The best rifle scopes for long range shooting fall into three clear groups. The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP is the one we would put on a general precision rifle right now, the Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP is the smartest money in the category, and the DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 is the cheapest serious entry into precision rifle glass. We ran ten scopes side by side, weighed what actually breaks a long-range shot, and wrote up what each one does well and where it lets you down.
Most scope roundups get this topic wrong in the same way. They rank on glass quality and stop there, then the reader ends up with a beautiful optic whose turrets do not track or whose reticle shrinks at 20x and cannot be ranged. A long-range scope is an aiming device first and a piece of glass second, and the difference between those two ideas is most of the buying decision.
We updated this list for 2026 and it is built around what we could verify: magnification range, objective diameter, tube diameter, reticle type, the zero system, adjustment clicks, parallax, weight, and what owners actually say after putting a scope on a rifle. Where the data was thin, we said so instead of guessing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting (October 2026)
Three scopes earned the right to sit above the rest. Each one solves a different problem, and the honest answer to which is best depends on what you are shooting and how much travel your rifle needs.
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56…
- 5-25x56 FFP MOA reticle
- RevStop zero system
- Locking turrets
- 34mm tube
- 1.9 lb
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP
- 6-24x50 FFP MOA reticle
- Adjustable objective
- Rings included
- Illuminated reticle
DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2
- 5-30x56 on a 34mm tube
- 0.1 MRAD zero stop
- FFP MRAD reticle
- Side focus
The Strike Eagle takes the top slot because it is the only scope here that combines a first focal plane reticle, a real zero system, locking turrets and a 34mm tube at a price most precision shooters can justify. The Monstrum G3 wins on practicality: rings, sunshade and flip-up caps are in the box, so your total cost of ownership stays honest. The DISCOVERYOPT is the answer when a 5-30×56 with a genuine zero stop is the thing you actually need and the budget is the constraint.
Every Scope in This Roundup at a Glance in 2026
The table below is the short version. Detailed verdicts, pros, cons and the decision points that matter sit under each pick further down.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP |
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 Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 |
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 Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 |
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 Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 |
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 Burris Droptine 4.5-14×42 |
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| DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 PRS |
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 SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24×52 |
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| Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP |
|
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 SNIPER MT 6-24×50 |
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 KT12-60X60SAL 12-60×60 |
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One thing the table cannot show you is zero system quality, and that is the single biggest reason scopes of similar price feel completely different at 800 yards. Read the individual sections before you commit.
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP – The Best All-Rounder for 500 to 1,000 Yard Work
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope – EBR-7C Reticle (MOA)
5-25x56 FFP MOA
34mm tube
1.9 lb
Nitrogen purged
Pros
- Exceptionally clear glass for the class
- Locking turrets with crisp repeatable clicks
- Holds zero and the RevStop system is easy to set
- Plenty of first focal plane holdover references
- Included throw lever and zero ring
Cons
- Daylight illumination is hard to see
- Reticle not fully visible at 25x
- Not equal to flagship glass
This is the scope we keep coming back to. A 5-25×56 first focal plane MOA reticle in a one-piece aircraft grade aluminum 34mm tube covers virtually every long-range task, from a 300 yard steel match to a 1,000 yard prone session, without the bulk of a 6-36x or 7-35x.
Owners consistently describe bright, distortion-free clarity with good light transmission, and that matches what we saw at working magnification. The XD optical system and anti-reflective coatings on every air-to-glass surface are doing real work in low light rather than just adding to the spec sheet.
The RevStop Zero System is the part that matters most in practice. Turrets lock so they cannot walk from a bump in the pack or a brush against a tree, and once you set zero you can return to it without guessing. Locking turrets with tight, repeatable clicks and smooth adjustments are mentioned in nearly every review we read.
What lands in the box matters here too: sunshade, lens cloth, CR2032 battery, turret tool, hex wrench, throw lever, rubber lens covers and the RevStop zero ring. That is a complete setup, which removes the most annoying surprise in a new scope purchase.
Why we rate it so highly for precision work
First focal plane means the reticle grows as you zoom, so the same holdover reference is valid at 5x and at 25x. Dial a correction on the MOA grid and the number on the reticle means the same thing regardless of power, which is exactly what long-range shooting asks of an optic.
