Imagine hitting a target that’s miles away with pinpoint accuracy. It’s a dream for many shooters, but achieving it requires more than just a steady hand. It demands the right tools, and at the heart of long-range shooting is the rifle scope. But stepping into the world of long-range scopes can feel like navigating a maze. So many numbers, features, and brands! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re making the best choice for your needs.
Choosing the wrong scope can lead to frustration, missed shots, and wasted money. You might struggle with clarity at distance, have trouble adjusting for wind and elevation, or find the controls confusing. It’s a common pain point for anyone serious about extending their shooting range. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. You’ll learn exactly what to look for in a long-range rifle scope, from magnification and objective lenses to reticles and turrets. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a scope that helps you reach out and touch those distant targets with precision. Let’s get started on finding the perfect sight for your long-range adventures.
Our Top 5 Long Range Rifle Scope Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Long Range Rifle Scope Detailed Reviews
1. SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24x52mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane/SFP/F2 Shockproof Waterproof Fogproof Tactical Riflescope
Rating: 9.1/10
The SIG SAUER TANGO-SPR 6-24x52mm riflescope is built to help you hit your target every time. It’s tough, clear, and bright. This scope has features that keep you focused, no matter how far away your target is. It comes with a lever to change magnification quickly and a special dial for adjusting your aim. This makes making quick, accurate adjustments super easy.
What We Like:
- Super clear views with special glass make targets pop.
- The scope is built tough to handle bumps and weather.
- It’s waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, so it works anywhere.
- Comes with a special mount for your rifle and lens covers.
- Easy to make fast and accurate adjustments to your aim.
What Could Be Improved:
- The MOA BDC-1 reticle might take a little practice for some users to master.
- While very capable, it’s a specialized scope, so consider your specific shooting needs.
This SIG SAUER scope is a fantastic tool for serious shooters. It’s ready to go right out of the box and will help you perform your best.
2. BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 Rifle Scope
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to step up your shooting game? The BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 Rifle Scope is a seriously good deal for anyone looking for a reliable scope that won’t break the bank. It offers a powerful 16x zoom, which is awesome for hitting targets far away. Plus, the adjustable red and green lights make it easier to aim, even when the sun isn’t cooperating or it’s getting dark.
What We Like:
- Great value for the price, making quality shooting accessible.
- The 4-16x magnification is perfect for both close-up and long-distance shots.
- The 5-level red and green illumination helps you aim in different lighting.
- Fully multi-coated lenses give you clear, bright images.
- It’s built tough with an aircraft-grade aluminum tube and is water and fog resistant.
- Comes with mounts for both 11mm and 20mm rails, plus a sunshade to cut glare.
- Zero reset turrets make it easy to get back to your original aiming point.
What Could Be Improved:
- Adjusting the reticle focus might take a little practice to get just right.
- While good for the price, extremely demanding shooters might want higher-end glass.
For shooters wanting a versatile and affordable scope, the BESTSIGHT 4-16×44 is a solid choice. It packs a lot of features into a budget-friendly package.
3. Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 7-35×56 FFP Long Range Precision Rifle Scope with Illuminated VPR MOA Reticle
Rating: 9.3/10
The Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 7-35×56 FFP is a powerful rifle scope built for serious long-range shooting. Its advanced features help you hit your targets with amazing accuracy, even at far distances. You can see your target clearly in any light thanks to its special Japanese glass. Making adjustments to your aim is easy and dependable, so you always know where your shots will go. This scope is tough and can handle rough conditions, making it a reliable tool for any hunter or shooter.
What We Like:
- The Japanese ED glass gives you super clear pictures with true colors.
- You can make precise adjustments to your aim with the easy-to-use turrets.
- The First Focal Plane reticle always stays the same size, no matter the zoom level.
- The ARKEN Zero Stop makes returning to your original aim point quick and easy.
- It’s built tough with aerospace-grade aluminum, making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 34mm tube might require specific mounting rings.
- While the illuminated reticle is great, battery life could be a consideration for extended hunts.
For shooters demanding exceptional clarity and reliable performance at long range, the Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 is a top-tier choice. It offers a fantastic combination of advanced features and rugged durability.
4. Monstrum Hornet 4-16×50 FFP Rifle Scope
Rating: 9.1/10
The Monstrum Hornet 4-16×50 FFP Rifle Scope is a powerful tool for any shooter. Its adjustable magnification lets you zoom in on your target from far away. This scope is built tough and comes with helpful features to make your shooting experience better.
What We Like:
- The 4-16x magnification with a built-in throw lever makes changing zoom levels quick and easy.
- The new X-Tree reticle in the first focal plane helps you judge distances and make corrections faster. It also has six brightness levels for clear visibility.
- The scope has a zero stop feature, so you can easily return to your original aiming point after making adjustments.
- It comes with high-quality scope rings that have a built-in level to help you keep your rifle perfectly straight.
- A detachable sunshade is included to cut down on glare, and flip-up lens covers protect your scope’s glass.
- Monstrum backs all their products with a lifetime guarantee, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the MIL version is great, some shooters might prefer a MOA version for different aiming systems.
This Monstrum Hornet scope offers excellent value and features for its price. It’s a reliable choice for improving your accuracy and confidence in the field.
