Best Long Range Riflescopes – Buyer’s Guide

When we talk about long-range, exactly what does it mean?

Are we talking about ranges that are less than 100 yards or ranges that are more than 500 yards?

For a.22 rifle, 50 to 100 yards can be considered long-range.

Some rifles have a maximum range of 500 yards and others, 1000 yards.

So there is not an exact measurement that defines long-range. It all depends on the shooter and the rifle.  Few expert shooters can hit a target that is 300 yards.

But most of them need help to hit anything at that range. And this is where a long-range riflescope comes in.

If you are to hit anything that is 300 yards, you need a long-range riflescope that has a minimum range of 300 yards. That is whenever you shoot at a target that is at that distance, you should always be able to hit it.

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The riflescope should also be able to hit at longer ranges. But to shoot at distances that are 1000 yards, you need a scope with special features. And these features include parallax adjustment feature, turret adjustments, BDC reticle and high magnification.
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Many riflescopes do come with some of these features, others have all these features and more. And with the extra features, comes an additional cost.

Riflescopes vary in price, so it boils down to what is the intended purpose of the scope and how much you are willing to spend.

If you don’t know much about long-range riflescopes, you may find this guide helpful. It reviews ten best long-range riflescopes for shooting at long distances based on user and expert reviews.

We have also included a buyer’s guide to help go about selecting a long-range riflescope that will meet your needs.

So let’s get into it starting with our top pick.

Long Range Riflescopes Comparison Chart

10 Best Long Range Riflescopes (as of April, 2024):

1. Vortex Optics CF2-31045 Crossfire II 6-24×50 Long Range Riflescope Review

The Vortex Optics CF2-31045 Crossfire II 6-24×50 is a second focal plane riflescope and that means that the reticle does not change when you adjust the magnification.

It uses a BDC reticle, which is recommended for long-distance shooting. But you can opt to use its other reticle, which is a duplex.

You can use the windage and elevation knobs to change the reticle vertically and  horizontally to get a more precise aim. The reticle adjusts in minutes of angle (MOA), so based on the yardage, you can make the appropriate adjustments to get an accurate shot.

The riflescope has a magnification range of 6x to 24x, which is great for long-distance shooting. And it uses multicoated lenses to help you get a clear  view of your target at extended distances even in poor lighting conditions.

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There is a side focus knob on the riflescope for  parallax correction, so your views are always sharp and clear. And for eye relief, you can be assured that the Crossfire II has been designed for guns with enormous recoil.
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The eyepiece on this riflescope is adjustable and you can adjust quickly and easily to get a sharp focus on your target, even when it’s moving.

The Crossfire is built to give years of use. It has an aluminum body and it is purged with nitrogen and sealed with O-ring seals to make it fog proof and water resistant.

Via: @practicalreloader

So you can go out hunting with this riflescope in the rain or snow and you won’t struggle to see your target.

Main Features

• Fully Multi-Coated
• Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) Reticle
• Second Focal Plane
• 30 mm Single-Piece Tube
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
• Hard Anodized Finish
• Capped Reset Turrets
• Adjustable Objective
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof

Vortex Crossfire II 6 – 24x Scope Overview:

 

2. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 Long Range Riflescope Review

Like Vortex Optics, Athlon Optics makes quality long-range riflescopes. The Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 is a budget riflescope with great features and outstanding performance.

If you are in search of a long-range riflescope that provides great image clarity at an affordable price, this is it. And what makes this riflescope so great is one, it uses premium glass to give you sharp views at varying distances.

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The large 56mm objective lens gathers enough light to give you bright and high-contrast views. And the lenses are coated to remove glare and keep your views clear even in dim conditions.
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Another key feature is the adjustable piece that you can use to bring the reticles into focus. And these reticles are on the first focal plane, so they adjust as you adjust the magnification.

You can adjust the reticles as well for windage and elevation to get an accurate aim once you are happy with the magnification.

And there is a parallax adjustment knob on the side of the riflescope that you can use to correct parallax for enhanced views. And it turns smoothly, so you won’t have a problem with it.

The Argos long-range riflescope is built on a 30mm monotube that is made of aluminum. And it is purged with Argon to prevent internal fogging and protect it from water damage.

