Long range hunting puts your gear and skills to the test. Taking accurate shots beyond 400, 600, or even 1,000 yards means your rifle scope must deliver unbeatable clarity, rock-solid adjustments, and true field reliability. Whether you’re after pronghorn across the prairie, mule deer in the West, or elk on a distant ridgeline, the right long-range scope can make the difference between success and a missed opportunity. Here’s your full guide to the best rifle scopes for long range hunting in 2025—built on real hunting needs, not just benchrest specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
- Best Lightweight Long Range: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
- Best Value: Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Long Range Hunting Scope
Long range hunting is about more than max magnification. Here’s what matters most when picking your scope:
- Magnification: 4-16x is excellent for most hunting, while 5-25x or even 6-24x offers the edge for dialing in shots past 600 or 1,000 yards.
- Objective Lens Size: 44mm to 50mm is the sweet spot—enough light for clear, bright images at high zoom, but not overly bulky for field use.
- First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: FFP reticles keep their subtensions accurate at any magnification, essential for precise holdovers and ranging.
- Turrets & Tracking: Exposed, zero-reset or zero-stop turrets allow you to dial elevation and windage for your actual range. Solid tracking is crucial for repeatable accuracy.
- Reticle Design: Look for MOA/MIL hashmarks, BDC, or advanced ballistic reticles that help with drop and wind holds in real conditions.
- Glass Quality: High-definition, fully multi-coated lenses make a huge difference, especially at first/last light or high power.
- Parallax Adjustment: Side parallax makes it easy to keep your image sharp and reticle true at any distance.
- Durability: Make sure your scope is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and built for magnum recoil—field conditions are tough on gear.
- Eye Relief: 3.5”+ is best, especially for magnums or unconventional shooting angles.
- Weight: For mountain or backcountry hunting, balance zoom and features with a weight you’re willing to carry all day.
- Warranty: Only trust brands that stand behind their products for life—stuff happens in the field.
Top Rifle Scopes for Long Range Hunting
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
Why it’s best overall: The Viper PST Gen II is a legend among hunters and precision shooters for good reason. This scope offers massive 5-25x zoom, a big 50mm objective for light gathering, and the EBR-2C illuminated reticle in first focal plane. Turrets are tactile, accurate, and feature a hard zero stop. The glass is bright and crisp, even at high power. Proven to hold up on magnum rifles, this scope brings premium features to a price hunters can reach.
- 5-25x magnification for any shot, any distance
- 50mm HD objective for superb clarity
- First focal plane EBR-2C reticle (illuminated)
- Zero stop tactical turrets, 30mm tube
- Side parallax and fast focus eyepiece
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- True long-range capability for hunting and steel
- Outstanding glass for the price
- Reliable and repeatable turrets
Cons:
- Heavier than hunting-specific scopes (31 oz)
- More features than needed for only timber or close-range hunts
Final Verdict: If you want one scope that does it all for long-range hunting and precision, this is the proven workhorse for the job.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Why it’s the best lightweight long-range scope: Leupold’s VX-5HD line is legendary for glass clarity, reliability, and real-world hunting practicality. The 3-15×44 covers close timber shots and those tough 500+ yard cross-canyon opportunities. Leupold’s Twilight Max HD system gives outstanding low-light performance, and the CDS-ZL2 elevation dial means you can dial exact drops for your rifle and load—no guesswork. At just 19 oz, it’s perfect for mountain hunters and anyone who values pack weight.
- 3-15x zoom: all the magnification you need for ethical long-range shots
- 44mm HD objective
- Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2 (CDS-ZL2) turret
- Optional illuminated Firedot reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, magnum rated
- Legendary lifetime guarantee
Pros:
- Superb clarity and light transmission
- Lightweight for big country hunts
- Fast, simple adjustments with custom dial
Cons:
- Less zoom than some dedicated target scopes
- Custom turret requires submitting ballistics (included in price)
Final Verdict: Ideal for hunters who want real-world field performance, not just big numbers on the box. Lightweight, bombproof, and fast.
Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
Why it’s the best value: Primary Arms’ GLx series is a favorite for hunters who want long-range features without the premium price. The 4-16×50 model uses an advanced ACSS Apollo reticle, first focal plane for true holdovers and ranging, and side parallax for sharp images at any distance. Turrets are zero-resettable, and glass is shockingly sharp at this price point. It’s proven on everything from .308 to .300 PRC.
- 4-16x magnification for practical long-range hunting
- 50mm fully multi-coated objective
- ACSS Apollo FFP reticle with wind/drop holds
- Zero reset turrets, side parallax
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Affordable but loaded with real features
- Great clarity, practical in all conditions
- Reliable adjustments and reticle
Cons:
- No illumination on standard models
- Not as refined as ultra-premium glass
Final Verdict: A true hunter’s scope for those who want performance and long-range accuracy without spending a fortune.
Other Notable Long Range Hunting Scopes
- Burris Veracity 4-20×50: Long zoom range, ballistic FFP reticle, built for hunters who need range and reliability.
- Nightforce SHV 5-20×56: Legendary durability and optical clarity, ideal for the most demanding conditions.
- Swarovski Z5 5-25×52: Best-in-class clarity, featherlight for its size, perfect for mountain long-range hunts.
- Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX 6.5-20×52: BDX smart technology links your scope and rangefinder for instant holdover corrections.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Reticle | Turrets | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 5-25x | 50mm | EBR-2C FFP, illum. | Zero stop, tactical | Max range, precision | $900-$1,100 |
| Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 44mm | Duplex/Firedot | CDS, capped | Lightweight, real world | $1,100-$1,300 |
| Primary Arms GLx FFP | 4-16x | 50mm | ACSS Apollo FFP | Zero reset | Budget, versatile | $400-$500 |
| Burris Veracity | 4-20x | 50mm | Ballistic FFP | Tactical, zero stop | Big game, Western | $700-$900 |
| Nightforce SHV | 5-20x | 56mm | MOAR, illum. | ZeroSet | Extreme, pros | $1,200-$1,500 |
| Swarovski Z5 | 5-25x | 52mm | Plex/BRX | Capped | Premium, mountain | $1,400-$1,800 |
| Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX | 6.5-20x | 52mm | BDX digital | Ballistic, capped | Smart tech, range | $900-$1,200 |
FAQ: Rifle Scopes for Long Range Hunting
Is first focal plane (FFP) really necessary for long range?
FFP is ideal for long-range hunting since your reticle remains true at any magnification—crucial for ranging and holdovers. Serious long-range hunters almost always prefer FFP.
What magnification is best for long-range shots?
4-16x is practical for most hunters. 5-25x or 6-24x is excellent for 700+ yard shots, but too much zoom can be a downside in timber or low light.
Should I choose an illuminated reticle?
Illuminated reticles are extremely helpful in low light, for fast target acquisition, and for seeing your crosshair against dark backgrounds or animals.
Will these scopes hold up to magnum recoil?
Absolutely. All scopes listed are built and tested for use with magnum cartridges like .300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, and 6.5 PRC.
Are these scopes good for both hunting and target shooting?
Yes! These models are all excellent for crossover use—dial them in for steel or matches, then take them afield for serious hunting.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best rifle scope for long range hunting brings you clarity, confidence, and the ability to make precise, ethical shots at distances most hunters only dream of. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II offers flagship features for real-world hunters. The Leupold VX-5HD is a lightweight favorite with legendary glass, while the Primary Arms GLx is a top value for any budget. Mount your scope right, practice at range, and you’ll be ready when that once-in-a-lifetime shot presents itself.