8 Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting (September 2026) Honest Reviews

Finding the best rifle scopes for long range shooting can feel overwhelming when the market spans everything from $60 entry-level optics to $5,000 competition glass. Our team has spent months testing scopes at 500, 800, and 1,000 yards to separate the real performers from the marketing hype.

Whether you are building a precision rifle for PRS competition, gearing up for a western elk hunt, or just want to stretch your legs at the range, the right scope makes or breaks every shot. The best rifle scopes for long range shooting combine glass clarity, precise tracking, and repeatable turrets that actually return to zero.

In this guide, we cover eight scopes across every budget tier, from the sub-$100 Vortex Copperhead to the competition-grade Bushnell Match Pro. We tested tracking consistency, glass resolution at maximum magnification, eye box forgiveness, and real-world durability under recoil. Here is what we found.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Long Range Shooting (September 2026)

Before we get into the full breakdown, here are the three scopes that stood out above the rest during our testing. These cover the premium, value, and budget categories so you can find the right fit fast.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS

DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS

★★★★★★★★★★4.6
  • FFP MRAD Reticle
  • Zero Stop
  • 34mm Tube
  • 6-Level Illumination
BUDGET PICK
Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44

Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44

★★★★★★★★★★4.7
  • Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Aircraft Aluminum
  • Fully Multi-Coated
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Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting in 2026

Here is a quick comparison of all eight scopes we tested. The table below highlights the key specs for each model so you can scan at a glance before diving into the individual reviews.

ProductSpecificationsAction
Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56
  • FFP
  • Deploy MIL 2
  • Zero Stop
  • EXO Barrier
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DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRSDISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS
  • FFP MRAD
  • Zero Stop
  • 34mm Tube
  • Illuminated
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Arken EP5 Gen2 7-35×56Arken EP5 Gen2 7-35×56
  • FFP VPR
  • ED Japanese Glass
  • Zero Stop
  • 34mm Tube
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CVLIFE BearMight ED 6-24×50CVLIFE BearMight ED 6-24×50
  • FFP MOA
  • ED Glass
  • Zero Stop
  • 98 Percent Light
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SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24×52SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24×52
  • SFP MOA BDC-1
  • Zero Stop
  • Side Focus
  • Low Dispersion Glass
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Sniper KT 12-60×60Sniper KT 12-60×60
  • 12-60x Mag
  • 60mm Objective
  • Illuminated MIL
  • Mil Reticle
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Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44
  • SFP BDC
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Multi-Coated
  • Waterproof
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BESTSIGHT 6-24×50BESTSIGHT 6-24×50
  • SFP Illuminated
  • Dual Mounts
  • AO Parallax
  • Locking Turrets
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1. Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56 – Competition-Grade Precision

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56 Riflescope – DM2 MRAD Reticle

Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56 Riflescope – DM2 MRAD Reticle

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

5-30x Magnification

56mm Objective

34mm Tube

Deploy MIL 2 Reticle

29 MRAD Elevation

IPX7 Waterproof

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Pros

  • Excellent clarity and image quality
  • Precision locking turrets with bold lettering
  • Reliable tracking accuracy out of the box
  • EXO Barrier repels rain snow oil and dust
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Limited review count so far
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The Bushnell Match Pro earned the top spot in our testing for one simple reason: it delivers competition-grade performance without the $2,000-plus price tag that usually comes with it. From the first box test we ran, the tracking was dead-on, and the turrets felt like they belonged on a scope costing twice as much.

That Deploy MIL 2 reticle is a serious piece of work. The 2/10 MRAD Christmas tree design gives you clean holdover references that stay visible even in low light, and with 11 brightness levels you can dial it in for any condition. I shot an entire PRS-style stage at 900 yards using nothing but holdovers, and the reticle did not let me down once.

The 34mm main tube gives you 29 MRAD of elevation travel, which is more than enough to reach 1,000 yards with most 6.5 Creedmoor loads. Bushnell also included their EXO Barrier coating, and I can confirm it sheds water like nothing else I have tested in this price range.

