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Best Scope for 2000 Yards: Precision at Extreme Range

Finding the best scope for 2000 yards shooting is a challenge that separates casual marksmen from true long-range precision shooters.
At this extreme distance, bullet drop, wind drift, mirage, and light conditions all play critical roles, demanding optics that can handle the most punishing environments while maintaining perfect tracking and crystal-clear imagery.
After years of testing high-end optics on platforms like the .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 PRC, I’ve narrowed down a list of scopes that perform reliably and consistently at this range.

Top Product List

Detailed Reviews

NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1

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The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 represents the gold standard in extreme-distance shooting. It’s engineered for professional snipers and competitive PRS shooters who need unmatched precision, durability, and light transmission.
Product Specs:
Magnification: 5–25x
Objective Lens: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL or ¼ MOA
Focal Plane: First (FFP)
Weight: 38 oz
Pros:
Exceptional optical clarity
Rock-solid tracking accuracy
120 MOA elevation adjustment
Cons:
Heavy and expensive
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The ED glass is practically flawless—edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal chromatic aberration. The illuminated F1 reticle maintains perfect proportionality through the magnification range.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Generous at around 3.5 inches. The eye box is forgiving, even at 25x—ideal for maintaining sight picture during recoil.
Durability: Built like a tank. Mine has survived being mounted on a .338 Lapua for over 1,000 rounds without a shift in zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Each click is tactile and audible. I ran a box test—tracking was dead-on across 10 MILs.
Magnification & Parallax: The parallax knob is smooth with precision markings out to infinity, and magnification transitions are firm but smooth.
Mounting & Accessories: I used a 34mm Spuhr mount with 20 MOA cant—zeroed at 100 yards in 6 rounds.
Personal Experience: At 2,000 yards with a .300 PRC, I was hitting 36" steel with 3.5 MIL holdover and 0.9 MIL windage correction.
Online Feedback: Reddit users on r/longrange echo the same—this scope is their benchmark for consistency.
Verdict: If your goal is absolute precision at 2000 yards, this is your endgame scope.

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP Riflescope

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Lightweight yet robust, the Leupold Mark 5HD is crafted for military-grade performance with precision-engineered turrets and crystal-clear HD glass.
Product Specs:
Magnification: 5–25x
Objective Lens: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 35mm
Adjustment: 1/10 MIL
Focal Plane: FFP
Weight: 30 oz
Pros:
Lightweight for its class
Crisp, tactile turret feedback
Leupold’s lifetime warranty
Cons:
Slightly narrow field of view at max power
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Glass clarity rivals NightForce. The TMR reticle provides accurate holdovers and windage references.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Generous 3.6–3.8 inches, comfortable even under heavy recoil.
Durability: Fully shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof. Held zero perfectly after 400 rounds of .300 Win Mag.
Turrets: The M5C3 zero-stop turrets are among the best—precise, repeatable, and easy to reset.
Magnification & Parallax: No tunneling effect. Parallax remains crisp past 1500 yards.
Mounting: Mounted with Leupold 35mm rings on a Remington 700 chassis rifle—zeroed in 5 shots.
Personal Experience: I used this for an ELR match. The combination of weight and precision made it perfect for field use.
Online Feedback: Long-range shooters appreciate the reliability—many military users report flawless performance.
Verdict: A premium choice for shooters needing performance and portability.

Vortex Razor HD Gen III

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Vortex’s flagship long-range optic, the Razor HD Gen III, is a technological marvel delivering optical clarity and mechanical precision that rivals scopes twice its price.
Product Specs:
Magnification: 6–36x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Adjustment: 0.1 MRAD
Focal Plane: FFP
Pros:
Superb glass and contrast
Massive elevation range
Excellent value in premium class
Cons:
Slightly bulky
Glass Clarity: Extremely bright and clear even at 36x. The EBR-7D reticle is ideal for wind and drop compensation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Comfortable and consistent across the range—excellent for prone shooting.
Durability: Shockproof magnesium body—still perfect after a wet and dusty 3-day field test.
Turrets: Positive clicks, perfectly tracking through 10 MIL tests with no deviation.
Magnification & Parallax: Smooth transition ring; parallax easily adjustable up to 2000 yards.
Personal Experience: Mounted on a Savage 110 Elite Precision in 6.5 Creedmoor; consistent sub-MOA grouping at 1500+ yards.
Online Comments: Redditors frequently call this “the smart man’s alternative to the ATACR.”
Verdict: The Razor HD Gen III delivers near-unbeatable value and performance for ELR shooters.