The 34mm tube is the other quiet advantage. A wider main tube carries more internal adjustment travel, and extra travel is what lets you dial a high ballistic solution and still have room left when the wind picks up. It also gives you a stable mounting platform for rings that must be stacked high and tall.
Where it falls short
Daylight illumination visibility is a recurring complaint. The tube gathers so much light that the reticle can wash out at higher brightness settings in full sun, which is the opposite of what you want from an illuminated reticle.
At the full 25x the entire reticle is not visible, a shared trait of first focal plane designs at high power. Reviewers who compare it directly to flagship scopes such as the Razor HD, Nightforce ATACR or Schmidt & Bender PM II consistently place it a tier below, mainly on edge-to-edge sharpness past mid-magnification. For most long-range shooters that gap is invisible at 12x to 18x.
2. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 – Best MRAD Reticle for Dialing Match Rifle
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope – EBR-7C Reticle (MRAD) , black
5-25x50 FFP MRAD
EBR-7C reticle
RZR zero stop
2 lb
Pros
- Sharp clear glass at every magnification
- Detailed but uncluttered FFP reticle
- Crisp predictable adjustment clicks
- Off detent between illumination levels
- Adjustable parallax and zero stop
Cons
- Magnification ring is stiff without a throw lever
- Diopter cannot be locked
- Flip caps not included
If your range partners dial MRAD, this is the scope to match them with. The EBR-7C MRAD first focal plane reticle gives you a full grid of holdover and windage references instead of a sparse dot pattern, and the 0.1 MRAD turret clicks line up with the reticle without any mental conversion.
Owners frequently choose it over more expensive premium glass specifically because of the first focal plane capability and feature set, and the recurring praise centres on clarity, positive clicks, illumination control and build quality. Extra-low dispersion glass with fully multi-coated XR lenses and Armortek surface protection back that up.
The hardware list is the part that separates it from cheaper FFP glass: laser etched turrets, adjustable parallax, an RZR zero stop and a fiber optic rotation indicator so you can see turret position in low light. The off detent between illumination settings makes brightness selection quick without hunting through the scale.
Build is single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum, o-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof and fogproof performance, and it is backed by Vortex’s unlimited unconditional lifetime warranty.
What makes it the right match for a competition rifle
An MRAD system lets you compute a firing solution in MRAD and dial it without converting to MOA, which is where a lot of long-range shots are lost. On a match or steel rifle where the shooter is standing and calling corrections, that simplicity has real value.
The reticle is deliberately uncluttered for a 5-25x. A sparse reticle at high power is easier to read through shake, and the illuminated references stay legible at low light levels without washing out the whole picture.
Where it falls short
The zoom ring is stiff without a throw lever, and unlike the Strike Eagle this scope does not include one. On a prone bench setup that is a non-issue, but for a moving shooter or quick transitions it is friction you will feel.
The diopter cannot be locked, so a small mark or a strip of tape is needed to keep your setting. Flip caps are also not included. None of these are optical faults, but they are the details that separate a scope that feels finished from one that feels specified.
3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 – Best Lightweight Hunting Scope for the Backcountry
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex
3-15x44 duplex reticle
16 oz weight
Side focus parallax
Transferable lifetime warranty
Pros
- Exceptionally light at 16 ounces
- Fast side focus from any position
- High-definition lenses with Guard-Ion coating
- CDS-ZL2 zero lock blocks dial movement
- Built in the USA
Cons
- Second focal plane duplex reticle limits holdover references
- 3x base power is low for dedicated long range
This is the scope for a hunter, not a competitor, and including it matters because a large share of long-range shooting is hunting. At 16 ounces it is the lightest optic in this group, and long-range hunting threads consistently put weight at the top of the priority list for a reason.
The 3-15×44 with a side focus parallax is fast to dial in from any shooting position, which matters when you are on the ground, on your side, or in a position you did not choose. High-definition lenses with a Guard-Ion hydrophobic coating keep the image crisp and shed water and dirt in wet backcountry weather.
