More hunters than ever are stretching their shots to 400, 500, even 600 yards. But those longer shots require confidence in your rifle, your load, and—maybe most of all—your optic. The right scope for 600 yards balances zoom, clarity, and easy turret adjustments, all while staying light enough for real hunting. Here are the best hunting scopes out to 600 yards in 2025—trusted by real hunters, ready for any tag you draw.
Quick Picks: Top Scopes for 600-Yard Hunting
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Best Overall:
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL
– Superb glass, perfect zoom, and dead-simple dialing. -
Best Value:
Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44
– Clear, reliable, and affordable for serious hunters. -
Best for Low Light:
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
– Legendary timber scope with real dusk/dawn performance. -
Best for Open Country:
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
– High zoom, clear reticle, and ready for long shots. -
Best Euro Glass:
Meopta Optika5 2-10×42
– Bright, tough, and crystal-clear at any distance.
Buyer’s Guide: What Matters Most in a 600-Yard Hunting Scope?
Hitting out to 600 yards isn’t just about maximum magnification. Here’s what actually counts:
- Magnification: 3-15x or 4-16x is the sweet spot—plenty for 600 yards, but still wide enough for quick shots at 100.
- Glass Quality: HD/ED glass and modern coatings matter more than “max power.” Sharp, bright glass helps you spot game and make ethical shots in any light.
- Turrets & Dialing: A zero stop and positive, repeatable clicks let you dial elevation for longer shots—no guessing. For traditional hunters, a simple BDC reticle works great.
- Weight: Lighter is better for mountain or backcountry hunts. A few extra ounces are fine if you’re hunting from a stand or truck.
- Durability: Every pick here is waterproof, fogproof, and built for real hunting—not “range toy” scopes.
Full Reviews: Best 600-Yard Hunting Scopes
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL
Who it’s for: The hunter who wants one scope for woods, open country, and confident shots to 600 yards.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15x zoom—perfect for deer, elk, or antelope anywhere
- Twilight Max HD glass for sharp, bright images dawn to dusk
- CDS-ZL turret—custom dial your range, then shoot
- Zero lock, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Pros:
- Super clear at all zoom levels
- Lightweight at just 19 oz
- Leupold’s unbeatable Gold Ring warranty
- Cons:
- Premium price, but proven for years in the field
- No illumination, but bold reticle for low light
Final Verdict: The best “one scope” for most hunters out to 600 yards. Check today’s price
Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44
Who it’s for: Open country or field hunters wanting more zoom, great glass, and simple dialing.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16x zoom for beanfields, antelope, and big western hunts
- HD glass and multi-coatings for sharp, bright images
- Capped turrets and side parallax for precision
- Easy eye relief and lifetime VIP warranty
- Pros:
- Proven performance for 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, or .270
- Reliable zero and repeatable clicks
- Solid value for features
- Cons:
- No illumination
- Slightly heavier (20.4 oz), but worth it for dialing
Final Verdict: Honest tracking and great glass for the price. See latest deal
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Who it’s for: Classic woods, stand, or eastern deer hunters, especially those needing a lightweight, simple scope.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x—ideal for most shots under 400, can stretch to 600 in open country
- Twilight Light Management for real dawn/dusk clarity
- Simple duplex reticle and light 12.2 oz build
- Set it and forget it—no confusing dials
- Pros:
- Proven on .243, .308, 6.5CM, and more
- Budget-friendly, but real Leupold quality
- Fast and easy for young or new hunters
- Cons:
- No side parallax or dialing turrets
- Limited for frequent long-range dialing
Final Verdict: Great for “walk-up” shots or simple hunting out to 400–500 yards. Check price
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
Who it’s for: Long-range, open country, or western hunters who need reach and reliability.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16x with a big 50mm objective for clear, bright views at 600 yards
- Ballistic E3 reticle for fast, easy holdovers
- Positive turrets and durable build
- Burris Forever Warranty
- Pros:
- Easy to use for dialing or holding over
- Bright glass, even at full zoom
- Great for western deer, pronghorn, and coyotes
- Cons:
- Heavier than timber scopes (22 oz)
- No illumination
Final Verdict: A “stretch your legs” scope for wide-open spaces. Check today’s price
Meopta Optika5 2-10×42
Who it’s for: Hunters wanting top Euro glass and rugged reliability, but still ready for distance.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-10x—enough for any eastern or midwest hunt, and can dial out to 500–600 yards
- European HD glass and weatherproof build
- Simple, clean reticle and lifetime warranty
- Pros:
- Outstanding clarity at any zoom
- Light, simple, and tough
- Great for deer, elk, and general hunting
- Cons:
- No side parallax or dialing turrets
- Less zoom than 4-16x, but still versatile
Final Verdict: Best “Euro glass under $600” pick for serious hunters. View price
Comparison Table: Best 600-Yard Hunting Scopes
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 | 3-15x | 44mm | 19 oz | All-around, long range | View |
| Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 | 4-16x | 44mm | 20.4 oz | Open country | View |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | 3-9x | 40mm | 12.2 oz | Woods, stands, deer | View |
| Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50 | 4-16x | 50mm | 22 oz | Open country, dialing | View |
| Meopta Optika5 2-10×42 | 2-10x | 42mm | 15 oz | Euro glass, versatile | View |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What magnification is best for 600 yards?
3-15x or 4-16x is ideal—enough for precision at 600, but still wide and bright at 100–200 yards. Super-high zoom isn’t needed for most hunting.
Can these scopes handle magnum recoil?
Yes—every pick is proven on .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270, .300 Win Mag, and similar hunting cartridges.
Do I need an FFP or SFP scope?
Both work! SFP (second focal plane) is simpler and more common for hunters. FFP is great for dialing at any zoom, especially if you plan on holding for wind or elevation.
Are these scopes good for deer and elk?
Absolutely. All are trusted by deer, elk, antelope, and even predator hunters across the US.
What’s the best value overall?
The Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 is the “sweet spot” for price, glass, and reliable performance.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Every scope on this list is proven for shots to 600 yards—bright, tough, and ready for anything from pronghorn to elk. Choose what fits your hunting style, mount up, and shoot with real confidence this season!
Ready for your best season ever? Check today’s prices, pick your new scope, and tag out with confidence!