What is the Best Sniper Scope?
Sniper scopes are undoubtedly an amazing arsenal in the hands of any shooter or hunter. If you are looking for the best sniper scopes, you have to love this list of incredible sniper scopes listed in this review. These sniper scopes will turn a novice hunter into an overnight marksman.
Sniper scopes come in different designs and price range to meet the needs of different users. A sniper scope is designed to help you make accurate and precise long range shots. The best sniper scope should provide you with superior clarity, extra range, and compensation for parallax, windage and elevation.
Tactical long range rifle scopes come with a range of specifications and power to complement each rifle available today. Despite the wide range of sniper scopes available in the market today, most people still find it challenging to identify the best sniper scope that matches their needs and requirements.
Most top long range rifle scopes are costly; this makes it even harder to identify the ideal scope for those on a budget. If you are looking for a budget sniper scope that can complement your rifle, this article will guide you on the best way to identify the best sniper scope for the money.
This article is intended to help novice shooters and hunters identify the best tactical scopes available today. We understand that it is not possible to list down all the best sniper scopes that suit the needs of every shooter or hunter. However; we have done an in-depth research to identify some of the best sniper scopes that are ideal for different types of shooters.
Best Sniper Scope Comparision Table
Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24×50 Riflescope
Picture
Product Name
Our Rating
Check Price Amazon
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NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope
4.8
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Bushnell Elite Tactical Illuminated G2
4.5
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4.4
[easyazon_image align=”center” cloak=”y” height=”110″ identifier=”B004689ZWQ” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”http://riflescopesreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/31UKmpDUGcL.SL110.jpg” tag=”riflescopex-20″ width=”110″]Mueller Target Rifle Scope, 8-32 x 44mm
Mueller Target Rifle Scope, 8-32 x 44mm
4.3
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Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope
4.0
Tips for Buying the Best Sniper Scope
Prior to getting started with the review of the best sniper scopes, you need to know how to identify a quality and reliable tactical scope. There are several things that you need to look out for when shopping for a sniper scope. The quality of the glass used in the scope’s optics is one of the most factors to consider.
High Quality Glass
Choosing a tactical rifle scope that has optics made from high-quality glass makes it easier for you to have a clear and close view of your target to allow you to make a proper judgment of the mirage effects from parallax and windage at long distances. Ensure that you choose a scope from a brand that provides a scope with optically indexed or digitally engineered lenses. Riflescopes with lenses made from poor quality glass will compromise your shooting capabilities.
Lockable Adjustment Turrets
It is also important for you to look out for precision features such as lockable adjustment turrets. The scope should have turrets that are conveniently located for easy access. It should also include a reticle with mil-dot or MOA markings. Riflescopes for long range shooting come with different types of reticles. Mil-dot reticle and BDC reticles are the most common types of reticles found in tactical long range scopes.
Reticle
The mil-dot reticle is the best reticle for long range shooting or sniping. The BDC reticle is not considered to be a technical reticle, therefore it will not provide you with proper elevation, windage and bullet drop compensation at long range. The SFP (second focal plane) reticles are the best types of reticles for sniping because they stay the same size no matter your zoom level. These reticles become larger and smaller depending on your settings.
Scopes with etched-in reticles are also a great choice, especially when using a big gun. These reticles prevent the crosshair coming loose from the glass. A spring-loaded or padded turret is another important feature to look out for in a sniper scope.
Durability
A Spring-loaded or padded turrets help prevent kickback from the strength of a long range rifle. The general durability of the scope is also important to consider. The best sniper scopes should be made from quality material to ensure durability and reliability.
Magnification
The power range provided by the tactical scope also plays a key role in improving your shooting experience. The scopes for long range shooting should provide you with high power ranges of about 5-6X up to 16-18X.
Top long range rifle scopes come with premium lenses that allow you to make precise shots past 1,000 yards. Tactical long range scopes with larger objectives allow you to maintain your field of vision when at a high zoom setting. The best sniper scope should be equipped with lenses between 40-50mm.
