Best Hunting Scopes for Long Range Shooting: Top Picks for Precision Aim
Long-range hunting requires precision and accuracy, and a high-quality hunting scope is a vital tool for any serious hunter. A hunting scope designed for long-range shooting offers a range of features that make it easier to hit your target from a distance.
These features include high magnification, adjustable objective lenses, and a reticle that allows for windage and elevation adjustments. However, with so many hunting scopes on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs.
When it comes to long-range hunting scopes, there are a few critical factors to consider before making a purchase. The first is the magnification range, which should be high enough to allow you to see your target clearly from a distance.
The second is the objective lens diameter, which determines the amount of light that enters the scope and affects the brightness and clarity of the image. Finally, you’ll want to consider the reticle type, which should be easy to read and allow for precise adjustments.
We spent hours researching and testing various long-range hunting scopes to identify the best options on the market. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best hunting scope for your needs.
Best Hunting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
We have researched and tested various hunting scopes to bring you the best options for long-range shooting. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a beginner, having the right scope can make all the difference in your accuracy and success.
In this roundup, we will showcase the top hunting scopes that offer exceptional clarity, precision, and durability. Read on to find the perfect scope for your next hunting expedition.
UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope
We highly recommend the UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope for those looking for an affordable hunting scope for long-range shooting.
Pros
- The 6-24x adjustable magnification allows for clear observation of hunting targets at different distances.
- The fully multi-coated glass provides excellent transparency and anti-reflective coating on all glass surfaces increases light transmission.
- The adjustable objective lens (AO) can be moved with the parallax adjustment knob to eliminate parallax and range estimation.
Cons
- The scope may not fit on some pellet rifles due to its large size.
- The instructions for installation and operation are not included.
- The click value of 1/8 inch @ 100 yards may not be precise enough for some users.
We were impressed with the UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope’s high-definition observation and dual-color illumination. The scope is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which is earthquake-resistant and suitable for hunting.
The floating design of the rifle scope provides excellent waterproof and fog-proof performance, with O-ring seals and nitrogen filling to ensure the scope can be used in any environment.
The UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope comes with two high-quality 1-inch complementary rings, which are easy to install on any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rail and can be used with various guns.
We appreciate UUQ’s outstanding customer support, providing perfect and rapid service to solve any concerns.
The UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a great budget option for those who want a reliable hunting scope for long-range shooting. It is packed with features usually found in more expensive scopes, making it an excellent value for the price.
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16x50mm Hunting Scope
If you’re looking for an affordable traditional hunting riflescope that provides excellent brightness and clarity, then the Burris Fullfield IV 4-16x50mm Hunting Scope is a great option.
Pros
- The high-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability.
- The improved 4x zoom system with premium, multi-coated lenses for edge-to-edge clarity and low-light performance.
- The sleek new design with finger-adjustable turret knobs and a wide selection of reticles for both hunting and long-distance target shooting.
Cons
- Adjusting is quite difficult, and it takes significant strength and effort to change zooms.
- The side parallax adjustment and focus as close as 10 yards are not suitable for all platforms.
- The scope tube is only nitrogen-filled, which prevents fogging, but it’s not fully waterproof.
We used the Burris Fullfield IV 4-16x50mm Hunting Scope for hunting and long-distance target shooting, and we were impressed with its performance. The clarity and brightness were excellent, and the zoom system worked well. The finger-adjustable turret knobs were easy to use, and we appreciated the wide selection of reticles available.
However, we found that adjusting the zoom was quite difficult, and it took significant strength and effort to change it.
Additionally, the side parallax adjustment and focus as close as 10 yards are not suitable for all platforms, and the scope tube is only nitrogen-filled, which prevents fogging but is not fully waterproof.
If you’re looking for an affordable traditional hunting riflescope with excellent brightness and clarity, then the Burris Fullfield IV 4-16x50mm Hunting Scope is a great option.
However, if you need a fully waterproof scope or have difficulty adjusting the zoom, you may want to consider other options.
Crimson Trace Hardline Riflescope with Lightweight Solid Construction, Scope Caps, and Lens Cloth for Hunting, Shooting, Tactical and Outdoor 4-12x40mm BDC Long Range
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable hunting scope for long-range shooting, the Crimson Trace Hardline Riflescope is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The scope’s 4-12 magnification and 40mm lens diameter provide a clear and precise view of your target.
- The second focal plane, non-illuminated, CT Custom BDC Long Range reticle with a 3.5″ eye relief and 1/4″ click value allows for accurate and easy adjustments.
- The exposed windage and elevation knobs make it simple to make quick adjustments in the field.
