Imagine spotting your dream buck far across a wide-open field. You need to make a clean, ethical shot, but the distance feels intimidating. How do you bridge that gap with confidence? Choosing the right long-range hunting scope is the critical piece of gear that turns a hopeful glance into a successful harvest.
The market is flooded with confusing jargon—magnification numbers, turret types, and reticle styles—that make selecting a scope feel like advanced calculus. Many hunters worry about spending hard-earned money on glass that fogs up, shifts zero, or simply doesn’t perform when the pressure is on. Picking the wrong scope means missed opportunities and frustration when you are miles from home.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what features matter most for serious long-range hunting. By the end of this post, you will know how to match the perfect scope to your rifle and your hunting style, ensuring clarity, durability, and pinpoint accuracy every time you look downrange.
Table of Contents
Top Long Range Hunting Scopes Recommendations
- MASTER EVERY SHOT - Clear, rugged, and bright, the SIG SAUER TANGO-SPR shooting riflescopes are packed with premium features that keep you on-target, near or far; Outfitted with a removable magnification throw lever and a locking zero-stop elevation turret, this 30mm maintube rifle scope ensures lightning-fast, no-guess adjustments
- PRECISION REDEFINED - Designed for those who demand pinpoint accuracy, this F2/SFP shooting rifle scope comes equipped with an exposed zero-stop elevation dial and low-profile capped windage turret, providing reliable adjustments with every shot; Dedicated side focus, elevation, and windage controls mean you're always tuned for perfect precision
- UNMATCHED CLARITY - Equipped with SIG's MOA BDC-1 reticle and a superior 4:1 optical system featuring low dispersion glass, this riflescope brings your target into vivid focus; Whether you're pushing the limits of long-range competition or stalking backcountry game, this riflescope delivers crystal-clear views and precise control in any environment
- DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE - With dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction, this second focal plane shooting optic is ready to handle the real-world demands of serious hunters; Built with superior craftsmanship and advanced technology, this hunting rifle scope is made to perform when it matters most
- READY OUT OF THE BOX - Every TANGO-SPR riflescope comes with a factory-installed SPR Scope Mount, providing a rock-solid fit to your favorite rifle for maximum stability; Plus, the included lay-flat flip-back lens covers protect the low dispersion glass lenses from dust, debris, and scratches, ensuring your optics stay crystal-clear from the range to the field
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- Field Of View: 28 ft @ 100 yards
- Click Value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards
- Illuminated Type of the rifle scope: Red and Green
- Long range optic from 6-24x magnification and a 50mm objective lens allowing for more light transmission and a wider field of view
- Fiber optic reticles differ from traditional etched or wire reticles in that the light source is channeled through a fiber optic filament to the center of the reticle to produce a daylight bright center dot, similar to that of a red dot.
- Includes a side focus parallax adjustment dial - that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
- Available in multiple newly designed second focal plane options: FIB04-MOA and FIB04-MIL reticle. Second focal plane reticles remain the same size at all magnification levels for high visibility at all magnifications.
- Scope comes in a 30mm tube configuration and includes a Monstrum one piece cantilever scope mount. Also comes with a set of bikini lens covers.
- The Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane (MOA) riflescope is built for long-range and competition with a 5-25x mag range built into a 34mm tube for a massive amount of turret travel (85 MOA max elevation/windage).
- XD Optical System delivers impressive resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness and greatly reduces chromatic abberation. Fully multi-coated lenses provide superior light transmission for exceptional clarity and low-light performance.
- The RevStop Zero System offers an easy to set, fast and reliable return to zero. Side knob parallax adjust allows quick and easy parallax adjustments with range numbers visible while in use.
- EBR-7C reticle ensures subtensions are accurate throughout the mag range making it easy to measure and range targets.The fast focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing while the included throw lever allows for fast transitions between magnifications
- Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed providing water and fogproof performance. Armortek coating protects the lenses from scratches and oil. The one-piece, aircraft grade aluminum, 34mm tube is shockproof.
