Skip to content
Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56mmFocal Plane: First (FFP)Tube Diameter: 34mmAdjustment: 0.1 MIL per clickWeight: 38 ozIncredible edge-to-edge clarityZeroStop and DigIllum systemTrue repeatable trackingHeavyExpensive
Magnification: 5–25xFocal Plane: FFPTube: 35mmAdjustment: 0.1 MILWeight: 30 ozLightweight yet ruggedExcellent reticle options (TMR, PR2)Lifetime WarrantySlight chromatic aberration at 25x
Magnification: 7–35xObjective Lens: 56mmTube: 34mmFocal Plane: FFPWeight: 39 ozExceptional clarity for pricePrecise 0.1 MIL trackingStrong build qualitySlightly stiff magnification ring
Magnification: 8–34xFocal Plane: FFPTube: 30mmObjective Lens: 56mmAdjustment: 0.1 MILGreat magnification rangeAffordable priceSolid build qualityEdge clarity drops slightly above 30x
Magnification: 4.5–30xObjective Lens: 56mmTube: 34mmFocal Plane: FFPWeight: 38 ozBombproof constructionExcellent illumination controlCrisp trackingSlightly heavier than average
Magnification Range: 5–25x or higher gives flexibility for target ID and correction.Focal Plane: FFP reticles scale with zoom, critical for consistent holdovers.Turret Precision: Look for 0.1 MIL or ¼ MOA clicks with solid tactile feedback.Glass Quality: ED or HD glass reduces chromatic aberration and mirage distortion.Durability: Ensure waterproof, fog-proof, shock-tested construction.Reticle Design: Choose a clean, intuitive layout for fast wind and elevation corrections.Weight Balance: Consider rifle setup; heavy optics can shift balance on lighter platforms.
More
Share
Explore
5 Best Scope for Extreme Long Range — Top 5 Precision Optics for 2025
Finding the best scope for extreme long range shooting isn’t just about magnification — it’s about optical precision, turret reliability, and total system integrity. When pushing past 1,000 yards, every click of adjustment and every shimmer of mirage matters.
Over the past year, I’ve tested dozens of high-end optics across bolt-action rifles and precision AR platforms. After countless rounds of .300 Win Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor on the range, these five scopes have proven themselves worthy of the “extreme long-range” title.
Top Product List
Detailed Reviews: 5 Best Scope for Extreme Long Range of 2025
NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
The NightForce ATACR series is legendary in the precision shooting community — and for good reason. I mounted this scope on a Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and immediately appreciated its flawless tracking and crystal clarity at every magnification.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
This scope’s ED glass delivers breathtaking color fidelity, even at 25x. The Horus TReMoR3 reticle provided intuitive holdovers at 1,200 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
At 3.5 inches, eye relief is consistent. The eye box is forgiving, even under recoil from magnum calibers.
Durability:
After 400 rounds in rain and heat, zero didn’t shift a single click. The scope’s build feels like it could survive a drop from a truck bed.
Knobs & Adjustments:
Each turret click is sharp, tactile, and perfectly matched to the reticle. Box tests confirmed precise return-to-zero.
Verdict:
The ATACR defines “confidence at distance.” It’s my go-to for ELR competition.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP Riflescope
Leupold’s Mark 5HD delivers elite performance in a lighter package. At 30 ounces, it’s noticeably lighter than most competitors without compromising performance.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The glass is among the clearest I’ve seen from an American-made optic. Color transmission remains consistent in varied light.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Consistent 3.6 inches of relief with generous eye box. Easy target acquisition at long range.
Durability:
Mounted on a .338 Lapua Magnum, it held zero through 200+ rounds of recoil.
Knobs & Adjustments:
Turrets are crisp with tactile feedback. The ZeroLock feature prevents accidental adjustment.
Verdict:
For shooters who want NightForce-level precision at a lower weight, this is it.
Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 7-35x56 FFP Long Range Precision Rifle Scope
The Arken EP5 Gen 2 pushes value and performance to new levels. I tested it on a Bergara B14 HMR Pro in .300 Win Mag and was astonished by its glass performance for under $800.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
HD Japanese glass provides surprising resolution. The VPR reticle is intuitive for long-range shooting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Ample 3.4 inches of relief, with a tight but manageable eye box at high magnification.
Durability:
After exposure to dust and humidity, no fogging or POI shift occurred.
Knobs & Adjustments:
The turrets feel premium — audible clicks and exact tracking through a full box test.
Verdict:
For budget-conscious long-range shooters, the EP5 Gen 2 is unbeatable.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 FFP Riflescope
Athlon’s Argos BTR Gen2 offers extreme magnification and solid performance at a fraction of the price of elite scopes.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Sharp image up to 28x, slight color wash at full zoom. The APLR2 MOA reticle provides excellent holdover detail.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Good eye relief at 3.3 inches, but requires precise positioning at 34x.
Durability:
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof — handled recoil from a .308 AR-10 easily.
Knobs & Adjustments:
Turrets are tactile, though a bit light in feel. Tracking accuracy remains strong.
Verdict:
An ideal training or backup scope for shooters learning ELR fundamentals.
Trijicon Tenmile First Focal Plane (FFP) Riflescope
Trijicon’s Tenmile combines rugged military-grade construction with top-tier optical quality. It’s one of the most durable scopes I’ve ever used.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Brilliant light transmission and zero chromatic aberration. The MRAD Precision Tree reticle is among my favorites for long-distance corrections.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Consistent and forgiving — ideal for tactical-style repositioning.
Durability:
Used it in cold mountain conditions and sandy desert winds — no fog, no tracking issues.
Knobs & Adjustments:
Turrets feel tank-solid, with consistent 0.1 MIL adjustments and reliable zero stop.
Verdict:
A professional-grade scope for shooters who demand military-level toughness.
How to Choose the Right Scope for Extreme Long Range
When selecting a scope for shooting beyond 1,000 yards, consider:
FAQs
Q1: What magnification is best for extreme long range?
A: Scopes with at least 25x top-end magnification are ideal. For spotting impacts past 1,000 yards, 30–35x helps significantly.
Q2: Is FFP better than SFP for long-range shooting?
A: Yes, FFP ensures holdover values stay consistent at any magnification.
Q3: How much should I spend on an ELR scope?
A: Quality long-range optics start around $800, with elite models exceeding $3,000.
Q4: What’s the best reticle type?
A: Tree-style reticles like Horus TReMoR3 or PR2-MIL are great for wind calls and holdovers.
Q5: How do I ensure repeatable tracking?
A: Perform a box test and return-to-zero test before competition or hunting.
Q6: What’s the ideal rifle caliber for extreme long-range?
A: .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Magnum, and 6.5 Creedmoor are excellent starting points.
Q7: Should I use a canted mount?
A: Yes, a 20 or 30 MOA base helps extend your elevation adjustment range.
Conclusion
Selecting the best scope for extreme long range shooting requires balancing clarity, durability, and tracking precision. From the elite NightForce ATACR to the value-packed Arken EP5 Gen 2, every scope listed above has been field-tested to perform when it matters most. Whether you’re dialing for a mile or pushing past 1,200 yards, these optics give you the precision edge every serious marksman deserves.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.