for many target shooters. The lens is high-quality ensuring it will provide a means for many years to come. Simultaneously, you can guarantee that the first focal plane reticle is going to remain visible at all power settings. You can use the reticle at all power settings so you can get the most out of this scope.

Multicoated Lens

If you’re looking for a good scope with a multi-coated lens, you’ll want to buy this one. This long-range scope ensures that you’re going to get better light transmission and optimum brightness. This scope is suitable for long-range shooting and it is one of the best long range rifle scopes for dark conditions.

Longest Lasting

This scope is suitable for special operations and it is built to last. It is made of 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum so it offers exceptional strength and durability. The scope production is out of this world so you can guarantee that you’re going to get your money’s worth. This is not a budget scope but this is one of the best scope brands on the market.

Easy Adjustments

Another thing to note is that these scopes can be used for various situations. This scope offers quick and easy parallax adjustment and elevation adjustments. This makes things much easier for the user. This is one of the highest quality scopes that is suitable for target shooting and competition shooting. Just remember that this is not one of these budget models. It is expensive but worth the price.

Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope

The Diamondback Scope is widely considered one of the best scopes from this company. Thanks to the power setting and range, this scope is worth the extra money. It offers great light transmission so it’ll be useful for the user in the day and night. This Vortex Optics Model uses a precision-glide erector system with premium components. This ensures that the user is able to zoom in and out very easily.

Rugged

When buying a scope with an optical system, it is pertinent to choose one that is durable. This one is. It features a single-piece 30mm tube. It is shock-proof. Thanks to the nitrogen purged technology, you can rest assured knowing that this scope is going to be water and fog-proof. This ensures that the rifle scope can be used at all times.

Long Distance

One thing to remember is that this product is best for long distance shooting. If you like shooting long distances, this scope will work great. It offers 4x magnification range ensuring it will work great for longer shorts. It is a good choice for people who are going to be doing a lot of long range shooting.

Precision

While you’re at it, you should take a look at the exposed turrets and parallax knob. If you need to adjust the windage and elevation, you can do so very easily. Making turret adjustments is very convenient so you’ll be able to adjust things quickly and take your shot immediately.

Excellent Image

When hunting, you need to make sure that you have a high power scope that can provide you with crystal clear images. If the picture is grainy, it’ll be difficult to nail your shot. With this, you won’t have any issues. The scope features multi-coated lenses so you’ll receive a crisp picture at all times.

Best Mid-Range Long Range Scopes

Vortex Viper HS-T Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Viper is considered one of the best elite tactical scopes. It is great for shooting at an extended range. Simultaneously, the scope features multi-coated lenses to ensure you’ll receive a beautiful image at all times. This scope is going to enhance the user’s accuracy so they can hit the bulls eye without any trouble.

4x Zoom

This long-range rifle scope is suitable for long-distance shooting. The magnification power ensures that this scope can be used for an array of purposes. for instance, it can be used for long and medium distance targeting practice. You can adjust the parallax easily to get the perfect focus. The fast focus eyepiece makes it easy to adjust the reticle to your eye as well.

Serves Numerous Purposes

The Vortex Optics Viper is excellent for numerous purposes. It has a high magnification power so it is an excellent scope for shooting targets. You can also use it for hunting and in stealth situations. The scope features unique exposed target-style turrets. You’re going to love the CRS Zero Stop since that stops the user from needing to zero in the scope more than once.

Burris Optics Veracity Rifle Scope

This top of the line hunting scope is ideal for hunting and long-range target practice. It offers excellent accuracy so you’ll be able to hit the target easily. You’ll appreciate the fast target acquisition and 5-times zoom. Also, this scope features a larger field of view. This makes it good for tactical applications as well. It offers a maximum of 15 MOA of adjustment for each rotation.

Precise At Longer Distance

This one is designed to provide optimum accuracy at longer distances. The trajectory compensation is excellent so the user will have no trouble hitting the target at 700 yards. Again, you can take advantage of 5-times zoom so you’ll be able to see a greater distance so hitting long shots will be simple.