Main Features

• Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle
• First Focal Plane
• Etched Glass Reticle
• Fully Multicoated Optics
• Parallax Removal Feature
• 30mm One Piece Tube
• Aircraft Grade Aluminum
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof
• Argon Purged

3. Nikon NIK16339 Buckmasters II 4-12×40 Long Range Riflescope Review

The Nikon NIK16339 Buckmasters II 4-12×40 is another budget long-range riflescope that pretty much outdoes many other similar but expensive models in performance.

The Buckmaster II sports a 40mm objective lens that catches plenty of light providing you with bright and high-resolution sights.

You can adjust the magnification from 4x to 12x and any other settings in-between. And what we liked about this riflescope aside from the bottom dollar price tag was the 12x magnification.

Riflescopes with magnifications that are exceedingly high can be hard to use particularly if you never used a rifle riflescope before.

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One major complaint you hear with many users is how the images appear blurry or distorted when you augment the magnification. Again this if you have a riflescope with a magnification of 20x or higher.
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While high magnification is important to helping you view objects that are beyond 1000 yards, the images in almost all cases appear blurry. But with 12x, the images will still appear clear and that is a huge plus point.

Via: @tjtimms15

With that in mind, it’s important to mention that the Buckmaster uses BDC reticle, which is ideal for long-range shooting. And you can make reticle adjustments to get a precise aim using the windage and elevation knobs.

Main Features

• Patented BDC Reticle
• Fully Multicoated Optical System
• Spot On Ballistic Match Technology
• Precise Hand-Turn Click Adjustments
• Generous, Consistent Eye Relief
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof
• Nitrogen Purged & O-ring Sealed

4. Primary Arms SLX 4-14×44 Review

The Primary Arms SLX 4-14×44 is a first focal plane long-range riflescope. And one of the features that’s striking is the illumination feature.

Via: @_poetryluxury_

There are some high-value riflescopes that don’t even have illuminated reticles. And those that do, you cannot see the illumination in daylight.

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Well, say hello to the Primary Arms riflescope, which illuminates the reticles in broad daylight and the images are so bright it’s impressive. The illumination feature has 6 different settings and there are audible clicks with every turn.
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The riflescope uses an R-Grid 2B reticle and you can adjust it vertically and horizontally using the windage and elevation turrets.

The  adjustments on this riflescope are measured in Mils but the turrets don’t lock, although they can hold and after you make your shot, you can reset them back to zero.

Another nice feature is the magnification ring. You can dial it down to 4x and dial it up to 14x. It’s smooth. So you won’t have a problem turning it when you need to make quick adjustments.

The eye focus is adjustable and you can make quick adjustments to the crosshairs. There is a side focus knob to remove parallax. And lastly, the whole unit is anodized to prevent internal fogging and make it water-resistant.

Via: @primaryarms

It also shockproof, so if you accidentally drop it, the damage should be minimal.

Main Features

• R-Grid 2B Reticle, First Focal Plane
• 30mm Main Tube & Excellent Glass Clarity
• 6 Illumination Settings
• High Strength Aircraft Grade Aluminum Body
• Side-Adjustable Parallax & Fast Focus Eye Piece
• Parallax Adjusts from 15 yards to infinity
• Tactile & Audible Windage & Elevation Adjustments
• Exposed Tactical Style Turrets with Zero Reset
• Shockproof, Waterproof & Fog Resistant
• CR2032 Battery

SPR Optic (Primary Arms 4-14×44 FFP):

 

5. SWFA SS SS10x42MQ HD Tactical 10×42 Review

The SWFA SS SS10X42MQ HD Tactical 10×42 is a precision long-range riflescope with a fixed 10x magnification. And notably, this is good magnification when you want to shoot at long distances.

Via: @hairoftheglockthatbityou

And through the 42mm objective lens, you can see your sights clearly in almost any lighting condition.

And like other quality long-range riflescopes, the SSWFA SS uses coated lenses to give high-resolution sights at varying ranges. Overall, the riflescope delivers incredibly bright and clear sights.

