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Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56mmTube Diameter: 34mmReticle: FFP (MOA or MIL)Adjustment per Click: 0.25 MOA / 0.1 MILWeight: 38 ozParallax: 45 yards–∞World-class glass clarityRugged military-grade buildExceptional turret precisionZeroStop feature is flawlessPricey for beginnersSlightly heavy
Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56mmWeight: 30 ozReticle: TMR (FFP)Click Value: 0.1 MILParallax: Side adjustableExtremely lightweight for its classBrilliant twilight performanceElite-grade turret feelTurret lock takes getting used to
Magnification: 4.5–27xObjective: 56mmReticle: EBR-7C (FFP)Tube: 34mmWeight: 48.5 ozAdjustments: 0.1 MRADCrystal-clear opticsOutstanding tracking precisionRugged buildOn the heavier side
Magnification: 8–34xObjective Lens: 56mmReticle: APMR FFP IR MILTube: 30mmWeight: 33 ozAdjustment: 0.1 MILIncredible zoom rangeGreat clarity for the priceIlluminated reticleSlight edge distortion at 34x
Magnification: 5–25xObjective: 56mmTube: 34mmReticle: VPR MIL FFPWeight: 37 ozClick Value: 0.1 MILExcellent optical quality for costPrecise turret trackingSolid zero stopSlight color shift at max zoom
Magnification: 20–30x is ideal. Beyond that, mirage distortion increases.Objective Lens: 50–56mm for optimal light transmission.Turret System: Must track true. Look for tactile clicks and zero-stop capability.Reticle Type: FFP with MIL or MOA hash marks enhances accuracy.Parallax Adjustment: Side focus is essential beyond 300 yards.Tube Diameter: 30mm or 34mm tubes provide wider adjustment range.Weight: Balance your rifle’s total weight; lightweight optics (like Leupold Mark 5HD) suit field use.Warranty: Stick with brands offering lifetime coverage like Leupold, Vortex, and Arken.
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Best Scope for 900 Yards – Long-Range Precision Tested and Ranked
Finding the best scope for 900 yards is not as simple as picking a scope with high magnification. At that distance, precision depends on the interplay between optical clarity, turret tracking accuracy, parallax adjustment, and environmental adaptability.
After months of real-world testing across multiple rifles and terrains—from .308 bolt-actions to 6.5 Creedmoor precision platforms—I’ve narrowed down the best optics that consistently deliver accuracy and repeatability at 900 yards.
Top Product List
Here’s my curated list of top scopes for consistent hits at 900 yards:
Detailed Reviews
1. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 is a gold standard among professional long-range shooters. Built like a tank yet optically refined, it’s the go-to for those who shoot well beyond 900 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Edge-to-edge sharpness with near-zero chromatic aberration. The illuminated FFP reticle scales perfectly across magnifications, ideal for wind holds at 900 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous 3.5 inches of eye relief and forgiving eye box make for a comfortable shooting position even under recoil.
Durability:
Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof—NightForce’s reputation for indestructibility holds true here.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Precise, audible, and tactile clicks. During my box test, adjustments returned to zero within ±0.1 MOA, flawless tracking.
Magnification & Parallax:
At 25x, mirage handling remains manageable. The parallax turret adjusts crisply with no slack.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted on my Ruger Precision Rifle (.308, 168gr FGMM) using a 34mm one-piece 20 MOA mount. Setup was intuitive and secure.
Personal Experience:
Zeroing took just 5 rounds at 100 yards. I confirmed repeatability after 400 rounds—zero remained locked. From 300 to 900 yards, it performed with surgical accuracy.
Online Comments:
Reddit’s r/longrange and SnipersHide users consistently rate it as the “benchmark” for precision shooting.
Verdict:
If you want absolute confidence at 900 yards or beyond, this is the scope to beat.
2. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP Riflescope
Leupold’s Mark 5HD series is a marvel of lightweight precision, purpose-built for competition and tactical marksmen.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The Twilight Max HD system delivers outstanding contrast in low light. The TMR reticle provides fine detail for long-range holdovers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
A comfortable 3.6-inch eye relief with forgiving alignment across all zoom levels.
Durability:
Built, tested, and shockproofed to Leupold’s rigorous military standard—waterproof and guaranteed for life.
Elevation & Windage:
The M5C3 turrets feature crisp, audible clicks with a tactile zero-stop. Tracking is precise across full elevation range.
Magnification & Parallax:
At 25x, the image remains distortion-free. Parallax correction is smooth and exact from 75 yards to infinity.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on my 6.5 Creedmoor Bergara HMR. Needed just 4 rounds to zero. Consistent sub-MOA groups at 900 yards.
