In the last decade, long-range shooting has become one of the most popular sectors of the shooting sports industry. From gong-ringing competitions at the range to extended trophy shots on Western game lands, it’s clear that today’s shooters can shooter longer and more accurately than ever before. Much of this improved long-range capability is the product of improved ammunition with higher-velocity projectiles. An equally big part, however, is improved optics. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best sniper scope available to civilian shooters.
Optics and Shooting
Most experienced shooters have used a range of scopes at various performance levels. It’s common for hunters to use vintage optics handed down over generations on an heirloom firearm. If you’ve never looked carefully at today’s best sniper scopes, then you may be in for some surprises. Sure, your grandfather’s old Simmons may work just fine for a weekend in the Midwestern whitetail woods. But would you really want to carry that thing up a 7,000-foot ridge while chasing sheep in Idaho?
Scope Changes
The best sniper scopes today are lighter, have better quality glass, and are far more durable than their antique counterparts. While some modern scopes may look intimidating because of a larger form factor, it’s important to remember why they are bigger. The front (objective) lens on any scope allows light to pass through and offers the shooter a field a vision. The bigger your objective lens the greater clarity you’ll have in low light conditions. It’s also important to remember that today’s high-tech materials will be far lighter weight than the overweight scopes of yesteryear.
So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge into long range shooting but you’re intimidated by that looks of today’s best sniper scopes then you can put those fears to rest. Throughout this article, we’ll get you all the information you need to make an informed choice so you’ll pick the best sniper scope for your long-range shooting needs.
Product FAQ
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1. How Do Sniper Scopes Work?
The best sniper scopes have a series of internal and external lenses that magnify objects at a long distance. The forward most external lens is called the objective lens, and it allows light to pass into the scope. The rear-most lens is called the focal lens, and it allows the user to see into the scope and adjust the focus. In between the two is one or more magnifying lenses that make objects in the objective lens appear larger.
As the user zooms in on their target the magnifying lens moves closer to the objective lens. The opposite is true as you zoom out. Accuracy adjustments are made with knobs on the tops and sides of a scope called turrets. As these turrets are twisted the crosshairs or other reticle display in the scope will move gradually allowing the shooter to align the scope and gun properly. This process is known as zeroing or finding the zero point.
2. How Are Sniper Scopes Different from Regular Scopes?
There are several key differences between long-range sniper scopes and standard rifle scopes. For one thing, sniper scopes usually offer greater magnification than traditional scopes. The best sniper scopes also usually allow shooters to correct for factors like inclines and crosswinds that may affect a long-range shot. Some sniper rifles will also have larger objective lenses than traditional scopes.
3. What Types of Shooters Need a Sniper Scope?
Though sniper scope used to be reserved for military and law enforcement, these days they are popular with many types of shooters. Sniper scopes have become a popular choice for Western hunters as they often have wide-open country available to spot and stalk game. It’s common for Western hunters to shoot out to 400 yards and some will even shoot as far as 1,000 yards. Long-range competition shooting has also gained tremendous popularity in recent years and these scopes are popular within that discipline.
4. What Should You Look for in a Sniper Scope?
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There is a wide range of features and performance levels available in today’s sniper scopes. A few key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a sniper are price, length, weight, compatibility with your rifle’s caliber, turret adjustability, glass quality, weather resistance, lens size, brand reputation, aesthetic, and warranty.
5. Who Makes the Best Sniper Scopes?
Today’s shooting sports industry is flooded with scope makers. Some of today’s best sniper scope makers include Nikon, Schmidt and Bender, Vortex, Steiner, FSI, Nightforce, and Leupold.
How We Reviewed
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For this article, we selected sniper scopes with a range of different price points, quality levels, features, and sizes. We broke down the features for each scope and their prices, availability, and warranty information. Every scope has pros and cons, so we offered a few bullet points for each. We also chose one overall best sniper scope from this group. We’re not saying this scope is the perfect option for every shooter at the range, but we feel it’s an ideal combination of price, performance, durability, and overall value.
Overall Price Range
Prices can differ for today’s best sniper scopes but the products on this list range between around $300 and around $2000. Lower-end scopes usually offer excellent value but cut costs by using lower-quality glass and offering less clarity. Top-end sniper scopes will offer crystal clear vision at very long distances and offer superb durability for years of tough use afield.
