Are you hunting for the best long range scope for use with a 30-06 rifle? If your answer is yes, you have come to the right place.
Here in this article, we will provide you with all the information you require to choose the right scope for your needs.
The 30-06 Springfield is a very popular cartridge for good reasons one of which is that the ballistic characteristics outperform other cartridges. Additionally, you can take out targets as far as 800 to 1000 yards
Pairing your 30-06 rifle with a worthy scope is important for maximizing performance. It will help you easily cover your shooting range and make your shots more accurate. A scope with the right combination of features is also vital to pushing this cartridge to its full potential.
7 Best Long Range Scopes for 30-06 Rifle
Here is a quick summary of the best scopes for 30-06
| 1) Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16x50mm Riflescope
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| 2) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
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| 3) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
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| 4) Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56mm APRS1 Rifle Scope
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| 5) Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
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| 6) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
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| 7) Steiner M7XI 2.9-20x50mm Rifle Scope
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1) Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
The Viper HS LR 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope from Vortex comes in first. This long-distance rifle scope harbors many modern features, making it the best scope for 30-06 long-range.
The variable 4-16x zoom range provides the zoom versatility you need to take full advantage of the 30-06 cartridge. It is usable even at the highest 16x setting thanks to the large 50mm aperture that guarantees great light-gathering ability.
Furthermore, the scope has an ultra-friendly eye box and long eye relief to get you on target quickly and easily. Besides that, this optic has a wide field of view and adjustable parallax that guarantees great precision at all ranges.
Built on a single-piece 30mm main tube, the scope is ultra-strong enough to handle anything you throw at it. It also features dependable waterproof and fogproof protection to outlast elements in the field.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- Water, fog, and shockproof
- Precision glide erector system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Single-piece 30mm main tube
Pros
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Clear and quality glass
- Easy-to-use features
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Sitting comfortably in second is the NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope. Optimized for long-range shooting, this high-powered rifle scope has features that will revolutionize how you shoot.
The eyepiece in this rifle scope has an integrated power throw lever and XtremeSpeed thread for making fast magnification and diopter adjustments, respectively. It also has a marked parallax adjustment to ensure smooth parallax correction at long ranges.
Another impressive feature of the scope is the built 34mm body tube. The large tube design delivers increased windage and elevation travel for optimal adjustment. Over and above that, the scope is made with the most durable materials for strength and rigidity.
Other essential features included are generous eye relief, Digillum reticle illumination, and ED optics, enhancing resolution and color accuracy.
Features
- 5-25x total magnification
- 34mm tube diameter
- ED optics
- First focal plane reticle
- Integrated power throw lever
- Capped windage turrets
- Adjustable parallax
Pros
- Ample eye relief
- Crystal clear glass
- High build quality
- Plenty of elevation adjustment
Cons
- Expensive
3) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
You need a premium quality optic like the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope to gain an unmatched tactical edge in the field. It has all the required features to enhance accuracy and efficiency with your 30-06 rifle.
This scope is built to last. It is shockproof to handle repetitive recoil and rough handling. It has an Armortek lens coating that is scratch-proof for added protection in the field. Besides, it is fully waterproof and fogproof for all-weather use.
The reticle is put on the first focal plane in this rifle scope. It stays true through the entire 5-25x zoom and is illuminated to ensure confident aiming in low-light settings. Even better, it is glass-etched for optimum durability and reliability.
Optically, this long-range rifle scope has fully multi-coated optics to enhance light transmission in low-light environments. It also has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick and simple reticle focusing.
Features
- Precision-force spring system
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- First focal plane reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- 30mm tube size
- XD lens elements
Pros
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Easy to use
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- Quite heavy at 31.2 oz
4) Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56mm APRS1 Rifle Scope
Fourth on our list of the best scope for 30-06 long range is Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56mm. For extreme long-range shooting, this rifle scope is your ideal option.
Built with a broad 4.5-30x magnification, the scope can easily cover all ranges. It provides a wide field of view at the lowest zoom settings and better target acquisition at higher zoom levels. It is also built on a 34mm main tube to provide adequate room for adjustments.
Complementing the versatile zoom setting is a high-precision erector system that provides consistent and repeatable adjustments. A true precision zero stop is also included to give you a repeatable return to your initial zero.
When it comes to construction, the scope features a ruggedized aluminum body that is rigid enough to take in any abuse. It is also fogproofed and IPX-7 waterproofed even in adverse weather conditions.
Features
- XPL lens coating
- 34mm main tube
- First focal plane reticle
- 5-30x magnification
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- UHD glass elements
- Precision zero-stop system
- Locking turrets
Pros
- Sufficient eye relief
- Clear optics
- Tactile turret clicks
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Heavy at 36.5 oz
5) Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Zeiss is synonymous with quality. It makes premium-grade, versatile, and valuable optics, and the V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is no different. It excels at close to long ranges to meet the ardent hunters and shooters’ needs.
