When it comes to long-range precision, the Remington 700 is a legendary platform that deserves an equally capable optic. The right scope is not just an accessory; it’s the critical link between shooter and target, transforming a proven rifle into a true distance-dominating system. With so many options available, selecting the perfect one for your needs can be a complex task.
This roundup is designed to simplify your search by highlighting eight of the best scopes built to handle the demands of long-range shooting with your Remington 700. We have considered a range of models, from tactical workhorses to feature-packed hunting optics, ensuring there is a recommendation for various shooting disciplines and budgets. Each scope featured here brings a unique set of features to the table, ready to help you make consistent, accurate shots at extended ranges.
Top Long Range Scopes for Your Remington 700
- Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescope XRS II
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus CDS-ZL2
- Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1 MOAR-T Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP
- Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm Hunting Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP Rifle Scope
- Athlon Optics Ares BTR GEN2 4.5-27×50 Riflescope
Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescope XRS II
As Bushnell’s flagship tactical optic, the Elite Tactical XRS II is engineered for shooters who require precision at extreme distances. It is built to the most exacting standards, offering a robust platform that can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use. The high-magnification range of 4.5-30x makes it suitable for both mid-range and very long-range targets.
Key features include the advanced H59 reticle for complex holdovers and windage calculations. The Exo Barrier coating is a significant advantage, as this molecularly-bonded layer on the glass actively repels water, oil, fog, dust, and debris, ensuring a clear sight picture in any environment. For quick adjustments in dynamic shooting scenarios, it also includes a removable throw lever for rapid magnification changes.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is a fan-favorite for its exceptional performance and value in the long-range scope market. It features a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which means the reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level. This is a critical feature for making precise windage and elevation holds during a shot.
With a 5-25x magnification range and a 50mm objective lens, it gathers ample light for clear images in low-light conditions. The scope is built with a hard-anodized, one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube for maximum strength and durability. It also includes an illuminated reticle and tactile, audible turrets that provide positive feedback for reliable adjustments in the field.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus CDS-ZL2
For the long-range hunter, the Leupold VX-5HD offers a fantastic blend of lightweight design and high-performance features. Its Twilight Max HD light management system extends shooting time in dawn and dusk conditions, providing a bright and clear sight picture. The 3-15x magnification range is versatile for both close-in shots and reaching out to distant game.
A key benefit is the Custom Dial System (CDS-ZL2), which allows you to order a custom elevation turret matched to your specific rifle and load ballistics. This lets you make quick and accurate elevation adjustments by simply dialing the range. The side focus parallax adjustment is also a welcome feature for maintaining accuracy at varying distances.
Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1 MOAR-T Riflescope
The Nightforce ATACR represents the pinnacle of rugged reliability and optical clarity. It is a top-tier choice for professional marksmen and serious long-range competitors who will not compromise on performance. The large 56mm objective lens provides exceptional light transmission, which is a major advantage in challenging lighting.
This scope features a first focal plane DigIllum reticle, the MOAR-T, which is usable at all magnifications. Nightforce scopes are renowned for their trackless, repeatable turrets that provide confidence for making significant elevation and windage corrections. The robust construction ensures it can handle heavy recoil and rough field use without losing zero.
Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP
The Vortex Razor HD LHT is designed for the hunter who needs long-range capability without the burden of a heavy optic. “LHT” stands for Light Hunter Tactical, and it delivers a superb balance of a lightweight chassis and high-end features. The optical system provides a sharp, high-resolution image across the entire field of view.
It incorporates a first focal plane reticle and a locking, zero-stop elevation turret for quick and easy return to your baseline zero. The turrets are low-profile to prevent snagging, and the entire package is housed in a rugged, yet surprisingly light, housing. It is an excellent scope for a mountain hunting rifle where every ounce counts.
Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm Hunting Riflescope
The Burris Veracity PH series offers outstanding value with features typically found on more expensive scopes. It uses a first focal plane reticle, so the holdover points are consistent at every magnification setting. The 4-20x magnification range is well-suited for a wide variety of long-range hunting applications.
This scope features Burris’s proprietary Index Matched (I.M.) lens coating for maximum light transmission and true color fidelity. The turrets are precisely calibrated and offer tactile clicks for positive feedback. It is a solid, reliable choice for hunters and shooters looking to step up into the world of FFP long-range optics without a massive investment.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx scope brings an innovative and user-friendly reticle to an accessible price point. Its main attraction is the ACSS-HUD-DMR reticle, which is designed to simplify holdovers for wind and moving targets. As an FFP scope, this advanced reticle is functional across the entire 4-14x magnification range.