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The beauty of this riflescope is that you can mount it on almost any rifle. It is hard to get a riflescope that’s compatible with many different rifle models. But the SSWFA SS gives you the option to use different rifles with it without a problem.
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This is a simple riflescope, it doesn’t have a parallax adjustment knob for parallax removal as you would find with similar models like the Athlon Argon. And it uses a Mil-Quad reticle which doesn’t have an illumination option.

Body wise, this riflescope is like a tank. It can take all sorts of abuse and it will remain strong and sturdy.

So this is one riflescope every avid hunter or shooter should own because it can get the job done and it can give you many years of use. Plus it’s significantly cheaper than many other riflescopes.

Via: @matts5.0

Main Features

• Patented Mil-Quad Reticle
• Second Focal Plane
• Multiple Aiming Point Reticle System
• Fully Multi Coated Lenses
• Rear Focus
• .10 Mrad Turrets
• 30mm Tube
• Matte Finish

6. Leupold 113771 VX-R Patrol 3-9×40 Review

Leupold is one of those brands that lead the pack when it comes to quality optics. And when they introduced the Leupold VX-R series, it took off like all of their other products.

The Leupold VX-R comes in different configurations. This particular one is the Leupold 113771 VX-R Patrol 3-9×40 model.

Now, this riflescope uses Leupold’s Firedot TMR reticle, which can be lighted. So the riflescope has an illumination option, in this case it’s an illuminated dot.

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The illumination is motion-controlled and you just need to tap on the illumination button on the riflescope to turn it on or to change the brightness settings. The illumination turns off automatically once you sit the riflescope down for some time.
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And when you pick it up and tilt it, the illuminated dot automatically comes back on. If you want the illumination completely off, press the button down for a few seconds and it will go off. So the motion will not turn on the reticle.

The advantage of the illumination going off automatically when the riflescope is static is to conserve the battery charge. And this is essential when you are out in the field for a prolonged amount of time.

Now, the reticle can be adjusted for windage and elevation using the adjustment turrets. And since it’s a 3-9x variable power riflescope, you have the option of adjusting the magnification depending on how far or close your target is.

The glass lens on this riflescope has layers of coating material that prevent reflections and glares while delivering sharp visuals and excellent brightness. And the glass lenses are lead-free for enhanced image clarity.

You can adjust the eyepiece to get a sharper focus on your target in fading light. And you can take advantage of the parallax removal feature to get a clearer view of your target.

Main Features

• Rear Focal Plane (RFP)
• FireDot TMR Illumination
• Twilight Light Management System
• Push Button Illumination
• 3:1 Zoom Ratio
• 30mm Main Tube
• Generous Eyebox
• 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Matte Finish
• Leupold Scope Cover
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof

7. Bushnell ET6245F Elite Tactical 6-24×50 Review

The Bushnell ET6245F Elite Tactical 6-24×50 has some great features that only a tactical shooter can really appreciate. It has a 50mm objective lens, which allows plenty of light into the optical system giving your ultra-sharp views.

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The lenses are coated to improve the clarity of images by reducing glare. And you can use this riflescope in any environment because the lenses are coated with Bushnell’s EXO Barrier coating to repel dirt, water, oil, dust and prevent scratching.
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To see targets that are too far away, you can dial up the power to 24x to bring them up close using the power ring and you can dial it down all the way to 6x to see images that are closeby.

You also have the option of correcting parallax to get a clearer view of your targets.

The riflescope uses an illuminated G2 DMR reticle for ranging. And the reticle adjustments are measured in mils. You can increase or decrease the size of the reticle by adjusting the eyepiece.

And to get a bull’s eye aim on your target, you can use the adjustment turrets to get the appropriate windage and elevation distances. The turrets are big to allow you to grab and turn them easily when you need to adjust the reticle to get an accurate aim on your target.

And as you turn the turrets, you can clearly hear the clicks so you don’t need to look at the turrets as you are making the adjustment.

For strength and durability, the Bushnell Elite uses an aluminum body which is argon purged to make it water-resistant and fog proof.