5. Monstrum Beast 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope
Rating: 9.3/10
The Monstrum Beast 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope is a powerhouse for shooters who demand accuracy at long distances. This scope brings together advanced features like Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass for crystal-clear images and a versatile magnification range from 6x to 24x. Its first focal plane reticle, the CM6 MOA, is designed for both quick aiming up close and detailed range finding far away, with illumination that shines brightly even in daylight. Plus, it comes with precise turrets that have a zero stop and are protected by Monstrum’s lifetime guarantee.
What We Like:
- The ED glass really makes targets sharp and clear, with no color fringing.
- The 6-24x magnification is great for seeing targets at almost any distance.
- The reticle is easy to see and use for aiming and measuring distances.
- The turrets are precise and the zero stop is a helpful feature.
- The scope rings help keep everything aligned, preventing cant.
- Monstrum backs this scope with a lifetime guarantee, which is awesome.
What Could Be Improved:
- The reticle is only available in MOA or MIL versions; other options would be nice.
- While the illumination is daylight bright, more subtle settings for very low light could be beneficial.
This scope is an excellent choice for serious long-range shooters. It offers top-notch features and dependable performance.
Choosing the Right Long Range Rifle Scope
Finding the perfect scope for your long-range shooting needs can be exciting. A good scope helps you see your target clearly and accurately, even from far away. This guide will help you understand what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking a long-range scope, a few things are super important.
- Magnification: This tells you how much closer the scope makes things appear. For long range, you’ll want a scope with a high magnification. Many long-range scopes have a variable magnification, meaning you can zoom in or out. Look for something like 6-24x or even higher. This lets you adjust your view based on the distance.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the big lens at the front of the scope. A larger objective lens lets in more light. More light means a brighter, clearer picture, especially in low light conditions like dawn or dusk. A good starting point is 50mm, but 56mm is even better for long range.
- Reticle: This is the crosshair you see inside the scope. For long-range shooting, you’ll want a reticle that helps you aim and measure distance. Some reticles have markings below the center to help you hold over for wind and bullet drop. These are called First Focal Plane (FFP) or Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles. FFP reticles stay the same size relative to your target as you zoom, which is great for long range.
- Turrets: These are the knobs on top and side of the scope. They let you adjust your aim for wind and distance. For long range, you want turrets that “click” clearly when you turn them. This means you can feel and hear each adjustment. Look for turrets that are easy to grip and have markings so you know how many clicks you’ve made.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see a full picture. Long-range shooting can involve recoil, so good eye relief helps prevent the scope from hitting your forehead. A longer eye relief is safer.
Important Materials
The parts of a scope are made from different materials that affect its strength and clarity.
- Lens Coatings: Good scopes have special coatings on their lenses. These coatings help light pass through the lenses better. This makes the image brighter and sharper. They also help reduce glare and reflections. Multi-coated lenses are best.
- Scope Body: The main tube of the scope is usually made of aircraft-grade aluminum. This makes it strong and lightweight. It also helps protect the internal parts from bumps and drops.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a scope great or not so great.
- Clarity and Brightness: A high-quality scope will have very clear lenses. The image will be bright, even in dim light. Poor quality scopes can have blurry images or look dim.
- Durability: A good long-range scope is built to last. It should be waterproof and fog-proof. This means it won’t get damaged by rain or fog. It should also be shockproof to handle the recoil of your rifle.
- Adjustments: The turrets should be precise. Each click should move the point of impact exactly where you want it. If the adjustments are mushy or inconsistent, it will be hard to shoot accurately at long distances.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a long-range scope is all about precision and confidence.
- Target Shooting: Many people use these scopes for shooting competitions or just for fun at the range. They allow you to hit targets that are very far away.
- Hunting: For hunters who need to take shots at long distances, these scopes are essential. They help ensure a clean shot.
- Tactical Use: Law enforcement and military personnel use these scopes for their accuracy and reliability in demanding situations.
The right long-range scope will greatly improve your shooting. Take your time, consider these features, and you’ll be hitting your targets with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature for a long-range scope?
A: Magnification is very important. It lets you see targets far away clearly.
Q: Does the size of the objective lens matter for long-range shooting?
A: Yes, a larger objective lens lets in more light. This makes the image brighter and clearer, which is helpful at long distances and in low light.
Q: What kind of reticle is best for long range?
A: Reticles with markings for windage and elevation adjustments are best. First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles are often preferred because they stay accurate as you zoom.
Q: What do “turrets” do on a scope?
A: Turrets are the knobs used to adjust your aim for wind and distance. Clear, audible clicks are a sign of good quality.
Q: Why is “eye relief” important?
A: Eye relief is the distance your eye can be from the scope. Good eye relief prevents the scope from hitting your forehead when the rifle recoils.
Q: What makes a scope’s lenses better?
A: Special coatings on the lenses improve clarity and brightness. They also reduce glare.
Q: Is a scope made of aluminum strong?
A: Yes, aircraft-grade aluminum is very strong and lightweight. It helps protect the scope’s internal parts.
Q: What does it mean if a scope is “waterproof” and “fog-proof”?
A: It means the scope is sealed to keep water out and won’t fog up inside when the temperature changes. This is important for shooting in different weather.
Q: Can I use a long-range scope for hunting?
A: Yes, long-range scopes are excellent for hunting, especially if you need to take shots at a distance.
Q: How do I know if a scope’s adjustments are precise?
A: Good adjustments will have distinct “clicks” that you can feel and hear. Each click should move your aim exactly the same amount.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.