Long range hunting is a thrilling challenge, requiring patience, discipline, and top-notch equipment. When you’re reaching out to 400, 600, or even 1,000 yards, your rifle is only as capable as the optic you mount on it. A great long-range hunting scope delivers crisp images, precise adjustments, and proven durability—ensuring your shot lands exactly where you intend. Whether you hunt mule deer in the wide-open West, coyotes on the prairie, or elk across canyons, here’s your definitive guide to the best scopes for long range hunting in 2025.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
- Best for Low Light: 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
Shooting and hunting at long distances is about more than just high magnification. Here’s what separates the best long range hunting scopes from the rest:
- Magnification: 4-16x is great for versatile hunting, while 5-25x or 6-24x gives you the edge for spotting game and making precise shots past 600 yards.
- Objective Lens Size: 44–50mm objectives gather light for clear images at dawn, dusk, and high zoom. Larger objectives also help with a wide field of view and improved resolution.
- First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: Reticle subtensions stay accurate across all zoom levels—essential for ranging, holdovers, and wind holds at changing distances.
- Turrets and Tracking: Exposed, zero-reset or zero-stop turrets make it easy to dial elevation and windage for your exact range. Reliable, repeatable tracking is critical for consistent accuracy.
- Reticle Design: Look for MOA or MIL hashmarks, BDC, or advanced ballistic reticles that help you compensate for drop and wind.
- Glass Quality: High-definition, fully multi-coated lenses maximize clarity and contrast—especially at high power and in low light.
- Durability: Long range scopes see a lot of field use—make sure your optic is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and built to handle magnum recoil.
- Eye Relief: 3.5″ or more is best for magnums and odd shooting angles.
- Weight: Long range scopes are bigger, but for mountain or backcountry hunting, balance magnification with a manageable overall weight.
Always pair your long range scope with quality rings and a solid mount for best results.
Top Long Range Hunting Scopes
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
Why it’s best overall: The PST Gen II is a legend among precision hunters for a reason. It offers massive 5-25x zoom, a huge 50mm objective, and Vortex’s EBR-2C illuminated reticle in first focal plane. Turrets are large, tactile, and feature a hard zero stop for fast return-to-zero. This scope is built to hold up to magnum recoil and deliver consistent tracking for repeatable long shots, season after season.
- 5-25x magnification for ultimate reach and versatility
- First focal plane EBR-2C reticle with illumination
- Zero stop tactical turrets, 30mm tube
- High-definition glass and multi-coated lenses
- Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- Extremely precise for dialing elevation and wind
- Outstanding clarity even at max zoom
- Superb value compared to high-end competition
Cons:
- Heavier (about 31 oz), so less ideal for ultralight mountain rigs
- Lots of features may be more than needed for close-range hunts
Final Verdict: The best do-it-all scope for hunters who want top-tier performance without a $2,000+ price tag.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Why it’s a low light champion: Leupold’s Twilight Max HD system makes the VX-5HD shine at dawn, dusk, and any challenging light. The 3-15x zoom is perfect for real-world hunting, letting you cover dense woods and 600-yard shots with one optic. The CDS-ZL2 custom dial system means fast, tool-free elevation changes for your specific load, and the scope’s lightweight build is a gift for backcountry hunters.
- 3-15x magnification for all practical long-range shots
- 44mm objective for brightness and clarity
- Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2 (CDS-ZL2) elevation turret
- Available with illuminated Firedot reticle
- Just 19 oz—easy for mountain or pack-in hunts
Pros:
- Incredible low-light clarity
- Lightweight but built for magnums
- Simple, fast, and highly reliable
Cons:
- Not as much zoom as true 5-25x models (but more practical for many hunters)
- Premium price, but lifelong performance
Final Verdict: For hunters who need dawn-to-dusk performance and real-world durability, this is a top pick you’ll use for decades.
Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
Why it’s the best value: The GLx series packs tons of long-range features at a price nearly any hunter can reach. The 4-16×50 model uses an advanced ACSS Apollo reticle, first focal plane for true ranging/holdovers, and a side parallax for maximum clarity. Glass is remarkably sharp for this price point, and the turrets are reliable and tactile for easy dialing at any distance.
- 4-16x magnification for versatile long-range shots
- 50mm objective, fully multi-coated lenses
- ACSS Apollo FFP reticle—ideal for wind and drop holds
- Zero reset turrets and side parallax adjustment
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Affordable but packed with practical features
- Clear glass and easy adjustments
- Works on everything from .223 to .300 Win Mag
Cons:
- No illumination (unless upgraded models)
- Heavier than entry-level scopes
Final Verdict: An unbeatable value for hunters wanting true long-range performance on a budget.
Other Notable Long Range Hunting Scopes
- Burris Veracity 4-20×50: Bright glass, repeatable turrets, and a ballistic FFP reticle built for hunters.
- Nightforce SHV 5-20×56: Legendary reliability and tracking—premium glass and the biggest objectives.
- Swarovski Z5 5-25×52: Ultra-light for its power, best-in-class clarity for mountain or Western hunters.
- Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX 6.5-20×52: Digital BDX tech integrates with rangefinders for instant holdover correction.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Reticle Type | Turrets | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 5-25x | 50mm | EBR-2C FFP, illuminated | Zero stop, tactical | Open country, max range | $900-$1,100 |
| Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 44mm | Duplex/Firedot | CDS, capped | Low light, mountain | $1,100-$1,300 |
| Primary Arms GLx FFP | 4-16x | 50mm | ACSS Apollo FFP | Zero reset | Budget, value | $400-$500 |
| Burris Veracity | 4-20x | 50mm | Ballistic FFP | Tactical, zero stop | Western, all game | $600-$800 |
| Nightforce SHV | 5-20x | 56mm | MOAR, illuminated | ZeroSet | Extreme range, pros | $1,200-$1,500 |
| Swarovski Z5 | 5-25x | 52mm | Plex/BRX | Capped | Lightweight, premium | $1,400-$1,800 |
| Sig Sauer Sierra 3BDX | 6.5-20x | 52mm | BDX digital | Ballistic, capped | Tech-forward, big country | $900-$1,200 |
FAQ: Long Range Hunting Scopes
Is first focal plane (FFP) really necessary for long range?
FFP makes your reticle’s subtensions accurate at all zoom levels, which is crucial for ranging and holdovers at varying distances. Most serious long-range hunters prefer FFP, but SFP can work if you always shoot at max zoom.
What magnification do I need for long range hunting?
4-16x or 5-25x is ideal for shooting 400–1,000 yards. More magnification helps you spot and identify game, but also adds weight and cost. Most hunters never need more than 20–25x.
What’s the best reticle for wind and elevation holds?
MOA or MIL hashmark reticles, like the EBR-2C or ACSS Apollo, allow for fast, accurate wind and drop compensation. BDC reticles are also popular for specific cartridges.
Are these scopes tough enough for magnum recoil?
Yes—all scopes above are proven on calibers like .300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, 6.5 PRC, and more. Always mount your scope with quality rings for best results.
Can I use these scopes for target shooting, too?
Absolutely—these are all excellent crossover scopes for hunting and long-range steel or competition shooting. Just match the features to your primary use.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for long range hunting gives you clarity, confidence, and the ability to make ethical shots at distances other hunters can only dream about. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II brings top-shelf performance for most hunters. The Leupold VX-5HD offers unbeatable glass for first and last light, while the Primary Arms GLx gives you true long-range features at a budget price. Pick your scope, mount it right, and spend time dialing it in with your favorite load. When the shot finally presents itself, you’ll be ready.