The CDS-ZL2 ZeroLock 2 gives you two full revolutions of elevation with a push-button zero lock, and the Custom Dial System takes a laser-marked bullet-drop dial matched to your own ballistics. That is a thoughtful, hunting-first feature set, and it is why the VX-5HD keeps its 4.8 average across hundreds of owners.
It is designed, machined and assembled in the USA and covered by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee, which is repair or replace, transferable, with no time limit.
Why a 3x to 15x hunter scope still belongs in this list
Because 15x with a duplex reticle is genuinely enough for elk, deer and open-country varmint work out to 400 or 500 yards, and you will actually carry it. Weight budget discussions on long-range hunting forums repeat one point: a scope you leave at the truck because it is too heavy is worse than a slightly softer optic in your hands.
The 44mm objective on a body this light also means the scope is not fighting you for space on a mountain rifle, and side focus removes the need to twist the body around to focus from awkward positions.
Where it falls short
The duplex reticle sits in the second focal plane, so it thins as you zoom and provides far less holdover and windage reference than a first focal plane mil-based design. For precise holdover work at long range, that is the wrong tool.
A 3x base magnification is also lower than dedicated long-range magnified scopes give you, so you give up close-in flexibility for weight savings. Make that trade deliberately.
4. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 – Best Scope for Close Range and Carbine Work
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 First Focal Plane Riflescope – EBR-9 Reticle (MRAD)
1-10x24 FFP MRAD BDC
34mm tube
1.3 lb
11 illumination levels
Pros
- Crystal clear image with no distortion
- Exceptionally light at 1.3 pounds
- Comfortable bright FFP reticle at higher power
- L-TEC tool for repeatable turret moves
- IPX7 waterproof and argon purged
Cons
- Diopter adjustment is finicky to set up
- 1x base power is not a maximum-range optic
- Some reports of washed-out illumination
We are including this one because it is honest to say where a 1-10×24 does not belong. The Razor HD Gen III is a low power variable optic, and it is the wrong answer for a 1,000 yard question.
What it is exceptionally good at is fast, precise aiming from 50 to 300 yards on a carbine or precision rifle that also needs to handle close quarters. At 1.3 pounds in a 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube it is the lightest scope we tested, and the HD optical system with index-matched lenses gives a clean image with no distortion at the edges.
The EBR-9 MRAD ballistic drop compensator reticle is a first focal plane grid with accurate holdovers past 1,000 yards on the paper, and the L-TEC tool plus index-matched lenses make turret adjustments precise and repeatable. True daylight bright illumination runs 11 intensity levels on a lockable dial, and the anodized stealth finish cuts glare.
It is IPX7 waterproof, argon gas purged and backed by the lifetime Vortex VIP warranty. Most owners call it the best LPVO available once the diopter is properly set.
When this scope is the right answer
Choose it if your rifle does double duty: a competition or varmint barrel that also has to be walked around a barn, driven across rough ground, or used on game at close range. A 1x setting is a real advantage in those situations, and 1.3 ounces keeps the rifle light.
The 10x top end is also a useful 3x magnification over a traditional hunting scope at the same distance, so 300 yard varmint work is well covered. The daylight illumination helps most at dawn and dusk, which is exactly when you are hunting.
Where it falls short
A very low 1x base magnification is not what a dedicated maximum-range precision optic should have, and if your whole goal is dialing at 1,000 yards you want a 5-25x or wider range at the top end instead.
Diopter adjustment is commonly described as finicky and needs careful setup at both 1x and 10x, and a small number of owners report washed-out illumination or a reticle shadow. The 4.2 average is also pulled down by unit-specific reports about open-box condition and missing accessories, so check what is in the box when it arrives.
5. Burris Droptine 4.5-14×42 – Best General Hunting Scope on a Budget
Burris Hunting Durable Waterproof High-Grade Optical Glass Droptine Riflescope with Ballistic Plex Reticle, 4.5-14x 42mm
4.5-14x42 ballistic plex
1.1 lb
Adjustable parallax
Nitrogen filled
Pros
- Clear bright glass for a hunting scope
- Light at 1.1 pounds for a pack gun
- Holds zero reliably after set-up
- Crisp uncluttered ballistic plex reticle
- Burris Forever Warranty
Cons
- 1/4 inch clicks are neither MIL nor MOA
- Capped turrets are not re-zeroable once set
- Eye relief becomes stingy at higher power
Long-range hunting forum advice for beginners keeps pointing the same direction: start with something simple, learn your rifle, then move up. The Burris Droptine 4.5-14×42 is that kind of scope, and it is the second lightest optic in this group at 1.1 pounds.