- Superior Multi-Coated lenses for reduction of glare and reflection, while maximizing light transmission for ultimate image brightness and clarity from edge to edge.
- Red, Green and Blue illuminated color Mil-Dot reticle, along with auto off to save battery life.
- QTA (Quick Adjustment) turrets with precise 1/4 MOA click value for wind and elevation adjustment.
- Constructed with single piece of premium Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with 1 inch tube diameter body.
- Nitrogen filled scope body, completely sealed with o-ring, making scope shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof.
- Magnification: 6-24X, Objective Diameter: 50mm, suitable for close to mid range or long range shooting.
- Rangefinder reticle with 5 levels of illuminations in green and red color,diopter adjustable fast focus eyepiece for people with different eyesight.
- AO adjustment:the adjustable objective (AO) lens can be moved by the parallax dial at the end of the scope.Etched Reticle on the Glass(EG) make sure the reticle won’t fall apart.
- Eavy duty scope ring mounts for .79(20mm) rail only.2x ring mounts,CR2032 battery and lens cover included
- Made of aerospace aluminum alloy, shockproof,waterpfoof,fog-proof,solid and durable.Hard anodizing multi-coated lenses ensure a good hand feeling and avoid scratching.
- The single piece 3-9x50 Sonora second focal plane riflescope has a 1-inch, aircraft-grade aluminum tube and offers a versatile blend of adjustment for a wide variety of applications.
- The Dead-Hold BDC is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- The locking diopter eyepiece allows the user to set and lock the eyepiece setting once for their eye and forget it.
- The hard anodized finish provides a low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage position. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Sonora delivers water and fogproof performance. Rugged construction means this scope is shockproof.
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
- High Clarity and Low Dispersion: Equipped with Multi-Coated ED Japanese Glass, this scope delivers exceptional clarity and color fidelity, ensuring bright and vivid views with minimal color dispersion. Perfect for precise target acquisition in all lighting conditions.
- Precise Tracking: Features finely tuned adjustment turret with tactile feedback, allowing for precise and repeatable adjustments that enhance your shooting accuracy, no matter the distance.
- First Focal Plane (FFP) VPR Reticle: The FFP reticle ensures consistent scale across all magnifications, with the Variable Precision Reticle (VPR) system offering unparalleled flexibility and precision for both tactical and long-range shooting.
- ARKEN Zero Stop System: The ARKEN Zero Stop system provides a quick and accurate return to zero, ensuring you maintain precise settings with every elevation adjustment.
- Waterproof,Fogproof and Shockproof: Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, the one-piece construction is both durable and lightweight. Nitrogen purging ensures the scope is fogproof and waterproof, while shockproof construction makes it perfect for the toughest conditions.
The Ultimate Long Range Hunting Scope Buying Guide
Choosing the right long-range hunting scope makes a huge difference in your success in the field. These scopes help you see targets clearly, even when they are far away. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a long-range scope, several features truly matter for effective hunting at distance.
Magnification and Objective Lens
- Magnification Range: Look for scopes that offer a wide range, like 4-16x or 6-24x. Higher magnification helps you see small details on distant animals.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the front lens. A larger diameter (like 50mm) lets in more light. More light means a brighter picture, especially at dawn or dusk.
Reticle Type and Adjustment
- Reticle Choice: You need a reticle designed for holdovers (aiming points for bullet drop). Mil-dot or MOA reticles are common. Ballistic reticles are often best for serious long-range work.
- Turret Adjustments: Turrets are the knobs on top and side. They must track accurately. Clicks should feel crisp and repeatable. Look for “exposed tactical turrets” for easy, fast adjustments in the field.
Eye Relief and Field of View
- Eye Relief: This is the safe distance your eye should be from the eyepiece. For powerful scopes, aim for at least 3.5 inches of eye relief to avoid getting hit by the scope under recoil.
- Field of View (FOV): This is how wide an area you see through the scope. A wider FOV is helpful when you are scanning or tracking moving targets up close, even if you mainly shoot far.
Important Materials and Construction
The quality of the scope’s build directly impacts its durability and performance.