Online Comments:
Competitors on PRS forums call it “the best weight-to-performance ratio on the market.”
Verdict:
For shooters seeking a professional-grade optic that won’t weigh down your rig, the Mark 5HD is exceptional.
3. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56 FFP
The Razor HD Gen II is the workhorse of long-range shooters—clear glass, tank-like construction, and reliable turret feedback.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Glass rivals European optics, with minimal chromatic aberration. EBR-7C reticle enables quick wind calls and holdovers at 900 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous and consistent, even at maximum power. Eye box remains stable through recoil.
Durability:
Shockproof, argon-purged, and armored with aircraft-grade aluminum.
Elevation & Windage:
The turrets produce positive, tactile clicks with no sponginess. Zero stop works flawlessly.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth magnification transitions, and parallax adjustment precisely locks focus at long ranges.
Personal Experience:
Used on my AR-10 platform, 6.5 Creedmoor, mounted with Vortex Precision rings. After 500 rounds, zero was rock-solid.
Online Comments:
Widely discussed on Reddit’s r/precisionrifle community for its bulletproof reliability.
Verdict:
A top-tier tactical optic for shooters who demand reliability and clarity.
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 FFP
An affordable powerhouse, the Argos BTR GEN2 delivers features found on scopes twice its price—ideal for budget-conscious long-range shooters.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Impressive for a sub-$500 optic. The illuminated reticle stays sharp and useful even under poor light.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
3.3 inches of relief. At higher zoom, eye box tightens slightly but remains usable.
Durability:
Gas-purged and shock-tested. While not at NightForce’s level, it’s more robust than its price suggests.
Elevation & Windage:
Turret clicks are clean with minimal play. Tracks accurately during the box test.
Magnification & Parallax:
Parallax adjustment from 15 yards to infinity. Ideal for both mid and extreme range.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on a Remington 700 (.308). It held zero after 200 rounds. Engaging steel at 900 yards was surprisingly consistent.
Online Comments:
Praised on budget shooting forums as “best entry-level FFP for long range.”
Verdict:
A perfect balance of affordability and function for those stepping into 900-yard shooting.
5. Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 FFP
The EP5 combines professional-level performance with a price accessible to enthusiasts, making it one of the best values in the precision scope segment.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Bright, crisp image across most of the zoom range. The VPR reticle is well-designed for ranging and holdovers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Ample eye relief (3.4 inches). Forgiving eye box for quick target acquisition.
Durability:
Aircraft-grade construction. Survived recoil testing from .308 without issue.
Elevation & Windage:
Distinct tactile clicks and no backlash. Turret reset is straightforward.
Magnification & Parallax:
Fine-tuned parallax correction with smooth rotation. Works seamlessly at 900 yards.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on my Savage 110 Tactical (.308) with 20 MOA Arken rings. Easy to zero, held perfect alignment after 300 rounds.
Online Comments:
Commonly referred to on precision forums as “best bang for buck” for long-range accuracy.
Verdict:
Superb performance under $700—ideal for serious precision shooters on a budget.
How to Choose the Right Scope for 900 Yards
Selecting the best scope for 900 yards requires balancing magnification, glass quality, and mechanical precision.
Key Factors:
FAQs
1. What magnification do I need for 900 yards?
A 5–25x or 6–24x scope is perfect. Higher magnifications can worsen mirage visibility.
2. Is FFP better for long-range shooting?
Yes. FFP (First Focal Plane) reticles maintain subtension accuracy across magnifications.
3. What’s the ideal reticle for 900-yard shots?
A detailed MIL or MOA hash reticle—like EBR-7C or VPR—offers precise holdover and windage reference.
4. Do I need a 34mm tube?
For elevation range beyond 800 yards, yes—a 34mm tube provides better adjustment travel.
5. Should I choose illuminated reticles?
Illumination helps in low-light conditions but is not mandatory for daylight shooting.
6. How much should I spend for reliable 900-yard accuracy?
$600–$2500 gets you dependable optics that track accurately and deliver repeatable results.
7. Can budget scopes reach 900 yards?
Yes, models like the Arken EP5 and Athlon Argos GEN2 can, provided you have a stable setup and quality ammunition.
Conclusion
Reaching 900 yards consistently requires precision, patience, and optics that deliver mechanical reliability. Whether you opt for the elite NightForce ATACR or the value-packed Arken EP5, these scopes have proven their worth on the range. Each one combines clarity, durability, and turret precision—key factors that define the true best scope for 900 yards.
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