Today’s hunters often need one rifle to do it all—from thick woods and deer blinds to open country and precision long-range shots. That’s why finding a scope that’s great for both hunting and long range shooting is more important than ever. The best scopes in this category deliver crisp glass, repeatable turrets, and practical features that work in the field or at the range. Here’s your expert guide to the best scopes for hunting and long range shooting in 2025—whether you’re hunting elk, dialing steel at 1,000 yards, or doing both on the same weekend.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
- Best for Versatility: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
- Best Value: Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Scope Great for Hunting and Long Range?
Choosing a scope for both hunting and long range shooting means finding a balance—enough magnification and dialing ability for distance, but lightweight and reliable enough for real hunts. Here’s what to look for:
- Magnification: 3-15x, 4-16x, or even 5-25x give you wide fields for woods and enough zoom for 600+ yard shots.
- First Focal Plane (FFP): Reticle stays true at all magnifications, making holdovers and wind calls easy at any power.
- Glass Quality: HD, ED, or fully multi-coated glass is crucial for low-light and spotting targets at distance.
- Turrets: Zero-stop or zero-reset, exposed for long-range dialing, but not too bulky for hunting. Capped windage is handy for the field.
- Reticle: Look for MOA/MIL hashmarks, BDC, or advanced reticles that help with wind and elevation holds. Simple duplex is easy for hunting; advanced reticles excel at range.
- Weight: Under 25 oz is best for most hunting setups, but serious long-range shooters may accept a bit more for extra features.
- Parallax Adjustment: Side parallax keeps the image sharp at any distance—essential for accuracy beyond 300 yards.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—built for magnum recoil and real-world field bumps.
- Warranty: Only buy from brands that stand behind their glass for life.
Top Scopes for Hunting & Long Range Shooting
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
Why it’s best overall: The Viper PST Gen II bridges the gap between true hunting scopes and precision optics. Its 3-15x range covers everything from dense woods to 1,000-yard steel. The first focal plane EBR-2D reticle is ideal for wind and elevation holds. Zero-stop turrets let you dial quickly and return to your 100-yard zero, while Vortex’s HD glass delivers sharp images at dawn and dusk. Proven on magnum rifles, this scope is tough enough for elk country and precise enough for long-range competition.
- 3-15x magnification—perfect for all hunting distances
- 44mm HD objective lens for clarity in all light
- First focal plane EBR-2D reticle (illuminated)
- Zero-stop tactical turrets, 30mm tube
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof construction
- Lifetime VIP Warranty
Pros:
- Balances size, weight, and dialing features
- Superb clarity at all zoom levels
- Ready for both field and bench use
Cons:
- Heavier than a classic hunting scope
- Advanced reticle may be busy for traditional hunters
Final Verdict: If you want a scope that can do it all—deer in the woods, elk at dusk, and long-range targets—this is the top all-around choice.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Why it’s best for versatility: The VX-5HD is one of the most trusted hunting scopes, but it’s also an outstanding long-range optic. Leupold’s glass is superb in low light, and the CDS-ZL2 turret system lets you dial your exact ballistics for precision at distance. The 3-15x range is great for close-in shots or big open country, and at under 20 oz, it’s perfect for hunters who walk all day. The simple duplex or optional illuminated Firedot reticle is fast for hunting but capable at range when paired with your custom dial.
- 3-15x zoom for maximum versatility
- 44mm objective, HD glass
- CDS-ZL2 custom elevation turret
- Optional Firedot illumination
- Waterproof, fogproof, and built for magnums
- Legendary Leupold warranty
Pros:
- Lightweight but high performance
- Exceptional brightness and clarity
- Custom dial system makes long-range easy
Cons:
- Not an FFP reticle—holdovers are best done at max power
- Premium price
Final Verdict: For hunters who demand top-notch glass and real-world durability but want to stretch their range, the VX-5HD is tough to beat.
Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
Why it’s best value: The GLx 4-16×50 packs long-range features and great glass into a price most hunters can reach. The ACSS Athena reticle in first focal plane gives you fast, accurate holdovers and wind calls. Side parallax, zero reset turrets, and fully multi-coated lenses make it a great performer on the hunt or at the range. It’s proven on everything from .308 to 6.5 PRC.
- 4-16x zoom for all big game and steel shooting
- 50mm objective, clear HD glass
- FFP ACSS Athena reticle
- Zero reset turrets, side parallax
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Affordable but loaded with long-range features
- Sharp, bright image for the price
- Reliable and repeatable turrets
Cons:
- No illumination on the standard model
- Heavier than minimalist hunting scopes
Final Verdict: If you want one scope to cover the hunt and the range—without breaking your budget—the GLx 4-16×50 is a top contender.
Other Notable Scopes for Dual Use
- Burris Veracity 4-20×50: Wide zoom range, great glass, and a hunter’s FFP reticle for wind and drop.
- Nightforce SHV 4-14×50: Legendary tracking and clarity for serious shooters who also hunt.
- Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44: Ultra-lightweight, elite glass, premium for hunters who occasionally shoot long range.
- Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX 4.5-14×44: Smart BDX tech integrates with rangefinders for instant holdover corrections.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Reticle | Turrets | Weight | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 3-15x | 44mm | EBR-2D FFP, illuminated | Zero stop, tactical | 28 oz | $900-$1,100 |
| Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 44mm | Duplex/Firedot | CDS, capped | 19 oz | $1,100-$1,300 |
| Primary Arms GLx FFP | 4-16x | 50mm | ACSS Athena FFP | Zero reset | 23 oz | $400-$500 |
| Burris Veracity | 4-20x | 50mm | Ballistic FFP | Tactical, zero stop | 27 oz | $700-$900 |
| Nightforce SHV | 4-14x | 50mm | MOAR, illuminated | ZeroSet | 30 oz | $1,100-$1,400 |
| Swarovski Z5 | 3.5-18x | 44mm | Plex/BRX | Capped | 16.2 oz | $1,400-$1,800 |
| Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX | 4.5-14x | 44mm | BDX digital | Ballistic, capped | 20 oz | $500-$700 |
FAQ: Scopes for Hunting & Long Range Shooting
What magnification do I need?
3-15x or 4-16x covers 99% of hunting and long-range shots. Higher powers (5-25x) are nice for extreme range or target shooting, but can add weight and reduce field of view for hunting.
Is first focal plane (FFP) worth it?
FFP is ideal for long-range shooting because reticle hash marks stay accurate at all zoom levels. For pure hunting, SFP (second focal plane) is often simpler, but FFP is great if you do both.
Do I need zero-stop turrets?
Zero-stop or zero-reset turrets let you quickly return to your 100-yard zero—very useful for switching between hunting and long-range targets.
Are these scopes tough enough for magnum recoil?
Yes—all models listed are built and tested for big game calibers and real-world hunting conditions.
Can I use these scopes for competitions?
Absolutely—these scopes are ideal for PRS, NRL Hunter, and other practical rifle matches, as well as serious field shooting and hunting.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for hunting and long range shooting gives you confidence whether you’re in the deer woods or dialing shots at 1,000 yards. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the all-around leader for do-it-all performance. The Leupold VX-5HD brings hunting-first simplicity and incredible clarity, while the Primary Arms GLx packs long-range features at a great price. Mount your scope well, practice at hunting and long-range distances, and you’ll be ready for any shot that comes your way.