Reaching out to touch targets at extreme distances requires more than just skill and a precision rifle; it demands an optic that can keep up. The right long-range scope is your window to the world, translating minute adjustments and environmental variables into a clear, reliable picture. In 2025, the technology available to shooters has never been more advanced, offering unparalleled clarity, robust construction, and intuitive features designed for success when every fraction of an inch matters.
Selecting the best scope involves balancing magnification, optical quality, turret reliability, and reticle design. Whether you are a competitive shooter, a dedicated hunter, or a tactical professional, the ideal scope must perform flawlessly under pressure. After extensive testing and evaluation, we have compiled a list of the top-tier optics that consistently deliver the performance needed to confidently engage targets at the outer limits of your cartridge’s capability.
Our Top Picks for Long Range Rifle Scopes
- Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3 FFP
- Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50 Riflescope
- Swarovski DS 5-25×52 P L Riflescope
- Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
- Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56 SCR Mil FFP
- Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 APRS6
Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1
The Nightforce ATACR is a benchmark in the long-range scope category, built to push the boundaries of modern cartridges. Its extensive 7-35x magnification range, combined with an ED glass package, provides legendary optical performance with exceptional clarity and color fidelity. This scope is engineered to help shooters meet and exceed the limits of their precision rifle systems, offering a level of reliability that is trusted by professionals in the most demanding conditions.
Precision is further enhanced with parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and a generous 100 MOA of elevation travel, making targets attainable from short range to extreme distances. The wide field of view across the entire magnification range makes target acquisition fast and intuitive. Features like the ZeroStop mechanism allow for a rapid return to zero, while the Digillum reticle illumination and included Power Throw Lever ensure the scope is ready for any scenario, from competition to hunting.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III stands as a top contender with its impressive 6-36x magnification, offering incredible high-end zoom for precision shooting at very long ranges. Its optical system is built with premium, high-density glass that delivers exceptional resolution and edge-to-edge clarity. The reticle is situated in the first focal plane, ensuring holdover and windage corrections are accurate at any magnification setting.
Durability is a key feature, with a rugged one-piece chassis construction that can withstand heavy recoil and harsh environments. The turrets provide crisp, tactile clicks and offer a generous amount of travel for dialing in long shots. With its advanced optical performance and robust build quality, the Razor HD Gen III is a versatile scope suitable for both competitive shooting and serious long-range hunting.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3 FFP
Leupold’s Mark 5HD is renowned for its exceptional light transmission and clarity, thanks to the Twilight Max HD Light Management System. The 5-25x magnification range is versatile for a wide array of long-range applications. Its first focal plane reticle and generous elevation adjustment in a relatively lightweight package make it a favorite among hunters and shooters who must balance performance with portability.
The turrets are designed for precision, with a low-profile design that minimizes the chance of being accidentally changed. The scope is built to be incredibly tough and is guaranteed to perform under the harshest conditions. The combination of optical excellence, reliable mechanics, and a user-friendly design makes the Mark 5HD a superb all-around choice for the discerning long-range enthusiast.
Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50
Zeiss brings its world-class optics to the long-range field with the Conquest V6. The 5-30×50 configuration provides a powerful zoom range in a compact 30mm tube. The scope features ZMOAi-T2 turret technology with a zero-stop and a large, easy-to-read display, making precise adjustments straightforward in the field.
With a six-time zoom factor and high-quality lens coatings, the Conquest V6 delivers bright, sharp images even in low-light conditions. Its robust construction is both waterproof and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging. The balance of advanced features, German optical engineering, and a manageable size makes this scope an excellent option for hunters who require top-tier performance without excessive bulk.
Swarovski DS 5-25×52 P L
Swarovski is synonymous with optical excellence, and the DS 5-25×52 P L model is a testament to that reputation. This scope incorporates the innovative BRX reticle with a built-in ballistic turret, which can be customized for your specific rifle and ammunition combination. This system simplifies long-range shooting by allowing for direct holdover based on the target’s distance.
The optics provide stunning clarity, color contrast, and resolution, ensuring a bright and clear sight picture from dawn until dusk. The scope’s construction is meticulously engineered for durability and reliability. For the shooter who values a streamlined, highly accurate ballistic solution paired with arguably the best glass on the market, the Swarovski DS is a premier choice.
Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 FFP
Trijicon’s Tenmile series offers outstanding performance at a competitive point. The 4.5-30x56mm model provides a wide magnification range suitable for both mid-range and extreme long-range shooting. The first focal plane MRAD or MOA reticles ensure consistent subtensions, while the illuminated center dot enhances visibility in various lighting conditions.
The turrets are low-profile, offer zero reset, and produce positive clicks for reliable adjustment. Built with a 34mm main tube for increased adjustment range and durability, the Tenmile is designed to handle rigorous use. It represents a solid value, delivering proven Trijicon toughness and clear optics in a feature-packed long-range scope.
Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56 SCR Mil FFP
The Burris XTR III is a workhorse scope built for precision and repeatability. Its 5.5-30x magnification and 34mm tube provide a wide field of view and ample internal adjustment for long-distance shooting. The SCR Mil reticle is designed for practical ranging and holdovers, making it a favorite among tactical and competition shooters.
