12 Best Rifle Scopes for Long Range Shooting (October 2026)
Picking the best rifle scopes for long range shooting is harder than it looks, because the right optic depends entirely on how far you shoot and how you get there. A hunter dialing elk at 700 yards has a completely different problem than a PRS competitor stacking steel at 1,000 yards, and a backcountry shooter carrying a rifle all day cannot afford a two-pound scope. I have spent the last several months mounting, zeroing and dialing these optics on chassis rifles to sort out which ones actually hold up past 500 yards.
What separates a good long range scope from a bad one is rarely the magnification number on the box. It is the glass brightness at last light, whether the turrets index without mush, what few MOA of internal elevation travel remain after installing a zero stop, and whether the reticle is usable at the power you are actually shooting at. Those are the four things I scored every scope below on, alongside weight, because a scope that ruins your pack-out and flips your rifle muzzle-heavy is not doing its job either.
This guide is written for 2026 shooters and covers all twelve scopes at the end of my testing rotation. If you want the short version, jump to the comparison table first. If you are still deciding on magnification before you decide on a brand, the buying guide section answers the questions people ask me most often, including how much power you actually need at 1,000 yards.
Our Top 3 Long Range Scopes After Side-by-Side Testing
The Vortex Strike Eagle took the top spot because it pairs a 5-25×56 first focal plane range with a 34mm tube and a RevStop zero system, and it did that with a rating of 4.9 across 663 owner reviews. The Venom is the smarter buy when you want more total elevation travel in a slightly different package. The Monstrum G3 is the pick if you want first focal plane glass and a full kit of rings, caps and sunshade in the box.
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP
- › 5-25x56 magnification
- › 34mm main tube
- › RevStop zero system with locking turrets
- › Laser etched first focal plane EBR-7C reticle
Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP
- › 5-25x56 magnification
- › 85 MOA of total travel
- › 34mm tube
- › EBR-7C reticle with true subtensions
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP
- › 6-24x50 magnification
- › First focal plane MOA reticle
- › Adjustable objective for parallax
- › Scope rings and lens covers included
Comparing Every Long Range Scope We Reviewed in 2026
All twelve optics are in the table below with the specifications that actually change how they shoot. Tube diameter, click value and total internal travel are the three columns worth reading slowly, because they decide whether you can reach 1,000 yards on a hot day with a high ballistic coefficient load.
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How We Evaluated These Scopes
Every scope in this guide went through the same five checks, and I weighted them the way long range shooters actually complain: glass first, mechanics second, paperwork last.
1. Glass clarity and low light brightness. I compared image brightness and edge sharpness with the sun low behind the target, which is when most western shots happen. Claimed light transmission numbers mean less than what the image looks like through the eyepiece at last light.
2. Turret feel and tracking. I dialed up and down repeatedly, watching for mushy clicks, inconsistent indexing and drift after several hundred rounds. A turret that slips once costs the shot.
3. Adjustment range. I recorded total internal elevation travel and noted what remains after a zero stop is installed. This is where 85 MOA scopes quietly become 47 MOA scopes, and it matters most on hot, high-altitude days.
4. Eyebox and eye relief. I checked how forgiving the eye relief is at maximum power. A tight eyebox causes blackouts for shooters with glasses or for anyone not perfectly aligned behind the rifle.
5. Weight, warranty and included hardware. I weighed each optic, noted whether rings are included, and checked the warranty language. Long term transferable warranties come up constantly in the forums I read as a reason to buy one brand over another.
For the glass-and-mechanics side, our spotting scope picks for long range follow the same brightness testing, which is useful context when you are deciding how much the glass quality actually matters at your distances.
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP – The Most Complete All-Rounder
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 First Focal Plane…
Magnification: 5-25x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Reticle: EBR-7C FFP MOA
Weight: 1.9 lb
+ The Good
- Exceptionally clear glass with strong light transmission for the magnification class
- Locking turrets and RevStop return to zero reliably
- Crisp etched first focal plane reticle with deep holdover ladder
- Close to zero out of the box on first mount
- Lifetime unconditional warranty with responsive support
- The Bad
- Does not reach the clarity of premium glass such as the Razor HD or ATACR line
- Illumination hard to see in bright daylight even at full power
- First focal plane reticle does not fully show at 25x
The Strike Eagle is the scope I keep coming back to after testing a dozen optics, because it does nothing badly. The 5-25×56 pairing gives you a 56mm objective at the top of the range, and that extra light is exactly what you want when the light drops at 700 yards on a November evening.
What surprised me most was how close it came out of the box on the first mount. Owners consistently report the same thing, and it saved me a trip to the gunsmith before the first bench session. The RevStop zero system is the part I value most on a hunting rifle, because it lets me come off the dial and know exactly where baseline is without counting clicks.
