What is the Best Long Range Scope on the Market ?
There are so many long range scopes available in the market today. Nikon, Leupold and Bushnell are the leading manufacturers of the best long range scopes. We understand how challenging and time consuming it can be to identify the best long range scope for your rifle.
We have made the process of looking for long range scope easy by carrying out a thorough research to identify the best long range hunting scopes. In our research, we have gone through numerous long range scope reviews for top hunting and shooting rifle scopes for the money from hunting experts and guns and rifle experts to be able to come up with a list of best long range scope.
After carrying out our research, we have tried out some of the long range scopes using the best long range hunting rifles to be able to select the long range scopes that provide you with a long range of power, accuracy, reliability and also affordability. Our selection of the best long range scopes vary in range of power, price, and features.
Tips for Shopping for Long Range Scopes
If you are new to rifle scopes, you might find it challenging to identify long range scopes from the ordinary scopes. To help you understand more about long range scopes, we have come up with a few shopping tips to act as a guide for you when shopping for the best long range scope for your long range rifle.
Consider Your Budget
When shopping for a long range scope, you need to consider your budget since long range scopes have a range of price, depending with the brand and the features present in the scope. Most long range scopes tend to be more expensive than multi-purpose scopes.
Big rifles and guns are effective for long range hunting and shooting but they require a reliable and quality long range scope to ensure accuracy and reliability.
You can use the multi-purpose scope for long range shooting but it will not provide you with the power range you need to shoot for long distances. The affordable long range scopes have a price range of $500-$1,000 and come with full multicoated lenses and technical reticle for high quality images.
The long range scopes provide you with the features you need for an accurate long range shot without having to spend so much money. You can still get the best long range scope under 500 but it might not provide you with the accuracy and power you need to shoot at long distances.
The only challenge associated with the affordable long range scopes is that they are not effective for extreme long range no matter how powerful your gun or rifle is. Hunting at long distances, requires you to spend some time aiming so as to make an accurate shot.
The best long range scope makes it easier for you to aim at your target and make an accurate and precise shot. Long range scopes that have a price range of $1000 and above not only provide you with the magnification power you need but they are also able to handle heavy recoil from big and powerful guns and rifles.
Beginners in long range hunting can get the affordable long range scope but we recommend that expert hunters and long range shooters to consider getting the mid-to-high range scopes that have a price range of $1,000 to $2,000. The scopes provide you with advanced features that you need for improved precision and power. The scopes are also capable of withstanding heavy kickback and recoil without being damaged.
Consider the Power of the Scope
When shopping for a long range scope, the first feature that you should look out for is the magnification power of the scope. Most general rifle scopes provide you with a magnification range of 3-10X range which is effective for hunting and shooting for about 300 yards. Long range shooting requires you to shoot for over 500 yards thus you need a 500 yards scope to accurately shoot for long distances. Most long range scopes provide you with magnification power of 3-30x range.
It is advisable for you to look for a long range scope that offers you adjustable magnification of about 14-18+X magnification which can allow you to accurately shoot beyond 600m. You also need to ensure that your scope is capable of going down on the magnification in case your target moves closer to your location. An adjustable magnification is one of the most vital features for the best long range hunting scope. However; you also need to be cautious about how low the magnification power of the scope goes if you will be doing long range shooting.
Look Out for Specific Features
When shooting or hunting for long distances require you to have a scope that offers you reliable and quality features and components. The best long range scope should have adjustment knobs that provide definite “clicks” and locking mechanisms, to help you know each measurement you take. The adjustment turrets should be solid and with precise clicks to avoid inaccuracy.
Clarity is another important factor when shooting for long range. You need a long range scope that has dials with easy gauges to make it easier for you to operate the scope when out in the field. Majority of the long range scopes have long range dials that work on .1 or .25 min. adjustment. The adjustments are designed to work with both mil-dot and BDC reticle. Look out for exposed or tactical turrets in the scope of your choice to get more control of the scope.
The more costly a long range scope, the better knobs and spring cushion systems it has. It is difficult to get a long range scope under 500 that offers you with better knobs and spring cushion systems. The spring cushion systems act as a shock guard of the turret against heavy recoil or accidental drops. The best long range scopes provide you with spring/coil systems for improved repeatability during your hunt.
The best long range hunting scopes should provide you with precise crosshairs, with mil-dot or BD measurements on the reticle. This feature makes it easier for you to calculate your distance, elevation, and windage. Long range scopes that have a mil-dot reticle will come with adjustment turrets for both mil-dots and BD yardage. The BDC-style reticle can be used for long range shooting but they are not as effective as the mil-dots reticle when it comes to long range shooting and hunting.
