Best Long Range Rifle Scopes 2023

With so many sights and scopes available, deciding on the perfect one for your rifle can be difficult. So we’ve decided to make the process a lot easier and have reviewed the Best Long Range Rifle Scopes currently on the market.

In order to narrow the options down, even more, we have split them up by budget. Therefore we bring you the best long-range rifle scopes for less than 500 USD, up to 1,000 USD, and above the 1000 USD range.

So, let’s get going and check them out…

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Under $500

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Under $500

1 SWFA SS Tactical Riflescope

The SWFA SS rifle scope offers you a 10 x fixed magnification. This allows for quick and easy use and is one of the many reasons it has a “Tactical” in its name. To enhance this feature, this scope uses a Mil-Quad reticle.

With this reticle type, you get several compensator parameters by simply looking through your scope. There are windage, topography, and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) markings in it. Once you get an understanding of what these mean, you will be able to use your rifle scope without having to make manual adjustments all the time.

This best long-range rifle scope allows you to make 1/10 MOA adjustments. These super-fine adjustments will give you the most consistent shooting accuracy.

To ensure that you can make the most of its use, this unit has multi-coated lenses for enhanced optical clarity. It is also waterproof, resistant to fogging, and is both shock and impact resistant.

2 Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope

The Crossfire II offers you a magnification range of between 6 x and 24 x. Which is some serious distance! And to ensure that you get shots on target, even at this range, you get the Dead-Hold reticle with this product.

The Dead-Hold reticle is a reticle type that features a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) which allows you to estimate holdover.

Manufactured with a single block of aerospace-grade aluminum, this product is very durable. This is a sealed design and is nitrogen filled to make your scope resistant to fogging. Needless to add, the Crossfire II is also waterproof. And for clarity, both lenses are multi-coated giving you a clear, undistorted picture in any conditions.

It does, however, start to get blurry around the edges of the image at magnifications of more than 15 x.

Resistant to shock, your gun’s recoil will not damage this scope. And it is also resistant to impact.

3 Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope

The Leupold VX-R offers you a magnification range of 3 x to 9 x, which may be a bit limited for long range shooting? And features a FireDot reticle which is useful in estimating holdover at long range.

Getting dark?

You can use this riflescope in low light conditions. This is because it has an illuminated reticle that brightens the image in at dawn and at dusk. The red dot in the middle of the reticle is also great for daytime use, as it provides very good contrast against most backgrounds.

And to ensure that you can use the illuminated reticle for as long as possible, it turns off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity, therefore saving on battery power.

The scope features a Twilight Light Management System, which enhances clarity, both during daytime use and in low light conditions.

Impervious to all weather conditions, and resistant to shock and external impact, this riflescope is an all in one.

And it features good eye relief at all magnifications (3.66 inches to 4.17 inches), so no worries there either.

4 Athlon Optics Riflescope

The Athlon Optics scope is great for use in low light conditions due to its illuminated reticle. This APMR MIL reticle also features a Bullet Drop Compensator and markings for windage and topography.

This makes the use of this scope very simple to use in all conditions. Simply look through it, take account of the information, and you should get a direct hit without making any turret adjustments.

With this unit, you get up to 24 x magnification, allowing you to aim at distant targets. And its eye relief of 3.3 inches, is a little on the short side, but still acceptable.

Built to last, this scope’s construction is from aerospace-grade aluminum. Then it is sealed and argon purged to make it both waterproof and resistant to moisture build-up.

5 Bushnell Engage Riflescope

The Bushnell Engage rifle scope has a magnification of between 4 x and 12 x making it more suitable for medium-range shooting more than over greater distances. But to ensure that you can make the most of its long-range use, it features a Deploy MOA reticle. This military-grade reticle is great at estimating holdover without having to make turret adjustments.

Also, with this scope, you get its built-in rugged nature. This scope is crafted from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it fully shock and impact resistant. Also, the lenses are multi-coated to give you decent clarity at all magnification levels.