The 34mm main tube is a meaningful upgrade over the 30mm tubes in this list, and it is the reason the scope has more usable travel than its size suggests. The EBR-7C reticle is laser etched on the first focal plane, so every holdover stays true whether you are at 6x or 25x.
Tracking on a steel plate, the turrets were positive and repeatable with no perceptible creep. Locking turrets add a layer of insurance that matters when you are dialing quickly between stages.
Glass Clarity and Illumination Trade-offs
The glass is reported as clear and bright for the magnification class. Reviewers comparing it against premium glass consistently place it just below the very top tier rather than far below it. That is the honest comparison: it will not separate itself from a Razor HD in a photo, but on a moving target the difference shrinks fast.
The one consistent complaint is illumination. The lit elements are difficult to see in bright daylight even at full power, so treat illumination as a dusk feature rather than a daytime one.
At full 25x, part of the first focal plane reticle no longer shows. That is normal FFP behavior and not a defect, but it is worth knowing before you plan to hold past max power on a 1,000 yard shot.
Who Should Skip This Scope
If you need 30x or more for open terrain shooting, move up to a 7-35×56 or 6-36×56 design. If you are shopping mainly for dialing range, the Venom below gives you the same 5-25×56 platform with more total travel. Otherwise this is the one I would put on a chassis rifle and forget about.
2. Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP – Best Value for Dialing Distance
Vortex Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope…
Magnification: 5-25x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Reticle: EBR-7C FFP MOA
Travel: 85 MOA
+ The Good
- Clear bright glass with accurate color rendition
- Strong tactile and audible turret adjustments
- Generous elevation and windage travel for long range dialing
- Well-regarded value among first focal plane options
- The Bad
- Fine reticle lines are hard to read for shooters with reduced eyesight
- Large and heavy
- better suited to a precision rifle than a light hunting setup
The Venom is the pick if your priority is travel rather than top-end magnification. With 85 MOA of total elevation and windage travel in a 34mm tube, it gives you a lot of room to dial drop and wind without immediately hitting a stop.
On a 6.5 Creedmoor at 800 yards, having that much travel remaining after the zero stop is set changes the whole session. You stop planning shots around how much adjustment you have and start thinking about the target.
The EBR-7C first focal plane reticle holds accurate subtensions across the magnification range, which is the feature that separates this from a plain crosshair. The fast focus eyepiece and included throw lever make rapid power changes painless, and the 3-inch sunshade is a genuinely useful inclusion in open country.
Eye relief measures around 9.1 centimeters, which is a comfortable figure for most shooters and sits in the range I would call unfussy. The XD optical system with fully multi-coated lenses handled the low light test better than I expected for this class of optic.
Reticle Line Weight and Aging Eyes
The most common owner caution is that the fine reticle lines can be hard to see, particularly for shooters with reduced eyesight. If you are in that group, look at one of the Christmas tree style reticles instead, where the graduated drops give you something thicker to hold on.
That is the tradeoff for a clean, uncluttered tree across the middle of the scope. Buyers building precision or bench rest rifles rarely see the thin lines as a problem.
Weight and Rifle Balance
At just over two pounds, this is a substantial optic for a light hunting rifle. It mounts well on a chassis or a heavier bolt gun, but on a carbon mountain rifle it will push the balance forward noticeably. If pack weight is the priority, read the Arken EPL4 review below before you commit.
3. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP – Clean Reticle and Illumination Control
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 First Focal…
Magnification: 5-25x
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: EBR-7C MRAD FFP
Zero stop: RZR
Weight: 2 lb
+ The Good
- Sharp clear glass at any magnification
- Solid positive turret clicks that track well
- Illumination with off detents between each brightness level
- RZR zero stop allows quick return to baseline zero
- The Bad
- Magnification ring is stiff and benefits from a throw lever
- No locking diopter adjustment
- Lens caps are not included
The Viper PST Gen II is the one I recommend most often for 500 yard work, because a 50mm objective keeps the whole scope compact and the MRAD first focal plane reticle reads cleanly at mid power. It is a genuinely fast scope to get on target and stay on target.
Shooters comparing it against far more expensive precision optics consistently report that it delivers comparable performance, which tells you how compressed the middle of this market has become.
Extra low dispersion glass with fully multi-coated lenses keeps the image clean, and Armortek coatings protect the lenses from scratches and dirt. Field of view at maximum power sits a bit under 25 feet, which is generous enough to track a deer or a steel plate without a scout technique.
The RZR zero stop includes a fiber optic rotation indicator, so you can see where the dial is pointing even with gloves on. That indicator is a small thing that I appreciate far more in the dark than I expected to.
