Are you searching for the best long range AR scope? We will share some top options to help you find a reliable scope to improve your shooting experience.
The ideal long-range AR scope should combine exceptional optical clarity, robust construction, and advanced features tailored to handle the recoil and ballistic performance of the AR platform
One of the most beloved long-range rifles in the field of hunting and shooting is the AR. This powerful rifle can shoot accurately from 400 to 1,000 yards. At such a range, you will need a quality scope to help you see beyond what you can see with your naked eyes.
By having a long-range AR scope, you will reap remarkable rewards. It will make target finding a snap, bring the distant targets close, and improve your hunting and shooting outcome in a big way.
What Makes the Best Long Range AR Scope?
The best long-range AR scope is characterized by a combination of several essential features that work in harmony to optimize accuracy and precision at extended distances.
First and foremost, optical clarity is paramount. The scope should boast high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses with low-dispersion glass, allowing for excellent light transmission, reduced chromatic aberration, and minimal distortion. Crisp, sharp images with true color representation are vital for spotting targets and making precise adjustments for long-range shots.
Durability is another crucial aspect that sets the best long-range AR scope apart. The scope should be constructed from robust materials, preferably aircraft-grade aluminum or other rugged materials, featuring a single-piece tube design and sealed with O-rings to ensure water, dust, and fog resistance.
Additionally, it should be shockproof, capable of withstanding the heavy recoil common with AR-platform rifles and rough handling during rigorous shooting activities.
An advanced reticle with sufficient magnification range and subtensions tailored for long-range shooting is also essential for the best long-range AR scope.
First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes are preferred because the reticle’s size adjusts proportionally with the magnification, allowing for accurate holdover and windage corrections at any power setting.
Features like illuminated reticles and intuitive reticle designs, such as Mil-dot or Horus-style reticles, aid in quick target acquisition and precise aiming in varying lighting conditions and complex shooting scenarios. Additionally, a parallax adjustment knob helps eliminate optical errors caused by parallax, further enhancing shot accuracy.
The best long-range AR scope should offer exceptional optical clarity, rugged durability, and advanced reticle features tailored to long-range shooting.
However, finding the right scope for your needs is easier said than done. The market is flooded with long range scopes coming with different and unique features but we have made it easier for you by highlighting the best below.
Best Long Range AR Scope-Our Top Picks
1) Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is the best long range AR scope, it features variable 4-16 magnification, XR Fully Multi-Coated lenses, Exposed Tactical-Style Turrets, Fast focus eyepiece, Hard Anodized Finish and waterproof and fog proof performance.
It is one of the several configurations in the Viper HS-T ( Hunting & Shooting Tactical) line that offers exceptional performance in virtually any situation.
The scope boasts a variable 4-16x zoom power which provides magnification versatility. It also features a large 44 aperture, complementing this zoom by offering a wide field of view and bright images. Furthermore, it comes with a side focus parallax adjustment which provides optimal image focus and parallax elimination for greater shooting accuracy.
Another thing that sets it apart is its advanced optical system. It utilizes ED lenses that yield excellent resolution and color fidelity. The lenses also feature XR coatings, providing the enhanced light-gathering ability for low-light performance and an Armortek coating that shields it from scratches and dirt.
Best of all, the scope is O-ring sealed and argon purged to offer a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog proof design
- 4x versatile zoom
- Exposed target-style turrets
- CRS zero stop function
- XR coated lenses
- Armortek coating
Pros
- Superb long-range precision
- Excellent build quality
- Crisp clear glass
- Great value for money
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
The Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is built for exactly the kind of shooting the AR excels at. It is simple to use and with the 1-8x magnification range, you get the flexibility to pursue targets at both close and long ranges.
This AR-15 rifle scope is designed to provide admirably clear image views from dawn to dusk. It boasts fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion glass that offers high resolution, true colors, and full clarity. In addition to that, the scope has an illuminated reticle that aids in faster target acquisition in dismal light settings.
Like any other Vortex optic, the Strike Eagle is built ready for outdoor use. It has an IPX-7 rating that makes it waterproof and dustproof. It is also fog proof and shockproof to offer reliable performance in any environment.
Features
- Glass-etched illuminated SFP reticle
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 30mm body tube
- 1-8x variable zoom
- XD lens elements
- Matte anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Comfortable eye relief
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not ideal for extreme long range
3) Vortex Optics Venom 5-25×56 FFP Riflescope
If you want to push your AR rifle to its full potential, you need a quality optic like the Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope. This optic has virtually every feature that you need to go the distance.
Firstly, it features a vast 5-25x magnification range suitable for medium and long-range shooting. The broad zoom is built into a 34mm tube, providing massive turret travel and reticle movement. The scope has the reticle housed in the first focal plane to optimize your accuracy at extended ranges.
Furthermore, the scope is built to last. It has a shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum body to shrug off recoil and impacts. For added protection, the exterior lenses have an Armortek coating that shields them from scratches, dirt, and oil stains. The scope is also waterproof and fog proof for use in any environment.
Other essential features included are an XD optical system, fully multi-coated lenses, a fast-focus eyepiece, a side parallax adjustment knob, and a RevStop Zero system.
