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10 Best Rifle Scope For Long Range Shooting 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,254
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
13589 reviews

Magnification
While not a first focal plane scope, it balances magnification versatility from 6x to 18x with a compact form factor that fits well on a variety of rifles.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works best when used from a stable shooting position, offering reliable holdover estimation out to around 500 yards.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turret adjustments provide tactile MOA clicks and can be reset to zero, but they are better suited for occasional use rather than frequent dialing.
Parallax Adjustment
The adjustable objective ensures precise parallax correction, enhancing focus and accuracy at various distances.
Eye Relief
An impressive eye relief combined with a wide, unobstructed sight picture allows for quick and comfortable aiming without the typical 'soda straw' tunnel effect.
Build Quality and Durability
Its rugged build and weatherproof design give confidence for use in harsh outdoor conditions without worry of damage or fogging.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO riflescope is a solid choice for long-range shooting, especially for hunters needing dependable performance over varying distances. It offers a versatile 6 to 18 times magnification, allowing clear target identification from moderate to longer ranges. The 44mm objective lens balances light gathering and a compact size, helping produce bright, clear images without adding too much bulk. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is tailored for holdover estimation, which is handy if you prefer quick aiming without dialing turret adjustments constantly.

This scope includes an adjustable objective for precise parallax correction, improving focus at different distances, which is important for sharp long-range shots. The turrets have tactile MOA clicks that can be reset to zero, so you can make reliable adjustments and return to your baseline easily. Eye relief is generous, paired with a forgiving eye box, making it comfortable to use and quick to acquire targets.

In terms of build, the single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is rugged and shockproof, while the scope is sealed and purged to be waterproof and fogproof—ideal for harsh outdoor conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece adds convenience when dialing in the reticle. Although the scope performs well for its price, it lacks features like night vision compatibility and is not a first focal plane design, meaning the reticle size does not scale with magnification. Some advanced shooters might prefer those options. The Crossfire II is backed by Vortex's strong lifetime warranty, adding peace of mind. Its weight of 2 pounds is manageable but might be noticeable on very lightweight rifles. This scope suits hunters and shooters seeking a reliable, durable option with good optics and functional features without the premium price tag.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,254
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
13589 reviews

Magnification
While not a first focal plane scope, it balances magnification versatility from 6x to 18x with a compact form factor that fits well on a variety of rifles.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works best when used from a stable shooting position, offering reliable holdover estimation out to around 500 yards.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turret adjustments provide tactile MOA clicks and can be reset to zero, but they are better suited for occasional use rather than frequent dialing.
Parallax Adjustment
The adjustable objective ensures precise parallax correction, enhancing focus and accuracy at various distances.
Eye Relief
An impressive eye relief combined with a wide, unobstructed sight picture allows for quick and comfortable aiming without the typical 'soda straw' tunnel effect.
Build Quality and Durability
Its rugged build and weatherproof design give confidence for use in harsh outdoor conditions without worry of damage or fogging.
#2

BURRIS Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm, X177, Black (200177)

Rating
9.4
Reticle

Most important from
22 reviews

Reticle
The built-in laser rangefinder and micro LED reticle significantly enhance accuracy and target acquisition during long-range shooting.

The Burris Optics Eliminator 6 is a high-tech rifle scope designed for long-range shooting, featuring a versatile 4-20x magnification range and a large 52mm objective lens that provides good light gathering for clearer images. Its standout feature is the built-in laser rangefinder capable of measuring targets up to 2,000 yards, which is great for quickly knowing your distance without leaving the scope. The scope’s advanced X177 reticle uses micro LEDs to give precise aiming points that automatically adjust with magnification, helping maintain accuracy at any zoom level. This reticle technology paired with a heads-up display showing ballistic data makes it easier to make ethical, well-calculated shots.

Parallax can be finely tuned using the side focus knob, supporting sharper images and better target acquisition. The eye relief at 3.4 inches is fairly standard, so proper positioning is important for comfort and safety. The scope is built from aluminum, promising solid durability and weather resistance suitable for outdoor conditions. Bluetooth connectivity is a modern bonus, letting users customize ballistic profiles and control settings via an app or included remote, which adds convenience for serious shooters.

The scope weighs 30 ounces, which is on the heavier side and might affect balance on lighter rifles. It does not support night vision, so it’s best for daylight or well-lit conditions. This scope suits hunters and shooters who want advanced tech integration and precise long-range capabilities, though it may be more than needed for casual shooters or those who prefer simplicity.

Rating
9.4
Reticle

Most important from
22 reviews

Reticle
The built-in laser rangefinder and micro LED reticle significantly enhance accuracy and target acquisition during long-range shooting.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Reticle
Eye Relief
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
28 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
9.1
Reticle
Eye Relief
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
28 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.

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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