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5 Best Range Rifle Scopes

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Range Rifle Scopes

Choosing a range rifle scope is all about matching the features of the scope to the type of shooting you want to do. Whether you are target shooting, hunting, or taking part in long-distance shooting, understanding the key specs of rifle scopes will help you get the best results. The right scope enhances accuracy, improves your experience, and can make a huge difference in your shooting ability. Focus on clarity, ease of adjustment, and durability when making your choice.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the scope makes the target appear. It's usually shown as a single number for fixed scopes (like 10x) or a range (like 4-16x) for variable scopes. Lower magnification (1-4x) is good for close-range or quick shooting, giving a wider field of view and easier target acquisition. Middle ranges (5-9x) work well for most medium-distance target or hunting needs, balancing detail with stability. High magnification scopes (10x and above) are for long-range precision shooting but may be harder to keep steady and are affected more by mirage and movement. Pick the magnification based on your usual shooting distance and how steady you can hold your aim.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter (measured in millimeters) is the size of the front lens of the scope. This determines how much light can enter, which affects brightness and image clarity, especially in low-light conditions. Smaller diameters (around 32mm) mean a more compact and lighter scope, suitable for daylight and closer ranges. Mid-size lenses (40-44mm) are a good balance for most uses, giving enough light for early morning or dusky conditions. Larger diameters (50mm or more) gather the most light for low-light or high-magnification shooting but add weight and bulk. Choose a size based on when and where you'll be shooting most—bigger lenses for low light, smaller for portability.
Reticle TypeThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Basic duplex reticles are simple lines and work well for most hunting or general target shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) and mil-dot reticles include markings to help you adjust for distance and wind, making them better for long-range or tactical shooting. Illuminated or specialty reticles help in low light but may be busier to look at. Think about your shooting style: if you need quick aiming, keep it simple; if you often shoot at varying distances, look for more advanced reticles with additional markings.
Adjustment TurretsAdjustment turrets are the knobs on the scope used to change the point of impact for windage (side-to-side) and elevation (up-and-down). Standard capped turrets are low-profile and prevent accidental adjustments, ideal for hunting or general use. Exposed or target turrets are designed for frequent and precise changes, which is great for range shooting where you dial adjustments for different distances. Some scopes offer locking or zero-reset features for convenience. Consider how often you’ll need to change settings: choose capped for set-and-forget, or exposed for precision dialing at varied ranges.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to fine-tune the focus so the reticle and target image are on the same plane, which is especially important at higher magnifications or longer ranges. Basic scopes might be set at a fixed distance (like 100 yards), which works fine for closer shooting. Scopes with adjustable parallax or side focus let you be more precise at longer distances, helping avoid aiming errors. If you mostly shoot under 200 yards, fixed parallax is usually enough. For long-distance accuracy or high magnification, look for adjustable parallax.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance you can hold your eye from the scope and still see the whole field of view. Shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) might be fine for small calibers, but longer eye relief (3.5-4 inches or more) is safer for powerful rifles to avoid recoil hitting your eye. If you shoot firearms with heavy recoil or prefer to have some space behind the scope, choose a model with longer eye relief.
Build Quality and WeatherproofingA good rifle scope needs to survive outdoor use, including bumps, changes in temperature, and moisture. Look for scopes described as waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant; these use sealed tubes and gas purging to protect the internals. If you hunt or shoot in varied environments, make weatherproofing a priority. Also, sturdier metal construction adds longevity but may increase weight. Pick features based on how rough your typical use will be.