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10 Best Rifle Scope For Long Range Shooting 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 34mm Tube Precise Illuminated First Focal Plane Black Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT, C613

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,301
Reticle
Eye Relief
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
18 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is clear and can be illuminated at various brightness levels, enhancing usability in different lighting conditions.
Eye Relief
Adjustable eye relief and easy-to-read elevation turn count indicators are appreciated for improving user experience.
Build Quality and Durability
The scope offers exceptional quality, rugged construction, and precise accuracy, making it a top-tier choice for long-range shooting.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 rifle scope is tailored for long-range shooting enthusiasts and hunters. With a robust magnification range from 7x to 35x, this scope is ideal for spotting targets at various distances, making it a strong contender in the long-range shooting category. The objective lens diameter of 56mm enhances light transmission, resulting in bright and clear visuals, even in low-light conditions. Its first focal plane (FFP) design ensures that the reticle scales with the magnification, allowing for precise aiming at all distances.

A standout feature is the MIL-XT reticle, designed specifically for competitive and field shooting. It includes a simple center dot for accurate targeting and easily readable markings for quick reference. Additionally, the parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity helps in maintaining accuracy, particularly at long distances. With 100 MOA of elevation travel and a ZeroStop feature, returning to the original zero setting is efficient, which is essential for quick adjustments in dynamic shooting environments.

The Nightforce ATACR is a powerful long-range scope with remarkable optics and precise adjustments, making it suitable for serious shooters and hunters who demand high performance. However, its weight and price may deter some casual users or those seeking lighter, more budget-friendly options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,301
Reticle
Eye Relief
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
18 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is clear and can be illuminated at various brightness levels, enhancing usability in different lighting conditions.
Eye Relief
Adjustable eye relief and easy-to-read elevation turn count indicators are appreciated for improving user experience.
Build Quality and Durability
The scope offers exceptional quality, rugged construction, and precise accuracy, making it a top-tier choice for long-range shooting.
#2

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MOA)

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
873 reviews

Magnification
The glass is exceptionally clear and crisp, delivering top-notch clarity even at maximum magnification.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens lets in a ton of light, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle maintains accuracy across all zoom levels, ideal for precise range estimations and holdovers.
Turrets and Adjustments
Locking turrets with firm, easy-to-use adjustments make precise tracking and holdovers reliable and repeatable.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is spot on, providing a sharp and clear target image at various distances.
Eye Relief
Though it weighs around 1.9 pounds, the scope balances well and feels solid without being overly heavy.
Build Quality and Durability
The scope’s robust build with aircraft-grade aluminum offers excellent durability and weather resistance for rugged outdoor use.

The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is a versatile riflescope designed for long-range shooting, offering a strong magnification range from 5x to 25x that helps you clearly see distant targets. Its large 56mm objective lens improves light gathering, making it easier to spot details in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The EBR-7C reticle with MOA markings is in the first focal plane, meaning it stays accurate across all zoom levels—ideal for precise holdovers and range estimations.

The scope features locking turrets with the RevStop Zero System, which ensures your settings stay secure yet easy to adjust when needed. This is especially helpful for shooters frequently changing distances. Parallax adjustment is included, helping keep your target sharp and reducing aiming errors at various ranges. Eye relief is ample, benefiting users by providing a comfortable viewing position and reducing recoil impact on the eye.

Built with a durable, aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the scope is both shockproof and weather-resistant thanks to nitrogen purging and O-ring seals. This ruggedness makes it a reliable choice in harsh outdoor conditions. Additionally, the anti-reflective coatings enhance clarity by reducing glare and color distortions. While the 34mm tube diameter is great for light transmission, the scope weighs about 1.9 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy on lighter rifles or during long hikes. It does not support night vision, limiting its use strictly to daylight and twilight scenarios. The price point may be higher than basic scopes, but the lifetime warranty adds peace of mind. The Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is well-suited for hunters and shooters who need a reliable, clear, and durable scope for medium to extreme distances, combining precise adjustments, excellent optics, and a solid build that makes it a strong contender for serious long-range shooting enthusiasts.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
873 reviews

Magnification
The glass is exceptionally clear and crisp, delivering top-notch clarity even at maximum magnification.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens lets in a ton of light, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle maintains accuracy across all zoom levels, ideal for precise range estimations and holdovers.
Turrets and Adjustments
Locking turrets with firm, easy-to-use adjustments make precise tracking and holdovers reliable and repeatable.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is spot on, providing a sharp and clear target image at various distances.
Eye Relief
Though it weighs around 1.9 pounds, the scope balances well and feels solid without being overly heavy.
Build Quality and Durability
The scope’s robust build with aircraft-grade aluminum offers excellent durability and weather resistance for rugged outdoor use.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Turrets and Adjustments
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
339 reviews

