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Long Range Scopes for Rifles

Well, we are not fortune tellers, in 60’s there were no scopes used but we do have the answers to all your heated questions in our list of the best long range rifle scopes. For distance shooting, long range scope appears to be a go-to product these days.

top long distance scopes

Long range scope aka. sniper scope allows one to see targets more clearly and aim more precisely. Basically, it’s easier and faster to look at the target through the scope.

It also magnifies the target making it simpler for anyone to shoot more accurately. For a beginner, the difference would like night and day. So, it’s a little wonder why a scope for long range is used so extensively these days.

Long distance scopes – What’s the best?

Today, the market is flooded with rifle scopes. Believe it or not, it would prove to be an isolated case to lay your hands on a good rifle scope. So, don’t be too quick to reach out to your wallet.

Given the overwhelming amount of choices, an average consumer at his/her very best may only manage to do slightly better than a coin flip. When purchases go bad, you might have to literally bin some products.

That’s why we recommend you to read the long range scope buyers guide. if you are a pro, continue

Top choice rifle scopes to pick best for you in budget price.

Less than 300 yards
( Medium range)
300 to 1000+ yards
(Long Range)
(1000+ yards) (The Best ones in the Market and these are the Pros use) - For serious shooters Only! (Super long range)
Nikon P-223 3-9x40 Mate BDC 600Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 8.5-25x50mm (30mm) M1 Mil DotVortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56
Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 RiflescopeNightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Riflescope,30mm,.250 MOA,MOAR Non-Illuminated Reticle Kahles K624I
Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)Bushnell Elite 6500 4.5-30 x 50 Matte Fine Mil Dot Reticle with Rainguard RiflescopeNightforce Optics 5-25x56 ATACR Riflescope
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope, Black, 3.5-14×40Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope w/ VMR-1 MOA Reticle, Black VHS-4325Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25x56
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Rifle Scope AR-BDC ReticleBurris Eliminator III Laserscope
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings
Leupold VX-1 3-9x40 Waterproof Riflescope, Matte Black, Duplex Reticle

From the beginning to the last mile, it took us a lot of time and efforts to find scopes that are review-worthy. Yes, we were able to separate the best from the junk after scrutinizing a fleet of scopes in this domain.

Our research sweep helped us review these rifle scopes inside-out. These are the best long range rifle scopes for the money. Guaranteed! but we are sorry for not publishing some of the reviews of scopes in the table as it will make this guide clutter. its already too long.

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 – Review

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 29

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 30For serious hunters or recreational shooters, just about any rifle scout from the streets won’t do the trick. The Nikon P-223 is a popular rifle scope with both hunters and shooters. It’s designed to boost one’s shooting performance like nothing else.

The scout scope features impressive specifications despite being a mid-range scope. If you like somebody who gets directly to the point, you might enjoy this post as well because we are now going to dig into the scope features directly.

Features

Equipped with the company’s signature BDC reticle, this scope is perfectly optimized with 55-grain polymer tip bullet. Other features include comfortable eye relief, precise adjustment turrets, rugged construction, and O-ring seal to keep the scope free from fog, moisture, and related problems.

The zero-reset feature enables one to revert to the original settings like a breeze. Moreover, the 100-yard parallax settings ensure precise shooting. It comes with a multicoated system that transmits light by an accuracy of 98%. It’s unlikely to miss a target because of gadget failure due to these handy features. Ideally speaking, it’s more suited for guys with long rifles.

The Good:

Fast is fine, but it’s no good without accuracy. The scope is pretty solid and accurate. As a matter of fact, this Nikon scope has quality written all over it —a piece of information confirmed through customer reviews.

It’s not one of those scopes that will immediately collapse in your hands. By all means, it won’t ruin your day by alienating you in the middle of your hunting pursuit. Right off the bat, this Nikon scope is built to last. We are being remarkably honest about it. After all, the Nikon brand is well-known for creating high-quality scopes.

The Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 scope comes with a freaking lifetime warranty. Not sure if Nikon is being real or irrational over here, but how can one go wrong with a lifetime warranty? For the consumers, it’s a safe bet. Moreover, the scope is waterproof, fog proof, and rainproof. So, it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

The Bad:

One of the drawbacks of this scope is that it does not come with the flip cap that helps to improve accuracy. Moreover, a lens cleaner is not included in the deal. Although these items don’t cost a lot, it’s worth mentioning over here. Despite these minor drawbacks, it’s a cut above other scopes that are similarly priced.

Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Rifle scope – Review

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Long Range Scopes for Rifles 32The 3-9×40 category scope is pretty saturated. It was a task in hell to separate the wheat from the chaff. Anyways, mission accomplished! An affordable and versatile scope, Nikon Prostaff has garnered a lot of eyeballs in the past couple of years.

For close to a relatively medium range, this scope can serve you like a loyal servant. Let’s review this scope from top to bottom.

Features:

Despite being a budget-friendly rifle scope, it comes with a fully multicoated optical system. The multi-colored lenses perform their intended job and enhance light transmission up to 98%. This ensures maximum brightness during day time or at night.

The Patented BDC Reticle is an added advantage of being associated with Nikon. This modern day technology enables hunters and shooters to adjust the bullet drop up to an impressive 600 yards.

Above all, the convenient parallax setting and the LR-specific reticle offers increased precision and accuracy. May be its not the best for larger objctive like 1000 yard shooting but holds its own when comes to long range shooting. 

The product manufacturers have ensured to make it a portable piece of equipment. It’s pretty lightweight, so it won’t cause a great deal of strain or fatigue on the field. The Nikon Prostaff scope weighs only around 1 pound. Moreover, the scope is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof.

The Good:

It’s versatile, durable, and a quality scope. Moreover, Nikon Prostaff is an affordable piece of equipment. Not to forget the fact that it performs flawlessly. It delivers brighter, clearer, and crisper images to help one hit the bulls-eye with ease.

The uncomplicated design of the zero reset turret adjustment features makes life so much easier. All one needs to do is turn the smooth knob to the preferred adjustment, and one should be good to go even with heavy recoil. Moreover, the 3.6 inches eye relief saves one from potential injuries caused by strong gun recoil.

The Bad:

It won’t fit the bill for long range scope. As mentioned before, it’s a perfect fit for close to relatively medium range. Also, the scope does not come with the mounting ring. So, one will have to purchase the mounting ring separately.

Given the fantastic features, durability, and price, the Nikon Prostaff can afford to override these minor drawbacks.

Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Rifle scope (BDC)- Review

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 33

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 34Engineered for increased precision, ruggedness, and performance with a level of quality that promises to satisfy the most demanding hunter out there, Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 offers superb clarity, sharp view, optimum magnification, and flawless shooting to be a top-notch long distance scope in its spectrum.

It can help offer precise shots at a target up to 600 yards away from the shooter. Heck Yeah! That’s impressive by all regards.  But, the scope has some minor demerits as well. So, let’s cut down to the merits and demerits of this handsome scope.

Features:

It has a 40mm lens. Between 35 and 50, 40mm is often considered to be a nice sweet spot between them. The 40mm keeps the size of the scope down and still offers quieter and nicer focus as 50mm.

Talking about zooming power on a 40mm lens, the scope zooms from 4-12x, which makes far off shooting possible without blurring or eyestrain.

Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 comes with patented BDC Reticle to easily maintain focus on even the most distant targets. Combine this with great magnification and multicoated optical system, and one can expect beast mode performance. It’s a perfect sniper scope for long distance shooting or hunting.

The Good:

The light transmission has been boosted to a freaking 98%. As a result, the scope offers maximum brightness from dawn to dusk. The 3.7 inches of eye-relief is another unique selling point for this scope that has impressed its buyers. It protects users from any recoil effect.

The scope is perfect for all conditions. It can withstand climatic hazards due to the O-ring sealed housing. It’s light and compact design makes it suitable for just about any rifle out there.

Of course, how can we forget the generous lifetime warranty? So, if you don’t like the scope, don’t bin it. Rather, take advantage of the lifetime warranty feature.

The Bad:

While it can go well with any rifle, one can experience best results with high-performance rifles. Moreover, it’s more suited for mid to long distance shooting as opposed to close range shooting.

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Rifle scope – Review

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 35

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 36This PROSTAFF 5 rifle scope brags about superior technology aimed towards offering greater functionality and ability to allow more light in. Can this scope outperform all the “top dollar” scopes out there, or is it just a bad boy looking to empty your wallet? Let’s find out if it’s right on the money or not. As usual, we will begin with the scope features.