The scope has a versatile 6x zoom housed in a compact body. The zoom power is usable at every range thanks to the oversized 50mm objective lens. Besides, the scope maintains a wide field of view at each magnification range for quick scanning and target finding.
This rifle scope will perform flawlessly in any terrain year after year. With its rugged construction, it can stand up to rough use and repetitive recoil. It is also waterproof, dustproof, and fogproof to ensure unimpeded field use.
Features
- Adjustable parallax
- 3-18x total magnification
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- Fluoride glass elements
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Manageable weight
- Simple to use
- High build quality
- Great picture clarity
Cons
- Expensive
6) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best scope for 30-06 long range is the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm. Mounting this scope on your 30-06 rifle will hone your skills and help you shoot in any light with phenomenal precision.
It features a large 50mm objective lens for gathering more light inside the optics. Furthermore, it offers a dual illumination system that automatically adjusts the reticle’s brightness to match ambient lighting conditions.
Another remarkable thing about this scope is its high build quality. It is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is durable but lightweight. The quality construction and all-weather protection mean the scope is ideal for use in any weather condition. Besides, the exterior surface is hard anodized against scratches, rust, and corrosion.
Other noteworthy features include an easy-focus eyepiece, a repositionable magnification lever, and generous windage and elevation adjustment.
Features
- Vast 5-20x magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- Second focal plane reticle
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- 30mm tube diameter
- Repositionable magnification lever
Pros
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Comfortable eye relief
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Battery-free illumination
Cons
- Water resistant to 10 ft only
7) Steiner M7XI 2.9-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Our last scope recommendation for the 30-06 long range is Steiner M7XI 2.9-20x50mm. This variable power optic has everything you need to fine-tune your accuracy at long ranges and make every shooting expedition worthwhile.
It is outstanding long-range performance is all attributed to the high-end optical system. It employs high transmission optics and top-notch lens coating, offering outstanding detail recognition and unmatched optical quality.
Moreover, the scope employs an intelligent firing solution with an individually customizable display in the field of view. Once set, you will never lose sight of the target. Besides, a built-in ballistic calculator is included to help you hunt responsibly.
Last, the Steiner M7XI 2.9-20x50mm Rifle Scope features an extremely rugged 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof housing.
Features
- 34mm tube diameter
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- First focal plane reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- 9-20x total magnification
- Built-in ballistic calculator
Pros
- Outstanding picture quality
- Generous field of view
- Ruggedized and reliable construction
- Excellent turrets
Cons
- Expensive
See Also
What Magnification Do You Need?
30-06 cartridge is more effective now than it ever was before. When shopping for the best scope for the 30-06 long range, consider the distance you will be shooting at and the intended usage. These two factors will dictate which magnification size you go for.
Variable magnification scopes allow you to adjust the zoom level, which can be beneficial for various shooting scenarios. For close and medium-range hunting up to 300 yards, up to 9x magnification will suffice. On the other hand, if you want to stretch out the 30-06 beyond 600 yards, consider at least 12x magnification.
Buying the Best Long Range Scope for 30-06 Rifle
Here are some of the characteristics one should consider when shopping for a long range scope to use with a 30/06 cartridge
Purpose
Determine the primary purpose of your rifle. Are you using it for long-range precision shooting, hunting, or general-purpose shooting? Different scopes are designed for different applications.
Objective Lens Size
The size of the objective lens determines the amount of light the scope can gather. A larger objective lens lets in more light, which is useful in low-light conditions and long-range. A 40mm to 50mm objective lens is suitable for a .30-06.
Reticle Type
Choose a reticle (crosshair pattern) that suits your shooting style and preferences. Common options include duplex, Mil-dot, and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles. Some reticles offer windage and elevation marks for easier adjustments.
Build Quality
Look for scopes that are built to withstand recoil, shock, and various weather conditions. They should be nitrogen-purged or O-ring sealed to be fogproof and waterproof.
Glass quality
A 30-06 long-range scope is only as good as its glass quality. Go for a unit with high-performance elements like ED or HD glass. Such scopes yield phenomenal resolution and target detail. The best scope for 30-06 long range should also have proper anti-reflective lens coatings to enhance light transmission.
Adjustability
Ensure the scope has easy-to-adjust turrets for windage and elevation. Tactical or target turrets with audible and tactile clicks are often preferred for precise adjustments.
Eye Relief
Check the eye relief of the scope to ensure it provides a comfortable shooting experience, especially if you’re using a high-recoil rifle like the .30-06. A generous eye relief also allows the shooter to properly position themselves while shooting
Weight
Weight is the other important thing to take into account. A lightweight scope will not add weight to your 30-06 rifle or come in your way of shooting. Lightweight scopes are also beneficial as they are portable and simpler to shoot.
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Final Thoughts
Matching your 30-06 rifle with the best scope is the only way you can maximize your long range performance. Each scope we have mentioned in this article pairs well with the 30-06 to ensure reliable performance in all situations. Consider your shooting needs and use this guide to find a perfect scope
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