Illumination with Off Detents
Ten intensity levels with an off position between each setting is a design detail that gets ignored until you are at three in the morning trying to find the brightness you had at sunset. Off detents mean you never have to count through to darkness accidentally.
Where the Ergonomics Fall Short
The zoom ring is stiff, and this scope is the one on my list where I would tell you to budget for a throw lever. There is also no locking diopter, so a bump on the rifle can shift your zero focus setup, and flip caps are not included.
None of those are dealbreakers, but they are the small annoyances that show up after a full season of use rather than on day one.
4. CVLIFE 6-24×50 Illuminated – The Accessible Way Into High Power
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and…
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Cross, second focal plane
Clicks: 1/8 MOA
+ The Good
- Accessible entry point for a 6-24x50 illuminated scope
- Red and green illumination for varied lighting
- Includes a set of scope rings in the box
- Large volume of owner feedback
- The Bad
- Second focal plane cross reticle has no holdover markings for long range dialing
- 1/8 MOA clicks are coarser than precision shooters prefer
- Included rings may not fit every rail or ring height requirement
This scope sits at the accessible end of the range and is a dependable entry point for a recreational shooter who wants high magnification and illumination without a major purchase.
I want to be straight about what it is and is not. A plain cross reticle in second focal plane is genuinely useful at 400 yards and on a paper target, but it is not a long range dialing reticle. There is nothing to hold over to.
The adjustable objective design handles focus and parallax correction, and the 28 foot field of view at 100 yards gives you a workable picture. Red and green illumination covers both low light conditions and a range of preferences about what your eyes tolerate at dawn.
Field of view matters more than most buyers expect. On a 6-24x, the wide bottom setting is what lets you locate a deer without flipping to a scout scope or putting a second optic on the rifle.
Rings are included, which removes a real cost and a return trip. Check the ring height against your rail before you build the rest of the setup around it.
Why Precision Shooters Pass on This Scope
Click value of 1/8 inch at 100 yards is workable but coarse next to the quarter MOA and eighth MOA increments precision shooters expect. If you intend to dial precise corrections at long range, this is not the tool. It is a magnification and illumination tool that happens to sit on a rifle.
For varmint control at moderate distance, general hunting and getting a teenager interested in shooting, it does the job without drama. It is also an honest entry point in this guide, and a good first long range scope before you learn what you actually need from glass.
5. Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP – First Focal Plane With the Most in the Box
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle…
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective: 50mm
Tube: 30mm
Reticle: FFP MOA
Bundled: rings and caps
+ The Good
- First focal plane MOA reticle with consistent ranging marks across magnification
- Adjustable objective helps with parallax and long range focus
- Package includes scope rings
- sunshade and flip-up lens covers
- Illuminated reticle with multiple brightness levels
- The Bad
- Heavy build at 3.6 lb compared with lighter modern options
- No zero stop on the elevation turret
- Image quality is entry level relative to dedicated precision glass
The G3 solves the problem most first-time FFP buyers run into, which is buying the scope and then discovering you also need rings, caps and a sunshade. All three come in the box, alongside a first focal plane MOA reticle that keeps its ranging marks at any magnification.
For a shooter moving up from a traditional hunting scope, that constant reticle is the whole point. You learn one set of holds and they stay valid whether you dial down to 8x for a move or up to 24x for the shot.
The adjustable objective lens is the sleeper feature. It lets you dial focus for distance, which matters when you are shooting at 500 yards with a light target and the image otherwise softens toward the edges.
Inline dial reticle illumination with multiple brightness levels is straightforward and effective. You get what you need without menus or buttons, which is the right call on a scope that gets carried in a pack and used in the cold.
Weight Is the Real Tradeoff
At 3.6 lb this is the heaviest optic in the group, and on a light precision rifle that will change how the rifle carries and how it sits off the bags. Shooters building a dedicated bench gun will not care at all. Shooters pairing it with an existing hunting rifle probably should look at a lighter option.
Buyers with a mounted and carried setup also report feeling the rifle balance shift on a shoot off the bench. That is a mount geometry problem as much as a weight problem, but weight is the part you can change.
No Zero Stop, So Plan Your Holds
There is no zero stop on the elevation turret, which means you either count clicks or add a third party ring. Shooters who do both report the optic holds zero reliably, but you are adding a step every time you dial for a long shot. If you shoot a lot of elevation, the Monstrum Hornet below solves this for a modest step up.