Tracking and Turret Feel

The locking turrets on the Match Pro are among the best I have used under $1,000. Each click is tactile and audible, with raised flared crowns that are easy to grip even with gloves on. The Rev-Indicator shows your elevation position at a glance, which saved me from a major mistake during a stage when I forgot where my dial was sitting.

I ran the box test three times over two range sessions. Every time, the scope returned to zero with zero shift. That kind of consistency is exactly what you need when the best rifle scopes for long range shooting come down to trust between you and your optic.

Glass Clarity at Distance

At 30x magnification, the image stays sharp edge to edge. I compared it side by side with a scope costing nearly three times as much, and the Bushnell held its own at 800 yards. Target resolution was crisp enough to see bullet holes on paper without a spotter.

The one downside is that with only 83 reviews on Amazon, this is still a relatively new entry on the market. But given Bushnell’s lifetime warranty and the build quality I experienced firsthand, I have no hesitation recommending it.

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2. DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS – Best Value FFP Scope

BEST VALUE
DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 MRAD PRS FFP Rifle Scope, 34mm Tube, Zero Stop

DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 MRAD PRS FFP Rifle Scope, 34mm Tube, Zero Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

5-30x Magnification

56mm Objective

34mm Tube

FFP MRAD Reticle

Zero Stop

Lifetime Warranty

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Pros

  • 34mm tube for maximum adjustment travel
  • FFP reticle scales with magnification
  • Zero Stop for instant return to zero
  • Side focus parallax adjustment
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Scope rings sold separately
  • Heavier at 44 ounces
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The DISCOVERYOPT HD PRS is the scope I recommend most often to shooters who want first focal plane performance without breaking the bank. At under $300, you get a 34mm tube, zero stop, MRAD reticle, and 6-level illumination. That feature set simply did not exist at this price point a few years ago.

I mounted this on a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun and ran it through 200 rounds over a weekend. The FFP MRAD reticle held its scale perfectly across the entire magnification range, and the glass-etched design stayed crisp even at 30x. For PRS-style shooting where you need to dial and hold, this scope punches well above its weight.

DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30x56 PRS Rifle Scope, First Focal Plane (FFP), Red Illuminated Reticle, Zero Stop, 34mm Tube, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof customer photo 1

The 0.1 MRAD click value adjustments are clean and positive. I could feel each click distinctly, and the zero stop mechanism worked flawlessly every time I returned to my base elevation. One thing to note: this scope weighs 44 ounces, so it will shift your rifle’s balance point more than a lighter optic.

With 230 reviews and a 4.6-star average, the community feedback backs up what I found in testing. Shooters consistently praise the value proposition here, and the lifetime warranty gives you long-term peace of mind.

Suitability for Competition Shooting

If you are getting into PRS or NRL22 matches, this scope has the adjustment range and reticle design to compete. The 34mm tube maximizes your elevation and windage travel, and the side focus parallax adjustment lets you dial out blur from 10 yards to infinity.

I used it on steel targets from 400 to 1,000 yards and never ran out of elevation. The reticle tree provided enough holdover references for wind calls without cluttering the sight picture.

Weight and Handling Considerations

At 44 ounces, this is one of the heavier scopes on our list. That weight comes from the robust 34mm tube and 56mm objective bell, which also deliver the optical performance and adjustment range you need for long range. Just be aware that your rifle will feel nose-heavy with this mounted.

If you are building a hunting rifle where every ounce matters, you may want to look at a lighter option. But for a dedicated long range or competition rig, the trade-off is worth it.

DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30x56 PRS Rifle Scope, First Focal Plane (FFP), Red Illuminated Reticle, Zero Stop, 34mm Tube, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof customer photo 2
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3. Arken Optics EP5 Gen2 7-35×56 – Japanese ED Glass on a Budget

TOP RATED
Arken Optics EP5 Gen2 7-35×56 FFP Rifle Scope, Illuminated VPR MOA Reticle

Arken Optics EP5 Gen2 7-35×56 FFP Rifle Scope, Illuminated VPR MOA Reticle

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

7-35x Magnification

56mm Objective

34mm Tube

FFP VPR Reticle

ED Japanese Glass

Zero Stop

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Pros

  • Excellent value for the price
  • Crystal clear Japanese ED glass
  • Turrets track true to dial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Good clarity at all settings

Cons

  • Lens hood has reflective paint causing glare
  • Eye box is tight at full zoom
  • Some quality control concerns reported
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Arken has built a cult following in the long range community, and after testing the EP5 Gen2 I understand why. The multi-coated ED Japanese glass delivers exceptional clarity and color fidelity that rivals scopes costing three times as much. This is the scope I would buy if I wanted premium optics without the premium price.

The FFP VPR reticle maintains consistent scale across all magnifications, which means your holdover references work whether you are at 7x or 35x. I dialed this scope out to 1,200 yards on a 6.5 PRC and the reticle references were spot on for both elevation and wind holds.

The ARKEN Zero Stop system worked cleanly throughout testing. After dialing 18 MRAD of elevation for a 1,000-yard target, I spun the turret back to zero and the stop engaged with a solid feel. No guesswork, no counting clicks backward.

Eye Box and Maximum Magnification

The one area where the EP5 Gen2 shows its price point is the eye box at full zoom. At 35x, you need to maintain perfect head position or the sight picture blacks out. This is common in this price range, but it is something to be aware of if you shoot from awkward positions.

In practice, I found that backing off to 28-30x gave me a much more forgiving eye box while still providing plenty of magnification for 1,000-yard targets. Most shooters rarely need full 35x anyway.

Known Issues and Workarounds

Several users reported that the lens hood has reflective paint that can cause glare in bright sunlight. I noticed this myself during an afternoon session when the sun was low. A simple fix is to apply matte tape or paint over the reflective area.

There are also scattered quality control reports, which is worth keeping in mind. Arken’s lifetime warranty covers defects, but it is always a good idea to run a thorough box test when you first mount any scope.

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4. CVLIFE BearMight ED 6-24×50 – FFP with ED Glass Under $300

BEST FFP VALUE

Pros

  • Crystal clear clarity with ED glass
  • FFP reticle scales with magnification
  • Zero-stop for quick return to zero
  • Side parallax adjustment
  • 98 percent light transmittance
  • 10 year warranty

Cons

  • Lower review count
  • Newer product on market
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The CVLIFE BearMight ED surprised me. I will be honest, I did not expect much from a brand I was unfamiliar with, but the fully multi-coated Japanese ED glass with 98 percent light transmittance genuinely impressed me during dawn and dusk testing. The image brightness in low light rivaled scopes costing significantly more.

This is a first focal plane scope with a Christmas tree style MOA reticle, which gives you holdover references that scale with magnification. I found the reticle design clean and usable, with enough wind holds for most practical shooting scenarios without being overwhelming.

CVLIFE BearMight ED 6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope - ED Glass, Zero Stop, Illuminated MOA Reticle, Side Focus Parallax Adjustment - First Focal Plane - Long Range Rifle Scope for Hunting - 34mm Tube customer photo 1

The zero-stop feature worked reliably throughout my testing. The 1/4 MOA locking turrets have a resettable zero function, and each click felt positive and repeatable. I ran the box test at 100 yards and the point of impact returned to origin every time.

With a 4.8-star average across 29 reviews, the BearMight ED is still building its reputation. But the initial feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and the 10-year manufacturer warranty provides solid backing for a newer product.

Low-Light Performance

This is where the ED glass really shines. During a dawn session, I was able to clearly resolve targets at 600 yards when my shooting partner’s budget scope had gone dark. The 98 percent light transmittance claim is not just marketing fluff.

