Skip to content
Magnification: 6-36x56Focal Plane: First (FFP)Tube Diameter: 34mmAdjustment: 0.1 MRAD per clickWeight: 45.1 ozParallax: 10 yards to infinitySuperb glass quality, edge-to-edge sharpnessPrecise, tactile turret clicksExcellent zero stop systemDurable and waterproofOn the heavier sidePricey for beginners
Magnification: 5-25x56Focal Plane: FirstTube: 34mmAdjustment: 0.1 MILWeight: 39 ozParallax: 45 yards–∞Bombproof constructionCrystal-clear glass with high contrastReliable zero stop (ZeroSet)Excellent turret feelHeavyExpensive
Magnification: 7-35x56Focal Plane: First (FFP)Tube Diameter: 34mmClick Value: 0.1 MILWeight: 39 ozIllumination: YesExceptional value for the performanceSharp reticle designSolid tracking performanceGreat low-light visibilitySlightly heavyTurret clicks less crisp than premium scopes
Magnification: 5-25x56Focal Plane: FFPTube: 35mmAdjustment: 0.1 MILWeight: 30 ozWarranty: LifetimeLightweight for its classIncredible optical clarityCrisp, tactile M5C3 turretsLifetime warrantyEye box tight at high magnificationSlight color tint
Magnification: 3-18x50Focal Plane: FFPTube: 30mmAdjustment: 0.1 MILWeight: 31 ozReticle: ACSS Athena BPR MILAffordable FFP optionExcellent reticle for ranging and holdingReliable trackingDurable and weather-sealedSlight blur at max magnificationTurrets not as tactile as premium models
Focal Plane: FFP reticles are essential, keeping subtensions consistent across magnification.Magnification Range: Look for 5–25x or similar. You need high magnification for long stages and low-end power for close targets.Turret Tracking: Must be precise and repeatable. Always perform a box test.Reticle Design: Choose a reticle with clear hash marks and minimal clutter.Weight vs. Balance: Lighter scopes aid positional transitions, while heavier ones add stability.Parallax Adjustment: Smooth and fine control is crucial for sharp focus at varying distances.Warranty: Premium brands like Vortex, Leupold, and NightForce offer lifetime coverage, ensuring long-term value.
More
Share
Explore
Best Scope for PRS Shooting
Finding the best scope for PRS shooting is about much more than magnification and glass quality—it’s about tracking precision, turret reliability, and optical consistency under match pressure. As a precision rifle competitor myself, I’ve spent hundreds of hours behind different optics in real PRS stages, from 300-yard troop lines to 1,200-yard movers. In this review, I’ll cover five top scopes that combine mechanical accuracy, optical clarity, and ruggedness for PRS competition environments.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick overview of my top picks for PRS shooters:
Detailed Reviews
1. Vortex Razor HD Gen III
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III is arguably one of the most dominant optics in PRS circles today. It offers outstanding tracking precision, intuitive turret design, and elite optical clarity—all critical in competition shooting where hits depend on exact data and repeatable adjustments.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Through the Razor’s glass, I saw nearly zero chromatic aberration and edge distortion. The EBR-7D reticle provides a perfect balance between detailed holdovers and open sight picture, ideal for stage flexibility. At 30x and above, the image remains tack sharp—a sign of premium Japanese ED glass.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is a comfortable 3.6 inches, and the eye box is notably forgiving for such high magnification. During fast transitions on barricades, I could quickly reacquire targets without losing the full field of view.
Durability
The anodized 34mm tube feels bombproof. I’ve shot this scope in 100°F Texas heat and 25°F Colorado wind—no fogging or shift in zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Razor’s turrets are perfection: positive, crisp clicks with a zero stop that’s easy to set. The elevation turret features a visual indicator for revolution count—essential for staying oriented in PRS stages.
Magnification & Parallax
At 6x, the scope works well for close-range positional shots; at 36x, it’s a laser. Parallax adjustment is smooth and precise, allowing tack-sharp focus even beyond 1,000 yards.
Mounting & Accessories
I mounted it on a 20 MOA one-piece mount atop a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor. Zeroing took 7 shots, and it held zero after 500 rounds without a shift.
My Experience
This is my go-to match optic. The Razor’s mechanical precision makes it hard to miss, and turret tracking is perfect—passed the box test with zero deviation.
Online Comments
PRS forums are full of praise for the Razor Gen III’s clarity and repeatable tracking. Many pros like Morgan King and Austin Orgain have run it successfully in national events.
Verdict
If you want a reliable, high-end optic for serious PRS competition, this is the one.
2. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 is a tank. Built for elite tactical and competitive use, it’s known for flawless tracking, indestructible build, and unparalleled optical consistency under any condition.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The ATACR’s ED glass offers exceptional resolution. I used the MIL-XT reticle—clean, precise, and perfect for PRS holds. Edge-to-edge clarity is top-tier, with no tint or color bias.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is about 3.5 inches. The eye box is more forgiving than many competitors, which helps during awkward barricade positions.
Durability
This optic is military-tough. I’ve dropped it during match resets—it didn’t lose zero. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen-purged.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Turrets are NightForce’s strong point. Each click feels crisp with zero slop. The ZeroSet return system makes dialing back to zero instant and foolproof.