What We Reviewed
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- Nikon M-308 4-16X42 Riflescope
- Schmidt Bender PMII
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope
- Steiner Optics M-Series Rifle Scope
- FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope
- Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- Leupold FX-II 4x33mm Riflescope
- Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Patrol Rifle Scope
Nikon M-308 4-16X42 Riflescope
[amazon box=”B07QGDDR1G”]
Description
The Nikon M-308 4-16X42 Riflescope is a superb quality sniper scope with excellent versatility that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. This scope is made for integration with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match and is optimized for use with .308 caliber rifles including ARs. It offers 4X to 16X optical magnification and the generous 42mm objective lens will keep you shooting straight until the finals hours of your hunting day.
Nikon chose a BDC 800 reticle for this scope, so you’ll have plenty of confidence handling bullet drops at long range. The fully waterproof, fog proof, and shock resistant tube will also withstand the worst weather you can find.
PROS
- Compatible with Spot on Ballistic Match
- Calibre specific
- 4X to 16X zoom
- BDC 800 reticle
CONS
- Smaller objective lens than some sniper scopes
Price
$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B07QGDDR1G” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered by Nikon’s limited lifetime warranty.
Schmidt Bender PMII
[amazon box=”B001JJCHLG”]
Description
The Schmidt Bender PMII 3-12×50 L/P Gen II offers a mix of premium features that will appeal to high-performance shooters. This scope offers an illuminated reticle, parallax adjustment, and Schmidt’s proprietary .1 MRAD MTC (More Tactile Clicks) turret adjustment system. This means that you’ll be able to dial in your target easily regardless of wind conditions or low light. With a 3X to 12X optical zoom, you’ll also have more than enough magnification to obtain targets at extreme distances.
PROS
- Easily controlled turrets
- 3X to 12X variable magnification
- Superior glass clarity
- Parallax adjustment
CONS
- High cost
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B001JJCHLG” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered with a limited two-year warranty.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope
[amazon box=”B00HYRGMOA”]
Description
The Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 rifle scope is a premium-grade scope for specifically designed for hunters who need deadly accuracy in all conditions. This scope features Vortex’s illuminated, glass-etched EBR-2C MOA reticle with 11 different brightness intensities. You can dial this scope in as far as 27X magnification, so there won’t be any guessing about target acquisition when you’re shooting for keeps. Vortex’s L-TEC Turret System offers a visual sign of windage and elevation adjustments and allows for a quick and easy return to zero once adverse conditions calm down.
PROS
- Illuminated reticle
- 27X max magnification
- Easy to use turrets
- Excellent glass quality
CONS
- Higher cost than some competing scopes
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00HYRGMOA” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered with a limited lifetime warranty.
Steiner Optics M-Series Rifle Scope
[amazon box=”B00578DC9G”]
Description
The Steiner M5Xi has many features found on the highest priced scopes but with a considerably smaller price tag. This scope as a 3X to 15X variable magnification for an overall 5X power. The front focal plane design on this gun is manually adjustable with easily twisted turrets on the top and side. Shooters will both feel and see how far they’ve adjusted with indicating lines and can easily return to zero without incident. With an adjustable illuminated reticle, this gun is ideal for both daytime and nighttime use. What truly sets this gun apart, however, is its fully waterproof body that can be submerged down to 33ft.
PROS
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- 5X overall magnification power
- Waterproof to 33ft
- Variable intensity illuminated reticle
CONS
- More expensive than some competing scopes
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00578DC9G” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is backed with a lifetime limited warranty.
FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope
[amazon box=”B005D9HZ1K”]
Description
The FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope offers affordable quality for shooters who want to go long on a budget. This scope has a distinct look largely due to the front AO adjustment ring. FSI uses this ring just like the parallax adjustment on comparable rifles but puts the control at the tip of your fingers with an oversized tactile ring.
Despite this scope’s ample 50mm objective lens, it’s very light thanks to 6061 aircraft aluminum housing. Top and side turrets provide accurate windage and elevation controls for long shots with side winds and elevation changes. Multi-coated lenses complete the package on this scope and will keep you seeing for many seasons in the bush.