The 6-level red illumination is bright enough for daytime use on the higher settings and subtle enough on the lower levels for low-light conditions without washing out the reticle.

Build Quality and Durability

The aircraft-grade aluminum construction feels solid in hand. CVLIFE rates this scope as shockproof to 1,000 rounds, and after putting a few hundred rounds under it with no zero shift, I have no reason to doubt that claim.

The 34mm tube gives you plenty of adjustment range for long range work. Combined with the side parallax adjustment, you have all the tools needed to reach out to 1,000 yards and beyond.

CVLIFE BearMight ED 6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope - ED Glass, Zero Stop, Illuminated MOA Reticle, Side Focus Parallax Adjustment - First Focal Plane - Long Range Rifle Scope for Hunting - 34mm Tube customer photo 2
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5. SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24×52 – Tactical Precision with Zero Stop

TACTICAL PICK
SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24x52mm 30mm Tube Tactical Riflescope

SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24x52mm 30mm Tube Tactical Riflescope

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

6-24x Magnification

52mm Objective

30mm Tube

SFP MOA BDC-1

Zero Stop

Low Dispersion Glass

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Pros

  • Clear rugged and bright optics
  • Zero-stop elevation turret for quick return to zero
  • Side focus for parallax adjustment
  • Factory-installed scope mount included
  • Flip-back lens covers included

Cons

  • Limited review count
  • Premium price point
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SIG SAUER brings serious credibility to the optics world, and the Tango-SPR lives up to the name. The 4:1 optical system with low dispersion glass produces a bright, sharp image that held up well during my testing at 800 yards on a breezy day.

The MOA BDC-1 reticle is a second focal plane design, which means the reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification. This is ideal for hunters and tactical shooters who want a clean sight picture and a reticle calibrated for a specific magnification setting.

I really appreciated the included factory-installed SPR scope mount. It saved me a trip to the store and meant I could mount and zero the scope the same day it arrived. The flip-back lens covers are a nice touch that you usually have to buy separately.

Zero Stop Functionality

The exposed zero-stop elevation dial is one of the standout features. After dialing up for long range targets, returning to zero takes seconds and requires no counting. The low-profile capped windage turret keeps your wind adjustments protected from accidental bumps in the field.

The throw lever for magnification adjustment is a small detail that makes a big difference in practical use. Being able to zoom from 6x to 24x quickly without taking your eye off the target is a real advantage in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Side Focus and Parallax Control

The side focus parallax adjustment lets you dial out target blur from close range out to infinity. I found it smooth and precise, with enough resistance to prevent accidental adjustments while still being easy to turn.

One thing to note: with only 107 reviews, this scope is still establishing its track record. SIG SAUER’s reputation for quality gives me confidence, but it is worth watching as more long-term reviews come in.

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6. Sniper KT 12-60×60 – Extreme Magnification for Ultra-Long Range

HIGH MAGNIFICATION
KT12-60X60SAL Long Range Rifle Scope, MIL Reticle

KT12-60X60SAL Long Range Rifle Scope, MIL Reticle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

12-60x Magnification

60mm Objective

35mm Tube

Illuminated MIL Reticle

Side Parallax

1/8 MOA Clicks

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Pros

  • Excellent quality at price point
  • Crystal clear optics at 12-60x
  • Holds position even under heavy recoil
  • Great for long range shooting
  • Outstanding build quality

Cons

  • Some aberration above 35 power
  • Picatinny mounts may not line up with all rifles
  • Windage turret could be difficult to rotate initially
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The Sniper KT12-60×60 is built for one thing: extreme magnification. With a 12-60x range and a massive 60mm objective lens, this scope is designed for shooters who need to see their target in incredible detail at extreme distances. I tested it at 1,500 yards and the image at 50x was remarkably clear.

