A wise hunting buddy once told me, “Buy the best glass you can afford. You can’t hit what you can’t see.” That golden nugget emphasizes the need to top your predator guns with optics that will allow you to obtain optimal performance. It doesn’t make sense to invest a bunch of money in a predator rifle capable of punching minute-of-angle groups and then equip it with substandard glass that inhibits that capability. There are factors to consider when purchasing a scope: the type of firearm on which it will sit, the critters you will be hunting and the type of terrain in which you will be hunting. When hunting Big Sky country, it’s important to employ a riflescope with the power and clarity to reach out to the neighboring zip code and guide your bullet to the promised land. Only when a rifle’s optics are of optimum quality and the hunter’s trigger tug is true will it be possible to squeeze every bit of accuracy from a tack-driving fur gun. There are several characteristics that define a proper long-range riflescope: substantial magnification range, durable construction, large objective lens, high-quality glass and such. So, if it’s time to top your fur gun with a new riflescope, carefully consider those qualities that make sense for the types of long-range hunting you do before laying down your hard-earn Benjamins. Here are some top-shelf options you might want to consider.
ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9X
The American Technologies Network X-Sight LTV 3-9X is a major advancement in day and night digital riflescopes, and the latest in ATN’s HD optics lineup. Powered by the new ATN Obsidian LT core that is optimized for low power consumption, it delivers more than 10 hours of battery life. The X-Sight LTV provides vivid, crisp clarity during the day and has amazing nighttime performance — via its new QHD+ M584 sensor. Record HD videos and get on target extraordinarily fast with the One Shot Zero feature. The X-Sight LTV can be mounted on any platform with standard 30mm rings.
Retail: $599
Axeon Optics 6-24x50mm SF LD
The Axeon Optics 6-24x50mm SF Long Distance scope with side focus features exposed turrets and precision optics that deliver sharp images even at long ranges at a value price point. Its relatively simple design is ideal for new shooters. It features 6-24X magnification and passes a generous amount of light through its 50mm fully multicoated objective lens and on through its 30mm tube and quick adjustments are easy to make via the exposed tactical windage and elevation Zero Reset turrets. The SF Long Distance scope is equipped with a mil-dot reticle, side-adjust parallax and 3.5 inches of eye relief.
MSRP: $299.99
Black Diamond ZS-25
Black Diamond’s ZS-25 5-30x56mm first focal plane riflescope is built tough for extreme precision — able to withstand the harshest hunting conditions. Built on a 34mm one-piece tube, it features high-quality ED glass, 95 MOA of adjustment and 25 MOA per revolution with Zero-Stop elevation. It has a parallax adjustment of 15 yards to infinity, high-quality Diamond-Tech fully multicoated lenses that provide definition and clarity and a magnification range that optimizes both close- and long-range shooting opportunities. The ZS-25 is 15.19 inches long and weighs 26.10 ounces. It is waterproof (IPX7), dustproof and shockproof and includes a sunshade, lens covers, tool kit, extra red elevation cap and cleaning cloth.
MSRP: $1,999.99
Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm
For a wide range of magnification and precise holdover estimation, the Burris Fullfield IV 6-24x50mm riflescope features 6X magnification and three precision reticle options built on a 30mm tube — an excellent choice for long-range target shooting and predator hunting. Reticle options include the Ballistic 3, and this is the only Fullfield riflescope model to also include Fine Plex and SCR MOA reticle options. This model also features close focus at 10 yards and parallax adjustment. It comes with a matte black finish.
MSRP: $479-$539
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm
The all-new Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm second focal plane riflescope features the Company’s new Windhold etched glass illuminated reticle and includes turrets for five popular calibers. The foundation for this scope is an aircraft aluminum 1-inch tube with large, exposed mil turrets. Magnification changes can be made quickly with the included short and long throw levers. In addition to a 6-mil turret, included are four additional BDC caliber-specific elevation turrets for custom dialing-in rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .224 Valkyrie, .308 Win. and .223 Rem. Other features include a fast focus eye piece, fully multicoated optics that deliver crisp images in a wide variety of light conditions and a lifetime warranty.
MSRP: $269.99
German Precision Optics Spectra 2.5-20x50i
German Precision Optics’ (GPO) Spectra 8X 2.5-20x50i riflescope was designed for the long-range hunter — featuring a 30mm main tube, proprietary GPObright high-transmission lens coating technology, iControl illumination technology, PASSIONdrop hydrophobic exterior lens coatings and a double HD glass objective lens. It comes equipped with GPO’s G4i reticle with illuminated red dot in the center of the crosshairs and a large 50mm objective lens soaks up maximum available light. Its 20X top-end magnification makes precision shooting at distant targets a breeze. Spectra 8X riflescopes are crafted from a solid, one-piece dust-proof, waterproof, nitrogen-filled body that provides consistent point-of-impact and the ultimate in strength and durability.
