Long-range hunting scopes are essential tools for hunters seeking accuracy and precision at great distances. With advances in technology and manufacturing, these scopes provide superior magnification, clarity, and durability to help ensure a successful hunt.

As hunting enthusiasts, we understand the importance of having the right equipment when pursuing a game in the wilderness.

Long-range scopes come in various configurations, with differing features such as reticles, turret systems, and lens coatings. Choosing the right scope for your needs can greatly impact your hunting experience, as the right scope can make the difference between a missed shot and a successful one.

The market for long-range hunting scopes in 2023 offers an array of options, catering to various skill levels, budgets, and preferences.

When selecting a long-range hunting scope, there are a few critical factors to consider, such as magnification range, scope weight, lens quality, and durability. In addition, the type of reticle, and the reliability of the turret system play an essential role in achieving accurate and precise shots.

To help you find the best hunting scope suited to your needs, we have put in countless hours researching and evaluating the top contenders in the market for 2023. Read on, as we present the best long-range hunting scopes available and the essential features to look for before making a purchase.

Best Long-Range Hunting Scopes 2023

We have compiled our list of the top long-range hunting scopes for 2023 to enhance your hunting experience and accuracy. Our selections consider factors such as magnification, durability, and advanced features. Browse through to find the perfect scope for your needs.

UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope

This UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a fantastic choice for hunting enthusiasts and long-range shooting aficionados, providing excellent clarity and durability at an affordable price.

Pros

• Impressive high-definition observation
• Precision multi-coated lens enhances light transmission
• Durable construction with waterproof and fog-proof features

Cons

• Might be too large for some pellet rifles
• Some users reported difficulty in zeroing the scope
• No installation or operation instructions included

We recently tried out the UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope, and it impressed us with its high-definition observation. The scope offers a 6-24x adjustable magnification, allowing for clear and detailed views of targets at different distances. Its 50mm objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it perfect for quick shooting of moving and stationary targets alike.

The upgraded precision multi-coated lens is another standout feature. It has an anti-reflective coating on all glass surfaces, increasing light transmission for better optical performance. This fully multi-coated glass provides excellent transparency compared to other glass surfaces, ensuring that you always have clear views of your target.

When it comes to durability, the UUQ rifle scope’s body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, making it resistant to impacts and suitable for hunting. Its floating design provides excellent waterproof and fog-proof performance, with O-ring seals and nitrogen filling ensuring the scope can be used in any environment.

The dual-color illumination and AO adjustment feature further enhance the scope’s performance. With five levels of red and green brightness, you can achieve clear long-range shooting in various lighting conditions. The adjustable objective lens (AO) eliminates parallax and aids in range estimation, ensuring accurate shots every time.

Despite the many positives, there are a few drawbacks to the UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope. Some users reported difficulties in zeroing the scope, while others noted that it was too large for their pellet rifles. Additionally, the lack of installation or operation instructions may cause some confusion for those new to rifle scopes.

The UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a reliable and high-quality option for those looking to enhance their long-range shooting and hunting experiences.

Its clear views, durability, and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice at an affordable price.

Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope

The Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope is a solid choice for short to mid-range hunting, offering quick shots and versatility in various conditions.

Pros

• Compact, rugged, and lightweight design
• Illuminated Dot Drop Reticle with 6 illumination settings
• Low-profile controls and capped turrets for protection and snag-free operation

Cons

• Poor eye relief reported by some users
• Lack of user manual and instructions
• Potential durability issues with crosshairs

We recently tested the Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope on a hunting trip, and we were quite impressed with its compactness, lightweight design, and overall performance. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures it can withstand rough field conditions, while not weighing us down during long treks.

One of the standout features of this scope is the illuminated Dot Drop Reticle, which provides 6 illumination settings and off positions between each setting. The 1/2 MOA illuminated center dot helped us make fast shots, while the 2 MOA-spaced hold points allowed for longer-range shooting opportunities.

However, not everything was perfect with this scope. Some of us experienced surprisingly poor eye relief, making it uncomfortable to use during long sessions. Additionally, the lack of a user manual and instructions was an inconvenience and led to some confusion when setting it up on our rifles.

Furthermore, although this scope is designed for rugged use, some users reported potential durability issues with the crosshairs coming loose or rotating, which could be a concern in the long run.

The Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope shows promise as an excellent option for short to mid-range hunting, offering quick shots and versatile performance. If you can overlook a few minor shortcomings, it could be a valuable addition to your gear for hunting in various environments.

Bushnell Banner 6-18x50mm Riflescope

The Bushnell Banner 6-18x50mm Riflescope is an excellent long-range hunting scope for 2023, offering unparalleled clarity and accuracy.

Pros

• Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity
• Ideal magnification and size for long-range shooting
• Argon purged fog-proofing and IPX7 waterproof construction

Cons

• Might require high-profile scope mounts
• No illuminated reticle option
• Limited lifetime warranty

After using the Bushnell Banner 6-18x50mm Riflescope on a recent hunting trip, we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses provided excellent brightness and contrast, making it easier to spot targets in low-light conditions.

The 18x magnification and 50mm objective make this riflescope ideal for long-range varmint, silhouette, and target shooting.

While the scope offered excellent clarity at various ranges, we did have to purchase high-profile mounts separately to ensure proper clearance for the larger 50mm objective.

