There is a reason why gun enthusiasts and military veterans are always talking about sniper scopes. They are essential for anyone looking to shoot accurately at long ranges. Here, we will explore the 10 best rifle scopes for long-range shooting. We will also provide you with a buyer’s guide so that you can find the perfect scope for your needs.
What are sniper scopes?
Sniper scopes are rifle scopes that are designed for long-range shooting. They provide shooters with high accuracy and magnification, allowing them to hit their targets from a distance. Sniper scopes are typically more expensive than other types of rifle scopes, but they are well worth the investment for anyone who wants to become a successful long-range shooter.
What to look for in a sniper scope
When shopping for a sniper scope, there are several factors that you will need to take into consideration. The first thing to consider is the type of rifle you will use the scope with.
Not all sniper scopes are compatible with all rifles, so you will need to make sure that the scope you choose is consistent with your specific rifle model. You also need to take into account the magnification level that you need.
Most sniper scopes have a magnification level of 6x or higher, but there are some models that offer a magnification level of up to 25x. Another critical factor to consider is the price. Sniper scopes can be quite expensive, so you will need to set a budget and find one that fits within your budget. Finally, you will need to consider the quality of the scope. Not all sniper scopes are created equal, so you will need to do your research and find one that is made from high-quality materials.
The 10 best rifle scopes for long-range shooting
Now that you know what to look for in a sniper scope let’s look at the 10 best models on the market today.
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope:
It features a first focal plane reticle, which allows you to accurately measure distances between objects. It also has a 30mm tube diameter, which provides more windage and elevation adjustment than most scopes its size. The Viper PST 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope is also very durable, thanks to its robust construction.
Despite its many benefits, the Vortex Optics Viper PST 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope does have a few drawbacks. First, it is rather expensive compared to other scopes on the market. Second, it does not come with a lens cover or sunshade, which can be frustrating for some shooters.
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2. Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3-12x42mm Riflescope:
The Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3-12x42mm Riflescope is one of the best rifle scopes for long-range shooting. It features a 42mm objective lens, which provides a wide field of view. The scope also has an illuminated reticle, which makes it easy to see your target in low-light conditions. The Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3-12x42mm Riflescope is also very durable, water resistant, and fog proof.
The scope’s optics are very clear and provide superior accuracy at long ranges. The Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3-12x42mm Riflescope also has a fast-focus eyepiece.
The only downside to this scope is that it is a bit expensive. However, it is well worth the price and is the perfect scope for anyone looking to shoot accurately at long ranges.
3. Nikon P-223 3x32mm Matte BDC Carbine:
The Nikon P-223 3x32mm Matte BDC Carbine features a BDC carbine reticle, which makes it easy to adjust for wind and distance. The scope is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fog proof. Additionally, it has a quick-focus eyepiece, which makes it easy to adjust the focus on the fly. Finally, the scope is covered by Nikon’s limited lifetime warranty.
Pros: The Nikon P-223 3x32mm Matte BDC Carbine scope is exceptionally accurate and easy to use. It is perfect for anyone looking to take shots at long ranges. Additionally, the scope is covered by Nikon’s limited lifetime warranty, which ensures that you can use it for years to come.
Cons: Some shooters have complained that the Nikon P-223 3x32mm Matte BDC Carbine scope does not hold its zero very well. However, this seems to be a sporadic issue with a small number of scopes. Overall, the Nikon P-223 3x32mm Matte BDC Carbine scope is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take accurate shots at long ranges.
4. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm:
The Leupold VX-6HD is a rifle scope that is perfect for long-range shooting. It features a 6:1 zoom ratio, allowing you to accurately hit your target. The 50mm objective lens provides a large field of view, while the HD lenses offer superior clarity and brightness. The scope is also water and fog-proof, making it ideal for any weather condition.
The Leupold VX-6HD is also very durable. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures that it can withstand even the harshest conditions. The scope also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it will last for years to come.
Overall, the Leupold VX-6HD offers superior performance and durability, all at an affordable price.
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5. NightForce NXS 5.5–22x56mm:
The NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm is one of the best rifle scopes for long-range shooting on the market today. It features a 56mm objective lens, which provides superior light-gathering capabilities. This scope also has a magnification range of 5.5-22x, which makes it perfect for shooting targets at long distances. Additionally, the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm comes with several other features that make it ideal for long-range shooting, including:
- Zero Stop: This feature allows you to easily return to your original zero point, even after making adjustments to the scope.
- Illuminated reticle: This reticle is adjustable so that you can customize it to your specific needs. It also features 10 brightness levels, so you can use it in any lighting condition.