Price
The prices of sniper scopes vary from one brand to another. However; the lowest price of a sniper scope is about $500. A budget sniper scope has a price tag of $500-1,000. Sniper scopes that cost more than $1,000 are considered to be premium sniper scopes.
If you are a beginner in hunting or long range shooting, you do not need to invest in a premium tactical long range scope, a budget sniper scope will be ideal for you. Only serious shooters and hunters require premium scopes.
Most budget sniper scopes have fewer features and are therefore easy to use, unlike premium scopes that come with numerous and advanced features.
Top 5 Best Long Range Scope 1000 Yard
Based on our research, we have come up with the 5 best 1000 yard long range scopes that you can use for your long range shooting. Our list of sniper scopes is based on the durability, reliability, and features provided by the scopes.
Best Long Range Tactical Scope – Editor’s Pick
#1) NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope
The NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope is a premium sniper scope that is packed with military grade features. It features multi-coated lenses and objective lens assembly for precise light focus and light transmission for clear, bright and color accurate images. The sniper scope includes Hi-Speed adjustments that provide 20 MOA of adjustment per rotation.
The turrets are conveniently located for easy and quick access. The scope also offers you with an extended eye relief. NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof thus you can comfortably use the scope even during adverse weather conditions without worrying about damaging the scope. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Features of NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope
- Generous eye relief
- Black Matte finish
- Multi-coated lenses
- Hi-Speed adjustments
- Waterproof, shockproof and fog proof capabilities
- Limited lifetime warranty
Pros of NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope
- The NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope provides you with a magnification range of 5.5-22x which allows you to accurately shot out 1000 yards and above.
- The sniper scope has a large objective lens that provides a wide field of vision, even out past 1,000 yards; making it easy for you to not only see your target but the area around it.
- It comes with a technical MOA reticle that allows you to make easy adjustments with the knobs.
- The scope’s reticle has fine MOA markings and wider crosshairs at the edges to help make the reticle more visible in low-light conditions.
- The reticle is on the second focal plane, so it maintains a consistent size no matter what zoom settings you use.
- NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope has adjustment knobs that work on a 1/4MOA turn system, and work together with the reticle for easy calculations.
- It offers you a generous 3.9” eye relief, which allows for even the biggest kickback.
- The adjustment turrets of the sniper scope have a zero-stop, to ensure that they are not knocked out of position.
- The NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope is a lightweight sniper rifle scope that is easy to carry.
Cons of NightForce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope
- It is not a budget sniper scope thus very few people can afford it.
#2) Bushnell Elite Tactical G2
Bushnell Elite Tactical G2 is a high-quality sniper scope that provides you with the longest magnification range among the Elite tactical scopes series. The scope features 50mm objective lens with RainGuard HD lens coatings to prevent moisture from getting into the scope.
It makes it possible for you to use the scope even during rainy weather. The Elite Tactical G2 sniper scope from Bushnell comes with 2-inch sunshade to prevent glare to ensure you have a crystal-clear, high-resolution image.
The scope has an ultra-durable, single piece tube that is made from high-quality material and has blacked out the finish to prevent giving away the shooter’s position by reflecting sunlight.
The Bushnell sniper scope includes 30mm tube diameter that will easily fit a wide range of rifle scope rings. The rifle scope has an adjustable side parallax knob that allows you to improve your accuracy at long ranges.
Features of Bushnell Elite Tactical G2
- Magnification range, from 6x to 24x
- RainGuard HD lens coatings to keep moisture off the lens
- Fully multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission, and contrast
- Single piece tube construction
- 2-inch sunshade that blocks glare while looking through the viewfinder
- Side parallax adjustment for improved accuracy over long ranges
- 30mm tube that will easily mount on different rifle scope rings and bases
- Matte Black finish that does not reflect light and give away your position
Pros of Bushnell Elite Tactical G2
- The Bushnell Elite Tactical G2 sniper scope provides you with magnification range, from 6x to 24x which allows you to make precise shots over 1,000 yards.