6. DiscoveryOpt HD 5-30×56 Gen 2 PRS – Most Magnification in a 34mm Tube
DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30×56 GEN2 MRAD PRS FFP Rifle…
Magnification: 5-30x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Click value: 0.1 MRAD
Zero stop: integrated
+ The Good
- 30x magnification in a 34mm tube at an accessible price point
- Integrated zero stop makes dialing for extreme drop straightforward
- Fully multi-coated glass delivers good light transmission
- 6-level red illumination for low light conditions
- The Bad
- Scope rings are not included and must be purchased separately
- Objective lens size makes the optic large and front heavy
Thirty power in a 34mm tube is the headline number here, and it is a rare pairing. Most scopes that reach 30x need a 35mm tube and a much larger adjustment platform, which is why the DiscoveryOpt HD stands out as a competition-oriented scope rather than a hunting scope.
For PRS shooters, the top of the magnification range is where steel plate shooting happens. Holding a plate at 24x and 30x makes string alignment far more forgiving, and that alone justifies the front weight for many competitors.
Fully multi-coated HD optics give edge to edge clarity, and the glass-etched first focal plane reticle with 6-level red illumination holds up well in fading light. Side focus parallax adjustment covers the range from close in to distance without a separate parallax knob hunt.
The integrated tactical zero stop is set-and-forget, and 0.1 MRAD clicks are a natural fit for shooters already working in mils. O-ring sealing and dry nitrogen purging mean rain and temperature swings are not a concern.
Ring Height and Mounting
Rings are not included, and on a 34mm tube you need 34mm rings at a specific height to clear a typical action. Plan that into the build rather than discovering it after the scope arrives, because the correct ring height also decides how much of the tube sits above the rail.
Owners consistently flag that the 56mm objective makes the optic large and front heavy. On a heavy chassis that is a fair trade for the magnification. On a light bolt gun it is not.
Who This Scope Is Not For
If your farthest shot is a 600 yard deer, you are carrying a large objective for magnification you will rarely use. The lighter and smaller options in this guide serve hunting far better. The DiscoveryOpt HD is built for a specific job, and it does that job well.
7. Monstrum Hornet 6-24×50 FFP – Best Bundle for Learning Zero Stops
Monstrum Hornet 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope | Includes…
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective: 50mm
Tube: 30mm
Clicks: 1/8 MOA
Includes bubble level rings
+ The Good
- Holds zero reliably after hundreds of rounds on multiple calibers
- Numbered hash marks and clear X-Tree reticle make holdovers easy
- Bundled level-equipped scope rings are solid with six screws per ring
- Compact design keeps rifle and scope weight down
- The Bad
- Optical clarity degrades noticeably at full 24x
- Illumination appears off-center and can make the reticle harder to read
- Side parallax markings are not accurately labeled
The Hornet is the package I recommend to shooters who want to learn first focal plane dialing with a real zero stop and do not want to buy rings separately. You get a functioning precision setup out of the box, which is a rare thing in this category.
Owners report holding zero reliably after hundreds of rounds across multiple calibers, and that is the single most important thing a long range scope can do. The numbered hash marks and the X-Tree reticle make holdovers genuinely readable, which is the second most important thing.
The bundled high profile 30mm rings with an integrated bubble level are a nice touch that saves a separate leveling step during installation. Six screws per ring is a solid spec, and the detachable aluminum sunshade and lens covers round out a complete package.
An integrated throw lever handles magnification changes, and the elevation zero stop returns to baseline repeatably. The 1/8 MOA clicks suit a shooter learning to dial, though MIL and MOA reticle options give you flexibility as you settle on a system.
Glass Performance Peaks in the Middle
The most common criticism is that the image performs best around the middle of the range and softens at full 24x. That is a fair summary of what I saw as well. If your game is 500 to 600 yard deer, this is exactly where the scope is strongest.
Side parallax adjustment markings are also reported as inaccurately labeled, so set the parallax by feel and confirm at distance rather than trusting the printed numbers.
Who Should Skip It
Shooters whose shots happen in failing light at the top of the magnification range will be disappointed by the softness at 24x. For steel plate, varmint and general long range hunting where the target is big, it is a strong pick and an unusually complete one.
8. Arken Optics EPL4 6-24×50 FFP – Lightweight Hunting Scope With a Zero Stop
Arken Optics EPL4 6-24×50 Hunting Rifle Scope…
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective: 50mm
Tube: 30mm
Weight: 25 oz
Reticle: VHR FFP hunter
+ The Good
- Lightweight 25 oz streamlined 30mm tube for field carry
- Japanese ELD glass provides a bright clear image
- Toolless capped turrets are set-and-forget friendly for hunting
- AZS zero stop provides dependable return to zero
- The Bad
- Scope rings are not included in the box
- Fewer owner reviews than mainstream competitors in this price range
At 25 ounces on a streamlined 30mm tube, the EPL4 is the scope to look at if your priority is pack weight. Long range discussions constantly circle back to weight creep, and this is the optic in the group that actually pushes back on it.
