Rifle scopes for long-range shooting

This collection contains rifle scopes for long distances. Their top magnification is 15x to 18x, for example 4-16x44, 2-16x50, 3-15x50, 3-18x50 and 2.5-15x56. Objective lenses are 44, 50 or 56 mm. A larger objective gives a brighter image in poor light. All scopes in this collection have a 30 mm main tube.

Most scopes come from Vector Optics, from the Continental, Forester, Grizzly, Orion, Sentinel, Tauron and Veyron series. One scope is the Sightmark Presidio 3-18x50 with a first focal plane reticle.

Reading the title

FFP means first focal plane: the reticle grows with the magnification, so its marks stay correct at every setting. This matters for holdover at long distances. SFP means second focal plane: the reticle keeps the same size, and its marks are exact at one magnification only. "IR" or "i" in the title marks an illuminated reticle.

Scopes at a glance

Click value, eye relief and parallax

• Click value: how far one click of the turret moves the point of impact. 1/4 MOA moves it about 7 mm at 100 m, 1/2 MOA about 15 mm and 1/10 MIL 10 mm. Choose MOA or MIL to match the marks of the reticle.
• Eye relief: the distance between your eye and the eyepiece. A longer eye relief keeps the scope away from your eye under recoil.
• Parallax: a fixed parallax setting gives a sharp image without parallax at one distance. A side focus turret lets you set the parallax for each distance.

Most scopes in this collection have a side focus turret, which matters at long distances. The Sightmark Presidio 3-18x50 has an adjustable parallax from 15 yards. Many scopes here have a zero stop: the Presidio, the Continental x8 2-16x44, the Orion MAX and Orion Pro MAX models, the Tauron models and the Sentinel. After a long-range shot you turn the elevation turret back until it stops, and you are at your zero again. All scopes here have an illuminated reticle.

First focal plane models in this collection are the Sightmark Presidio 3-18x50, the Vector Optics Orion MAX 3-18x44, the Orion Pro MAX 4-16x44 HD and the Veyron 4-16x44 FFP models. The Continental x6 2.5-15x56 and the Grizzly 3-18x56i have the largest objective lens, 56 mm, for the brightest image in poor light.

Rings and bubble level

For a 30 mm tube you need 30 mm rings. See Scope rings by diameter. At long distances a small tilt of the rifle moves the point of impact. A bubble level on the scope shows the tilt. See Bubble levels for rifle scope.

For shorter distances, see Rifle scopes for mid-range shooting.

Frequently asked questions

Which rings do I need for these scopes?

30 mm rings. All scopes in this collection have a 30 mm main tube.

Do I need an angled rail?

For long distances, often yes. A 20 MOA rail gives the scope more elevation for far targets. See Picatinny rails.