Long range hunting and shooting requires extreme concentration, proper timing and control to acquire an accurate shot. Whether you are a beginner in hunting or an expert hunter, you need a powerful gun or rifle that is reliable enough to ensure accurate long distance shooting. However; a powerful rifle alone cannot help you achieve accurate long range shots. You need to have the best long range scope to complement the power of your rifle. Without the right long range scope, your rifle becomes useless for long range shooting.
The best hunting scopes for long range rifles should provide you with enough power and precise to complement your rifle. You might need to spend more to get the best long range scope that will complement your type of rifle.
Top 3 Best Long Range Scopes
After carrying out an in-depth research of the best long range scopes available in the market today. We have come up with a list of three top hunting and shooting long range scopes for the money.
The scopes have different price tags ranging from the most affordable to more costly long range scope that offer you accuracy, durability and reliability.
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Nikon ProStaff Scope 5 Mildot 3.5-14x40mm Scope
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The Nikon ProStaff scope is one of the best Nikon hunting scopes that have high-rating. It is an affordable long range scope that is designed to provide you with accurate long range shooting experience. The Nikon rifle scope has a magnification power of 3.5-14X range that allows you to make precise shots out to 600 yards.
It has fully multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions. The construction tube of the scope is nitrogen purged and sealed with O-rings to keep out any fog and moisture, making the long range scope ideal for the harsh hunting environment.
Nikon ProStaff scope has a quick-focus eyepiece that allows you to bring the reticle into focus at any zoom setting.
The Nikon hunting scope comes with a BDC (ballistic drop) reticle which provides compensation for falling bullets over long distance.
The reticle has see-through bullet drop circles that are coordinated with Nikon’s Spot On ballistics app for quick and easy calculation of distance. The scope has spring-loaded adjustment turrets that instantly reset to zero when released.
Features of Nikon ProStaff Scope
- 3.5-14X magnification power
- Nitrogen purged and sealed with O-rings construction
- Spring-loaded adjustment turrets
- Quick-focus eyepiece
- BDC (ballistic drop) reticle
- Lens caps and a sunshade
Pros of Nikon ProStaff Scope
- The Nikon long range scope is sealed with O-rings to prevent moist, dust and debris from entering the scope.
- Nikon ProStaff scope is nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging.
- The long range scope comes with lens caps and sunshade for blocking reflections in full sun.
- The spring-loaded adjustment turrets of the scope instantly reset to zero when released.
- The Nikon ProStaff scope is made in the U.S. and is guaranteed for life.
- The long range scope comes with a BDC (ballistic drop) reticle which provides compensation for falling bullets over long distance
- The reticle has see-through bullet drop circles that are coordinated with Nikon’s Spot On ballistics app for quick and easy calculation of distance.
- It is one of the best long range scopes that has fully multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions
- The scope has a quick-focus eyepiece that allows you to bring the reticle into focus at any zoom setting.
- It is the best rifle scope under 500 that provide you with enough accuracy for long range shooting and hunting.
Cons of Nikon ProStaff scope
- The long range scope does not have an illuminated reticle.
- The reticle of the Nikon ProStaff scope tends to be wider than in most long range scopes.
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Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope |
Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope is a high-quality long range scope that is designed using military tactical scope standards. The scope provides you with a high range of magnification and a mil-dot reticle which is the best reticle that offers you enough accuracy you need for long range shooting.
The Leupold long range scope provides you with 4.5-14 range. It comes with fully multicoated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images.
It is one of the best long range scopes that come with Leopold’s Xtended Twilight Lens System that ensures low light visibility, making it possible for you to shoot in low light conditions. The system uses lens-specific coatings to maximize transmission of the blue/violet spectrum, while ensuring a color balance in the lens.
The Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope has a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum frame construction. It has a compact design that makes it easy to mount, and reach all the adjustment turrets found on the scope.
Features of Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope
- 5-14 magnification range
- Leopold’s Xtended Twilight Lens System
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame construction
- Mil-dot reticle
- Lifetime warranty
Pros of Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope
- The Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope has fully multicoated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images.
- It comes with Leopold’s Xtended Twilight Lens System that ensures low light visibility, making it possible for you to shoot in low light conditions.
- The long range scope features lens-specific coatings to maximize transmission of the blue/violet spectrum, while ensuring a color balance in the lens.
- Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope has a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum frame construction. It has a compact design that makes it easy to mount, and reach all the adjustment turrets found on the scope
- The long range scope is backed by a lifetime warranty.
- All the scope’s turrets are spring-loaded, making it easy to reset between shoots.