One thing we noticed was that the scope didn’t have an illuminated reticle option, which could make targeting more challenging under certain conditions. The argon-purged fog-proofing and IPX7 waterproof construction, however, ensured that the scope remained functional and clear in a variety of weather conditions.

The Bushnell Banner 6-18x50mm Riflescope is a solid option for those looking to improve their long-range hunting capabilities in 2023. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the scope’s performance, build quality, and overall value make it a top contender in the market.

Monstrum G3 10-40×56 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope

The Monstrum G3 10-40×56 FFP Rifle Scope is an excellent choice for mid to long-range hunting enthusiasts who seek quality features at an affordable price.

Pros

• High-performance magnification from 10-40x
• Functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle
• Equipped with a parallax adjustment dial

Cons

• No night vision capability
• Heavier than some competing models
• Some may prefer a zero-stop feature

When we first tried out the Monstrum G3 10-40×56 FFP Rifle Scope, we were impressed by its high-performance magnification that allowed us to accurately shoot targets at distances over 500 yards. The first focal plane MOA reticle, with its easy-to-read ranging information, made range estimation and holdover correction a breeze.

We also appreciated the parallax adjustment dial on the scope, which enabled us to achieve a sharper focus on the target image while also providing an extra feature for more accurate range estimation. The dial-controlled reticle illumination was another useful add-on, offering multiple brightness intensities that catered to different lighting scenarios.

However, we noticed that the Monstrum G3 10-40×56 is slightly heavier compared to some other scopes in the market. Additionally, the absence of a night vision feature might be a deal-breaker for some, especially those who anticipate heading out for nighttime hunts. Lastly, while not a necessity, some hunters prefer having a zero-stop feature, which the G3 lacks.

The Monstrum G3 10-40×56 FFP Rifle Scope is a solid investment for those seeking a reliable and affordable long-range hunting scope.

With useful features such as the first focal plane MOA reticle and parallax adjustment dial, this scope caters to a wide range of hunting needs. However, if night vision capability or a zero-stop feature are high priorities, you may want to explore other options.

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

This riflescope offers quality performance at a reasonable price, making it ideal for those seeking a solid long-range hunting scope in 2023.

Pros

• Bright and clear image with Dusk & Dawn technology
• Extended 6 inches of eye relief for comfortable viewing
• Argon purged fog-proofing and IPX7 waterproof construction

Cons

• Adjustment wheels could be improved
• Made of plastic material
• No night vision capabilities

We recently had the chance to try out the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope, and we were quite impressed with its performance. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses deliver a bright and high-contrast image, while the 3-9x magnification offers versatility when hunting at various distances. The scope is well-suited for both short and long-range shooting.

One feature we particularly appreciated was the extended 6 inches of eye relief, which provided us with comfortable viewing even during extended periods of use.

This is especially important when we are on a long hunting expedition. Additionally, the scope is argon purged and offers IPX7 waterproof construction, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions without worrying about fogging issues or water damage.

On the downside, we noticed the adjustment wheels could be improved as they felt slightly loose and imprecise at times. The riflescope is made of plastic material, which might not suit all users. Also, this scope doesn’t have night vision capabilities, which could be a drawback for those planning to use it during nighttime hunting.

Despite these minor cons, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope stands out as one of the best long-range hunting scopes for 2023. The combination of bright and clear optics, versatile magnification, and durable weather-resistant features make it a reliable choice for hunters across various experience levels.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best long-range hunting scope in 2023, there are several factors to consider that will help us make the right choice. In this buying guide, we will discuss some of the essential features to look for while shopping for a long-range hunting scope.

Magnification

The primary purpose of a scope is to zoom in on distant targets, making them easier to see and hit. For long-range hunting, we recommend a scope with a magnification range of at least 5x to 25x. This range will allow for a clear and detailed view of targets at various distances.

Objective Lens Diameter

The size of the objective lens affects the amount of light that enters the scope, which impacts image quality and brightness. A larger objective lens (50mm or more) will allow more light to pass through, resulting in a brighter and crisper image. Keep in mind that a larger objective lens may also add weight and bulk to the scope.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane

Choosing between a first or second focal plane reticle is essential for long-range hunting. A first focal plane (FFP) reticle changes size as we zoom in and out, which maintains the same holdover points throughout the magnification range.

This is helpful for accurate shots over varying distances. A second focal plane (SFP) reticle remains the same size, requiring adjustments or calculations at different magnification levels. We recommend an FFP reticle for long-range hunting due to its ease of use.

Feature	First Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane
Reticle Size	Changes	Remains the same
Holdover Points	Consistent	Requires adjustment
Best for	Long-range hunting	Shorter distances

Adjustments and Turrets

A scope’s turrets are used for making adjustments to windage, elevation, and sometimes parallax. For long-range hunting, consider scopes with turrets that offer precise, tactile, and repeatable adjustments.

Look for features such as zero-stop turrets, which allow for quick and easy return to zero after making adjustments in the field.

Durability and Reliability

Long-range hunting often takes place in harsh environments, so a durable and reliable scope is vital. Look for scopes constructed with high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, and those that offer features like fog-proof, waterproof, and shock-resistant capabilities to ensure optimal performance in various conditions.

By focusing on these essential features, we can confidently choose the best long-range hunting scope for our needs in 2023.