PROS
- Front AO adjustment rings
- 50mm objective lens
- Adjustable parallax view
- Light 6061 aircraft aluminum body
CONS
- A retro look that may not appeal to modern shooters
Price
$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B005D9HZ1K” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered by a limited lifetime warranty against defects but also a satisfaction guarantee.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope
[amazon box=”B01MZ871IV”]
Description
Vortex’s Viper PST Gen II offers maximum clarity and performance for shooters who want a top tier sniper scope at a mid-level price. This scope offers a robust 50mm objective lens with a 5X to 25X first focal plane magnification. The wide objective lens and 5X zoom on this scope make it one of the best sniper scopes available for both close range and long-range shots.
One of the most powerful features of this scope is the RTZ turret adjustment system. As you make windage and elevation adjustments an optical indicator keeps your initial zero-point illuminated. This way you can easily return the scope back to zero when needed.
PROS
- Vortex’s RTZ zero adjustment turrets
- 50mm objective lens
- 5X overall magnification
- Excellent reputation and customer support
CONS
- More expensive than some competitors
- Slightly larger form factor than some comparable scopes
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B01MZ871IV” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered by Vortex’s limited lifetime warranty.
Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope
[amazon box=”B00784RRNY”]
Description
The Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope is a high-performance product that easily ranks amongst the best sniper scopes on the market. This scope has a unique look with a matte black finish and some unique features to match. It offers 100 minute of accuracy internal adjustment to help you dial in long-range shots in even the most extreme weather conditions.
It has a massive 56mm objective lens that may have you feeling like you’re using a spotting scope. And despite the scope’s ample size, it’s surprisingly light thanks to the premium-grade aircraft aluminum construction. This a tough and durable scope ready for anything you can throw at it.
PROS
- Large objective lens
- Versatile internal MOA adjustments
- High-grade materials
- Exceptional warranty
CONS
- This scope could look massive on shorter guns
- Higher cost
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00784RRNY” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered with a lifetime limited warranty.
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope
[amazon box=”B00HYRGP4W”]
Description
The Viper HS-T 6-24×50 from Viper offers some of the best glass on the market for a low-middle priced sniper scope. This unit has lenses that are fully multi-coated and offer extra-low dispersion to help improve color recognition and overall clarity. The VMR-1 Reticle (MRAD) is easily adjustable with top and side turrets and the premium CRS Zero Stop system will never leave you second guessing about your zero.
PROS
- Large objective lens
- VMR-1 Reticle
- CRS Zero Stop
CONS
- May feel cumbersome compared with competing scopes.
Price
$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00HYRGP4W” value=”button”]
Warranty
Vortex covers this scope with a limited lifetime warranty.
Leupold FX-II 4x33mm Riflescope
[amazon box=”B0007KK2VU”]
Description
The Leupold FX-II is a scope that offers sniper-quality target acquisition at an affordable price. This is a four-lens system with full multi-coating throughout. It offers superb clarity and color representation in an ultra-tough, American-made casing. While this scope does not offer MOA adjustment, the 33mm objective lens is ideal for short range shooters who need to take the occasional long shot.
PROS
- Affordable quality
- Light and compact
- Ultra-durable
CONS
- No adjustable turrets
Price
$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B0007KK2VU” value=”button”]
Warranty
This scope is covered with a limited lifetime warranty.
Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Patrol Rifle Scope
[amazon box=”B00564TY98″]
Description
The Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Patrol Rifle Scope offers a slim and compact option for shooters using one of the many scout and patrol rifles on today’s market. With just a 20mm objective lens, this scope doesn’t have any wasted size or material. In fact, it’s made of ultra-light aircraft aluminum to give the lowest possible weight. It’s a totally waterproof scope and also boasts an illuminated FireDot Duplex style reticle to improve visibility in low light conditions.
PROS
- Light and compact
- Affordable
- Superb build quality
- Leupold’s sterling reputation
CONS
- Only a 4X maximum zoom
- Very small optical lens
Price
$$
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00564TY98″ value=”button”]
Warranty
Leupold covers this scope with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Verdict
Our choice as the best sniper scope from this group is the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope. This is a premium-grade scope and has the price tag to prove it. And while you’ll dig deep for the honor of mounting this scope, we think it falls under the “buy once, cry once” category. With its huge 56mm objective lens and 100 MOA internal adjustment capabilities, this scope will give you the chance to make shots you simply wouldn’t with other scopes.If you’re planning to mix in some close-range still hunting, then this may not be the right choice as it nearest zoom is 5.5X. For most forms of Western hunting and any competitions, however, we think this is one of the best sniper scopes on the market.
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