Main Features

• Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle
• First Focal Plane
• Fully Multicoated Lenses
• Ultra Wide Band Anti-Reflection Coating
• RainGuard HD Water Repellent Coating
• Target Turrets
• 30 mm One-piece Aluminum Main Tube
• “Blacked-Out” Cosmetics
• Side Focus Parallax Correction
• 0.1 Mil Tactile, Resettable Windage & Elevation Correction
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof

8. Vortex Optics VHS-4325 Viper HS-T 6-24×50 Review

Vortex has put a lot of value on the Viper Optics VHS-4325 Viper HS-T 6-24×50 long-range riflescope because when compared to other Vortex riflescopes like the Viper PST, this one is a lot cheaper. And not only is it cheaper, but it also has the same features as the PST.

This model has a 50mm objective lens to give you crisp clear sights at varying distances. It combines this with multicoated lenses to ensure that your views are always bright even in fading light.

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The proprietary armor tech coating on the lenses provides an extra layer of protection from water, dust, and dirt.
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The reticles on this riflescope are on the second focal plane, so even though you adjust the magnification, which in this case ranges from 6x to 24, the reticle size won’t change.

But if you need to change the reticle size to get an accurate aim on your target, you can use the adjustment windage and elevation turrets. And the turrets are resettable to zero.

You can also remove parallax to get a clearer view using the side focus turret. It turns from 50 yards all the way to infinity. So generally when it comes to image clarity, this riflescope is reliable and consistent.

And Vortex has gone further to ensure that this riflescope can withstand knocks and harsh environments. The 30mm tube is anodized coated to make it waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Main Features

• VMR-1 MOA Duplex Reticle, Second Focal Plane
• XD Lens Elements
• XR Fully Multi-Coated
• 30mm Single-Piece Main-Tube
• Exposed Tactical-Style Turrets
• Side Focus & CRS Zero Stop
• Precision-Force Spring System
• Precision-Glide Erector System
• MAG-View Fiber Optic
• Radius Bar & Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
• Hard Anodized Finish & ArmorTek
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof

9. Nightforce Optics C587 SHV 5-20×56 Review

The Nightforce Optics C587 SHV 5-20×56 is a powerful long-range riflescope with a 56mm objective lens that allows a lot of light into the optical system giving you high-resolution visuals.

Another advantage the large objective lens offers is a wide field of view which helps you keep track of a moving target.

Via: @ohiostate2a

The 5-20x magnification is good for long-range shooting. The magnification ring for adjusting the power is easy to use. It turns smoothly and finely. And you can adjust the magnification quickly and easily.

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There are adjustable turrets to get your reticle dead on the target. The reticle has an illuminated dot for nighttime shooting. And the hash marks on the reticle allows you to get accurate shot placements.
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It has a parallax adjustment knob that starts from 20 yards up to infinity. And this is to allow you to remove any parallax giving clear views of your target.

For strength and longevity, the Nightforce has an aluminum body and the walls are very thick. They are a lot thicker than for other riflescopes. And this thickness gives the riflescope more stability when you shoot your rifle.

Via: @ohiostate2a

Main Features

• 56mm Objective Lens
• MOA Forceplex Reticle
• Second Focal Plane
• Center Only Illumination
• Multicoated Lenses
• ZeroSet Elevation Feature
• Side Parallax Adjustment
• 30mm Tube
• Waterproof & Fogproof

10. Zeiss Carl Optical Conquest HD5 5-25×50 Review

The Zeiss Carl Optical Conquest HD5 5-25×50  is a great budget-friendly long-range riflescope with the same high-end features that you find in other Zeiss riflescopes.

This 5-25x riflescope has a 50mm objective, which has more light-gathering capability providing you with unparalleled clear and sharp visuals.

Via: @p.k.hansen

The lenses are multicoated to enhance the sharpness and clearness of your sights. And the HD glass lens used on this riflescope is also coated to remove chromatic aberration giving you clear shots at all ranges.

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The 5-25x magnification is great for target shooters who are looking to hit targets that are beyond 1000 yards.
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And to get even clearer views of targets that at great distances, you can use the parallax adjustment feature to ensure that your shots are right on point.

Zeiss uses Rapid-Z 800 ballistic reticle on this riflescope. And there are hash marks on the reticle to help you place accurate shots.

And because this is a second focal plane, when you adjust the magnification, the reticle size remains the same. It doesn’t adjust as it would if this was a first focal plane reticle.