- It is a versatile scope that can be used on mid-range AR and .300 rifles.
- The Bushnell scope features 30mm tube diameter that will easily fit a wide range of rifle scope rings and bases.
- Bushnell Elite Tactical G2 has a wide objective lens to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images.
- It has fully-coated lenses with ultra wide band coating for improved clarity and light transmission for easy use of the scope even in low light surroundings.
- The sniper scope is equipped with Bushnell’s Rain Guard HD coating to prevent moisture from getting into the scope to ensure clarity during extreme weather.
- The Bushnell Elite Tactical G2 riflescope comes with an FFP (first focal plane) reticle that is marked with mil hashes to accommodate for windage, holdover, and ranging.
- It has a side focus adjustment knob that makes it easy to tweak and eliminate parallax at long ranges.
- The Bushnell tactical long range scope has a 30mm one-piece construction tube that is sturdy to ensure durability and reliability.
- The frame of the scope is argon-purged for fog-proofing.
Cons of Bushnell Elite Tactical G2
- The glass used to make a lens of the Bushnell Elite Tactical G2 does not provide enough clarity at high magnification.
#3) Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24×50 Riflescope
Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope is a budget sniper scope for long range shooting. The scope features a solid aluminum frame for durability, waterproofing, and light-weight. The rifle scope provides you with reliable, repeatable windage and elevation turrets that have been designed specifically for dialing. It has a hashmark-based reticle for more precision in long-range targeting.
The reticle is a second focal plane (SFP) thus it will stay the same size no matter your zoom level. The Vortex sniper rifle scope offers you a comfortable eye box and increased eye relief for quick and easy targeting.
It is a waterproof scope that can be used even during adverse weather conditions. The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm comes with a lifetime warranty.
Features of Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- 30 mm diameter single-piece tube frame to maximize alignment for improved accuracy and optimum visual performance
- Aircraft-Grade aluminum construction for durability
- O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from entering the tactical long range scope
- Argon gas purging to prevent internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures
- Hard Anodized Finish that is durable and helps camouflage the shooter’s position.
- Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating to protect exterior lenses from scratches
- Exposed Tactical-Style Turrets for fast, accurate and easily read elevation and windage adjustments
Pros of Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope
- The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope features computer engineered optically-indexed lenses for better color and resolution at full-zoom for clear and bright images.
- The sniper scope has exposed Tactical-Style Turrets for fast, accurate and easily read elevation and windage adjustments
- It features locking rings at both ends, which keep the lenses in place no matter what shocks the tube takes.
- The rifle scope includes knobs for windage and elevation, as well as a side parallax knob and quick-focus eyepiece.
- The adjustment knobs and reticle also have sub tension markings, as well as a zero-stop feature. They’re cushioned by a spring system, so they won’t be knocked out of place by bumps or jostles.
- Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope has outer coatings on both the tube and the lenses that are scratch-resistant
- The reticle of the scope is etched into the lens to prevent breakage.
- The scope’s reticle is on the second focal plane, thus lines stay exactly the same size as you zoom.
- The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope reticle works with the adjustment turrets, to provide you with a clear target point for reference right on the lens
- The Vortex sniper scope is covered by an unconditional lifetime warranty.
- It has O-ring seals to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from entering the tactical long range scope.
- Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope is purged with argon gas to prevent internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures.
- It has Hard Anodized Finish that is durable and helps camouflage the shooter’s position.
Cons of Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope
- The sniper scope is large and heavy.
- The adjustment knobs of the Vortex rifle scope a stiff and hard to turn.
- The glass quality of the Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope lens is not the best.
#4) Mueller Target Rifle Scope, 8-32 x 44mm
The Mueller Target Rifle Scope is one of the best tactical long range rifle scopes that provide with a powerful magnification range from 8 to 32x.