Features
- 34mm tube
- 5-25x magnification range
- RevStop Zero system
- Armortek coating
- First focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof design
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Rapid and smooth magnification adjustment
- Great eye relief
- Crisp clear optical resolution
- Durable and repeatable
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
4) SightMark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
Next up is the Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope. If you use your AR chiefly for hunting, having this scope will help change how you hunt for the better.
The scope has dual day and night functionality to offer unmatched versatility. It employs a 1920×1080 CMOS sensor that detects objects as far as 200 yards away at night. It also comes with an 850nm IR illuminator that broadens your vision in pitch-dark light settings.
If you like to capture your hunting and shooting expeditions, you will find the scope really helpful. It comes with a built-in photo and video recording function that captures images and records videos in HD quality.
To top it all, the scope has a lightweight design and a wide field of view ideal for hunting fast-moving game like hogs and varmints.
Features
- Day and night mode
- High definition sensor
- 2-16x magnification
- 850nm IR illuminator
- 1280×720 FLCOS screen
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Wide field of view
- Lightweight design
- Affordable to power with common batteries
- Solid construction
Cons
- 2 hours of battery life could be better
5) Sightron SII SS 10-50×60 Side Focus Long Range Rifle Scope
Another best long-range AR scope on our list is the Sightron SII SS 10-50×60. The scope is built with long-range hunters in mind. It yields unprecedented long-range precision, reliability, and repeatable performance.
This long-range rifle scope is built to be virtually indestructible. It features a 30mm mono-piece main tube crafted from premium-quality aircraft aluminum. It is thick and rigid enough to handle any abuse you subject it to. Further, the scope has a waterproof and fog-proof construction for protection in bad weather.
The scope is ideal for use in nearly any lighting condition. It boasts an ultra-large 60mm objective that collects as much light as possible to ensure bright image production. Better yet, the lenses are fully multi-coated for optimal light transfer.
Above all, the scope features a side parallax focus for quick and simple parallax correction and a fast focus eyeball for easy adjustments.
Features
- Vast 10-50x magnification
- Second focal plane reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- 30mm main tube
- Water, fog, and shockproof
- Fast focus eyeball
- Fully multi-coated precision ground lenses
- ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system
Pros
- Superior long-range precision
- Reticle illumination
- Comfortable eye relief
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Quite Expensive
6) Burris RT Series Long Range Rifle Scope
Last but not least is the Burris RT-15 3-15x50mm long-range rifle scope. This scope is your perfect option to take your shooting skills to the next big level.
It features a first focal plane SCR 2 MIL dot reticle that is easy to use and highly accurate. The side parallax adjustment allows fine-tuning focus, while the built-in adjustable throw level aids in quick and swift magnification adjustment.
Construction-wise, this model is built around a rugged 30mm tube that is shockproof and rigid enough to handle the recoil from any direction. It is also filled with nitrogen to be fully fog proof and waterproof.
Features
- 3-15x magnification range
- First focal plane SCR 2 MIL dot reticle
- Zero click stop turrets
- Side parallax adjustment
- 80 MOA total elevation travel
- Waterproof and fog proof design
- Shockproof and recoil-resistant construction
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great pricing
- Admirable performance in all lighting conditions
- Best-in-class design and performance
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
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Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best Long Range AR Scope
Magnification
The scope’s magnification range is the first thing to consider. For long-range shooting and hunting, it is best to get a scope with a high magnification of 10x or more.
The higher the scope magnification, the easier for you to place the shot accurately at extended ranges. High magnification also helps you find targets more swiftly.
Objective Lens
In a scope, magnification and objective lenses go hand in hand. The higher the optic magnification, the larger the objective lens it should have.
The further you shoot, the more light the scope should collect to yield bright image views. When selecting, try and look for a scope with a large objective lens of not less than 40mm. It will yield reliable performance in all light settings and provide the much-needed large visual field.
Quality of Lenses
The quality of lenses a scope has can make or break your shooting performance. The best long range AR scope is built to offer crisp, clear image views in any environment. This is achievable only when the scope uses ED, HD, or other lenses. On top of that, the scope should have anti-reflective coatings to help minimize glare and light reflection.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is critical to consider as it determines how comfortable your shooting will be. A tip is to get a scope that has an eye relief that is longer than 3.5 inches.
A long eye relief will not only improve your focus on the target but also prevent straining your eye when you aim for a long time.
Build Quality
The next thing you should consider is the durability of the scope. A scope that is well-made with premium-grade materials will stand up to any abuse and offer you many years of use.
Scopes crafted with either aluminum or magnesium alloy offer great durability without adding extra weight. On top of that, ensure that you get a scope rated to be shockproof, waterproof and fog-resistant for use under any weather.
FAQs
What is the best rifle scope for long-range?
With a decent budget to choose a rifle scope, not many scopes can better the NightForce NF Benchrest Rifle Scope, 12-42x56mm, or the NightForce NX8 Rifle Scope, 4-32X50mm these scopes are tried and tested especially by law enforcement and the military. Which guarantees their reliability as well as performance on long-range targets.
Final Thoughts
If you own an AR rifle and the purpose of owning it is tackling long range targets, then this post gives you the perfect information for Knowing the best scopes to choose. This will make the selection and buying process simpler and less time-consuming.
Consider your individual needs and then focus on finding a scope that matches those needs. Whatever you have planned, there is a scope out there for you.
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