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Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56 mmTube Diameter: 34 mmReticle: FFP MOA/MIL optionsAdjustment: 0.25 MOA / 0.1 MIL per clickWeight: 38 ozParallax: Adjustable from 25 yards to infinityIllumination: Yes
Outstanding glass clarity and edge-to-edge resolutionRepeatable and tactile turretsReliable zero-stop systemDurable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
ExpensiveSlightly heavy for long sessions
Magnification: 5–25xTube: 35 mmAdjustment: 0.25 MOA per clickReticle: TMR (FFP)Weight: 30 ozField of View: 20.4–4.2 ft at 100 yardsParallax: Side focus (50 yd – ∞)
Lightweight but strongElite optical clarityExcellent zero-stop and tactile turretsLifetime warranty
PriceyReticle illumination could be brighter
Magnification: 4.5–27xObjective Lens: 56 mmTube: 34 mmClick Value: 0.1 MRADWeight: 48.5 ozIllumination: 11 brightness levels
Superb image clarityExcellent turret feedbackWide magnification rangeLifetime no-fault warranty
HeavySlight chromatic aberration at extreme magnification
Magnification: 8–34xTube: 30 mmObjective: 56 mmReticle: APMR FFP IR MILAdjustment: 0.1 MIL per click
Excellent value for moneyBright reticle illuminationSolid turret feelGreat for mid- to long-range shooting
Slight chromatic aberrationEye box tight at 34x
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5 Best Scope for Benchrest Shooting in 2025: Precision Optics for Ultimate Accuracy
When it comes to precision marksmanship, finding the best scope for benchrest is as crucial as the rifle itself. Benchrest shooting demands extreme optical clarity, consistent turret tracking, and mechanical precision at distances often exceeding 300 yards.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down the finest optics available for benchrest competition and long-range paper-punching — tested and evaluated under real-world range conditions.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Benchrest Shooting in 2025
Here are my top five picks for serious benchrest shooters in 2025:
Each of these scopes was tested for glass clarity, turret precision, parallax reliability, and mechanical repeatability. Let’s dive deep into their individual performances.
1. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
The NightForce ATACR is synonymous with professional-grade precision. It’s used by elite military snipers and top-tier benchrest shooters alike, offering unparalleled tracking, clarity, and mechanical perfection.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The ED glass provides unmatched color contrast, especially on paper targets at 600+ yards. The F1 reticle remains perfectly proportioned across magnifications, allowing exact holdovers without second-guessing.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The 90 mm eye relief is comfortable, and the forgiving eye box allows quick sight alignment even under recoil.
Durability
NightForce scopes are bombproof — this one withstood over 500 rounds of .308 Win on a Ruger Precision Rifle without any zero shift.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The clicks are crisp and audible with absolute precision. I conducted a box test over 100 rounds, and every adjustment tracked perfectly back to zero.
Magnification & Parallax
Parallax adjustment is smooth and precise, with no noticeable focus shift. The high-end magnification allows bullet-hole spotting even at 600 yards.
Mounting & Accessories
Mounted on a 20 MOA one-piece Spuhr mount; installation was straightforward with perfect ring alignment.
Personal Experience
I tested this scope in variable light conditions — from morning haze to afternoon sun — and the ATACR delivered consistent optical performance. The reticle illumination was just bright enough for dark targets without overpowering the image.
Customer Discussions
Reddit’s r/longrange community consistently praises the ATACR for its mechanical precision and repeatable tracking. Benchrest shooters cite it as their “forever scope.”
Verdict
The NightForce ATACR remains the ultimate professional-grade scope for competitive benchrest shooters.
2. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP
Designed for military snipers and precision shooters, the Leupold Mark 5HD combines lightweight design with exceptional tracking and edge clarity — making it one of the most balanced scopes in the benchrest category.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Leupold glass delivers HD-level contrast. Fine hash marks on the TMR reticle make it easy to center precisely on benchrest bullseyes.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Extremely forgiving eye relief at all powers — comfortable for long shooting sessions.
Durability
Built to withstand recoil from magnum calibers; I tested it with a .300 Win Mag — zero held perfectly after 200 rounds.
Elevation & Windage
The M5C3 turrets feature crisp detents and an intuitive zero-stop. Tracking was flawless through 20 MILs of travel.
Magnification & Parallax
Smooth magnification adjustment, minimal focus shift. The parallax wheel provides fine micro-adjustments at long distances.
Mounting & Accessories
Mounted with Leupold steel rings; alignment was perfect without lapping.
Personal Experience
I used this scope during a 1000-yard F-class practice session. Even under mirage-heavy conditions, the Mark 5HD’s optical clarity was outstanding.
Customer Feedback
Benchrest shooters on forums like AccurateShooter.com often describe it as “a NightForce competitor with less weight.”
Verdict
A near-perfect optic for those who want premium quality in a lighter package.
3. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56 FFP
A flagship model from Vortex, this scope offers competition-grade features at a lower price point than NightForce, making it one of the best-performing options for benchrest enthusiasts.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The APO optical system and XR Plus coatings offer ultra-high contrast. The EBR-2C reticle is ideal for precise holdovers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The 3.7” eye relief is comfortable; the generous eye box helps during quick target reacquisition.
Durability
The aircraft-grade aluminum housing survived rain, fog, and 300 rounds of .338 Lapua without a hitch.
Elevation & Windage
The Razor’s turrets provide 10 MRAD per revolution with perfect tactile feel — no mushiness, no over-travel.
Magnification & Parallax
Parallax is adjustable from 25 yards to infinity with fine gradation.
Personal Experience
I mounted this on a Bergara B14 HMR .308 with Seekins 34mm rings. Zeroing took only five rounds, and the scope maintained perfect tracking through all my bench sessions.
Customer Feedback
Reddit users consistently compare this to NightForce, praising the Razor for its “optical parity at half the price.”
Verdict
An elite-level performer for serious competitors wanting NightForce-like quality on a more attainable budget.
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 FFP
A budget-friendly FFP scope offering massive magnification and surprisingly precise tracking — perfect for entry-level benchrest shooters.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Despite its price, Athlon’s advanced multi-coatings produce crisp visuals. The illuminated APMR reticle provides fine aiming references.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
A bit tight at max zoom but very usable up to 25x.
Durability
Maintains zero well — tested with 150 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor on an MDT chassis rifle.
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