The powerful magnification range allows you to shot for 1000 yards and beyond. The scope features 4-inch eye relief for improved clarity even when using it on large caliber rifles. The generous eye relief ensures that your brows are always safe from heavy recoils.
It has a 44mm objective lens that provides you with a wide viewing angle and makes it easy for you to adjust windage and elevation quickly. What sets apart the Mueller Target 8-32 x 44mm Rifle Scope from other rifle scopes for long range shooting is its fine target crosshair with a target dot.
This feature is only found in a few rifle scopes. It allows you to have easy target acquisition even at far-off distances.
Features of Mueller Target Rifle Scope
- Magnification range from 8 to 32x
- 4-inch eye relief for improved clarity
- 44mm objective lens that provides you with a wide viewing angle
- Fine target crosshair with a target dot.
Pros of Mueller Target Rifle Scope
- It is a budget sniper scope that is very affordable.
- Mueller Target Rifle Scope has a powerful magnification range from 8 to 32x to allow you to precisely shot for 1000 yards and beyond.
- The rifle scope has a 44mm objective lens that provides you with a wide viewing angle and makes it easy for you to adjust windage and elevation quickly.
- It offers you a generous 4 inches eye relief to safeguard your shooting eye from heavy recoil.
- Mueller Target 8-32 x 44mm Rifle Scope is equipped with fine target crosshair with a target dot to allow you to have easy target acquisition even at far-off distances.
- It has a rugged 30mm tube construction that is made from quality material to ensure reliability and durability.
Cons of Mueller Target Rifle Scope
- You will be required to adjust the parallax always to get precision.
#5) Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope
The Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope is considered to be one of the best long range scopes for shooting 1000 yards and above. It is a heavy duty scope that is made from quality material to ensure durability and stability during use. The sniper scope is designed to ensure optimum clarity, accuracy, and precision. The scope provides you with magnification power that ranges from 6 to 25x.
It comes with 56mm objective lens for a wide field of view. The 6 to 25x magnification range and 56mm objective lens ensure that you have crisp clear and bright images.
The Millett sniper scope has a fingertip adjustable target turrets that provide an audible click sound each time you turn the knob. The tactical rifle scope comes with multi-coated optics and Mil-Dot system to ensure maximum transmission of light easy and accurate shooting in surroundings with different lighting.
Features of Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope
- Magnification power that ranges from 6 to 25x
- 56mm objective lens
- Fingertip adjustable target turrets
- Multi-coated optics
Pros of Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope
- Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope comes with a wide 56mm objective lens for wider field of view and better light transmission.
- The tactical long range scope comes with multi-coated optics to ensure maximum transmission of light for crystal clear and bright images.
- The scope has a fingertip adjustable target turrets that provide an audible click sound each time you turn the knob.
- It is one of the best long range scopes for shooting 1000 yards and above.
- The sniper scope is designed to ensure optimum clarity, accuracy, and precision by providing you with magnification power that ranges from 6 to 25x.
- The Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope is made from heavy-duty material to ensure stability and durability.
- The tactical rifle scope can be used by target shooters, long-range hunters as well as law enforcers.
Cons of Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope
- The turrets of the sniper scope can be difficult to adjust after zero to 100 yards.
- The illumination of the Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope may require an adjustment that is more for better precision.
Best Sniper Scopes Conclusion
The sniper scopes are some of the best long range scopes available in the market today. You do not have to spend a fortune to get the best sniper scope in the world. There are budget sniper scopes that are very reliable and allow you to have accurate and precise shots at 1000 yards and beyond.
The best sniper scope does not have to be expensive or to have advanced features. It should provide you with clarity, accuracy, and precision. The 5 tactical scopes are the top long range rifle scopes that allow you to shoot for 1000 yards and beyond.
We hope that this article was informative and that it has made your search for the best scopes for long range shooting easier. This coming hunting season you need to try out of these top 5 best sniper scopes ideal for long range shooting. Long range scopes come in all shapes and features but one thing is common most are deadly accurate and easy to use!
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