Great For Various Activities

The Burris Optics Scope is designed for numerous purposes. It offers excellent accuracy making it a good choice for varmint hunting. Simultaneously, it works well for target practicing. If you need precision accuracy, this scope will be a good option for you. You can always count on the accuracy and image quality to be spectacular.

Objective Lens

This scope features a 50mm objective lens. This ensures that you’ll get the best light transmission possible. This means that this one is going to be suitable for various lighting conditions. It works great at night and equally well during the daylight.

MOA Adjustment

With multi-turn target knobs, you will get the perfect setup that you need. Remember that the knobs provide a maximum of 15 MOA of adjustment for each rotation. On top of that, this low light scope is designed to last. The objective lens uses high-grade optical glass for durability and clarity.

SWFA SS 3-15×41 Tactical Rifle Scope

Anyone looking for a tactical scope and willing to spend more will want to look at the SWFA Riflescope. The scope uses an FFP Mil Quad Reticle with 1/10 Mil adjustments. It is a durable one that will never let you down out there in the field. This scope features a 30mm tube making it a good option for your primary arms. The 30 mm tube is very durable so you can drop the scope several times without any problems.

Coated Lens

This high magnification scope comes with multicoated lenses. This will make a difference since it is going to enhance the product’s versatility. For instance, you know that the lens will be able to tolerate fog, water, and shock easily. Even if you’re rough on this product, you shouldn’t experience any issues.

It should be able to hold its zero through countless shots.

Other Specs

The lens offers an excellent eye relief of 4.2 to 3.8 inches and a side parallax adjustment. There are five Mils for each adjustment per revolution. Unlike many alternatives, this scope is suitable for .50 caliber rifles. It will be able to handle the shock without losing its initial settings.

The matte finish is beautiful and tough. You won’t have to worry about it scratching off easily.

First Focal Plane FFP Reticle

Many people prefer FFP reticles since they can offer improved accuracy. If that is what you want, this scope is worth checking out. The optical quality is amazing and the scope features a first-focal plane reticle. This means that the size of the reticle is going to increase as you increase the magnification.

Best High-End Long Range Rifle Scopes

Burris Optics XTR II Rifle Scope

If you can tolerate the price, this long-range rifle scope will make a great investment. It is designed for serious hunters and marksmen. The unit offers a variety of benefits to ensure the user will be able to improve their accuracy and precision immediately. The bright and clear scope ensures you can see your target in perfect clarity. The scope is designed for competitive shooting but it can be used for other activities too.

Five Times Zoom

This may be the best long-range scope thanks to the five times zoom system. The system allows you to use a larger field of view at closer ranges. At longer ranges, you’ll be able to lock onto your target quicker. This enhances its versatility and allows it to be used for various situations.

Combat Ready

This product is designed for the toughest situation. It is rugged and ready for combat. You can throw everything you got at it and the product will continue working brilliantly. It is water, fog, and shockproof. Thanks to the nitrogen-filled tube, this one is going to perform exceptionally well in all situations.

High Performance Glass

Finally, this scope features high-performance glass for the optics. The glass allows the user to get the best brightness and clarity possible. On top of that, they’ll receive lasting durability so the price is easy to justify. The glass featured in this product is tough to beat. And, the lenses are multi-coated to ensure your success rate can be increased.

Excellent Range

Thanks to the 5-time zoom, excellent reticle, and other features, this may be the best long-range scope on the market. It is great for 100 yards and suitable for 1000 yards. If you put this on a Ruger Precision 6 5 Creedmoor, you won’t have any trouble hitting the target at any range. The price range is high but this particular scope is worth it!

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II Scope

This first focal plane scope may be out of your price range but it is still one of the best. It works great in low light conditions and offers 6x zoom providing it with more magnification range than the alternatives. This long range rifle scope can be used from long distances thanks to its high power performance. The lenses are protected to the fullest so the user will get their money’s worth in the end. It should be noted that this scope features an illuminated reticle and that sets it apart from many of its competitors.

Reticle

Many consumers want a long range rifle scope with an illuminated reticle. This ensures that they’ll be able to use the scope at any time. This one knocks it out of the park in this category. The user will be able to take advantage of 11 illumination settings. If you’re going to be shooting in low light areas, this reticle will make a major difference.

