The popularity of long-range shooting competitions (F-Class, Precision Rifle Series, and Long-Range Precision Rimfire) has exploded in recent years. The popularity of long-range shooting brought an influx of new shooters looking to build rifle setups and install quality glass on top of them.
Although the definition of long-range varies considerably depending on the caliber of your rifle and the shooting discipline of your choice, one thing never changes; the need to outfit your rifle with a top-quality rifle scope.
Best Long-Range Rifle Scopes
Here’s our guide to the five best long-range rifle scopes you can find on the market today.
1. Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1
The Nightforce name carries a lot of prestige and for many good reasons. NF products have equipped the top Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL) competitors for several years. This specific model, the ATACR 7-35x56mm F1, has dominated the charts as the most popular riflescope in long-range competition shooting since the early 2010s.
The features offered by this scope make it clear why it’s the choice of the professionals. With its 56mm objective lens, a magnification range of 7x to 35x, a wide selection of reticles suitable for extreme long-range, and adjustable parallax from 10 meters to infinity, the ATACR F1 offers everything you need right out of the box to shoot from 100 to 2000 yards.
Additional features include power throw levers and reticle illumination powered by a single CR2032 battery, providing you up to 350 hours of autonomy (depending on illumination level). The high-quality etched glass features thin yet large, easy-to-read crosshairs and reticle markings; an essential requirement when using one of the more specialized reticle systems, such as the Horus Tremor3 or the MIL-XT.
Like most professional-grade riflescopes, the ATACR F1’s turrets let you make ¼ MOA or 0.1 MRAD adjustments per click depending on the reticle selected. Five reticle systems are available, most of which are available on either the first or second focal plane.
Whether you’re beginning to shoot precision rifles or are a seasoned competition shooter, this riflescope offers exceptional quality for exceptional shooting.
Specifications:
- Objective lens diameter: 56mm
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Magnification range: 7x to 35x
- Reticle system: 6 models available (Horus H59, Horus Tremor3, MIL-C F1, MIL-R F1, MIL-XT, MOAR F1)
- Focal plane: First (H59, MIL-C, MIL-R, MIL-XT, MOAR, Tremor3) or second (MIL-C, MOAR)
- Length: 16”
- Weight: 2.46 lbs.
- Eye relief distance: 3.25” to 3.6”
- MSRP: $3,100 to $3,850 (depending on reticle)
2. EOTech Vudu 8-32x50mm
You’ve probably heard of EOTech, the world’s most renowned manufacturer of holographic sights and red dot sight magnifiers, such as the 500 series or the XPS and EXPS sights. But did you know they also produce traditional rifle scopes?
The Vudu, first introduced at SHOT Show 2016, started life as a first focal plane LPVO for AR-15s, with a magnification range of 1-6x. Since then, the Michigan optics manufacturer has expanded it into a full line of FFP and SFP riflescopes, ranging from LPVOs to long-range precision models.
The Vudu 8-32x50mm is the largest and most powerful riflescope EOTech has ever produced, intended to earn a spot on the rifles of top long-range shooters worldwide. Although EOTech developed this scope specifically with F-class and Benchrest competition shooting in mind, it is also an excellent choice for long-range hunting.
Although this scope is currently only available with a single SFP reticle (EOTech HC2), this version of the Vudu offers an array of attractive features, such as competition-grade turrets, ⅛ MOA per adjustment click for ultra-fine adjustments, and side-mounted parallax adjustment.
The Vudu also features XC High-Density glass, providing a clear and sharp image even at maximum magnification settings. In daylight-bright settings, the included sunshade will reduce glare and scope glint. Under low-light conditions, you can count on the 500-hour battery life of your illuminated reticle, with a 2-hour auto-shutdown feature to preserve your battery life even longer.
At only $1,699, the EOTech Vudu 8-32x50mm is a high-quality offering from a reputable manufacturer for only a fraction of the cost of more expensive and more established models.