Features:

The engineered BDC reticle is spot on with outstanding optics. It does change the POI from low to high power as expected. It’s a blessing for long range hunters looking to adjust distance quickly on the go. Moreover, the inbuilt ballistic drop points enable quick adjustment from 100-500 yards. It’s fitted with a 4x zoom ratio, and the diameter of the PROSTAFF 5’s objective lens is 50mm.

When combined with the app, your shots are sure to hit the bulls-eye. Moreover, one can expect plenty of eye relief from this scope. It proudly features four inches of eye relief for unprecedented comfort. Even those with eyeglasses should have no problems with this scope. The side parallax adjustment feature is one of a kind. It’s a perfect addition to a scope for those who shoot targets.

The Good:

Customer reviews suggest that it’s a good light gatherer, which can dramatically enhance one’s hunting expeditions. The light is transmitted in a very efficient and optimum manner as one would expect from a high-quality scope. This combined with the ease of use makes it a breeze to hit the center of the target. Even on low-light conditions, this piece of equipment can have your back covered by offering a clear and crisp view of the target.

With all the upgraded technology, this scope makes target shooting so much easier. Even a mediocre shooter would be able to shoot the target like a pro. With spring loaded reset turrets, it attains and holds zero remarkably well. As a result, a shooter can perform at his/her optimum best.

The construction is quite sturdy, and it’s apparent that it can take quite a bit of abuse. Rain or shine, it can serve hunters at all times because the scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. With so much technology and reliability, it’s proving to be a top pick among shooters looking for a great scope for their rifle without breaking their bank. Lifetime warranty is another plus point for this rifle scope.

The Bad:

The scope comes without a mounting kit. Rings and mounts need to be purchased separately. In our opinion, it’s not a major strike against the scope because it doesn’t cost you a fortune. There are others who include rings and mounts with the deal, but subtly include the cost through inflated scope pricing. Overall, it’s a high-quality scope at a decent price.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle – Review

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 37

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 38Looking for a device that can be used for hunting as well as tactical purpose? Vortex Optics might just fit the bill over here. The company behind the scope is US based, and they are known for building scopes for tactical shooters and demanding hunters. So, before you lay your hands on this vortex scope, let’s give you a quick glimpse of its features, pros, and cons.

Features:

It’s a single piece construction made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum with a tube size of 30mm. It’s a very reasonably priced scope for its features. It comes with fully multicoated lenses. The multicoated lens enhances the color and resolution of the target. They absorb maximum light to allow shooters to see the target clearly in low-light settings as well. Moreover, the magnification is just right. The long eye relief comes as an added bonus.

The dials of this scope are quite big, and they operate well. The scope holds zero very well too. The optics are of very good quality, and the view is sharp, crisp, and clear. It makes shooting a fun affair because one can actually see the shot without the need to move the target closer. It also has a spare battery compartment, and it comes with flip up lens, removable lens covers, and lens cloth.

The Good:

The scope manufacturers have housed it in a well-built, waterproof body. The rugged body makes it shock resistant as well. Above all, the Vortex Optics has been purged with nitrogen gas to ensure that it doesn’t get fogged from within. Hence, one can use it in rainy as well as foggy conditions.

The scope also comes with O-ring seals. For those who don’t know, O-ring seals prevent dust, debris, and moisture from entering and damaging the scope. A look through the lens gives out a remarkably clear view with optics usually found only in top-end rifle scopes. Pretty much, a lot has gone on the engineering front to make it a user-friendly and durable scope.

The 1-6x zoom range makes it very easy to use from close range to all the way up to 600 yards. The scope also comes with unconditional lifetime warranty. That’s what is called VIP warranty.

The Bad:

Though its a good scope for long range, the brightness of this scope has some room for improvement. A high-end scope with higher quality glass can outperform it. Also, the scope is quite heavy compared to other scopes in the same spectrum.

If you are a novice, a cheaper entry level scope will work for you. However, if you are someone who shoots from point blank to extended 500 plus yards, this scope is meant for you.

UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope – Review

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 39

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 40Looking for a fantastically designed reliable rifle scope? Well, you are not the only one in this pursuit. Nevertheless, the UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster scope might end your hunt. With great looks, feel, and accuracy, the UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster scope is stealing hearts at a rapid pace. Zombies, nasty landlords, and burglary suspects should be wary of this piece of equipment because it brings great accuracy to the table. So, does this range scope live up to everything that it offers? Let’s find out.

Features:

It has emerald coating lens which allows for the maximum amount of light to be transferred into the scope. It 1 has an inch tube. Getting started with this scope is not a challenging route at all. Above all, the quick release feature makes it relatively easy to take off the scope from the rifle.

The sight quality of the scope is pretty impressive. Moreover, one can expect comfortable eye relief, good illumination, nice dust caps, and quality build with the purchase. The nitrogen purge makes it rainproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

The adjustments knobs are just right. It’s not too tight or too loose, which we often notice in other rifle scopes out there. The scope arrives with all the necessary accessories such as 2 batteries for illumination, sun shade, cleaning cloth, 2qd rings, Allen keys, and 2 flip caps.

The Good:

The scope is sure to arrive in good condition because of perfect packaging. The company ships the scope inside protective display packaging with all the details and relevant graphics included. Moreover, the accessories are boxed and wrapped separately.

As far as the durability goes, it’s a pretty tough optics. It has solid internals and offers perfect clarity. The eye relief is just adequate, and the Range Estimating Mildot Reticle is good for yard shot. Moreover, it comes with adjustable parallax, which is important to pin point accurate long shooting range.

Unlike the competition, one can seemingly switch from green to red reticle in a flash. It remarkably low priced for its features, accuracy, and durability. Because of the high-quality built, the scope has a nice feel to it.

The Bad:

At higher magnitude, the view can get a little fuzzy, especially when you zoom past 8x. In some isolated cases, customers state that the battery drains out in less than 8 hours of constant use. Nevertheless, an extra set of batteries is included in the deal. Despite these minor hiccups, the scope appears to be a show stealer. In fact, we would go out of our way and state that recommending this rifle scope verifies that we are not idiots.

Leupold VX Rifle scope – ReviewLong Range Scopes for Rifles 41

Long Range Scopes for Rifles 42Are you looking for a scope that isn’t heavy or large but fully functional? Maybe, you are looking for a no nonsense scope that works well in all conditions? Like any other typical Leupold scope, Leupold VX-1 3-9x 40 maintains the tradition of being a sharp and clear scope. It’s not one of their top of the line scope, but it performs like one. So, let’s review this scope to see what value it brings to the table.

Features:

Design wise; it’s sleek and simple with a smooth finish. There are no unnecessary distracting buttons on it. It’s also pretty robust for what it is. The optics, zoom, and focus are of great quality.

The mounting is pretty simple and fast. Plus, it offers great eye relief in its class. Rubber bra is included in the deal to protect the lens. Since it’s lightweight, it could prove to be helpful on long hunts. The easy-to-use finger adjustable dials enable one to zero down and adjust the settings quickly on the go.

The scope promises enhanced total light transmission up to 92%. The best quality images can be expected in 3x to 7x magnification range. It can provide a bright and sharp view of the target without any eye strain because of the generous eye relief. The clear reticules allow shooters and hunters to see clearly through the scope in almost all conditions.

The Good:

The tasteful packaging is an eye-pleaser. The Leupold VX scope arrives securely in an attractive golden and black Leupold box. Inside the package, you will find a mid-priced scope that looks like a premium model.

The scope is USA made. So, one can expect good quality on this piece.  The scope holds zero. It’s surprisingly bright even in dim light. It almost feels like a night vision camera. Whether you zoom 3x or 9x, the lighting and image quality doesn’t fail to impress. Basically, there’s no blurring even at full magnification.

Leupold is known for making rugged scopes, so this scope is as durable as it can get. The ease of use is not compromised while preserving the nearly indestructible ruggedness. It’s waterproof and nitrogen-filled fog proof as well. Lifetime warranty for an affordable piece of equipment is another plus point over here.

The Bad:

It does not have parallax adjustment, so you won’t get perfect focus at short ranges. The adjustable knob is pretty stiff. It does have little something on it for the sake of good grip, but it’s still stiff. Overall, it’s an ideal entry level or mid-level scope for those who don’t want to spend big bucks.