It is also resistant to moisture build-up, so this scope won’t disappoint at any time. It is also waterproof, so is ever ready come rain, come shine!

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Under $1,000

6 SWFA SS Tactical Rifle Scope

With the SWFA SS Tactical, you get a 3 to 15 times zoom feature. With this best long-range rifle scope, you also get a decent eye relief, which is between 3.8 and 4.2 inches depending on your magnification.

With the SWFA, you get its patented Mil-Quad reticle. This not only estimates holdover, but it also helps estimate wind and topography. Hence, without making turret adjustments all the time, you still get precision shooting.

Also featuring fully multi-coated lenses, you get superior optical clarity at all magnification levels.

The makers have factored in all possible field conditions into the manufacture of this scope. Therefore, it is waterproof, fog-proof, resistant to wear, shockproof, and impact resistant.

All in all, the SWFA SS Tactical proves to be the man for the job.

7 Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

The Vortex Optics Viper features an ultra-low profile for stealth use. However, this does not make it less effective; in fact, its magnification level goes up to 24 x.

With this scope, you get a true version of the Vortex lenses – multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses. These are specially crafted to provide you with a High Definition picture. At any of its magnifications, this scope will make you enjoy your time out on the field.

To complement this feature, you will also get a BDC reticle. While you can still make super fine adjustments with the turrets, this feature eliminates the need to do so all the time. It thus allows you to make faster acquisitions with the utmost accuracy.

This unit has a Precision Glide Erector System (PGES). Essentially, this best long-range riflescope is compatible for use in all weather. The PGES makes you scope as clear as day even in the harshest weather conditions.

Needless to add, the exterior is well built to support rugged use.

8 Bushnell Elite Tactical G2DMR Riflescope

The higher you go, the cooler it becomes. With the Bushnell G2DMR, you sure will love the level of “cool” that comes with this tactical rifle scope.

With the Bushnell Elite Tactical, firstly, you get a 6 to 24 times magnification. The lens is very large (50mm), so it allows for ample brightness and optical clarity when you look through. To make it better, it features a lens coated with Bushnell’s EXO Barrier Technology.

This unique tech ensures that your lens glass is resistant to water, oil, dust, debris, and scratches. This assures you of a clear line of sight at all times. In any case, lens covers, a full-length lens case, and a lens microfiber cleaner are also included.

The reticle features markings estimate range, holdover, and windage to ensure that you get the most of your scope.

You will, as it is rugged to withstand shock and impact. It is also compatible for use in all weather as it is fully waterproof and is fog resistant.

9 Nikon Black X1000

Nikon lovers never settle for any other brand. So what makes it so special?

This scope will take things a notch further, with this Best Long Range Rifle Scopes you get ten levels of adjustable brightness. That makes it suitable for use at all of its magnification ranges (6 x to 24 x). It also makes this rifle scope suitable for use in low light conditions.

Also with this top rifle scope, you get a reticle that automatically shows you range, holdovers and elevation estimates. While the turrets allow you to make 1/4 MOA adjustments, the reticle feature simplifies the use of your scope.

Sold with fully multi-coated lenses, you get superior optical clarity with this scope. It guarantees that you get bright and consistent imagery, even at higher magnifications. This is also a factor that makes for the generous eye relief noted with this scope.

Designed to resist shock and impact, you can count on the Nikon Black X1000’s promise of durability. It is also a sealed design, so it will be a faithful companion no matter the weather conditions.

10 Swarovski Optik Z3 Riflescope

The Swarovski Optik has a 4 to 12 times magnification feature. And it offers you the best image possible at all magnification levels.

This best long-range rifle scope is well suited for twilight use and displays properly in low light conditions. Also able to estimate holdover without making turret adjustments, this scope will ensure that you are at the top of your game at all times. It is fog proof and waterproof, so you can use it anywhere, anytime with no issues.

It also offers you a decent eye relief at all magnifications, so no issues there either!

No matter your rifle type, or bullet type, the full anodized aluminum frame of the Optik Z3 will not be damaged by it. Even when hit by an external force, it remains resistant and ever faithful to its duty.