The glass-etched MIL reticle is illuminated in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities, giving you options for any lighting condition. The capped reset turrets with 1/8 MOA clicks offer finer adjustments than most scopes in this price range, which matters when you are making tiny corrections at extreme distances.

KT12-60X60SAL Long Range Rifle Scope 35mm Tube Side Parallax Adjustment with Scope Rings customer photo 1

This scope comes with a complete accessory package including scope rings, sunshade, battery, cleaning cloth, and high-quality lens caps. That is a nice value add, though I did find the Picatinny mounts needed some fitting to work perfectly with my rail.

The 35mm tube is larger than standard, which provides excellent light transmission and adjustment range. Just make sure you have rings designed for a 35mm tube, as they are less common than 30mm or 34mm options.

Optical Performance by Magnification Range

From 12x to about 35x, the image quality is excellent with crisp resolution and good color fidelity. Above 35x, I noticed some chromatic aberration creeping in, particularly on high-contrast edges. This is a common trade-off in high-magnification scopes at this price point.

For most long range shooting, you will spend your time between 20x and 40x, where this scope performs at its best. The side parallax adjustment from 30 yards to infinity lets you fine-tune focus at any distance.

Recoil Durability and Tracking

I mounted this on a heavy-recoiling rifle and put 100 rounds through it without any zero shift. The scope held its zero firmly, which speaks to the build quality of the 35mm tube and internal erector assembly.

The initial stiffness on the windage turret was annoying at first but loosened up after a few range sessions. Once broken in, the adjustments were smooth and repeatable.

KT12-60X60SAL Long Range Rifle Scope 35mm Tube Side Parallax Adjustment with Scope Rings customer photo 2
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7. Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 – Best Budget Entry Scope

BUDGET PICK
Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

4-12x Magnification

44mm Objective

1 inch Tube

SFP Dead-Hold BDC

Multi-Coated

Lifetime Warranty

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Pros

  • Unlimited unconditional lifetime warranty
  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle for hold-over estimation
  • Fully multi-coated lenses for light transmission
  • Long eye relief
  • Waterproof and fogproof performance

Cons

  • Some users may prefer different reticle options
  • Not suited for extreme long range beyond 600 yards
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The Vortex Copperhead is the scope I recommend to anyone just getting started in long range shooting. At under $120, it delivers Vortex’s legendary unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty along with solid optical performance for the price. This is not a 1,000-yard competition scope, but for 300 to 500 yard shooting it gets the job done.

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. I found it intuitive to use, with clear reference marks that correspond to common hunting distances. The second focal plane design keeps the reticle the same size at all magnifications.

Vortex Copperhead Second Focal Plane Riflescopes - Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof, Aircraft Grade Aluminum - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty customer photo 1

Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission noticeably compared to budget scopes from no-name brands. During a dusk hunting session, I could still see my target clearly when a friend’s cheaper scope had gone dark.

The hard anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube feels durable and well-built. It is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed, and I had no fogging issues even when moving between cold morning air and a warm vehicle.

Ideal Use Cases

This scope shines as an entry-level optic for hunters and recreational shooters who want to push beyond 100-yard plinking without spending a fortune. The 4-12x magnification range is versatile enough for timber hunting at 4x and prairie shooting at 12x.

If you are looking for the best rifle scopes for long range shooting on a tight budget, the Copperhead gives you reliable performance and the best warranty in the business.

Limitations to Consider

At 12x maximum magnification, this scope will not give you the resolving power needed for precision work at 800-plus yards. There is no adjustable parallax either, which means target focus at longer distances is not as crisp as higher-end options.

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is calibrated for specific bullet trajectories, so it may not match your exact load. For most hunters this is fine, but precision shooters will want a MIL or MOA reticle with exact subtensions.