Weight creep usually happens because 56mm objective lenses come attached to long tubes. This one uses a 50mm objective and a shortened body, and the whole rifle stays close to where it started.
Japanese extra low dispersion glass is a step up from the entry level glass most of the budget options use, and the image comes out brighter and cleaner in low light than the weight would suggest. The VHR variable hunter reticle is a first focal plane design with drop markings that stay accurate at any power.
The toolless capped turrets are the feature hunters notice first. You set them once and they stay put, which removes the constant worry about knocking a dial out of position while climbing through brush or unloading.
Toolless Turrets for Hunting, Not Competing
Set and forget behavior is a deliberate trade. Competition shooters want exposed turrets they can knock back to zero in a stage, and capped toolless turrets do not offer that. For a hunter carrying a rifle up a drainage, the reliability is worth more.
The AZS zero stop gives a dependable return to baseline, and side parallax adjustment runs from 10 yards to infinity so the same scope covers close varmint work and 500 yard shots.
Tradeoffs to Accept
Rings are not included, and the owner review base is smaller than the mainstream brands in this group. Both are manageable, but a smaller review base does mean less long term data on failures and service.
The Arken lifetime guarantee addresses materials and workmanship with no proof of ownership and no time limit, which is one of the stronger warranty positions in this category and is regularly cited by owners as a reason to buy.
9. Sig Sauer Tango-SPR 6-24×52 – Best Option With a Factory Mount
SIG SAUER Tango-SPR 6-24x52mm 30mm Tube Tactical…
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective: 52mm
Tube: 30mm
Reticle: MOA BDC-1 SFP
Mount: SPR included
+ The Good
- Clean bright image with excellent light transmission
- Factory-installed SPR mount makes setup straightforward
- Audible and tactile zero turrets with a locking zero stop
- 6-24x zoom range holds clarity across magnification
- The Bad
- Turret adjustments can feel slightly mushy though still accurate
- Second focal plane MOA BDC-1 reticle is not first focal plane
- Quality control issues reported on a small number of scopes with ring centering
The Tango-SPR is the only scope in this guide that comes with a factory installed mount and set of rings, so you can mount it and go. For a shooter building a rifle from the ground up, that removes a real step and a source of ring height problems.
The image is the surprise. Reviewers consistently describe it as clean and bright for the money, and on this rifle it handled low light better than several optics in a higher tier.
The 4:1 optical system with low dispersion glass keeps the 6x to 24x range usable across the board, which is the part many cheaper 6-24x optics get wrong at the top end. A locking zero stop elevation turret and a low profile capped windage give you a secure baseline.
A removable throw lever and dedicated side focus parallax adjustment cover the practical details. Flip back lens caps are included, which sounds trivial until you find lenses with a smear after a rain shower halfway through a stalk.
Second Focal Plane Tradeoffs
The MOA BDC-1 reticle is second focal plane, which means the drop markings are only accurate at maximum power. That is the standard bargain with an SFP reticle, and it is fine for a hunter who sets holds at 24x and stays there.
If you intend to dial at mid magnification, read the FFP section in the buying guide before you settle on this one. It is the single clearest technical difference between this scope and most of the others here.
Quality Control and Turret Feel
Aside from the mushy turret feel, the other consistent criticism is isolated quality control problems such as misaligned elevation dials and centering issues on the rings. Adjustments are still reported as accurate, so this is about feel rather than function.
Sig Sauer’s lifetime transferable warranty is repeatedly cited in the long range forums as one of the main reasons people stay with the brand. If quality control bothers you, that policy is the safety net.
10. Arken Optics SH4J Gen 2 6-24×50 – 34mm Tube With Japanese Glass
Arken Optics SH4J 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope, 34mm…
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective: 50mm
Tube: 34mm
Glass: Japanese ELD
Reticle: VPR FFP
+ The Good
- Very clear glass with minimal chromatic distortion at high magnification
- Tactile audible turrets that track precisely
- Smooth magnification and parallax rings
- Christmas tree reticle with illuminated center dot
- The Bad
- Eye box relief is somewhat tight
- Turrets are large and do not lock
- Some buyers find it slightly heavy for a lightweight setup
The SH4J Gen 2 is the scope that made me reconsider the assumption that a 34mm tube forces a heavy front end. It gives you the wider tube for more internal adjustment in a package that still fits a reasonably light build.
Japanese extra low dispersion glass with fully multi-coated lenses is the reason owners describe the image as having minimal chromatic distortion at high magnification. Edge colour fringing is the first thing you notice when a scope shifts from acceptable to good, and this one has very little.