- Fast-focus eyepiece: This eyepiece makes it easy to adjust the focus of the scope quickly and easily.
The NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm is an excellent rifle scope for long-range shooting and is built to last. It undoubtedly provides superior accuracy and performance.
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6 . Schmidt Bender PMII 5–25×56:
The Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25×56 is a high-end rifle scope. It features a 56mm objective lens, which allows for a great deal of light transmission and image clarity. The scope also has a 30mm tube diameter, providing robust and durable housing. The PMII 5-25×56 is also equipped with high-quality glass and an illuminated reticle, which makes it perfect for low-light conditions.
The Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25×56 is a remarkably accurate scope. It has a windage and elevation adjustment range of 120 MOA, which allows you to make precise adjustments to your shot. The scope also has a Parallax adjustment knob, which will enable you to adjust the focus of the image. This feature is essential for ensuring that your shots are accurate at long ranges.
The Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25×56 is also very easy to use. It has clearly marked turrets and an intuitive reticle design. The scope also comes with a set of flip-up lens covers, which protect the lenses from scratches and dirt.
Overall, the Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25×56 is incredibly accurate and easy to use, and it provides a clear and bright image even in low-light conditions.
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7 . US Optics ER25 5–25×58:
US Optics ER25 5–25×58 riflescope is designed for extreme long-range shooting and built to the highest quality standards. The scope has a magnification of 5-25x, which makes it perfect for precision shooting at long ranges. It also has a 58mm objective lens, which gathers more light than smaller objective lenses, making it ideal for low-light conditions. The scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it solid and durable.
The US Optics ER25 5-25×58 also has several features that make it ideal for long-range shooting. It has a first focal plane reticle, which allows you to accurately adjust your aim at all magnifications. It also has a side parallax adjustment knob, which allows you to adjust the focus of the scope without moving your head. This is especially important when shooting at long ranges, where even the most minor movement can affect your accuracy.
The US Optics ER25 5-25×58 also has a number of pros and cons. On the plus side, the scope is very accurate and easy to use. It is also very durable and well-built. On the downside, the scope is expensive and may be out of reach for some shooters.
Overall, the US Optics ER25 5-25×58 is accurate, durable, and easy to use, making it perfect for any shooter looking to take their shooting skills to the next level.
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8 . Kahles K 624i 6 × 24 mm :
The Kahles K 624i 6 × 24 mm is a high-quality rifle scope that is perfect for long-range shooting. It features a 6x magnification and a 24mm objective diameter, which allows you to see clearly at long distances. The scope also has a robust construction, which makes it durable and reliable.
The Kahles K 624i is also very user-friendly. It has easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments, which allow you to make quick and accurate adjustments on the fly. The scope has a fast-focus eyepiece, too.
9 . Hensoldt ZF3 4–16×50:
The Hensoldt ZF3 4-16×50 is a rifle scope that is perfect for long-range shooting. It has a magnification range of 4x to 16x, making it ideal for short and long shots. The 50mm objective lens also offers a high level of detail and clarity, so you can easily see your target. Additionally, the scope has a windage and elevation adjustment range of 55 MOA, which allows you to make precise adjustments for accurate shooting.
The Hensoldt ZF3 4-16×50 also has a number of other features that make it ideal for long-range shooting. For example, it has a parallax adjustment range of 25 meters to infinity, which ensures that the image remains sharp no matter how far away your target is. The scope also has an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness levels, so you can easily see your target in all lighting conditions.
Overall, the Hensoldt ZF3 4-16×50 is an excellent rifle scope for long-range shooting. It offers a high level of detail and clarity, as well as precision adjustments that allow you to hit your target every time.
10 . Swarovski Z6i 2 – 12 × 50 :
The Swarovski Z6i 2 – 12 × 50 offers a 6x magnification and a 50mm objective lens. This scope is perfect for long-range shooting thanks to its superior quality and performance. Some of the features that make the Swarovski Z6i 2 – 12 × 50 an excellent choice for long-range shooting include:
- The turrets are lockable and offer ¼ MOA adjustments. This makes it easy to dial in your shots with precision.
- The reticle is located in the second focal plane, which allows you to use the entire magnification range without having to change the reticle size.
- The glass is of the highest quality and offers excellent clarity and contrast.
- The body is made from durable aluminum, which makes it tough and lightweight.
- The side parallax adjustment makes it easy to correct for parallax errors.
The Swarovski Z6i 2 – 12 × 50 is one of the best scopes for long-range shooting. It offers superior quality and performance, making it ideal for anyone looking to shoot accurately at long ranges.
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SOFREP will update this list as soon as we find better alternatives in the market. Stay tuned for new gear reviews!