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Over $1,000

11 Nightforce Optics NXS Riflescope

The Nightforce Optics offers you 5.5 to 22 x of zooming range. And to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck, the lens diameter on this unit is 56 mm.

Essentially, this translates to more brightness allowed to enter the lens. Given that the lenses are fully multi-coated, the end result is superior clarity on all magnification levels. It also translates to a consistent eye relief at all settings.

Even better, this scope features an illuminated MOAR reticle. This lighted feature makes it suitable for use in low light conditions. While the BDC, range and windage engravings allow you to use your scope swiftly as you do not have to make finger adjustments all the time.

The Nightforce Optics scope is rugged. It actively resists recoil damage from even the strongest gun calibers. It is also all-weather compatible and will not lose its shape or function when subjected to rugged use.

12 Nightforce Optics SHV Riflescope

Like the Nightforce scope we just reviewed, the Optics rifle scope from the same company also features an illuminated MOAR reticle. This, as mentioned, will give you proper visibility in low light situations. Even better, you can estimate range, holdover, and windage simply by looking through this scope.

This unit has a 5 x to 20 x zoom feature. And at all of its magnifications, you get consistent picture clarity. This is due to the fact that this best long-range scope features a 56 mm lens. This is complemented by fully multi-coated lenses which ensure that you get the best optical clarity at all times.

The eye relief for this scope is between 3.14 inches and 3.54 inches, depending on your magnification, which is well within the safety recommendations. And you will always have a great view through this scope because it is resistant to fogging. Also adaptable to all weather conditions, it is waterproof and impact-resistant, so you can use this any time of the year.

13 Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescopes

The Vortex Optics Viper features the EBR-2C MOA Reticle. And it is illuminated, so provides great images even in low light conditions. But what makes this scope so special is that it offers you ten brightness settings – so you can set it whatever suits best.

Also, with this scope, you get an incredible range of up to 25 x magnification.

Designed for rugged use, this long-range riflescope can withstand shock and impact. It is also resistant to wear, so it will hold up its finish for decades to come. Also fully waterproof and resistant to fogging, it is an all in one.

The lenses on this unit have a special Armortek coating. This makes it resistant to scratching, dust, oil, water, and dirt. Hence, you can always see a clear picture.

The clarity is enhanced by multi-coating the lenses. While the 50mm scope diameter ensures there is ample light transmission. All in all, the end product is superior optical clarity at all of its 25 x magnifications.

14 Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II Riflescopes

The Vortex Optics Gen II has a 4.5 x to 27 x magnification range. And this scope goes one better than the PST we just reviewed, with 11 illumination settings that will surely brighten up your day. This makes it superb for use in low light conditions, allowing you to see your target clearly.

To ensure that you get the best optical clarity possible, the Razor has a 56 mm lens diameter. And these lenses are given a special coating that provides you with High Definition picture quality. Hence, you can shoot freely and with precision, with no issues.

While this scope allows you to make fine adjustments to get better precision, the reticle simplifies things even more for you. On it are markers that automatically estimate windage, topography, and holdover. Hence, even without finger adjustments, you get shots on target.

Rugged, you can use this for all your shooting needs, and with all calibers of guns. It is shock-resistant to the highest level, so it will not be affected by heavy-duty recoil. It is also waterproof and shock resistant to allow for all-weather compatibility.

It also features a fast-focus eyepiece. This allows you to look and see. As simple as that – no unnecessary adjustments are involved.

Included in the pack is a 4-inch sunshade to prevent glare and a microfiber cloth for lens cleaning.

15 Leupold Mark 4 ER/T M5 Front Focal TMR Rifle Scope

Next up, we have the Leupold Mark 4 which delivers a magnification range of between 6.5 x and 20 x. And its lens system is adaptable to twilight use, so you can use it in low light conditions.