Cons
- The scope’s FOV range of 23.6 ft Min – 7.9 ft Max may be too narrow for some users.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the quick spring-loaded zero-reset exposed turrets.
- The scope’s weight of 16.2 oz may make it feel a bit heavy for some users.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Crimson Trace Hardline Riflescope on a hunting trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The scope’s multi-coated lenses provided a clear and bright view of our targets, even in low-light conditions.
We found the exposed windage and elevation knobs to be easy to use, and we were able to make quick and accurate adjustments to our shots.
One minor issue we experienced was with the quick spring-loaded zero-reset exposed turrets. While they worked well for the most part, we did have some trouble getting them to reset properly on occasion.
We feel that the Crimson Trace Hardline Riflescope is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable hunting scope for long-range shooting. Its lightweight anodized aluminum construction and waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen-purged design make it a durable and long-lasting option for any hunting or shooting situation.
SVBONY SV173 Rifle Scope 4-16×50
We highly recommend the SVBONY SV173 Rifle Scope 4-16×50 for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option for long-range hunting and shooting.
Pros
- The FMC green film lens design provides brilliant images and exceptional color contrast, making it easy to spot your target in any lighting condition.
- The illuminated mil-dot reticle with three-color illuminations (green/red/blue) and 3 brightness levels allows shooters to find the brightness needed for lighting and weather in different conditions.
- The spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets improve target accuracy, and the one-piece machined aluminum tubes and IPX6 water resistance make this scope durable and reliable in any environment.
Cons
- The picture gets bubbly and off-focus on full zoom, even with adjustment.
- The red and green illuminations can be blurry and have vertical lines going through the mil dots.
- The blue light is the only one that has distinctive mil dots.
We found the SVBONY SV173 Rifle Scope 4-16×50 to be an excellent value for the money. The fully multicoated glass provides over 90% light transmission, and the multi-coated green objective lens has higher light transmittance and better clarity than the blue objective lens.
The adjustable objective for parallax is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity and 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments allow for precise aiming. The package includes a sunshade, lens covers, and scope rings, making it easy to set up and use right out of the box.
We were impressed with the quality and performance of the SVBONY SV173 Rifle Scope 4-16×50 and would highly recommend it to any hunter or shooter looking for a reliable and affordable option for long-range shooting.
Monstrum G3 10-40×56 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated MOA Reticle and Parallax Adjustment Black
If you’re looking for a high-performance hunting scope for long-range shooting, the Monstrum G3 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The first focal plane MOA reticle is functionally designed with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, making it faster to estimate range and correct holdover.
- The parallax adjustment dial allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation.
- The inline dial-controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities is a great feature for low-light conditions.
Cons
- The scope is a bit heavy, which can be a drawback if you’re looking for something lightweight.
- The eye relief is not particularly generous, which can be uncomfortable for some users.
- The scope rings included in the package may not be compatible with all rifles.
In our experience, the Monstrum G3 performed exceptionally well for mid to long-distance shooting, with a magnification range of 10-40x. The reticle is easy to read and provides accurate range estimation, which makes it easier to take precise shots.
The parallax adjustment dial is also a great feature that allows for sharper focus and easier range estimation.
However, the scope is a bit heavy, which can be a drawback if you’re looking for something lightweight. The eye relief is also not particularly generous, which can be uncomfortable for some users. Additionally, the scope rings included in the package may not be compatible with all rifles, so you may need to purchase separate rings depending on your rifle.
If you’re looking for a hunting scope that performs exceptionally well for long-range shooting, the Monstrum G3 is worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best hunting scope for long-range shooting, there are several important factors to consider. Here, we will discuss the key features to look for to ensure you make a smart and well-informed purchase.
First and foremost, it’s important to consider the magnification power of the scope. A higher magnification power will allow you to see your target more clearly and in greater detail, but it also means a narrower field of view. So, it’s important to find a balance between magnification and field of view that suits your specific hunting needs.
Another key factor to consider is the size of the objective lens. A larger objective lens will allow for more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. However, a larger lens also means a heavier and bulkier scope, so it’s important to find a size that is comfortable for you to carry and use.
When it comes to reticles, there are several options to choose from, including crosshairs, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The type of reticle you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of hunting you plan to do. It’s important to choose a reticle that is easy to see and use, and that provides accurate aiming points for long-range shooting.
Other important features to consider include the quality of the lenses, the durability and construction of the scope, and any additional features such as parallax adjustment or illuminated reticles.
Overall, choosing the best hunting scope for long-range shooting requires careful consideration of several key factors. By taking the time to evaluate your needs and preferences, and by carefully researching and comparing different options, you can find a scope that will help you achieve your hunting goals with confidence and accuracy.