Glass and Coatings
- Lens Quality: Premium scopes use ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. This glass reduces color fringing and provides a sharper image.
- Coatings: Lens coatings repel water, reduce glare, and maximize light transmission. Look for terms like “Fully Multi-Coated” (FMC). Good coatings improve clarity significantly.
Housing Durability
- Tube Material: Most quality scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is strong but light.
- Sealing: The scope body must be sealed with O-rings. This seals out moisture and dust. Nitrogen or argon gas purging inside the tube prevents internal fogging when temperatures change quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a great scope stand out from a cheap one?
Quality Boosters
- Precision Tracking: High-end scopes offer tracking that is precise to the click. This means if you dial in 10 MOA up, the bullet hits exactly where 10 MOA tells it to.
- Illumination: A good illuminated reticle helps you see the crosshairs against dark targets or in low light. Ensure the illumination doesn’t “bloom” (get too bright and wash out the target).
Quality Reducers
- Parallax Adjustment: Long-range shooting requires perfect focus. Scopes without side parallax adjustment (or a poorly functioning one) will cause errors at extreme distances.
- Flexibility: If the scope’s zero shifts after you adjust the turrets or after heavy recoil, the internal mechanisms are low quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your hunting environment dictates your needs.
Hunting Scenarios
- Mountain Hunting: Weight is critical here. You need strong magnification but a lighter overall scope.
- Plains/Open Country: Durability and superior light transmission are key, as shots often happen in low light or across vast distances. You can usually afford a heavier scope.
Ease of Use
A scope should feel intuitive. Can you adjust the parallax and illumination without taking your eye completely off the scope for too long? Simple, well-placed controls improve your speed when a perfect moment arrives. Test the scope’s feel before you buy if possible.
Long Range Hunting Scope FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between a hunting scope and a tactical scope?
A: Hunting scopes often prioritize lighter weight and a wider field of view for quicker target acquisition. Tactical scopes usually focus more on extreme durability, very precise tracking, and often have brighter illumination for military or competition use.
Q: What magnification range is best for typical long-range hunting (400-800 yards)?
A: A 4-16x or 5-20x range works well. This gives you enough power to clearly identify targets at 800 yards while still offering lower power for use if the animal moves closer.
Q: Does a larger objective lens always mean a better scope?
A: No. A larger lens (like 56mm) gathers more light, making the image brighter. However, it also adds significant weight and size. You must balance light gathering with portability.
Q: What is “Zero Stop” and why do I need it?
A: Zero Stop is a feature on the elevation turret. Once you set your rifle’s zero, you can quickly return the turret back to that exact point after dialing up for distance. This prevents you from over-dialing or losing your zero setting.
Q: How do I know if the reticle is good for long range?
A: Look for a reticle that uses Mil-dots or MOA markings across the entire field of view, not just in the center. This allows you to hold over or under for wind and bullet drop accurately.
Q: How important is the first focal plane (FFP) vs. the second focal plane (SFP)?
A: FFP scopes keep the reticle size accurate at all magnifications. This is crucial for long range because your holdover marks remain correct regardless of your zoom level. SFP scopes are cheaper, but the holdover marks are only correct at one specific magnification setting.
Q: Will a scope fog up if I take it from a warm truck into cold air?
A: Quality scopes purged with nitrogen or argon gas resist internal fogging very well. Cheaper scopes often fog up because moisture gets trapped inside when the temperature changes quickly.
Q: What is turret “tracking”?
A: Tracking refers to how accurately the scope adjusts the point of aim when you turn the adjustment turrets. Good tracking means every click moves the point of impact the exact intended amount, consistently.
Q: Do I need lens covers for my scope?
A: Yes. Flip-up lens covers protect the exposed glass from dirt, rain, and accidental bumps when you are moving through brush. They are essential for field use.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a reliable long-range scope?
A: For a scope that offers reliable tracking and good glass for consistent long-range hunting, expect to spend at least $800 to $1,500. Excellent, top-tier options start around $2,000 and go up from there.