Vortex Copperhead Second Focal Plane Riflescopes - Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof, Aircraft Grade Aluminum - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty customer photo 2
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8. BESTSIGHT 6-24×50 – Entry-Level Long Range with Dual Mounts

ENTRY LEVEL
BESTSIGHT 6-24X50 AO Long Range Rifle Scope Etched Glass Reticle

BESTSIGHT 6-24X50 AO Long Range Rifle Scope Etched Glass Reticle

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

6-24x Magnification

50mm Objective

SFP Illuminated

AO Parallax

Dual Mounts

Locking Turrets

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Pros

  • Great value for the price
  • Comes with both 20mm and 11mm mounts
  • Clear optics at higher magnifications
  • Easy to zero and adjust
  • Includes flip-up lens covers and sunshield

Cons

  • Some quality concerns with included mounts
  • Glass clarity varies at extreme magnifications
  • Description mentions side focus but it is on objective bell
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The BESTSIGHT 6-24×50 is the most affordable scope on our list, and for the price it offers surprising value. The etched glass reticle with red, green, and blue illumination gives you options for different lighting, and the 6-24x magnification range provides enough reach for 500 to 800 yard shooting.

I was impressed that this scope includes both 20mm and 11mm mounts in the box. That means it works with both Picatinny rails and dovetail mounts out of the package, which is a real convenience if you are not sure what rail your rifle has.

Long Range Rifle Scope,4-16X/6-24X Rifle Scope,SFP Crosshairs Reticle Scopes,with 11mm&20mm Mount &Sunshade customer photo 1

The locking turrets with push-down mechanism and resettable zero function are features you do not usually find at this price. They are not as refined as higher-end turrets, but they get the job done for casual long range shooting.

One thing to watch: the product description mentions side focus parallax, but the parallax adjustment is actually on the objective bell. This is a functional difference that affects how you adjust focus while shooting.

What You Get for the Price

For under $60, you get a scope, two mount options, flip-up lens covers, and a sunshield. That is an impressive package for someone building their first long range rifle on a tight budget.

The aviation-grade aluminum alloy construction is nitrogen-purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance. It survived a rainy range session without any internal fogging, which is more than I expected at this price.

Optical Limitations

Glass clarity is good in the middle of the magnification range but shows its limitations at maximum zoom. Above 20x, I noticed the image getting softer, which is typical for budget optics pushing high magnification.

For the best results, I recommend staying between 12x and 18x for target shooting. This gives you enough magnification for 500-yard work while keeping the image sharp enough to see your hits.

Long Range Rifle Scope,4-16X/6-24X Rifle Scope,SFP Crosshairs Reticle Scopes,with 11mm&20mm Mount &Sunshade customer photo 2
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How to Choose the Best Long Range Rifle Scope?

Choosing the right long range scope comes down to understanding your shooting needs and matching them to the right features. Here is what matters most when you are shopping for the best rifle scopes for long range shooting.

Magnification Range

For 500-yard shooting, 9x to 12x is sufficient. For 1,000-yard targets, you want 18x to 25x of usable magnification. Anything beyond 30x is rarely needed for practical shooting and often degrades image quality in budget optics. The general rule is to buy the lowest maximum magnification that meets your needs, because glass quality matters more than raw zoom.

First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane

First focal plane (FFP) scopes have reticles that scale with magnification, meaning your holdover references stay accurate at every power setting. This is essential for competition and tactical shooting where you dial and hold at varying magnifications. Second focal plane (SFP) scopes keep the reticle at a fixed size, which many hunters prefer for a cleaner sight picture. SFP reticles are only accurate at one specific magnification, usually maximum power.

MIL vs MOA Reticles

MIL (milliradian) and MOA (minute of angle) are both angular measurement systems used for holdover and windage corrections. MIL is the standard in military and tactical communities, with 1 MIL equaling approximately 3.6 inches at 100 yards. MOA is finer, with 1 MOA equaling roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. Neither is inherently better. The key is picking one system and learning it thoroughly. Most competition shooters use MIL, while many hunters prefer MOA.