With this scope, you get a rugged structure. The Mark 4 construction is from aerospace-grade aluminum, so it is very durable. It is able to resist shock and impact hence holds up to any conditions that you subject it to. Even better, this scope is nitrogen purged to make it fully fog proof. Also waterproof, this long-range riflescope is an all in one.

The reticle has windage, topography and holdover markings. Thus, you can make easy pickings of your targets without having to make constant finger adjustments.

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Buying Guide

The sight is an indispensable device for a professional, a hunter, a sports shooter, or an amateur gunner who wants to hit the target with each shot accurately. However, you should take into consideration the following factors before making your final pick.

Structure

An optical sight is a set of lenses installed in a metal tube. And between the lenses of the eyepiece (the lens facing the eye of the observer) and the lens mounted at the far end of the tube, there is a system of lenses. These lenses are necessary so that the correct, non-inverted image is formed at the output.

In total, more than ten collecting and disseminating lenses are used in most high-end sights, grouped in a very special way. It is important that they are all reliably fixed and can withstand the impact of firing from different types of weapons.

Lens Coating

The quality of glass for the manufacture of lenses and the presence of an anti-reflection coating on optical surfaces has a significant impact on the resulting image. In high-end sights, a multi-layer coating is applied to all surfaces of the lenses, which is abbreviated to FMC (Fully Multi-Coated).

The coating can be multi-layered, but not on all surfaces (MC – Multi-Coated), or simple single-layer (C – Coated). The amount of light transmitted depends on the type of coating.

FMC sights give a much brighter and more contrasting image in comparison with non-fully coated lenses.

Lens Diameter

One of the most important parameters affecting the brightness of the image is the diameter of the input lens. The larger it is, the more light will be let in and the brighter the image will be. This should be taken into account if you plan to shoot at dusk or in low light conditions. For such tasks, you should select a sight with a large lens diameter.

But it should be borne in mind that with increasing lens size, the overall weight of the sight will also increase, as well as the cost.

What The Numbers Mean

The name of any model of sight has a marking of numbers separated by an “x.” Take the “Bushnell 4×32 optical sight” for example:

4x – four times magnification;

32 – diameter of the input (front) lens in mm.

Similarly, for scopes with variable multiplicity. It indicates the range of magnifications and the diameter of the lens.

For example, the Nikon 6-24×50 is a sight with adjustable magnification from 6 to 24 times and a lens diameter of 50 mm.

The degree of magnification should be chosen depending on the distance over which you intend to shoot. Sights of multiplicity 3x-9x or 3x-12x are considered universal and are perfect for hunting. For shooting at long distances or at paper targets, you should look for models with a magnification of 12 x to 24 x.

Field of View

Another important characteristic of the design of the sight is the field of view; in other words – the width of the area you are looking at through the scope. It is measured either in degrees or meters per 1000 m.

As the multiplicity increases, the field of view narrows: this fact must be taken into account when choosing a sight for shooting at moving targets. It is important that the target does not leave the field of view during aiming, therefore the wider the field of view of the sight, the better.

When shooting at a fixed target, the width of the field of view does not matter so much, so you can use sights with high magnification and shoot from a longer distance.

The average field of view is considered to be 25-30 m with a multiplicity of 1–2x. But the ideal is a field of view of 40 m or more.

Reticles

The reticle is a scale applied to one of the aiming lenses. There are many variants of aiming grids and many manufacturers introduce their own aiming marks, and also make markings for firing various cartridges at different distances, etc.

But it is unlikely that it will be possible to come up with something completely new in this area, therefore often branded aiming grids do not have significant differences from the traditional ones. Consideration of all the grids is beyond the scope of this article, so we highlight the main ones and tell you about their benefits.

The first is the Mil-Dot, which is a very popular aiming reticle among fans of sport shooting. It consists of two coordinate axes with equidistant marks. The marking division is 1 Minute Of Angle (MOA). This aiming mark is convenient because, with a certain skill, it allows you to calculate the distance to the target.

This is a cross between two lines of the same thickness. There are variations of this grid: one of them, Duplex. This has a thickening on the peripheral areas of the axes.