Better Zoom Range

The Razor HD Gen II offers an excellent room range. It is far better than what you’re going to get with the others making it the best long range scope money can buy. These long-range scopes offer 6x zoom so you’ll be able to hit the target from a much greater distance.

Stunning Image Quality

This scope can compete with any Bushnell Elite. It features an APO optical system so the user will receive stunning images at all times. The lenses have been fully multicoated to provide excellent light transmission. Even if you’re going to be shooting in the middle of the night, you’ll be able to see the target and the reticle with ease.

Unmatched Durability

The EBR-2C MOA Reticle Scope is designed to last a lifetime. It is O-ring sealed and argon purged. On top of that, it is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. You won’t have to worry about dropping this scope. Even if you do, you can guarantee that nothing is going to do wrong.

Thanks to the Armortek coatings, the lenses are sufficiently protected from oils, dirt, and scratches. Nothing can harm this scope or lenses.

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Scope

The Leupold 5HD Scope is designed for avid hunters who are serious about enhancing their performance. It can match the performance of any Bushnell Elite scope and it might exceed your expectations. The scope is available in various models so you can pick the reticle you prefer and so much more. The lenses are protected to the fullest so you won’t have to worry about them scratching while you crawl through the woods.

Lightweight

Unfortunately, some scopes are too heavy and they’ll prove to be a burden. This one is not. It weighs only 30 ounces. Despite the lightweight design, it is still rugged. You can put this rifle scope through everything imaginable and it’ll work exceptionally well regardless. It is one of the top long-range scopes for a reason.

FOV

This scope has an excellent field of view at 100 yards. At the low end, the FOV will be 205. At the high end, it will be 4.2. The scope is great for longer distance or you can use it in tighter situations. It has no limits. You’re also going to love the immense eye relief so you’ll remain comfortable from start to finish.

USA Made

This product features a 35 mm tube and it is made in the United States. The unit has been designed, machined, and assembled in America. This guarantees that it is going to last many, many years. It is far better than most rifle scopes out there. The Twilight Max HD Light Management System ensures you’ll receive exceptional brightness and excellent picture quality.

What To Look For When Choosing The Best Long Range Scope

When looking for the best long range scope, you’ll need to consider many factors. After all, you want only the best. It is pertinent to use the buying guide below so you can ensure you’re going to be spending your money wisely.

What About Reticle Selection?

There is a good chance that you’re going to struggle when trying to choose a reticle you prefer. Your options are plentiful and you may not know which one is going to work best. Which one is best? This depends on your preferences. If you prefer one type of reticle over another, you should choose that one. As long as you like the reticle, you will likely be satisfied with your decision.

Why Choose An Illuminated Reticle?

It is a good idea to choose an illuminated reticle since it’ll offer several benefits. When you find yourself out there shooting at night, you need the best optical quality and picture quality. You also need optimum brightness. Otherwise, you may not be able to see your target or the reticle. By upgrading to a rifle scope with a reticle that is illuminated, you’ll be able to see much better at night.

MM Tube Size

You will be able to find a wide assortment of scopes. And, they’re going to come with various tube sizes. You may want one that is 30 mm in diameter. It is best to focus on getting high quality components. The tube size won’t make a dramatic difference but it can impact the scope’s light transmission. With a bigger tube, the scope will be able to transmit more light so that’ll make it better for darker conditions.

FFP Or Second Focal Plane?

You’ll also need to decide between the first focal plane and the second focal plane. If you go with a First Focal Plane scope, the reticle is going to get bigger as you increase the magnification. With a second focal plane, this will not happen. It is a good idea to find out which setup is going to work best for you. Once you’ve done that, you will be able to find the best longer range scopes for your unique needs.

Eye Relief

When it comes to rifle scopes, you will find that eye relief is vital. This will make a difference since it is going to determine how comfortable the rifle scope is to use. The eye relief is the distance between your eye and the last lens. A longer relief is generally better since this will provide you with more comfortable use.