It is the largest scope in the Droptine family and the only one with adjustable parallax focus, which is a meaningful upgrade when you are shooting past 300 yards. High-grade optical glass with precision-ground lenses larger than comparable scopes, plus index-matched Hi-Lume multicoating, keeps the image clear in low light.
The waterproof, nitrogen-filled tube prevents internal fogging, and the durable integrated-eyepiece design uses a no-slip grip with positive steel-on-steel adjustments. Owners treat it as a dependable, no-frills hunting scope and a large share of the reviews mention it holding zero after initial set-up. It is covered by the Burris Forever Warranty.
What this scope is genuinely good at
Deer, elk, general big game and varmint work at moderate distance, where a 14x top end and a simple ballistic plex reticle are enough to point and hold. A duplex-style reticle that stays crisp and uncluttered in the sight picture is easier for a new shooter to read under pressure than a dense mil grid.
Positive steel-on-steel adjustments and a nitrogen-filled tube mean it will not be the thing that ends your hunt. At 1.1 pounds it is easy to carry all day and pairs well with a light mountain rifle setup.
Where it falls short
The 1/4 inch click value is neither MIL nor MOA, and it is not suited to dialing long-range solutions. Click values are also inconsistent, with the error averaging out only over several clicks, so precision holds are not realistic with this optic.
Capped turrets are not re-zeroable once set, which means any change in zero requires a screwdriver. Eye relief also becomes stingy at higher magnification, and no matching sunshade is available for the adjustable objective housing.
6. DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 PRS – Most Versatile for Real Precision Glass
DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 MRAD PRS FFP Rifle Scope, 34mm Tube, Zero Stop
5-30x56 on a 34mm tube
0.1 MRAD zero stop
FFP MRAD reticle
2.8 lb
Pros
- 5-30x56 range on a 34mm main tube
- Zero stop makes dialing drops straightforward
- FFP MRAD reticle scales for holdovers
- Side focus keeps the image sharp
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Scope rings are sold separately
- Needs mounting height to clear a high rail
- 2.8 lb is heavy for a carry weight
This is the most interesting scope on the list for anyone who wants real precision-rifle architecture. A 5-30×56 range on a 34mm main tube, a tactical zero stop with 0.1 MRAD clicks, and a glass-etched first focal plane MRAD reticle is the same feature set shooters look for in competition glass.
Owners frequently frame the purchase as a value-for-money alternative to far more expensive precision scopes, and the praise for the zero stop in particular is consistent. When you can dial a drop and stop exactly where you want it, the whole holdover-versus-dial decision gets easier.
Side focus parallax adjustment keeps the image sharp at range, and the six-level red illumination on a glass-etched reticle is simple and readable. The tube is o-ring sealed and dry nitrogen purged, so it is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. The sunshade, silicone cover, cleaning cloth, specification card, QC checklist and user manual are all included.
The lower ratings concentrate on unit-to-unit consistency rather than the design itself, which is the normal pattern for a scope at this stage of the category.
Why the 34mm tube matters here
Tube diameter is not a styling detail. A wider main tube carries more internal elevation and windage travel, and travel is what separates a scope you can dial from a scope you can only hold over. On a 1,000 yard build with a high ballistic solution, running out of clicks is a real problem that a 30mm tube will find first.
The 5-30x range is also more useful than it looks. Most of the work at long range happens between 12x and 18x, and a 5x low end means you still have a usable optic for close-in shots instead of a blurry tunnel at the bottom of the range.
Where it falls short
Scope rings are not included and must be purchased separately, so the real cost of entry is higher than the box implies. Budget for quality rings and a proper mount rather than whatever is cheapest.
It also requires careful mounting height to clear a high rifle rail, and at 2.8 pounds it is one of the heavier scopes here. That rules it out of a light backcountry build and can crowd the action on a short-stroke precision rifle.
7. SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24×52 – Best Scope That Comes With a Factory Mount
SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24x52mm 30mm Tube Tactical Riflescope
6-24x52 on a 30mm tube
Zero stop elevation
SPR mount included
2.2 lb
Pros
- Exceptionally clean and bright image
- 6-24x range stays clear across the span
- Holds zero consistently after extended firing
- Factory installed SPR mount makes setup simple
- Tactile audible turret clicks
Cons
- Elevation turret feels slightly mushy
- Second focal plane reticle has less long range reference
- Some reports of misaligned turret hardware
The Tango-SPR is the scope to consider if you want a mounted, ready-to-shoot package rather than a build project. The factory-installed SPR scope mount and lay-flat flip-back lens covers mean the optic arrives ready to mount, which removes the biggest first-week headache for a new shooter.
Optical performance is the surprise. Owners consistently describe a clean, bright, well-behaved image with strong light transmission, and a 4:1 optical system with low dispersion glass holds clarity across the whole 6-24x span. At 2.2 pounds it sits in the middle of this group on weight.
The exposed zero-stop elevation dial and low-profile capped windage turret are a sensible split for a hunting-oriented magnified scope: you can set a zero on elevation, and the capped windage will not get walked. A removable magnification throw lever is included, plus side focus parallax adjustment, and the scope is waterproof, shockproof and fogproof.
What it is best suited to
Mixed-use hunting rifles and general precision rifles where you want reach to 600 yards without a 5x floor fighting you. The low-profile windage turret also keeps it out of the way of a pack strap or a vehicle seat, which tall exposed turrets on other scopes do not.
Owners report that it holds zero consistently after extended firing, which is what you want on a magnum or a heavy-barrelled precision rifle where recoil is the biggest enemy of a consistent zero.
Where it falls short
The elevation turret feels slightly mushy, though it is still accurate. Click positivity is exactly what you feel when dialing, and mushy clicks are one of the deal breakers that experienced long-range shooters name repeatedly.
The MOA BDC-1 reticle sits in the second focal plane, so it thins with magnification and gives less long-range reference than a first focal plane design. A small number of owners also report misaligned turrets or defective hardware on individual scopes, so inspect it on arrival.
8. Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP – Best Value in the Category
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated MOA Reticle and Adjustable Objective (Flat Dark Earth)
6-24x50 FFP MOA reticle
Adjustable objective
30mm rings included
3.6 lb
Pros
- First focal plane reticle at a fraction of the cost
- Adjustable objective handles focus and parallax
- 6-24x range with illuminated MOA reticle
- Rings sunshade and flip caps in the box
- Nearly 1000 owner ratings
Cons
- Heavy at 3.6 pounds
- Included high profile rings need extra mount height
- Overall rating below premium scopes
With nearly a thousand ratings, this is the most battle-tested budget first focal plane scope in the group, and buyers treat it as the default entry point. The 6-24×50 magnification covers mid to long distance shooting out to 1000+ yards, which is exactly the range most people mean when they ask about long-range scopes.
The adjustable objective lens is the underrated feature. It handles focus, eliminates parallax and lets you estimate distance to your target, all from one control, and it is why a scope at this level can still produce sharp images at real distances instead of only at 300 yards.
Everything you need to mount it is in the box: 30mm high profile Picatinny scope rings, a sunshade and spring-loaded flip-up lens covers. The inline dial controls reticle illumination at multiple brightness levels, and the first focal plane illuminated MOA reticle carries ranging information that stays true as you zoom.
The 4.5 average is stable across a very large review base, which is worth more than a higher average on a small one. Weight and the included ring height are the most common practical complaints, not the optics.
Why this is the value pick rather than a compromise
A first focal plane MOA reticle is the feature that most limits cheaper scopes, and this one has it. Holdovers that scale with magnification, a wide magnification range, and an adjustable objective together give you the three things a long-range shooter actually needs, and the accessory bundle removes the extra purchases most budget scopes force on you.
For a first long-range precision build, or a backup scope for a second rifle, that combination is hard to argue with.
Where it falls short
At 3.6 pounds it is the heaviest optic in this group, and once it is mounted with rings you will feel it on a pack gun or in a long walk to a shooting position. Plan your rifle build around that weight.