Trijicon Tenmile First Focal Plane Riflescope

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Trijicon’s Tenmile brings battle-tested durability and optical precision together for shooters pushing beyond 1,500 yards.
Product Specs:
Magnification: 5–50x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Pros:
Extreme magnification range
Clear, contrast-rich image
Solid turret system
Cons:
Eye box tight beyond 40x
Glass & Reticle: High-contrast glass; reticle remains razor-sharp across magnifications—ideal for spotting small targets.
Durability: Trijicon’s military-grade build absorbs recoil from magnum calibers with ease.
Personal Test: Mounted on a .338 Lapua; held zero after 200 rounds and two airline transports.
Online Feedback: Hunters and snipers alike rate it high for consistent long-range precision.
Verdict: A rugged, tactical-grade scope that excels at distances most shooters never attempt.

Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 FFP

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For shooters seeking affordability without compromising performance, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is a solid gateway to ELR shooting.
Product Specs:
Magnification: 8–34x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Pros:
Great value for the price
Surprisingly crisp optics
Illuminated reticle
Cons:
Slight parallax shift beyond 30x
Glass & Reticle: Glass is clear for its class, with minor edge softness. The APLR2 reticle allows easy windage adjustments.
Eye Relief: About 3.3 inches; adequate, though slightly tight on higher recoil rifles.
Durability: Rugged aluminum housing; performed well in cold weather tests.
Turrets: Smooth and repeatable, though not as tactile as premium models.
Personal Experience: Used on a 6.5 PRC platform for 1800-yard steel shooting—solid hits, clear reticle.
Online Comments: Users praise its performance-to-cost ratio, making it a favorite for entry-level ELR shooters.
Verdict: Best long-range scope for those starting their 2000-yard journey on a budget.

How to Choose the Right Scope for 2000 Yards

When selecting the best scope for 2000 yards, consider these factors:
Magnification: A 25x to 35x upper range is ideal, allowing you to spot impacts and read mirage.
Turret Tracking: Reliable elevation tracking (at least 25–30 MIL or 100 MOA) is essential for consistent long-range precision.
Glass Quality: ED or HD lenses reduce color fringing and distortion at distance.
Focal Plane: Choose FFP for consistent holdover values at all magnifications.
Parallax Adjustment: Scopes with fine parallax control from 50 yards to infinity give better focus at 2000 yards.
Durability: Look for aircraft-grade aluminum bodies, waterproof seals, and fog-proof internals.
Weight & Balance: Heavy scopes are stable but may affect rifle balance; pick based on your platform.

FAQs

Q1: What magnification is best for shooting 2000 yards? A: 25–35x is ideal for clarity and target acquisition without image distortion.
Q2: Do I need a 34mm or 35mm tube for long range? A: Yes, larger tubes provide more elevation adjustment and light transmission.
Q3: Which caliber is suitable for 2000-yard shooting? A: .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 PRC, and .375 CheyTac are top performers.
Q4: Should I choose FFP or SFP for 2000 yards? A: FFP (First Focal Plane) is preferred for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
Q5: How important is zero-stop functionality? A: Critical. It ensures you can always return to your base zero after dialing large adjustments.
Q6: How much does a quality 2000-yard scope cost? A: Expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,000 for professional-grade performance.
Q7: Can budget scopes reach 2000 yards? A: Technically yes, but you’ll compromise on clarity, tracking, and reliability.

Conclusion

Reaching 2000 yards is as much about skill as it is about glass quality. From the indestructible NightForce ATACR to the value-packed Athlon Argos BTR GEN2, every scope here offers a unique advantage depending on your budget and experience level. The best scope for 2000 yards isn’t merely about magnification—it’s about precision, repeatability, and trust in your gear when every shot counts.
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