MSRP: $1,349.99 www.gpo-usa.com
Hawke Optics Sidewinder
Hawke Optics has added two new first focal plane models to its Sidewinder riflescope line — the 4-16x50mm SF and the 6-24x56mm SF — both with the new FFP MOA reticle for first focal plane optics with MOA-spaced aiming points. The reticle is designed to give closer aiming points than the FFP Half Mil reticle and can be used for the counting method of zeroing-in on target, with each cross positioned 4 MOA apart. All Sidewinder models have a 30mm main tube and feature new H5 ultra-wide 24-degree field of view optics with 4 inches of eye relief and precision locking turrets with ¼-MOA clicks that now have a Witness Window that provides instant visual confirmation of the turret position.
MSRP: $799/4-16x50mm; $819/6-24x56mm
Leica Amplus 6 3-18x44i
The Leica Amplus 6 3-18x44i riflescope features an extremely rugged design and intuitive controls. High-quality optics make it a reliable companion for a variety of hunts — its lightweight and short, compact design a distinct advantage when stalking predators. This model’s wide magnification range also makes it a good fit for hunting in wide open areas, where shooting distances can vary greatly. The Amplus 6 balances premium optical performance with rugged features and is complimented by a sharp illuminated dot, 6X zoom, large exit pupil and wide field of view. Its robust design makes it a great option for uncompromising use in any situation, even in the most adverse conditions.
MSRP: $1,399/ Ballistic BDC reticle
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope has been crafted to redefine accuracy, precision and optical performance for long-range shooters — and doing so in a package that embodies rugged reliability. All models in the Mark 5HD line deliver edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance. The Mark 5HD was designed with a 35mm main tube for increased adjustment travel and ships with a high-speed power selector ring featuring an optional low-profile throw lever. The heart of the Mark 5HD is in its ZeroLock adjustments, which provide precise, repeatable tracking with a dead-on return to zero. Weighing just 30 ounces, it features 3.6/3.8-inch eye relief (low to high) and 20.4/4.2-foot field of view at 100 yards (low to high).
MSRP: $1,999.99
Lucid Optics L5 6-24x50mm
The L5 6-24x50mm long-range riflescope from Lucid Optics features a stout one-piece 30mm aluminum tube with precise and repeatable 1/8-MOA windage and elevation adjustments on lockable and re-zeroable tactical-style turrets. The side parallax adjustment combined with ocular diopter adjustment provides a crisp target image over the entire magnification range. The L5 etched glass reticle is a precise MOA measuring device with 2 MOA increments below the rifle’s zero and meaningful windage values built in. The L5 is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof and comes with a stretch fit neoprene cover and limited lifetime warranty. It is 17 inches long and weighs 3.05 pounds.
MSRP: $519.99 www.lucidoptics.com
Maven RS.4 5-30x56mm FFP
The RS.4 5-30x56mm riflescope from Maven was designed for hunters who require maximum precision when minor adjustments can make all the difference. This purpose-built riflescope features a first focal plane reticle, 5-30X zoom range, side parallax adjustment, four level red and green reticle illumination and MOA or mil-based reticles. A mechanical Zero Stop with positive stops ensures a return to the original zero. With a broad magnification range and precision dialing capabilities, the RS.4 is a great option for predator hunters who like to stretch the barrel of their favorite varmint rifles. The Maven RS.4 features crystal clear ED glass for tack-sharp clarity, a silky focus mechanism, precision-milled adjustments, solid click detents and durable anodizing to stand up to heavy use.
MSRP: $1,800
Meopta USA Optika6 3-18x50mm
Meopta’s newest line of premium riflescopes — the Optika6 — features a 30mm tube, 6X zoom, zero-reset turrets and advanced MeoBright lens coating that delivers edge-to-edge clarity and bright, sharp images. For long-range hunters/shooters the 3-18x50mm model is available with numerous first and second focal plane reticle options, including the new DichroTech reticle, which features battery-free illumination in any light condition. There is also a 34mm 5-30x56mm model with ED glass to eliminate chromatic aberration at high magnification. All Optika6 Shooting series riflescopes feature rubber-armored target turrets for a non-slip grip. Optika6 Shooting and Hunting scopes also come with illuminated reticle options and windage and elevation adjustments in either mils or MOA.