Which Size Of Objective Lens?

Perhaps the most important factor to consider is the objective lens or the glass of the riflescope. With high-quality lenses, you are getting crystal clear images even under high and low magnification.

Experts say that the bigger the objective size the better. When you get a bigger objective lens, it means that you are going to get a higher and better light transmission.

The more light you get, the better. However, you should know about the challenges that come with that. When you get a larger objective diameter, you need higher scope mounts.

Depending on your unique needs, you may need a 56mm objective lens. Or you might be okay with the Bushnell Elite Tactical that uses something different. With a bigger lens, the rifle scope will be able to allow in more light. This will make it far better for darker environments. If you’re going to be shooting after the sun goes down, you’ll likely want to choose a rifle scope with a slightly bigger lens.

To read the wind very well, you require improved clarity. Long-range scopes can aid you in shooting at one thousands yards or more, and for that to be possible, you should read your target wind very well.

Scope Body

When you are choosing the rifle scope, you have to consider the type of materials used in manufacturing the long range scope. The highest quality scopes are often produced from graded aircraft aluminum material.

This type of material is very durable. Moreover, when you are making your choice, you must ensure that the body is a single design, indicating that it must be a product of just one single piece of aluminum. This is more stable than others.

Magnification Power

The other important factor you should consider is the magnification power. Many people pay more attention to this aspect more than any other thing.

Magnification power is good, but you have to consider your overall shooting objective when you are making your choice. The minimum magnification power for any long range optic should be at least 16.

Adjustment Ranges

Another factor to consider is the adjustment range. It is important that you adjust the turrets. The concern here is more on elevation adjustment and not windage.

These are some of the important factors to consider when you are looking for the best long range scopes. There could be others. You have to research the market and read reviews and compare various products before you can make the best decision. If you follow the buying guide provided above you can hardly make any mistake

FAQs

Should You Buy A Scope Online?

If you’re worried about buying a rifle scope online, you shouldn’t be. However, you need to choose a good vendor. Remember that you can stick with the services LLC associates program for good results. This will ensure that you’re going to be protected from start to finish. If anything goes wrong or you’re not happy with the scope, you’ll be able to send it back for a refund.

Is The 1 Vortex Viper PST The Best?

When it comes to the Vortex Optics Viper, you will find that many people like this scope. Remember that many scopes offer 4 5-27 magnification but this one might be slightly different. If you’re going to be using the scope with your primary arms, you’ll likely enjoy it. However, you should experiment with other scopes too. Don’t forget to look at the Leupold Mark since it is considered one of the top scopes among avid hunters.

What is best long gun safe for my rifle?

The best long gun safe for the money is the Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe.

Are Nikon Black Scopes Worth The Money?

In all likelihood, the answer is yes. Nikon Black Scopes offer numerous benefits and they have an excellent objective lens. However, you need to realize that each rifle scope is different. Some will be an FFP scope while others will have a second focal plane reticle. You will likely be satisfied with any Nikon Black scope as long as you research it thoroughly before buying it. Be sure to get the rifle scope that matches your needs. If you have a 6 5 Creedmoor, you should check out the Gen II Scope too!

How Do I Choose Between Scopes?

The market is overflowing with great scopes. Therefore, you’re going to have a tough time picking out one of the better scopes. Don’t worry though. You can simplify this process by removing the bad scopes from your life. For instance, you should try to find a few scopes that offer a side focus knob. You’ll also want to research these scopes until you find the one that offers a bigger lens diameter. It is a good idea to check the MOA adjustments too. Remember that many people will prefer a 56mm objective lens.

This is good for many but it might not be right for you. You need to select a rifle scope that offers the optics, lenses, glass, and reticle that you prefer.

How Can I Get A Quality Scope?

Choosing a quality rifle scope will make a big difference. It is wise to choose a product that allows you to adjust the elevation easily. You’ll also want to pay close attention to the price, lens coatings, and durability. If you don’t research, you’ll likely not be happy in the long run. Choosing a good manufacturer can help you find better scopes too. Reading the reviews for the scopes above can help lead you in the right direction.