And finally, we have the Ballistic, which is a group of aiming grids with marks for shooting at various distances. The grids of such a plan have several aiming points calibrated at typical distances which greatly facilitates firing with a correction for distance.

There are also variations of ballistic nets with added side marks to compensate for the bullet to be blown by the wind. Sights with such grids provide an undeniable advantage in terms of improving the accuracy and speed of aiming.

Illuminated Reticles

A useful option for modern sights is the illuminated reticle, and both the central mark and the entire net can glow. The battery is a miniature tablet battery of the size CR2032. And manufacturers usually offer several levels of illumination in order to adapt the brightness of the sighting device to the external conditions

It should be noted that no matter how good the sight, after installing it on the weapon, it will need to be targeted.

It will be necessary to adjust the position of the reticle in such a way that the aiming point coincides with the average point of impact. For this purpose, the design of the sight provides a correction mechanism – special flywheels that move the aiming grid vertically and horizontally for a given number of MOA.

Amendment Mechanism

Each sight is equipped with a correction input mechanism in two mutually perpendicular directions: vertically (“for distance”) and horizontally (“for topography”).

Conventionally, the drums are divided into two types: tactical and traditional hunting. Tactical turrets are designed for the correction of STP in combat conditions: without additional tools, without looking, counting clicks to the ear. They are also better protected than normal ones from the accidental reset of settings and moisture and dust particles entering them.

Unlike tactical, hunting turrets may require unscrewing the caps, turning the mechanism with an Allen key, and similar “time consuming” manipulations to enter the settings.

Gas Filling

One of the most important indicators of the quality of an optical sight is the tightness of the tube and the filling of its internal space with an inert gas — usually nitrogen. Gas filling ensures that the optics are not susceptible to fogging as a result of condensation when the temperature drops.

This option is indispensable if you plan to use the sight in severe weather conditions, at high humidity or low temperatures.

Scope For The SPP (Spring Piston Pneumatics)

If you own a spring-piston pneumatic, then you need to pay particular attention to your choice of sight. As a rule, SPP’s are powerful rifles with an initial bullet velocity of more than 250 m/s. A feature of this type of weapon is multi-vector recoil – both in the direction of the shot and in the opposite direction.

Therefore, the main requirement for the scope for SP-pneumatics can be considered the ability to withstand double recoil.

Standard sights for firearms keep returns only in the opposite direction of the shot. And in many cheap models, lenses are generally fixed in the housing on one side only.

The use of such sights with SPP’s means that very quickly, the lenses will fall out of their seats and the scope will become unusable.

We, therefore, recommend that before buying an SPP sight, check whether the selected model can withstand bi-directional returns.

So What Are The Best Long Range Rifle Scopes?

Whether you are a sport shooter, a leisure shooter, a hunter, or a combination of all three, you need a rifle scope for your firearm. With these rather simple sights, you can return victorious every day you set out to the field.

While we decided to break down this list and review the scopes batch by batch using the maximum price as a guide, we suggest that you go through our buying guide before making a final pick. This will allow you to make the perfect choice for your needs.

For us, we believe that the very best of the Best Long Range Rifle Scopes we’ve reviewed is the…

While this product is in the high-end range, if you want the very best, then that is what this unit has to offer you.

Its superb clarity at 27 x magnification is awesome. In fact, the only thought that you should have is how long it will take you to reach your target after you have brought it down? Also featuring excellent additional features such as its fast-focus eyepiece, an anti-glare sunshade a lens cleaner, and a fully compensating reticle, this product is an all in one.

If you are on a slimmer budget, then the Best Long Range Rifle Scopes for those on a budget would be the…

This is our Best Long Range Rifle Scopes for less than 1,000 USD.

Whichever you chose from any of the three categories, you are ensured that you are buying one of the Best Long Range Rifle Scopes currently available. Therefore, with so many variables between all the scopes, the final choice has to be down to you. We wish you the very best of luck with your decision and happy shooting!