This model is an ideal first choice if you’re just getting started with long-range shooting or hunting. Despite being reasonably priced, the Vudu offers enough features and is of sufficient quality to remain on your rifles for years to come, even if you decide to upgrade later.
Specifications:
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Magnification range: 8x to 32x
- Reticle system: EOTech HC2
- Focal plane: Second
- Length: 15.16”
- Weight: 2.04 lbs.
- Eye relief distance: 3.4” to 3.85”
- MSRP: $1,699 (depending on reticle)
3. Schmidt & Bender PM II/LP/MTC/LT 5-25x56mm
The Schmidt & Bender PM II series of riflescopes is a staple in the world of precision rifles and the standard by which all other precision shooting scopes are judged.
You’ve probably seen them as the standard scopes on many rifles made by Accuracy International. Maybe you’re old enough to remember the venerable fixed-power 10x42mm model. The U.S. Special Operations Command has adopted a variant of the PM II (the 5-25x56mm PM II PSR) in 2011, installed on the various sniper rifles used by special forces units.
The PM II 5-25x56mm LP/MTC/LT is one of the latest iterations of the PM II riflescope series and one of the most advanced and feature-filled. Although it retains the classic configuration (5x to 25x magnification range and 56mm objective lens) seen for decades, this new model offers an array of new features and expanded functionality.
The name is a mouthful, but each abbreviation has a meaning. LP indicates this scope features an illuminated reticle and side focus adjustment. MTC refers to the improved turrets featuring “More Tactile Clicks,” and LT means “Locking Turrets.”
Most of the new features introduced in this model are improvements to the turrets, increasing tactile feedback, and making it more comfortable for the shooter to make adjustments without taking their eyes off the target. One of these convenience features introduced is a more pronounced tactile feedback every 10th click.
If your adjustments are just right and you need them locked in place, pull up on the turrets to activate the locking function. When you need to return the turrets to normal, simply push them back down.
What hasn’t changed are the features that made the PM II an all-time favorite worldwide for decades. The unparalleled glass quality guarantees up to 90% light transmission, parallax adjustment ranging from 10 meters to infinity, and either ¼ MOA or 0.1 MRAD per adjustment click, depending on your reticle.
This scope is compatible with 34mm rings and is available with seven different reticle systems. All are on the first focal plane, except for the P4FL reticle, available in either FFP or SFP. With a total elevation adjustment range of 64 MOA or 26 MRAD (depending on your reticle system), adjusting the PM II for extreme long-range distances is no problem.
Specifications:
- Objective lens diameter: 56mm
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Magnification range: 5x to 25x
- Reticle system: 7 models available (P4FL, Gen II XR, MSR2, LRR-MIL, GR2ID, Horus H59, Horus Tremor3)
- Focal plane: First (all reticles) or second (P4FL SFP only)
- Length: 16.14”
- Weight: 2.65 lbs.
- Eye relief distance: Approximately 3.5”
- MSRP: $3,799 to $4,799 (depending on reticle)
4. Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60mm
The Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60mm is part of the company’s SIII (pronounced S Three) Long Range Series of riflescopes. This model features the highest magnification rating of all SIII scopes.
An old shooter’s adage says that you should spend at least as much on your scope as you did on your rifle if you want a top-quality product. Despite that ideal, riflescopes such as the Sightron SIII seem designed to challenge this notion.
For less than $1,400, you get a top-quality optic with a high-strength aluminum body, Japanese-made multi-coated glass, compatibility with standard 30mm scope rings, parallax adjustment ranging from 13 yards to infinity, and up to 50 MOA of windage and elevation adjustment range. Additionally, the turrets provide you with ⅛ MOA per adjustment click, giving you ultra-fine control.
Four reticles are available for the SIII, all of which are on the second focal plane: a simple fine crosshair, a crosshair with a central dot, a classic mil-dot, or – the best choice – the illuminated MOA-2 reticle with bullet drop and windage compensation marks.