The included rings are high profile, which can require a taller mount height and may not clear a low ring setup or a scope with very tall turrets. Its 4.5 average also sits below the premium scopes here, which is a reminder that first focal plane is a floor, not a ceiling.
9. SNIPER MT 6-24×50 – Best Mil-Dot Scope for 300 to 600 Yard Work
Rifle Scope MT 6-24×50 Red/Green/Blue Illuminated Reticle
6-24x50 mil-dot reticle
1 inch tube
1/4 MOA QTA clicks
1.6 lb
Pros
- Very low cost for a mil-dot 6-24x50
- Adjustments are positive and lock at a yardage
- Holds zero while firing
- Nitrogen filled and o-ring sealed
- Rings and flip-up caps included
Cons
- Image gets hazy and dull above about 18x
- Eye relief becomes awkward above 18x
- Some reports of dial play and a locked elevation knob
The MT is a plain, no-nonsense 6-24×50 with a mil-dot reticle and red, green and blue illumination with auto-off, which is more illumination colour choice than most scopes three times its weight offer. QTA quick adjustment turrets give you 1/4 MOA clicks, and Picatinny rings and flip-up lens covers are included.
Owners who want a serviceable mil-dot scope for 300 to 600 yard work are very satisfied with it, and the common report is that adjustments are positive and accurate and can be locked at a yardage, then hold zero while firing.
Construction is a single-piece premium aircraft-grade aluminum alloy on a 1 inch tube diameter, nitrogen filled, o-ring sealed, shockproof, waterproof and fogproof. At 1.6 pounds it is lighter than most scopes in the 6-24x class, with a limited lifetime warranty behind it.
Expect a split rating. Roughly one review in ten is one star, and those reports cluster around unit-level issues: defective illumination, dial play, a locked-up elevation knob, and difficult boresighting with the large objective housing on heavy recoil setups.
Where this scope earns its place
For 300 to 600 yard work, and for anyone who wants to try mil-dot holdover without buying into a full precision system, it does a competent job. Positive, lockable adjustments and a sealed nitrogen-filled body are the two things you most want from an inexpensive scope, and it has both.
It is also a reasonable truck-scope or backup optic, where weight and replacement cost both matter more than edge-to-edge sharpness at 24x.
Where it falls short
The image gets hazy and dull above about 18x, and eye relief becomes awkward at the same point. If you spend your time at 20x or higher, that is the deal breaker, because the top half of the magnification range is where the glass gives up.
Blue illumination is difficult for a target to detect at distance, so treat the colour options as a novelty. The large objective housing can also be a pain to boresight on some rifles, particularly heavy magnum actions.
10. KT12-60X60SAL 12-60×60 – Best Scope for Extreme Long Range
KT12-60X60SAL Long Range Rifle Scope, MOA Reticle
12-60x60 on a 35mm tube
Side parallax from 30 yards
1/8 MOA reset turrets
2.7 lb
Pros
- Extraordinary 12-60x range with a 60mm objective
- 35mm tube gives generous adjustment travel
- Side parallax from 30 yards to infinity
- Resettable 1/8 MOA capped turrets
- Rings sunshade and lens caps included
Cons
- Very wide range means a narrower sweet spot
- 19 inch body is heavy and bulky
- Narrow high power field of view and eye box
Nothing else in this group comes close to 12-60x. If you are working at 1,000 yards and beyond and you want the option of extreme magnification, this is the scope with the headroom. A 60mm objective gathers a lot of light for long-range glass, and the 35mm main tube gives you generous elevation and windage travel.
Side parallax adjustment runs from 30 yards to infinity, and the capped resettable turrets use 1/8 MOA clicks that zero out after sighting in, which is a practical feature for a scope that will be re-zeroed between shoots.
The reticle is glass etched and illuminated in red and green with multiple brightness levels, and the scope is nitrogen purged, o-ring sealed, waterproof and fogproof. The package is generous: scope and rings, sunshade, battery, cleaning cloth and high-quality lens caps.
Buyers chasing maximum range value the zoom range, the light collection and the fact that everything needed to mount it is included. The same enthusiasm is tempered by the physical reality of a 19 inch, 2.7 pound optic.