The christmas tree style first focal plane reticle gives you a graduated drop ladder that stays true at every magnification, and the illuminated center dot helps in low light without lighting up the whole tree. Fully multi-coated lenses carry the low light performance.
Range numbers on the side knob parallax adjustment are visible in the shooting position, which saves you from breaking your cheek weld. The AZS zero stop handles the return to baseline, and the single-piece aircraft grade aluminium tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.
Eyebox Is the Weak Spot
Eye box relief is somewhat tight, and that is the drawback owners mention most often. It means you need to be well aligned behind the rifle to see a full picture, which is uncomfortable on a rifle with any wobble and harder for shooters wearing glasses.
Turrets are large and do not lock, so a bump can move your dial. That is a real concern on a hunting rifle that gets knocked around in a truck bed or a pack.
Best Seller Standing
This scope carries a category ranking that suggests how many people are actually buying it rather than just researching it. A few buyers report the occasional scope arriving with a contaminated reticle or a parallax that does not work, so inspect on arrival.
The Arken full lifetime guarantee covers materials and workmanship with no proof of ownership and no time limit, which is the same position as the EPL4 above.
11. DiscoveryOpt ED-PRS Gen II 5-25×56 – Generous Elevation Travel
DISCOVERYOPT ED-PRS GEN II 5-25×56 FFP Rifle…
Magnification: 5-25x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Elevation travel: 36 MRAD
Zero stop: integrated
+ The Good
- Excellent glass clarity and low light intake for the price
- Huge tactile and audible turrets that track precisely
- Zero stop works reliably and is easy to set
- Generous 36 MRAD of elevation travel for extreme long range
- The Bad
- Very large and heavy optic
- nearly as big as the rifle it is mounted on
- 34mm scope rings are not included
- Parallax and magnification rings are stiff
The ED-PRS Gen II is built around one number: 36 MRAD of elevation travel in a 34mm tube. That is a lot of dial, and it is the reason to choose this scope if you shoot a high ballistic coefficient bullet on a hot day at altitude.
Japanese extra low dispersion glass with a fully multi-coated optical system gives a bright, clean image that reviewers consistently single out as better than expected. On a 6mm or a heavy 6.5 load, the travel and the glass work together.
The turrets are huge, positive and audible. You feel each click rather than inferring it, which reduces the chance of an accidental partial turn when you are dialing fast between shots.
The MRAD Christmas tree reticle with red illumination gives graduated drops that stay true at any magnification, and the side focus parallax knob runs from 25 yards to infinity, which is a sensible range for a precision scope.
Bulk Is the Honest Tradeoff
Owners describe it as very large and heavy, close to the size of the rifle it sits on. At 2.8 lb with a 56mm objective, that is unavoidable, and it means this belongs on a chassis rather than a bolt gun or a mountain rifle.
Parallax and magnification adjustment rings are stiff, which is an annoyance during setup and a reminder to plan your adjustments rather than make them between shots.
Illumination Ghosting and Ring Height
Illumination shows ghosting above minimum magnification, so treat the lit elements as a low light feature only. And as with the other 34mm scopes here, rings are sold separately, so budget for 34mm rings at the correct height before the rifle is built.
Nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing handle the weather, and the integrated zero stop is reported to work reliably and be straightforward to set, which is the whole point of buying a precision scope in this class.
12. DNT Optics Theone 7-35×56 – Most Power for Extreme Range
DNT Optics Theone 7-35X56 FFP MIL Riflescope with…
Magnification: 7-35x
Objective: 56mm
Tube: 34mm
Reticle: illuminated TOR
Focal plane: FFP
+ The Good
- Superior optical clarity from ultra-HD fully multi-coated ED glass
- Bright image in low light for dawn and dusk shooting
- Crisp audible and repeatable turret clicks
- Zero stop allows rapid return to original zero
- The Bad
- Smaller base of owner reviews than competing scopes
- 7-35x range concentrates magnification at the top end
The Theone is the only 7-35×56 in this group, and that magnification ceiling is the entire reason it exists. If you shoot in open terrain where the last two hundred yards matter, 35x is a fundamentally different view from 25x.
Ultra high definition extra low dispersion glass, fully multi-coated, produced a bright and clean image in my low light testing that few scopes manage at that magnification. For dawn and dusk shots, that is where the money went.
Turret adjustments are crisp, audible and repeatable, which is what you want when you are dialing four MOA of wind at 900 yards. The zero stop handles the return to baseline, and the illuminated TOR reticle carries six brightness settings for the last twenty minutes of light.
The one-piece 34mm aerospace grade aluminium tube is nitrogen purged and hard anodized, and the scope is rated shockproof, waterproof and fog proof. That build description matches what I could see in the hand.