Retail: $747.99/FFP; $599.99-$649.99/SFP
NightForce Atacr 4-20x50mm F1
New for 2021, the 4-20x50mm Atacr first focal plane riflescope from NightForce fills an important magnification range in the popular optics lineup. Equally at home atop a bolt-action or semi-automatic rifle, the 4-20x50mm F1 is smaller and lighter than its big brother, the 5-25x56mm F1, while offering a 25 percent improvement in magnification over the 4-16x42mm F1. With Digillum illumination, ZeroStop turret, power throw lever, ED lenses and 20X max magnification, the Atacr 4-20x50 F1 is a great option for predator hunting where a wide range of targets at a variety of distances might be encountered. Other features include a sturdy 34mm tube, parallax adjustment and 3.5 inches of eye relief.
MSRP: $3,000
Riton 7 Conquer 3-18x50mm Riflescope
For riflemen looking for a long-range optics solution, the Riton 7 Conquer 3-18x50mm riflescope features a first focal plane illuminated reticle with fully multicoated glass, integrated removeable throw lever and advanced Zero Stop turrets for an instant and reliable return to zero. It has six levels of red illumination with an “off” setting between each level, 1/10 MRAD windage and elevation adjustments and fast-focus eyepiece. The Riton 7 Conquer features a 34mm tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum to hold up in the toughest hunting environments and is 100 percent waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. It weighs in at 31 ounces and has an overall length of 13.62 inches.
MSRP: $1,499.99
Sightmark Latitude 6.25-25x56mm PRS
The Latitude 6.25-25x56mm PRS riflescope by Sightmark was designed for long-range shooting, when fast, repeatable and reliable target acquisition is a requisite for success. The Latitude delivers big with premium scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, fully multicoated glass and a first focal plane red/green illuminated PRS Mil-dash reticle. Its 34mm hard-anodized, single-piece, 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube ensures durability, and oversized, tactile, distinct-click turrets with .1 mil adjustments and quick-set Zero-Stop ring, locking, fast-focus eyepiece and adjustable parallax make adjustments quick and easy. The Latitude is shockproof, IP67 waterproof rated, fogproof, dustproof and nitrogen purged for flawless, reliable performance in extreme environments. A sunshade, CR2032 battery, lifetime warranty and lens covers are included.
MSRP: $839.99
Sightron Premium Sports Optics SIII PLR
Sightron’s new Precision Long-Range (PLR) SIII riflescopes, with 8-32x56mm, 6-24x50mm,10-50x60mm and 6-24x50mm FFP (first image focal plane) models, are built on 30mm tubes and feature a new internal Zero-Stop mechanism with an audible positive stop for dead-on zero setting. Large, oversized tactical knobs are easy to adjust in any weather condition and are resettable to zero. For superior performance, Sightron’s new Zact-7 Revcoat Plus enhanced lens coating provides increased light transmission and improved clarity, and its ExacTrack windage and elevation system is standard on all models. All reticles in the PLR series are illuminated with a side-mounted 11-position on/off rotary-type dial which uses a CR2032 battery. All Sightron riflescopes are nitrogen-charged for a 100 percent waterproof and fogproof system.
MSRP: Starting at $1,149.99
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP
Chasing big game in wide open country demands a lot from hunters — and their optics. The Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP riflescope from Vortex is a great solution. The optics company took its top tier Razor HD LHT and built its big brother, keeping the light and tough design while adding first focal plane functionality, a higher magnification range and XLR-2 reticle system that’s intuitive and easy to use. There’s even push-button illumination to help the user maintain point of aim in low-light conditions. The Razor HD LHT features a locking elevation turret and RevStop Zero system for a reliable return to zero after dialing.
MSRP: $1,999.99
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm
Conquest V4 riflescopes from Zeiss were designed for hunters who require rugged long-range optics — based on a 4X zoom ratio and incorporating a 30mm main tube. The V4 4-16x44mm delivers 90 percent to-the-eye light transmission and features .25 MOA click values, capped windage turret or external locking windage turret, a large range of elevation and windage travel and various traditional and smart second focal plane reticles. Its 44mm objective lens offers great low-light performance at lower magnification ranges, while allowing the rifle and riflescope package to maintain a compact footprint. To support long-range hunting and shooting, the scope has a side parallax adjustment and an external elevation turret with Ballistic Stop. Five reticle options are available, from duplex-style to advanced smart reticles.
MSRP: $949.99-$1,149.99