Magnification & Parallax
From 5x to 25x, magnification remains distortion-free. Parallax adjustments are smooth and reliable even at high power.
Online Comments
Reddit’s r/longrange community calls the ATACR the “standard of truth” in PRS optics. Most agree it’s worth every dollar for reliability alone.
Verdict
The ATACR’s mechanical precision makes it one of the top-performing optics in PRS.
3. Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 7-35x56 FFP
Arken’s EP5 Gen 2 is an emerging powerhouse in the mid-budget PRS world. It provides serious long-range performance at a fraction of the cost of premium optics.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Glass quality punches above its price. Edge definition is excellent up to 25x, with mild distortion only at max power. The VPR reticle provides precise wind and elevation holds.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief sits around 3.7 inches, comfortable enough for PRS stages. The eye box is moderately forgiving.
Durability
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the EP5 Gen 2 handles recoil and field abuse without issue. I tested it on a .308 AR-10—zero stayed perfect after 300 rounds.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Tracking accuracy was within 0.1 MIL at 10 MILs elevation—excellent for a scope under $1,000. The zero stop works flawlessly once set.
Magnification & Parallax
Magnification ring turns smoothly. Parallax adjustment is consistent from 20 yards to infinity.
My Experience
Mounted on a Bergara B14 HMR, I achieved 100-yard zero in six shots. Held zero for 200 additional rounds and passed box tracking with minimal deviation.
Online Comments
On Sniper’s Hide, shooters often call the EP5 “the best budget FFP scope for PRS practice.” It’s consistently compared favorably to optics twice its price.
Verdict
A phenomenal performer for shooters entering PRS competition.
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP
Leupold’s Mark 5HD 5-25x56 brings elite optical quality in a lightweight package. It’s the most field-friendly of the high-end optics, and Leupold’s attention to clarity and turret precision shines through.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Mark 5HD’s glass delivers vivid contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. The TMR reticle is ideal for PRS-style holdovers, with precise subtensions.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief ranges 3.6–3.8 inches. While slightly tighter than the Vortex or NightForce, it’s usable and fast once you find the sweet spot.
Durability
Leupold’s lightweight aluminum design is shockproof and waterproof. I ran it through rain, mud, and dust—no internal fogging.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Turret feedback is excellent: crisp, audible, and positive. The zero lock system prevents accidental adjustments during dynamic stages.
My Experience
Mounted on a 6.5 PRC Christensen Arms rifle, the Mark 5HD tracked perfectly and delivered repeatable hits out to 1,000 yards. I appreciate its weight advantage for field PRS.
Online Comments
PRS shooters often rank this optic as a “lightweight alternative to the Razor Gen III.” Its warranty and turret feel earn consistent praise.
Verdict
A top-tier optic for PRS shooters seeking reliability and reduced weight.
5. Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II
The Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II is an affordable yet impressively precise optic built for new and intermediate PRS shooters. It offers repeatable mechanics, intuitive reticle, and solid clarity at a price point that encourages frequent practice.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The ACSS reticle offers rapid ranging and intuitive holdovers, perfect for PRS-style targets. Clarity is solid up to 15x, with minor softness at 18x.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief around 3.5 inches is comfortable. The eye box is forgiving at mid-magnification—ideal for fast position changes.
Durability
Shockproof and waterproof construction ensures stability. I’ve used it in both rain and light snow without fogging.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Turrets are well-machined, and tracking tests showed less than 0.05 MIL deviation over 10 MILs—a solid result for this price range.
My Experience
I mounted this on a Savage 110 Tactical .308 using 30mm rings. It zeroed easily, tracked well, and offered consistent return-to-zero.
Online Comments
Shooters on Sniper’s Hide often call it “the best entry-level FFP optic for PRS.” The ACSS reticle receives universal praise for usability.
Verdict
A great entry point for PRS shooters on a budget.
How to Choose the Right Scope for PRS Shooting
When selecting a PRS scope, consider:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for PRS shooting?
Typically 5-25x or 6-36x offers the best balance between wide field of view and precision.
2. Do I need FFP for PRS?
Yes. First Focal Plane ensures your holdovers stay accurate across all zoom levels.
3. How important is turret tracking?
Extremely. In PRS, turret consistency determines hit probability—cheap scopes often fail here.
4. Can I use hunting scopes for PRS?
Some high-end hunting scopes work, but PRS demands precise, repeatable mechanics—dedicated tactical models perform better.
5. What’s a good PRS scope under $1,000?
The Arken EP5 Gen 2 or Primary Arms SLX Gen II are excellent budget-friendly performers.
6. What is parallax, and why does it matter?
Parallax error occurs when the reticle doesn’t align with the target’s focal plane—proper adjustment ensures precise shot placement.
7. Are heavier scopes bad for PRS?
Not necessarily. Extra weight can stabilize the rifle during recoil, though balance matters for positional stages.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced, demanding world of PRS, your optic is the ultimate link between your rifle and the target. Whether you’re stepping into your first regional match or refining your gear for national competition, these five scopes—Vortex Razor HD Gen III, NightForce ATACR, Arken EP5 Gen 2, Leupold Mark 5HD, and Primary Arms SLX Gen II—cover every performance tier.
Each delivers precision, durability, and confidence under time pressure—the traits that define the best scope for PRS shooting.
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.