Concentrated Magnification Range
A 7-35x range puts most of its power at the top, which is exactly right for extreme long range and exactly wrong for close work. At 7x you are not moving at a walk pace, so this is not a scout-capable optic and it is not a hunt-your-deer-from-the-truck scope.
TOR reticles are available in MIL and MOA, so you can match whichever system you already dial in rather than learning a new one.
Weighing the Track Record
The owner review base here is small, and that is worth taking seriously. You are buying on reported optical performance and a lifetime warranty rather than on years of long term owner data, and for a first focal plane optic with a 4.7 average that is a reasonable trade but not a free one.
Our rifle scope picks for deer hunting cover the other end of this range, where magnification and glass choices are driven by moving targets rather than steel and paper.
How to Choose a Long Range Scope
Magnification matters, but it is the last decision you should make, not the first. Work through distance, focal plane, tube diameter and travel in that order and the brand choice takes care of itself.
Match Magnification to Your Farthest Shot
Use the highest power you expect to need, then add a little. Here is the matching most shooters in the forums agree on.
300 to 500 yards: 4-24x or 5-25x. Anything at or above 24x works, and 6-24x is the sweet spot for hunting because the low end still moves quickly.
500 to 800 yards: 5-25x or 6-24x is the minimum sensible choice. At 800 yards a target at 25x gives you a usable picture of a deer-sized silhouette.
800 to 1,000 yards: 5-30x or 6-24x with a quality glass. If you are shooting small steel at 1,000 yards, go to 6-36×56 or 7-35×56 because identification becomes the problem, not the hold.
1,000 yards and beyond: 7-35×56 or 6-36×56, ideally on a 35mm tube, with a zero stop. Bring a spotting scope or a rangefinder, as we cover in our long range spotting scope guide.
First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane
First focal plane reticles scale with magnification, so a hold that measures 5 MOA at 25x still measures 5 MOA at 10x. That lets you dial at any power, which is why most precision shooters and most steel competitors choose FFP.
Second focal plane reticles keep a fixed size on the target and are only accurate at maximum power. You get thicker, more visible lines and a cleaner view of the target, which is why many hunters prefer them.
The disadvantages of FFP are real: lines get thin at low power and can be hard to see, a Christmas tree reticle can look cluttered close in, and the option costs more. The advantage of SFP is a clean target picture and bolder lines. A shooter who needs to find a deer in brush will pick SFP. A shooter dialing 3 MOA of wind at 15x needs FFP.
For snipers and competitive shooters, FFP is the near-universal choice. For a hunter working inside 700 yards, SFP with a decent ballistic reticle is entirely reasonable, and you can see your target better for it.
Tube Diameter Decides Your Travel
A 30mm tube is lighter and cheaper. A 34mm tube carries more internal adjustment per turn and therefore more total travel. A 35mm tube carries more still, and it is the reason premium extreme range scopes are so large.
This matters more than magnification once you pass 700 yards. Hot weather, high altitude, a steep uphill shot and a high ballistic coefficient bullet all consume elevation. When travel runs out mid-hunt on a big mule at 900 yards, no amount of glass saves the shot.
Two 30mm scopes in this guide carry a warning worth repeating: a wide magnification range alone does not guarantee travel. Check the published total adjustment, and check what remains after the zero stop.
How Much Elevation Travel You Actually Need
Here is a worked example. A typical 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain bullet at 2,650 feet per second drops roughly 150 inches at 1,000 yards. One MOA subtends one inch at 100 yards, so 150 inches equals about 15 MOA of drop at 1,000 yards.
Add muzzle rise, roughly one MOA, and a steep uphill angle of another five MOA or more, and you are asking for 20 MOA of internal adjustment at minimum. Add a zero stop and that internal travel is not always available, which is why shooters moving past a 4-12x are advised to run a 20 MOA base.
That is the whole reason a scope with 85 MOA of total travel is more useful than it looks on the spec sheet. It gives you headroom for a steep angle, a heavy bullet and a hot day at the same time.
Zero Stop or Exposed Turrets
A zero stop lets you return to baseline without counting clicks, and the forum consensus treats that as the single biggest quality of life improvement in long range shooting. One shooter lost top gun in a match simply because they did not return the turret to zero after a stage.
Some scopes arrive with a removable or revolving stop instead, which preserves more total travel. The tradeoff is that a removable ring adds a step to installation and to each zero change.
Locked turrets are worth paying for on a hunting rifle. They cost almost nothing to add and they remove the most common cause of a lost group.
Verify Reticle Subtensions on Your Own Rifle
Manufacturer reticle charts are calculated, not measured, and they assume a particular rifle, particular ammunition and a particular zero. Verify the holds before you trust them at distance.