Magnification
Ideal for hunting at medium to long ranges, around 250 to 300 yards, with sharp image clarity.
Turrets and Adjustments
Adjustments are precise and easy to make, allowing quick zeroing within a few tries.
Parallax Adjustment
The fixed parallax at 100 yards works well for typical shooting distances, though it may not suit very close targets.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief enhances comfort and speeds up target acquisition.
Build Quality and Durability
Offers excellent value by balancing quality optics and rugged construction without a high price tag.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO riflescope is a solid choice for long-range shooters, especially hunters. Its magnification range of 6 to 18 times allows you to zoom in closely on distant targets, while the 44mm objective lens ensures bright and clear images even in lower light. The V-Brite illuminated reticle, which lights up the center dot, is helpful for aiming in dim conditions, though it relies on a battery. The adjustable objective lets you fine-tune focus and remove parallax, which is important for precise long-range shooting.

The turrets are easy to adjust by hand with MOA clicks and can be reset to zero, making it simpler to track your settings after sighting in. Eye relief is generous, providing comfort and a wide view when aiming, which helps speed up target acquisition. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is rugged, waterproof, and fogproof, so it stands up well to harsh outdoor use.

One potential downside is the 1-inch tube size, which is less common for higher-end scopes and may limit some mounting options or durability compared to larger tubes. Also, it’s not designed for night vision compatibility. Backed by a strong lifetime warranty and praised by users, this scope balances quality and value, making it a reliable option for hunters and shooters looking to enhance their long-distance accuracy without a steep price tag.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Turrets and Adjustments
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
339 reviews

Magnification
Ideal for hunting at medium to long ranges, around 250 to 300 yards, with sharp image clarity.
Turrets and Adjustments
Adjustments are precise and easy to make, allowing quick zeroing within a few tries.
Parallax Adjustment
The fixed parallax at 100 yards works well for typical shooting distances, though it may not suit very close targets.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief enhances comfort and speeds up target acquisition.
Build Quality and Durability
Offers excellent value by balancing quality optics and rugged construction without a high price tag.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scope For Long Range Shooting

Choosing the right rifle scope for long-range shooting is crucial for accuracy and performance. A good scope can make a significant difference in your shooting experience by providing clear vision, precise aiming, and reliable adjustments. When selecting a rifle scope, consider the key specifications that will best suit your needs and shooting style. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your long-range shooting requirements.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important for long-range shooting as it allows you to see distant targets more clearly. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting distances. For long-range shooting, a variable magnification scope with a range of 5-25x or higher is often preferred, as it provides the versatility to adjust based on the distance to the target.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (50mm or more) are beneficial for long-range shooting as they provide a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Choose an objective lens size that balances your need for brightness with the overall weight and size of your setup.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs can aid in long-range shooting by providing reference points for windage and elevation adjustments. Common reticle types include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). For long-range shooting, a mil-dot or BDC reticle is often preferred as they offer precise holdover points for distance and windage. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the type of adjustments you are comfortable making.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust for windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical). These adjustments are crucial for long-range shooting to ensure your shots are accurate over varying distances and conditions. Look for scopes with tactical or target turrets that offer precise, audible, and repeatable clicks. The adjustment value is typically measured in MOA (minutes of angle) or MRAD (milliradians). Choose a scope with turrets that provide the level of precision you need and are easy to use in the field.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move against the target when you shift your eye position. This is particularly important for long-range shooting where even small errors can lead to missed shots. Scopes with a side or adjustable objective (AO) parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, ensuring the reticle stays on target. For long-range shooting, a scope with parallax adjustment is highly recommended to maintain accuracy.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) is generally preferred for long-range shooting to prevent the scope from hitting your eye during recoil. Ensure the scope you choose provides adequate eye relief for your rifle and shooting style.
Build Quality and DurabilityThe build quality and durability of a scope are crucial for long-range shooting, as they ensure the scope can withstand the rigors of the field and maintain its performance over time. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials, with features like waterproofing, fog-proofing, and shock resistance. A well-built scope will provide consistent performance and reliability, even in harsh conditions. Choose a scope from a reputable manufacturer known for producing durable and reliable optics.

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