Experienced long-range shooters will tell you that using the maximum zoom setting introduces a certain degree of blurring at the edges of the scope. This phenomenon is natural and occurs on every high-powered rifle scope.
Despite that, the Zact-7 coating not only protects the scope’s glass from scratching and damage but also maximizes light transmission, resulting in minimal blurring at the edges and offering you a clear and sharp image at any magnification setting.
Long-range shooters and hunters looking to get the best value for their money should not pass on the Sightron SIII. If you just need a budget non-illuminated scope, the mil-dot reticle version will suit your needs. In contrast, if you need more versatility or are looking for a long-distance hunting scope for dawn until dusk, don’t hesitate to get the illuminated MOA-2 version; you will not regret it.
Specifications:
- Objective lens diameter: 60mm
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Magnification range: 10x to 50x
- Reticle system: 4 models available (Crosshair, Dot, Mil-dot, MOA-2)
- Focal plane: Second
- Length: 16.9”
- Weight: 1.88 lbs.
- Eye relief distance: 3.8” to 4.5”
- MSRP: $1,099 to $1,329 (depending on reticle)
5. Leupold VX-3i LRP 8.5-25x56mm
Leupold is another trusted manufacturer of high-quality riflescopes. Founded in Oregon in 1907, this family-owned business entered the optics industry in 1942 and invented the first Duplex reticle in 1962. With decades of experience supporting Leupold’s current lineup, it should be no surprise that their products are also frequently recommended to shooters of all categories.
The Leupold VX-3i LRP 8.5-25x56mm is one of the best Leupold optics for long-range shooting, combining the build quality and durability expected of a Leupold scope with an array of features designed to appeal to the long-distance hunter or precision rifle shooter.
The scope’s 30mm tube employs 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the same material used to build AR-15 receivers, granting it exceptional resistance to scratching and impacts. The glass also features hardened multi-coating, designed to meet or exceed military durability requirements.
As with any other Leupold scope, you can also expect it to be 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof, letting you shoot accurately no matter the weather conditions.
With a magnification range of 8.5x to 25x and a non-illuminated reticle on the first focal plane, this scope is marketed mainly towards competition and long-distance target shooting, such as PRS or LRP. Multiple reticle styles are available, including the Leupold TMOA, Leupold TMR, CCH, Impact-29, and Impact-60. Each is suitable for a range of different applications.
Remarkably, the VX-3i offers an exceptional windage and elevation adjustment range of 80 MOA or 23 MRAD (depending on the reticle) while still offering you ¼ MOA or 0.1 MRAD per adjustment click. These features let you adjust your scope at extreme distances or under windy conditions with ease.
Although this optic does not offer the highest magnification ratings, serious precision rifle shooters will appreciate the build quality, compatibility with standard 30mm scope rings, resistance to extreme conditions, and ultra-high image clarity under all circumstances.
If you’re concerned about dimensions, the VX-3i is one of the lightest long-range optics available on the market, making it an excellent companion to a lightweight rifle build.
Specifications:
- Objective lens diameter: 56mm
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Magnification range: 8.5x to 25x
- Reticle system: 5 models available (TMOA, TMR, CCH, Impact-29, Impact-60)
- Focal plane: First
- Length: 14.38”
- Weight: 1.4 lbs.
- Eye relief distance: 3.7” to 5.3”
- MSRP: $999
The Takeaway
In the past, long-range shooting was exclusively for well-trained professionals and enthusiasts. However, this belief is being challenged by the rising popularity of competition disciplines such as F-Class and PRS, not to mention new, lightweight, and highly accurate rifle platforms, chambered in new wonder-cartridges like 6.5mm Creedmoor.
Long-range and precision shooting have never been as accessible as they are today. Whether you prefer to shoot with a semi-automatic or a bolt-action platform, installing good glass on your rifle is essential for success on the field.
It’s a simple truth: the higher the scope’s quality, the better your ability to reach and hit targets at 1,000 yards and beyond.