Rifle Scope Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Rifle Scope

long range scope

Between you and your shooting accuracy lies a rifle scope. By simply adding a scope to your rifle, you should be able to increase your accuracy by many folds. It’s like turning into an overnight pro. However, choosing the right scope is a must over here. Any scope out there won’t cut the deal.

So, before reaching out to your wallet, (as usual we might be a little too quick over here) here are some pointers that you need to consider to make a well-informed decision. Let’s have a look at what features to look for in them now:

  1. Longer Eye Relief

A longer eye relief can prevent the scope from hitting you in the eyebrow while firing the gun. Eye relief is basically the distance between your eyes and the optical lens, when you position your eyes for firing a shot. So, to prevent a nasty cut above your eyebrow, a longer eye relief is the solution.

  1. Coating

Given the fact that most of us would be spending $100 and upwards on a quality rifle scope, it should withstand rain, fog, shock, and other outdoor hazards. Ideally, a high-quality rifle scope should be fully multicoated to prevent outdoor hazards that could potentially damage a scope. So, a proper coating is a must over here, or else you could end up with something inferior, which might not last too long.

  1. Quality

Avoid bargain scopes sold for cheap. Moreover, you will get what you pay for. Sorry, we take back our words. You will get LESS than what you pay for. That being said, some of them could turn out to be nice, but it would be as rare as finding loyal people these days. Prefer quality over price to get the best deal.

  1. Price

Hold on! We are not suggesting that you blindly spend money on the most expensive rifle scope that you see in the closet. Just like you wouldn’t trust a skinny chef, do not blindly believe that everything with a high price tag is a superior product in its spectrum. Your best bet would be to consider good rifle scopes in the mid-priced range. You could get good value from them without shaving off thousands of dollars.

  1. Shooting Distance

best long range scopes

Some sniper scopes work best in long range distance, while others are a hit with short range distance. For instance, an 800-yard shooter is bound to be horrendously underequipped with a 3x scope. So, evaluate your shooting distance before you reach out to your pockets.

If you are shooting no more than 100 yards, consider a rifle scope that work best within short range. If you are shooting further than 100 yards, you will have to choose a scope that works well for shooting long distance.

  1. Rifle Weight

The rifle weight and the weight of the scope should sync well to a certain extent to improve shooting accuracy. If you happen to purchase a heavy scope for a lightweight rifle, it will throw the gun out of balance. As a result, the accuracy will suffer.

Moreover, a heavier scope can defeat the whole purpose of ‘ease of handling’ because it will increase the rifle’s overall weight. So, more mass is not necessarily a good thing in the world of rifle scopes. Moreover, less weight also means less recoil.

  1. Don’t get your Grandpa’s Stuff

We don’t want to sound mean over here. However, don’t get a particular scope just because your grandpa or a distant uncle had one. Dreadful reflections, blurry long distance vision, poor lens coating, the problems could be too many. The rifle scopes have come a long way since their beginning days.

So, don’t trap yourself into an outdated scope that is light years behind in technology. Even if it has a few good features, these features will exist in the newer ones. Plus, you should be able to acquire the newer ones for a lower price.

Last Words – Final reviews summary

These are the major factors that you need to consider before dropping your hard earned dollars on a rifle scope. However, these pointers don’t conclude the list. After all, there is no one-size fits all scope that is good for every gun.

Scopes with ultra precise focal plane is very expensive. At the end of the day, you will need to match the rifle scope to the type of shooting, and the rifle it will go on. Eventually, you will need to choose something that’s subjective to your needs.

Fortunately, we have already gone to the lengths and expense to find out the best sniper scopes out there. We were comfortably sitting on this information for a while now, before we decided to unleash it the masses before reviewing most expensive scope. Hopefully, our recommendations will help you zero down the ideal rifle scope of your choice without throwing an arm and a leg.

3 thoughts on “Long Range Scopes for Rifles”

  1. are your meen long range its 10 yards ? Long range its 1000 yards .for this distance need Nightforce competition riflescope 55 times magnification .believe me ,les 42x its rubish .many shooters using March riflescopes 80 times magnification.

    Reply
  2. Any review on Sig Sauer scopes in comparison to the high end Vortex, NightForce, Kahles and S&B. The Tango6 from Sig gets the glass from the same location as the Vortex Razor HD Gen II it seems, but no one seems to be giving them a review.

    Reply

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