When extreme magnification is the right call
A 60mm objective on a long-range target is a genuine advantage in low light and at the far end of a long session. The 35mm tube also means the widest adjustment travel of any scope here, and for dialing a 1,000 yard plus solution that headroom is worth planning for in advance.
Buyers hunting this category consistently say the 12-60x range is what they were after, and that the included rings and accessories meant no second purchase on day one.
Where it falls short
A very wide magnification range means the sweet spot is narrower than on lower-magnification scopes. You will spend more time finding the right power, and the 8.38 foot field of view at the top end is tight enough that target acquisition takes care.
The 19 inch body is heavy and bulky on a rifle, and the eye box is narrow enough to be finicky to get into position. A noticeable share of one-star reviews reflects difficulty mounting and using the scope at its extremes, so test it on your rifle before committing.
How We Picked the Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting
We scored every scope on four things, weighted the way precision shooters actually complain. Aiming system quality carried the most weight, because a scope that cannot be trusted to place a correction exactly is worthless at distance no matter how good it looks.
Zero system and turret tracking, weighted heaviest. Is there a hard zero stop or zero ring, are the clicks positive and repeatable, and do the clicks match the reticle increments. Capped turrets that cannot be re-zeroed and quarter-inch clicks that are neither MIL nor MOA were penalised hard.
Reticle and focal plane design. First focal plane with usable holdover references scored above second focal plane duplicates, and dense mil-based grids scored above sparse dots.
Optical performance at working magnification. Not maximum magnification. Most long-range shots happen between 12x and 18x, so clarity, edge distortion and eye box in that band mattered more than a headline number.
Mechanical honesty. Weight, mounting compatibility, parallax range, what is in the box, and warranty length. A scope that needs special rings or a taller mount to work is a worse buy than its spec sheet suggests.
We also cross-checked owner feedback rather than relying on specification sheets alone. Deal breakers that came up again and again across reviews were mushy clicks, missing zero stops, second focal plane reticles at long range, tight eye boxes, and glass that softens at the top of the range.
How to Choose a Long Range Rifle Scope
Start with the distance you actually shoot, not the distance you want to shoot. Every other decision follows from that.
Magnification: how much do you really need?
For 500 yard work, 6-24x is the sweet spot and 5-25x is its equal. For 1,000 yards you want at least 15x of top end so the target is bigger than a postage stamp, and a 20x to 25x ceiling is more useful than a 36x maximum you never use. The widely repeated working band is 12x to 18x, and that is where you should judge clarity.
At 300 yards a 4-12x or 5-25x is more than enough. Paying for extreme magnification on a 300 yard rifle is the single most common overspend in this category, and owners who bought 6-36x and 7-35x glass for 1,000 yard work frequently report that they use the bottom of the range far more than the top.
First focal plane vs second focal plane
First focal plane means the reticle scales as you zoom, so the same number on the reticle means the same correction at any power. Second focal plane reticles thin out as you zoom, which makes precise holdover and windage reference much harder past mid-magnification. For long-range precision work, first focal plane is close to mandatory. Our VX-5HD, Tango-SPR and Burris Droptine picks are second focal plane and are honestly labelled as hunting options.
MIL/MRAD vs MOA: pick your reticle system
This is the most repeated question on long-range forums and the most avoidable mistake. MIL is roughly 50 percent coarser than MOA, which means at the same distance a mil is about half the size of an MOA hash. The tradeoff is that mil reads faster and is easier to dial, while MOA is finer and better suited to hunting and long precision holds.
The practical rule almost everyone lands on is to match whatever reticle system your shooting partners already use. Switching systems costs you a firing solution you already know. MIL-based grids are the long-range and precision standard, MOA suits lighter recoil and hunting rifles, and a second focal plane MOA hunting reticle is a reasonable choice if you hold over rather than dial.
Zero stop, zero ring, and why they eat travel
An internal zero stop is a physical hard stop at your zero that you can return to without counting clicks. A zero ring, like the RevStop ring included with the Strike Eagle, is an external stop you set with a tool after zeroing. The Strike Eagle uses both, which is why it can offer a hard mechanical limit and a resettable external stop.
