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Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56mmTube Diameter: 34mmReticle: FFP, MIL or MOA optionsAdjustment Value: 0.1 MIL / ¼ MOA per clickWeight: 38 ozParallax: 45 yards – infinityExceptional edge-to-edge glass clarityPositive, tactile turret clicksUnbeatable tracking accuracyZeroStop mechanism is flawlessHeavyPricey for beginners
Magnification: 4.5–27xObjective: 56mmReticle: EBR-7C (FFP)Tube: 34mmClick Value: 0.1 MRADWeight: 48.5 ozRazor-sharp glassExcellent turret feedbackLifetime warrantyQuite heavySlightly limited eye box at high zoom
Magnification: 5–25xWeight: 30 ozTube: 35mmAdjustment: 0.1 MIL per clickReticle: TMR (FFP)Warranty: LifetimeLightweight for its classElite-level claritySuperb trackingLimited reticle illumination levels
Magnification: 5–25xReticle: VPR MIL or MOA (FFP)Tube: 34mmParallax: 25 yds – ∞Weight: 37 ozExcellent build qualityVery clear glass for priceAffordable for beginnersSlight chromatic aberration at 25x
Magnification: 8–34xObjective: 56mmTube: 30mmReticle: APMR FFP IR MILAdjustment: 0.1 MILMassive zoom rangeClear for its priceReliable zero retentionSlight fisheye at lowest magnificationHeavier than similar scopes
Magnification: 5–25x is ideal for 600–1200 yards.Focal Plane: FFP is preferred for consistent subtensions.Turret Precision: Look for tactile, accurate clicks (0.1 MIL).Glass Quality: ED glass enhances clarity and color fidelity.Durability: Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof construction is non-negotiable.Weight & Size: Lighter scopes suit hunters, while heavier models suit competition.
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Top 5 Best Scope for Long Range Shooting of 2025
When it comes to precision marksmanship, choosing the best scope for long range shooting can make or break your performance. I’ve spent years testing scopes across multiple platforms—from .308 bolt-action rifles to 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 builds—evaluating clarity, tracking reliability, and real-world durability.
This guide brings together the finest optics I’ve tested personally and observed in the field, balancing optical performance, turret precision, and overall value.
Whether you’re hitting steel at 1000 yards or zeroing for hunting at 600, this comprehensive review will help you find your next perfect optic.
Top 5 Best Scope for Long Range Shooting of 2025
Here’s my quick roundup of the best performers for long-range accuracy:
1. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 is the gold standard among professional marksmen and military snipers. Known for its rugged construction and unmatched optical quality, it delivers consistent tracking and repeatability under the harshest conditions.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The glass is among the clearest I’ve used—crystal sharp from center to edge. Chromatic aberration is virtually absent, even under high magnification. The F1 reticle stays proportional across zoom ranges, crucial for accurate holdovers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
A generous 3.6 inches of eye relief keeps recoil manageable on my .300 Win Mag. The eye box is forgiving, allowing quick target reacquisition even at 25x.
Durability:
Built like a tank. Mine survived several drops, rain, and even a dust storm without losing zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Each click is crisp, tactile, and perfectly repeatable. I performed a full “box test” at 100 yards, and the scope tracked flawlessly.
Magnification & Parallax:
The magnification ring turns smoothly, and parallax adjustment is precise, locking onto targets from 50 to 1500 yards easily.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted on a 20 MOA one-piece mount on my Accuracy International chassis. Perfect fit and clearance.
Personal Experience:
I’ve taken this optic out past 1200 yards, repeatedly hitting 10-inch steel plates with 6.5 Creedmoor handloads. Even after 400 rounds, zero retention was impeccable.
Online Comments:
Shooters on Sniper’s Hide and Reddit agree: the ATACR is the professional’s choice for reliability and consistency.
Verdict:
If you demand battlefield-level toughness and accuracy, this is the scope to beat.
2. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II combines superb optical clarity with high-end mechanical precision, offering near-NightForce performance at a slightly lower price point.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The Razor HD lives up to its name. Color rendition is natural, and contrast remains superb in low light. The EBR-7C reticle provides precise holdover points.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
3.7 inches of eye relief feels comfortable even with heavy recoil rifles. The eye box tightens above 25x but remains manageable.
Durability:
I’ve used this on an AR-10 in the Nevada desert—no fogging or loss of zero.
Turrets:
Distinct, audible, and tactile. Each click equals a perfect 0.1 MRAD. Vortex’s Zero Stop system is one of the easiest to set up.
Personal Experience:
Zeroed in 4 shots, and it held perfectly through 500 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor. From 100 to 900 yards, the Razor HD tracked with mathematical precision.
Online Comments:
Widely praised across long-range communities as “the poor man’s ATACR,” though the optical gap is minimal.
Verdict:
Professional-grade precision at a more accessible price point.
3. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 is a competition favorite thanks to its lightweight design and impressive optical resolution, especially for PRS shooters.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Edge-to-edge sharpness and true color rendition. The TMR reticle offers precision without clutter.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Best-in-class at 3.8–3.9 inches. I used it on a .300 PRC, and eye relief was spot-on.
Durability:
Built in the USA with premium materials. The Mark 5HD shrugs off rain, fog, and temperature swings.
Turrets:
Precise and smooth, with the M5C3 system allowing 10 mils per revolution and tactile ZeroLock.
Personal Experience:
This was my go-to PRS scope last season—perfect for fast transitions and reliable return-to-zero after heavy use.
Online Comments:
Praised on hunting and competition forums for optical performance comparable to $4000 scopes.
Verdict:
A lighter, faster optic for pros who demand both clarity and mobility.
4. Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 FFP
The Arken EP5 delivers premium features at a fraction of flagship prices, making it a great entry-level choice for new long-range shooters.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Performance Notes:
Glass clarity rivals mid-tier optics. The turrets are audible, tactile, and consistent with proper Zero Stop setup. Tested on a 6.5 Creedmoor—held zero perfectly over 250 rounds.
Verdict:
The best value in its class—hard to beat at this price.
5. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 FFP
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 brings long-range precision into the budget-conscious shooter’s reach with an impressive magnification range.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Performance Notes:
Eye box is narrow above 30x, but the image remains bright. I’ve used it for benchrest testing and confirmed tracking accuracy within 0.05 MIL across 20 MIL elevation.
Verdict:
A top performer under $500 for extreme-range target shooters.
How to Choose the Right Scope for Long Range Shooting
Selecting the right optic depends on your needs and budget:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for long-range shooting?
Generally, 5–25x or higher offers flexibility for 300–1200+ yard engagements.
2. FFP or SFP for long range?
FFP (First Focal Plane) is superior for accurate holdovers across magnification levels.
3. What reticle type is best?
MIL or MOA hash reticles provide precise holdovers; illuminated models help in low light.
4. Are expensive scopes worth it?
Yes, for consistent tracking and optical quality. Budget scopes often drift under recoil.
5. What’s the ideal scope for a .308 long-range setup?
The NightForce ATACR or Vortex Razor HD Gen II are perfect for .308 platforms.
6. How do I test turret tracking?
Perform a box test—dial elevation and windage around a square at 100 yards to verify return to zero.
7. What’s the difference between 30mm and 34mm tubes?
34mm tubes allow greater elevation travel and stronger internal components, ideal for long range.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for long range shooting requires balancing magnification, clarity, and mechanical reliability. From the bombproof NightForce ATACR to the budget-friendly Arken EP5, every model reviewed here meets the high standards of real-world precision. My personal favorite remains the ATACR for its optical perfection, but shooters at every price tier will find something exceptional in this list. Whether you’re chasing steel at 1,000 yards or pushing your rifle’s ballistic limits, the right scope transforms your rifle from capable to surgical.
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