This model is built for durability with a 6061 aluminum housing that is both shockproof and fogproof. It provides a clear and bright sight picture for its class, making it an excellent entry-level option for shooters who want to practice and compete at long range. It is a fantastic tool for learning the fundamentals of long-range shooting.
Athlon Optics Ares BTR GEN2 4.5-27×50 APLR6 FFP IR MOA
The Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 is a feature-packed scope that competes with models costing significantly more. It offers a wide 4.5-27x magnification range, making it capable for everything from mid-range tactical shooting to extreme long-range target engagement. The first focal plane illuminated reticle is precisely etched on glass for sharpness and accuracy.
It includes premium features like zero-stop turrets, a locking illumination rheostat, and advanced fully multi-coated lenses for superior light transmission. The turrets provide crisp, tactile clicks and are easy to read. For the shooter seeking high magnification and professional features on a budget, the Ares BTR GEN2 is a very strong contender.
What to Look For in a Long Range Scope for Your Remington 700
Choosing the right optic for your Remington 700 long-range build is a critical decision. It’s not just about magnification; it’s about matching the scope’s capabilities to your rifle, your ammunition, and the distances you plan to shoot. I’ve spent a lot of time behind this platform, and getting the glass right makes all the difference. Here’s what I focus on when I’m in the market for a new long-range scope.
First, let’s talk about magnification. For true long-range work, you’ll want a scope that can handle both close-in shots and distant targets. I generally look for a variable power scope starting around 4x or 5x on the low end and going up to at least 18x or 20x on the high end. This gives me the flexibility to spot my own shots through the scope at high power, while still having a wide field of view for acquiring targets at closer, unexpected distances. More magnification isn’t always better, as it can amplify heat mirage and reduce image brightness.
The objective lens size is next. A larger lens (like 50mm or 56mm) gathers more light, which is great for dawn or dusk shooting. However, it also means a heavier scope and a higher mounting position. I often find a 44mm or 50mm objective to be the sweet spot for most of my Remington 700 setups, providing a great balance of light transmission and a low, comfortable cheek weld.
The turrets and reticle are the heart of long-range shooting. You need exposed, tactile turrets that track accurately and return to zero reliably. I always test this on a new scope. The reticle should be in the first focal plane (FFP), meaning the reticle size changes with magnification. This is non-negotiable for me because the holdover marks are accurate at any magnification, which is essential for making quick windage and elevation corrections. Finally, don’t cheap out on the mount. A high-quality, rigid scope base and rings are just as important as the scope itself for maintaining zero and consistency shot after shot.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a Remington 700 for 1000 yards?
For consistently engaging targets at 1000 yards, I recommend a variable power scope in the 5-25x or 6-24x range. This gives you enough high-end magnification to see your target clearly and spot your own impacts (or misses) through the scope. The lower end of the magnification range is also useful for scanning a wider area and for shooting at closer distances without having to swap optics.
Is a First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane scope better for long range?
For serious long-range shooting, a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope is the way to go. With an FFP reticle, the hash marks and subtensions remain accurate at every magnification level. This means your holdover for windage or elevation is correct whether you’re zoomed all the way in or all the way out. A Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle is only accurate at one specific magnification, usually the highest, which can slow you down in a dynamic shooting situation.
Do I need a 20 MOA base for my Remington 700?
If you plan on shooting beyond 600-700 yards, a 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) cantilevered base is a very good idea. This angled base effectively tilts your scope downward, giving you more usable elevation adjustment in the upward direction. Since long-range shooting requires a significant amount of “up” adjustment, a 20 MOA base helps you get the most out of your scope’s internal adjustment range without having to use a reticle holdover excessively early.
What is the most important feature in a long-range scope?
While good glass and magnification are important, I would argue that repeatable and accurate turret tracking is the single most critical feature. If you dial 10 MOA of elevation for a shot, the scope must move the point of impact exactly that amount, and it must return to zero perfectly when you dial back. Without this consistency, making precise, repeatable long-range shots becomes a game of guesswork. When looking at the 8 best scopes for the Remington 700 long range models, this is the feature I scrutinize the most in reviews.
Can I use a hunting scope for long-range precision shooting?
Some high-end hunting scopes can cross over, but they often make compromises. A dedicated long-range scope will typically have more robust and tactile turrets, a First Focal Plane reticle, and a larger magnification range. Hunting scopes often prioritize being lightweight and having a simple, uncluttered reticle, which can be a limitation for precision work. For occasional long-range shooting, a good hunting scope might suffice, but for dedicated precision rifle use, I’d choose a scope built specifically for that task.