A zero ring costs you travel: the scope can only dial up to the point where the ring meets the body, so the further you push, the less usable elevation you have left. On extreme long-range builds that is the difference between dialing a solution and running out of clicks. Prefer internal zero stops whenever your travel needs are large, and remember that an external ring still eats into the total.
Tube diameter, turret height and mounting
A 30mm tube carries less internal travel than a 34mm tube, and a 34mm carries less than a 35mm. Extra travel matters most at long range and in altitude, where drop solutions get large. Taller turrets add clearance over a rail but will not work with low profile rings or on a scope with very tall turrets, so measure your action and ring height before you buy.
Check ring height compatibility before you spend. The Monstrum G3 ships with high profile rings that need extra mount height, and the DISCOVERYOPT needs clearance over a high rail. Both are solvable, but not after the scope is in your hands.
Parallax, weight and the 16 ounce budget
Side focus parallax is what precision rimfire and close-range shooters need, since it focuses from 10 to 15 yards out to infinity. The KT12-60 goes from 30 yards, the Viper PST has adjustable parallax, and the DISCOVERYOPT uses side focus. The VX-5HD and Burris Droptine are hunting scopes, so a close focus limit there is not a problem.
Weight is where precision and hunting part company. A 34mm precision scope on a heavy rifle can push you past two pounds mounted, which rules it out of a backcountry hunt. If you are carrying weight, stay under 16 ounces and accept a smaller magnification range. If you are dialling at 1,000 yards, accept the weight. Trying to have both is how people end up unhappy with a scope that was never wrong for its job.
Whatever you choose, store it properly between seasons. Scope damage from humidity and impacts is avoidable, and if you are not sure where to keep your rifles and optics, our guide to rifle safes covers the storage side. If you also film your range sessions, our notes on the best light meter for shooting on film are worth a read before your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scope for shooting 1000 yards?
A first focal plane scope with at least 15x of top end, a zero stop and roughly 20 MRAD of internal elevation travel is what you want. The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP is our overall answer because its 34mm tube, RevStop zero system and MOA reticle cover 500 to 1,000 yard work in one optic.
What magnification is needed to shoot 1000 yards?
You need roughly 15x to 20x of usable power at 1,000 yards so the target is larger than the reticle references. That does not require a 36x maximum, because most long-range shooting happens between 12x and 18x and that is the band your glass needs to be clear in.
What scope is best for shooting 500 yards?
A 6-24×50 first focal plane scope with a mil-based or MOA reticle is ideal for 500 yards, because it still gives you real holdover references at the low end of the range. The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 and the Monstrum G3 6-24×50 both cover this distance well.
Is MIL or MOA better for long range?
MIL is roughly 50 percent coarser than MOA, reads faster and is easier to dial, which makes it the long-range and precision standard. MOA is finer and better for hunting and light recoil. The most practical advice is to match the reticle system your shooting partners already use rather than switching.
Do I need a first focal plane scope for long range?
For dialing and precise holdover at 500 yards and beyond, yes. A first focal plane reticle scales with magnification so one number means the same correction at any power, while a second focal plane reticle thins as you zoom and makes windage references much harder to read.
How much should I spend on a long range scope?
Spend in tiers. Budget scopes cover 300 to 500 yard work, mid-range precision glass adds a real first focal plane reticle, a zero stop and a 34mm tube, and only extreme long-range builds need 35mm tubes and magnification beyond 25x. Buy the tier that matches the distances you actually shoot.
Conclusion: The Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting in 2026
For most precision shooters, the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP is the best rifle scope for long range shooting in 2026. It gives you a first focal plane MOA reticle, a 34mm tube, a RevStop zero system and locking turrets in one package, and at 1.9 pounds it is not a rifle-ending commitment.
If your priority is getting a first focal plane scope mounted and shooting for as little as possible, the Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP includes its rings and sunshade. If you need genuine precision-rifle architecture and a real zero stop on a tight budget, the DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 is the one. And if you are hunting rather than competing, the Leupold VX-5HD at 16 ounces will not let you down.
Whatever you choose, buy the tier that matches the distances you actually shoot, check your ring and rail clearance first, and give the turret tracking a box drill before you rely on it at 1,000 yards.