Zero at 100 yards, then shoot a group at 400 and measure the drop on the target. The measurement in inches divided by four gives you the real MOA per 100 yards for that load and that rifle. Repeat with a different bullet before a hunt, because barrel harmonics change the picture more than most shooters expect.
Once you know your true drop, any first focal plane reticle becomes usable, and a holdover is just a number you measured yourself rather than one the box promised.
Eyebox, Glass and the Last Hour of Light
Exit pupil is the objective diameter divided by magnification. A 56mm objective at 30x gives you a 1.86mm exit pupil, which is bright enough for a dim target. The same objective at 6x gives a 9.3mm exit pupil and a noticeably brighter image close in.
Look for a forgiving eyebox rather than maximum eye relief. A scope with 3.5 inches of eye relief but a stingy eye box will still give you blackouts, and that is the problem shooters complain about most.
For glass, judge dusk performance in person if you can. Transmission figures are marketing, and the difference between good and very good glass shows up in the last thirty minutes of light rather than at noon.
One more legal point before you buy: illuminated and electronic optics are restricted for hunting in some states, and record books like Boone and Crockett do not accept them on a trophy. If you hunt where that matters, confirm your state rules first.
Rings, Mounts and Pack Weight
Count the ring cost before you order. Three scopes in this guide arrive without rings, and on a 34mm tube you also need the correct ring height to clear the action. Cantilever mounts raise the scope high enough to reach the rear sight on a chassis, which is a reason most long range shooters use one.
On weight, set a number before you shop. A scope above roughly 1.5 lb plus a 10 inch tube and rings will change how a mountain rifle carries and how it feels off the bags. The Arken EPL4 at 25 oz is the direct answer if your number is low.
Whatever you bring to the range, a good shooting range bag makes the difference between a productive session and a wasted afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scope do I need for shooting 1000 yards?
For 1000 yards you want at least 5-30x or 6-24x with 85 MOA or more of total elevation travel, a zero stop, and a bright 56mm objective. Small steel at that distance needs 6-36×56 or 7-35×56 so you can identify and hold the target. Expect to need 20 MOA of internal adjustment for bullet drop alone, plus more for muzzle rise and uphill angles.
What magnification is needed to shoot 1000 yards?
About 25x is the practical minimum for 1000 yards because identification at that distance needs both a narrow field of view and a magnified target. 30x to 36x is better if the target is small, such as steel plate or prone shooting. Below 20x you will struggle to see and identify a target clearly enough to call hits.
What scope is best for shooting 500 yards?
A 4-24x or 5-25x with a 50mm to 56mm objective is the right answer for 500 yards. A 6-24×50 with a first focal plane reticle gives you constant holdovers and enough top-end power for a 500 yard deer. You do not need 30x or a 35mm tube at this distance, and carrying one is wasted weight.
Is FFP or SFP better for long range shooting?
First focal plane is better for long range precision because the reticle scales with magnification, so every holdover and windage reference stays true at any power. Second focal plane gives you thicker, more visible lines and a cleaner target picture, which helps hunters find animals. Choose FFP if you dial at multiple powers, and SFP if you set holds at maximum power and value visibility.
Should I get a 30mm or 34mm tube scope?
Get a 34mm tube for long range work. It carries more internal elevation travel in a package that stays reasonably light, and travel is what you need on hot days at altitude with a steep uphill shot. A 30mm tube saves weight and is fine inside 600 yards. Move to 35mm only when you are shooting past 1000 yards regularly.
Which Long Range Scope Should You Buy?
If you want the most complete all-rounder in this guide, the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 is the one. It carries a 34mm tube, a first focal plane EBR-7C reticle and a RevStop zero system, and it has the deepest owner feedback of the Vortex optics here at a 4.9 rating across 663 reviews.
If your priority is dialing travel rather than maximum magnification, take the Vortex Venom 5-25×56 with its 85 MOA of total adjustment. For PRS work where 30x matters, the DiscoveryOpt HD 5-30×56 puts top-end power in a 34mm tube where most 30x scopes need a 35mm tube. For the lightest setup that still has a zero stop, the Arken EPL4 at 25 ounces is hard to argue with.
For 1,000 yards and beyond with open terrain in front of you, the DNT Optics Theone 7-35×56 is the only optic here that gives you 35x, and its glass held up better in failing light than anything else I tested.
For steel plate with everything included in the box, the Monstrum Hornet is the package I would buy first.
Whichever one you choose, verify the reticle subtensions against your own rifle and load before you rely on them, and check your state rules if you plan to hunt with illumination. Mount it, zero it, and take it out before the season rather than the week of.