- It has a mil-dot reticle with easy-to-follow marking system.
Cons of Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope
- The Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 Riflescope has a shorter length and a wider bell which requires you to use different mount setup to maintain distance along the rail.
- The long range scope is expensive considering that it is non-illuminated.
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Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Riflescope |
Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Riflescope(Matte Black) is a very reliable long range scope that has a more budget-friendly price than the Leupold long range scope. It is designed to provide you with a wide range of magnification power for a more accurate long range shot. The scope provides you with a maximum magnification of 6X.
The reticle of the long range scope remains the same size; no matter how much you zoom in, making it easy to read, even at full-zoom.
Swarovski Riflescope comes with an illumination feature that is fully adjustable, with 20 different light levels. The feature offers you Daytime and Nighttime modes, each of which has 10 specific settings that accommodate the specific time of day.
The scope has fully multicoated lenses with a special fluoride formula to translate color better and ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images.
The construction tube of the long range scope has microstructure grooves to prevent any reflection between the lenses to prevent a reduction of contrast in the image accessible to your eye.
The Swarovski Riflescope long range rifle scope is the best choice for serious long range hunters who are willing to spend money on a high-quality scope.
Features of Swarovski Riflescope
- Illumination feature
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Swarovski’s 4-coil spring system
- Extended eye relief
Pros of Swarovski Riflescope
- The reticle of the long range scope remains the same size; no matter how much you zoom in, making it easy to read, even at full-zoom
- Swarovski Riflescope long range scope comes with an illumination feature that is fully adjustable, with 20 different light levels
- The rifle scope provides you with Daytime and Nighttime modes, each of which has 10 specific settings that accommodate the specific time of day
- The scope has fully multicoated lenses with a special fluoride formula to translate color better and ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images.
- The Swarovski Riflescope construction tube of the long range scope has microstructure grooves to prevent any reflection between the lenses to prevent a reduction of contrast in the image accessible to your eye.
- The light automatically shuts off when the gun is taken out of a shooting position to save the battery.
- The adjustments of the long range scope are made via Swarovski’s 4-coil spring system for perfect repeatability.
- Swarovski Riflescope is designed to work well with even the highest-power rifles.
- The long range rifle scope provides you with an extended eye relief for improved safety.
- The scope’s adjustment knobs are loaded with a 4-coil spring cushion to maintain absolute zero despite serious kickback and recoil from large rifles and guns.
Cons of Swarovski Riflescope
- The Swarovski Riflescope is an expensive long range scope that has a prohibitive price tag that is not affordable for most long range hunters and shooters.
Conclusion – Best Long Range Scope
The three long range scopes make the best long range scopes that will provide you with enough accuracy and magnification power you need to make precise long range shots. The long range scopes have different price tags to meet the needs of users with different budget ranging for affordable to premium. Our choice of the three best long range scopes is based on the performance, durability and the features provided by the scopes. All the three long range scopes provide you with all the features you need for a great long range hunting experience.
For long range shooters and hunters looking for a reliable and durable long range scope that has an affordable price tag; the Nikon long range scope above makes a great choice. It is an affordable long range rifle scope that provides you with all the features you need for long range shooting. It is easy to use and has a solid, quality build that makes it the best rifle scope under 500. The scope has full multicoated lenses and an aluminum frame which make it one of the most affordable Nikon hunting long range scopes. The scope makes a great choice for beginner long range hunters.
Intermediate long range hunters and shooters need a more powerful long range scope than the Nikon scope. Swarovski Z6 long range scope makes a perfect choice for serious long range hunters. The scope provides you with the highest magnification range for a clear view of your surroundings. The scope has powerful lenses that provide you with the precision and accuracy you need for an accurate long range shot.
The long range scope features spring-coil adjustment retention, parallax compensation, and other advanced features which make the rifle scope ideal for big rifles and guns. The scope is designed to handle heavy recoil and kickbacks from large rifles. It has a rigged construction frame that is made from high-quality material to ensure durability and reliability. It is an expensive long range scope that has a pricey price tag thus it is only ideal for serious hunters and shooters who are comfortable with the price tag.
Serious long range hunters who are looking for a reliable and powerful long range scope but are not willing to pay a hefty fee of the Swarovski scope for the scope can opt for the Leupold long range scope. It is a powerful and reliable long range scope that allows you to shoot for a distance of 500 yards and more.
The scope is packed with great features that allow you to make a precise and accurate shot. The Leupold long range rifle scope is powerful than the Nikon hunting long range scope. It comes with advanced features such as the low-light visibility coating, spring cushioning, and quick focus zoom function to improve your long range shooting experience.