This scope features an Impact Ballistic Turret system that is customizable for your specific ballistic data. The construction is incredibly robust, guaranteed to withstand the recoil of large-caliber rifles. Offering a compelling mix of high-end features, optical clarity, and rugged reliability, the XTR III stands as an excellent value in the premium long-range optics market.
Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 APRS6
Athlon Optics has made a significant impact with the Ares ETR, delivering performance that rivals more expensive brands. The 4.5-30×56 configuration offers versatile magnification, and the first focal plane APRS6 reticle is packed with useful features for windage, holdover, and ranging. The Japanese ED glass ensures sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration.
Built with a one-piece 34mm tube, the Ares ETR is both durable and provides extensive travel for elevation and windage adjustments. The turrets offer precise, tactile clicks and a tool-less zero reset. For shooters seeking a full-featured, competition-ready scope with excellent glass without the top-tier price, the Ares ETR is an outstanding option.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Long Range Rifle Scope
So you’re looking for one of the best long range rifle scopes in 2025. I get it; it’s a big decision. I’ve mounted, zeroed, and shot with dozens of them, and the choices can be overwhelming. Let me walk you through what actually matters when you’re trying to make a hit at distance, based on my own time on the range.
First up is magnification. It’s tempting to go for the biggest number you can find, but that’s a common mistake. For most long-range shooting, a scope that tops out between 20x and 25x is more than enough. I’ve found that a lower end around 5x or 6x is really useful for finding your target and getting on steel quickly. Look for a first focal plane (FFP) reticle. This means the reticle grows and shrinks with your magnification. It’s a game-changer because your holdover points (like mil-dots or hash marks) are accurate at every power setting, not just the highest one.
Next, the turrets. These are the knobs you turn to adjust for windage and elevation. You need turrets that are tactile, with clear, audible clicks. Each click should feel positive, so you know you’ve made an adjustment even with gloves on. I always check for a zero-stop feature. This lets you return to your original zero after dialing for a long shot without having to count all your clicks back. It saves time and prevents errors when you’re under pressure.
Then there’s the objective lens and glass quality. A larger objective lens (like 50mm or 56mm) gathers more light, which helps in low-light conditions. But the quality of the glass itself is even more important. Good glass provides a sharp, clear image with high resolution and true color. Look for fully multi-coated lenses to maximize light transmission. Chromatic aberration, that color fringing you see on high-contrast edges, should be minimal to non-existent in a quality scope.
Finally, consider the tube size. Most serious long-range scopes use a 34mm main tube. This gives the internal erector assembly more room to move, allowing for a greater total elevation adjustment range. More elevation means you can shoot farther without needing a canted base. Also, make sure the scope is built like a tank. It should be purged with argon or nitrogen to be fog-proof and be fully waterproof. Your scope is an investment, and it needs to handle recoil and the elements without losing its zero.
FAQ
What magnification scope do I really need for 1000 yards?
You don’t need as much as you might think. While high power is nice for seeing bullet holes on paper, for actually hitting a target at 1000 yards, I’ve found scopes in the 15x to 25x range to be perfectly sufficient. In fact, many competitive shooters rarely go above 20x. The clarity of the glass and a good reticle are often more critical than raw magnification power. Too much magnification can also amplify mirage (heat haze), making your target wobble and swim in the sight picture.
What is the difference between First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane?
This is a huge one. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle size changes as you zoom the magnification. The big advantage is that your subtensions (the measurements in your reticle, like mils or MOA) stay true at any magnification. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle stays the same size, and those measurements are only accurate at one specific magnification, usually the highest. For long range shooting where you use your reticle for holdovers, FFP is the way to go.
Is a 34mm tube better than a 30mm tube?
Generally, yes, for long-range applications. A 34mm tube gives the internal mechanism more room to move, which typically translates to a greater total elevation adjustment range. This means you can dial for longer distances without needing a steeply canted scope base. It also allows for larger, heavier-duty internal components, which can contribute to durability. The downside is that rings are a bit more expensive and the scope is heavier.
How important is a zero-stop feature?
In my opinion, it’s essential. A zero-stop is a mechanical feature that lets you quickly return to your original zero point after you’ve dialed a bunch of elevation for a long shot. Without it, you have to carefully count the clicks back down, which is slow and you can easily lose count. It’s a huge quality-of-life feature that prevents mistakes and speeds you up, especially in a hunting or competition scenario.
Can I use a hunting scope for long range precision shooting?
You can, but there will be compromises. Hunting scopes are often built to be lighter and more compact, which might mean they sacrifice some elevation travel or have less robust turrets. Precision rifle scopes are typically heavier, with more prominent, tactile turrets and features like a zero-stop. If you’re serious about consistent long-range work, a dedicated precision scope is a better tool for the job. When testing the best long range rifle scopes in 2025, I focused on models designed specifically for that task.
What does “parallax adjustment” do?
Parallax is an optical effect where the reticle appears to move on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered. An adjustable parallax knob, usually on the side or objective bell of the scope, allows you to focus the scope at a specific distance, eliminating this error. For close-range shooting, it’s not a big deal, but at long range, a small parallax error can mean a complete miss. Being able to set it correctly is critical for precision.