So to adjust the reticle for improved precision, use the adjustable turrets on the riflescope, which help you adjust for windage and elevation.

And usually, you may only need to adjust the turrets if your target is at a lower or higher position to where you are positioned.

Via: @smalandoutdoor

This German beast is a one-inch tube made of the toughest material to give you years of service. It is also waterproof, shockproof and the lenses don’t fog. It’s just the type of riflescope you need for hunting in harsh environments.

Main Features

• Rapid-Z 800 Ballistic Reticle
• Second Focal Plane
• High Resolution 5x Zoom
• HD Glass Lens System
• T-Coatings for Enhanced Image Quality
• Parallax Adjustment Feature
• Sleek, Compact Tube Design
• Precision Mechanics with 1/4 MOA Adjustments
• Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof
• Lifetime Warranty & 5 year no Fault Policy

Buyer’s Guide

If you have limited to no knowledge about long-range riflescopes, it can be a challenge trying to figure out the best one for your hunting or shooting needs.

But to help you make a more informed decision, we have outlined below the considerations that are important when choosing a long-range rifle riflescope.

Reticle

Every riflescope has its own type of reticles. And some riflescopes have multiple reticles. So when it comes to reticles, it all depends on the intended purpose of the riflescope.

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For long-range shooting, BDC reticles are said to be the best, while simple duplex reticles are great for short-range shooting.
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Magnification

One mistake that many novice hunters or target shooters make when buying a long-range riflescope is that they usually go for the high powered riflescopes.

Now, there is nothing wrong with these riflescopes except for the fact that high magnification tends to distort the image. So much so that it can be hard to identify your target.

Also, there are fixed power riflescopes and variable power riflescopes. Fixed riflescopes are fixed to only one power, which you cannot adjust. Variable power riflescopes have a range of power levels you can adjust to, to get a clearer view of your target.

So you can choose either, but we would recommend getting a variable power riflescope as it gives you more flexibility when it comes to long-distance shooting.

Multicoated Lenses

Honestly, never opt for a rifle riflescope that doesn’t come with multicoated lenses. And the reason is that multicoated lenses are capable of preventing glare and reflections. And by doing so your images appear clear no matter the distance.

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And the more coatings the lenses have the clearer and brighter the images.
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But you should know that riflescopes with multiple coatings are a lot costly than those that don’t have coatings. This is, however, should not be an issue if you want a riflescope with great optics.

Also, make sure that you check out user reviews to see what other sayings about different rifle riflescopes when it comes to lens coatings.

Some brands claim that their riflescopes have multicoated lenses, but if the quality of the glass lens is not good, then it doesn’t really matter if they are coated or not.

Objective Lens Size

Riflescopes with large objective lenses tend to provide brighter, clearer and sharper images than those with small lenses. And they also have a large field of view.

But they are also heavier and you need a tripod if you are to use one for a prolonged period of time. And this can be difficult if you need to move around. And their large size also makes it hard to hold and carry them for long. Plus they are more expensive.

Durability

If the specs of the riflescope don’t show that it is waterproof, fog-proof or shockproof, then leave it alone. There is no need for spending money on a riflescope that doesn’t have tough and long-lasting features.

Price

You can get budget riflescopes that perform very well and you can get expensive riflescopes that have disappointing performance.

So just because a riflescope is super expensive, it doesn’t mean that it will deliver the ultimate performance. And just because a riflescope is cheap, it doesn’t mean it can deliver a good performance.

So we recommend that you stick to a budget, especially if you are buying your first rifle riflescope.

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Don’t go the cheap way or the expensive way. Go for mid-range priced riflescopes or generally a riflescope that your pocket will allow you to own.
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Conclusion

Long-range shooting is a thrilling sport that requires some amount of skill and above all the right equipment. Your rifle may get you to hit a target that is 300 yards, but with a decent riflescope, you can hit targets that are beyond 1000 yards.

And aside from helping you take long-range shots, the riflescope should have clear optics to help you see your targets clearly at any range.

But a word of caution: don’t break your bank to buy a long-range riflescope. You can find a quality riflescope at a reasonable price.