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There are so many factors that go into putting together your ideal long range setup, including your rifle scope. The fact is, however, that what makes the best rifle scope for your long range shooting kit depends on several factors.

Here’s what to expect from this article:

• What to Consider When Choosing a Long Range Rifle Scope
• Environments
• Uses
• Competitions
• Budget
• Best Rifle Scopes for Long-Range

What to Consider When Choosing a Long Range Rifle Scope

Long range can and does mean something different to everyone. In this case, we’re defining long range as anything that suits 600 to 1200 yards. Anything further than that would be Extreme Long Range or extended ELR, which covers distances over 1 mile.

With that kind of distance, you need good glass. The general recommendation is to save your pennies to get the right scope. You can even pair your scope with a detachable mount. This way, you can move one high-quality scope, instead of buying one scope for each rifle. With that in mind, here are the last few considerations to make when choosing a scope:

Shooting Environments

It can be easy to get caught up in purchasing the best of the best, even if it’s beyond the scope of what you need. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself:

Here are a few other questions to ask yourself:

• Do you shoot in wide open spaces or a hilly area with plenty of trees? If you primarily hunt in areas that don’t have open spaces, you may only need a mid-range solution.
• Are you always close to your vehicle? If you aren’t, then the weight of your kit matters.
• Are you competing, hunting to eat, or shooting for fun? If the former, you’ll want higher quality glass and the best hunting scope for more precise shots.
• Are you competing? If you are, what are the rules? Some tactical matches ban the use of laser rangefinders and require contestants to use the scope reticle for ranging, in which case you’d need a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope.
• What is your budget? If you’re a competitor or hunter, it may be worth saving up for the best scope. If you’re a hobbyist, then sticking to a lower-cost, dependable option can serve you well.

Best Rifle Scopes for Long-Range

The best long range scope offers a solid magnification range, dead-hold BDC reticles for fast target acquisition, and a durable design. Some are better suited for those looking for an accessible price range, others are ideal for those looking for an investment piece that they can rely on in high-precision environments like long range hunting or competitions.

Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56 Riflescope EBR-2C Reticle 10 MRAD Turrets

For a heavy-duty scope that can provide accurate and reliable results even in difficult situations, choose the Vortex Razor. This is a highly popular scope amongst enthusiasts, and for good reason. You’ll get high-quality clarity thanks to the apochromatic objective lens system that corrects color across the entire visual spectrum.

Where this unit particularly stands out is with its glass-etched, illuminated reticle, which offers precise aiming in all lighting conditions. With L-Tech Zero Stop, micro adjust zero settings, and a zero-resettable turret, you can make precise adjustments reliably and consistently.



Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16x50 Riflescope Dead Hold BDC MOA Reticle

This unit’s extra-low dispersion (XD) glass boosts resolution and color fidelity, providing you with hyper-sharp images while the proprietary coating increases light transmission and reduces reflections. The ½ MOA per click elevation turret allows you to make rapid and precise adjustments in the field. Thanks to its heavy-duty construction, this unit is robust, rugged, and fully waterproof, including fog proof, for optimal imaging even in difficult environments.

Priced under $650, this piece is an ideal balance of features and affordability, making it the best long range scope for those looking for a dependable option that provides outstanding performance at a more accessible price.



Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL Matte Black 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope 1" Tube Boone & Crockett Reticle

For elite optical clarity and a tough body (without the weight), choose the Leupold VX. Well-regarded among long range competitors, this unit offers elite-level glare reduction, even in harsh light. The resolution provides exceptional clarity demanded by hunters and competitors, even in low light. The one-revolution CDS ZeroLock dial ensures no accidental adjustments while remaining so tactically friendly that you can make adjustments even with gloves on.

Popular amongst the timber and western mountain hunting crowd, this unit is one of the best hunting scopes for medium to long-range shooting, while offering exceptional accuracy and long-term durability. These environments benefit from lightweight, rugged scopes with moderate magnification and high clarity for varied terrain. Priced at $699, this unit offers it all, from an accessible price point to the accuracy you need.



Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm FFP ZeroStop .250 MOA DigIllum PTL MOAR reticle

Nightforce has made a name for itself in professional circles, and for good reason. The ATACR series offers it all, from compact size and high-quality features that are a breeze to use in the field. The first focal plane (FFP) allows you to observe your targets in the same visual proportions at all magnifications, providing a higher level of precision and accuracy whenever you take a shot.

Thanks to the extra-low dispersion glasses and full multi-coatings, light transmission is bright while removing reflections, offering exceptional clarity. Make minute adjustments with ease with the Nightforce patented Hi-Speed ZeroStop, which allows you to make either .1 Mrad or .25 MOA increments. Then, the Power Throw Lever (PTL) and XtremeSpeed thread provide you with speedy diopter adjustment.



Schmidt Bender 6-36x56mm PM II US LPI GR2ID 1cm ccw DT27 MTC LT / ST ZC CT Riflescope

The most expensive on our list and widely considered to be one of the best rifle scopes amongst competitors is the Schmidt Bender. It covers all types of shooting, from mid to all the way to extreme long range shooting. The illuminated reticle dial is built directly into the parallax turret to free up space. Enjoy edge-to-edge sharpness and exceptional light transmission. With extensive 36x magnification and minimal distortion, you’ll enjoy a clear range of view at every level.