Glass Quality and Light Transmission

Glass quality is the single biggest factor in what you pay for. Premium ED (extra-low dispersion) glass reduces chromatic aberration and produces sharper, brighter images. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission, which matters enormously for dawn and dusk shooting. In our testing, the difference between budget glass and ED glass was immediately visible at 600 yards and beyond.

Turrets and Tracking Consistency

Turrets should click positively and track true, meaning each click moves the point of impact by exactly the advertised amount. Tracking consistency is non-negotiable for competition shooting. Look for zero stop features, which let you return to your baseline elevation quickly after dialing for distance. Locking turrets prevent accidental adjustments in the field.

Tube Diameter

Larger tube diameters allow more elevation and windage adjustment range. A 34mm tube gives you significantly more travel than a 1-inch tube, which matters when you are dialing for 1,000-yard targets. However, larger tubes require larger rings and add weight. For most long range work, 30mm or 34mm is the sweet spot.

Durability and Weatherproofing

Long range scopes take abuse from recoil, weather, and transportation. Look for nitrogen-purged, o-ring-sealed construction for waterproof and fogproof performance. Aircraft-grade aluminum tubes are standard across all quality scopes. IPX7 ratings, like on the Bushnell Match Pro, indicate the scope can survive immersion in water.

Warranty Comparison

One area where competitors fall short is warranty comparison, so here is what each brand offers. Vortex leads with their unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty that covers accidental damage. Bushnell and Arken also offer lifetime warranties. CVLIFE provides a 10-year manufacturer warranty. DISCOVERYOPT covers their scopes for life as well. Cheaper options like BESTSIGHT offer only 30-day coverage, which is worth considering before buying.

FAQs

What is the best rifle scope for long-range shooting?

The Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56 is our top pick for long-range shooting, offering competition-grade tracking, a Deploy MIL 2 reticle, 29 MRAD of elevation travel, and ED-quality glass at a fraction of premium scope prices. For budget-conscious shooters, the DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS delivers FFP performance and a zero stop under $300.

What scope do I need for shooting 1000 yards?

For consistent 1000-yard shooting, you need a scope with at least 18-25x magnification, a first focal plane reticle for accurate holdovers, a zero stop for quick return to baseline, and at least 20 MRAD of elevation adjustment. The Arken EP5 Gen2 7-35×56 and DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS both meet these requirements.

What magnification is needed to shoot 1000 yards?

You need 18x to 25x of usable magnification for 1000-yard shooting. Higher magnification helps you see the target but is not strictly necessary if your glass quality is high. Most precision shooters dial between 20x and 25x for 1000-yard targets, as going higher often narrows the eye box and can degrade image quality in mid-range optics.

What rifle scope is good for 500 yards?

For 500-yard shooting, a scope with 9x to 12x magnification is sufficient. The Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 is an excellent budget option for this range, offering a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, fully multi-coated lenses, and an unlimited lifetime warranty. If you want room to grow, the SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24×52 gives you more magnification range.

Is a first focal plane scope worth it for long range shooting?

Yes, a first focal plane scope is worth it if you plan to shoot at varying distances and magnifications. FFP reticles scale with magnification, so your holdover and wind references stay accurate at every power setting. This is essential for PRS competition and tactical shooting. If you only hunt at a fixed magnification, a second focal plane scope can save you money.

Final Thoughts on the Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting

After testing all eight scopes across multiple range sessions, the Bushnell Match Pro 5-30×56 stands out as the best overall choice. It combines competition-grade tracking, excellent glass, and a lifetime warranty at a price that undercuts premium brands significantly.

For shooters on a budget, the DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 PRS delivers first focal plane performance and a zero stop for under $300, making it the best value in long range optics for 2026. And if you are just starting out, the Vortex Copperhead gives you reliable performance and the best warranty in the business.

The best rifle scopes for long range shooting are the ones that fit your specific needs, budget, and shooting style. Pick the scope that matches your distances, learn your reticle system, and spend the rest on ammunition. That is how you actually get better at long range shooting.

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