Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Riflescope for Precision Shooting

Finding the best riflescope for long-range shooting can be a challenge. This guide will show you the importance of a good long-range scope, what exactly makes a long-range hunting scope “good,” and which riflescopes will work best with your kit. We’ll help you zero in on the best rifle scope, so you can hit your mark 100 percent of the time.



Before investing in a riflescope, there are a few things to consider, such as range and environment; type of firearm, mount, and cartridge; and your budget. With these factors in mind, you can start thinking about more features like magnification ranges, focal planes, turret options, and reticle designs.

Consider Magnification, Objective Lens, Range, and Environment

The magnification of a scope is represented by a magnification number range, followed by the diameter of the objective lens. For example, let’s break down what “3-9x40mm” means. This is a popular riflescope configuration.



The “3-9x” represents the magnification, while the “40mm” describes the diameter of the objective lens. At 3x magnification, your target will appear three times closer, whereas at 9x magnification, it will appear nine times closer. As for the best objective lens size, it really depends on your intended use in the field. One of the most common objective lens sizes is 40mm, though the larger the size, the better the image.



So which common scope range is better, 3-9x or 4-12x? The distance to your target and the environment in which you’re shooting play an important role when deciding on what level of magnification you want your riflescope to offer. You may want a different magnification range entirely.



For instance, when hunting whitetail deer in densely wooded areas of Pennsylvania, you’re probably not going to be shooting more than 100 yards (though there are many exceptions, of course).



For this application, a 3.5-10x scope such as the Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50 Dead-Hold BDC Riflescope, is more than sufficient.

Read More: The Sauer 100 Classic: A True Rifleman’s Tool

On the other hand, for hunts within the wide open prairielands of Colorado, it's not uncommon to be taking shots that exceed 300 yards. At this range, you might want to think about a scope in the 3-18x magnification range, such as the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD Riflescope.

Know Your Firearms, Cartridges, and Reticles

When choosing the right reticle for your scope, you’ll definitely need to consider both the firearm you are mounting it on and the caliber of that weapon. The target’s range will also affect the reticle choice, but personal preference will play a massive role, too.



There are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of reticles you can choose, but for now, let’s focus on the basics: crosshair reticles and bullet drop compensation reticles.



Crosshair Reticles Explained



Crosshair reticles literally just consist of two intersecting lines, sometimes including extra features like a center dot. Many shooters prefer crosshairs due to their simplicity, ease of use, and unobstructed fields of view.



These reticle designs are well-suited for firearms chambered in common hunting cartridges like .308, .30-06, and 6.5 Creedmoor models intended for medium-range targets. The simple crosshair design also excels with straight-wall cartridge firearms and rifled shotguns loaded with slugs. The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm FireDot Duplex Riflescope is a perfect choice for any of the aforementioned platforms.

The downside of crosshair reticles is they tend to be harder to use on targets at extended ranges, however, this can be overcome by scopes equipped with exposed ballistics turrets (we’ll expand on this later) and simply just getting more experience with your rifle.



What Are Bullet Drop Compensation Reticles?



Bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles are exactly what they sound like: reticles designed to accommodate bullet drop, among other things. Available in countless configurations, BDC reticles are typically composed of a “grid” structure in the shape of a pyramid, sometimes affectionately referred to as “Christmas tree reticles.”



These grid structures feature hash marks and holdover points that shooters can use to accommodate bullet drop, as well as wind drift. These types of reticles are often paired with laser range finders and weather meters to great effect. Certain types of BDC reticles such as the Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20 AR-Ballistic Riflescope are designed for specific cartridges like 5.56 NATO and 7.62x51 NATO.

Aside from caliber-specific options, scopes with BDC reticles are a perfect choice for long-action and magnum firearms intended for extremely long distances–such as .338 Lapua, .338 Win Mag, and .300 Win Mag–in addition to smaller and more common long-range calibers. For long-range, heavy-caliber firearms, consider the Leupold Mark 4HD 6-24x52 FFP PR2-MIL Riflescope.

The downside to BDC reticles is their complexity. Less experienced shooters may have difficulty using them. Complicated BDC reticles can also be distracting and can sometimes even obstruct the shooter's field of view.



Ultimately, the type of reticle you choose should be the one you are most comfortable using. Many people learned to shoot using simple crosshairs and continue to stick with what works best for them. Others may see the potential benefits of a complex BDC reticle and will take the time to learn how they work.

Choosing First Focal Plane (FFP) vs Second Focal Plane (SFP)

Another important reticle aspect to consider is the focal plane. In general, there are two types of focal plane: first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP).



Within a FFP riflescope, the reticle will increase in size as magnification is increased and decrease in size as magnification is decreased. Within a SFP riflescope, the reticle will appear to remain the same size across the entire magnification range. There are pros and cons to both.



One of the main benefits of FFP riflescopes is that ballistic holdover points on BDC reticles will remain accurate, regardless of magnification. On high-magnification FFP scopes like the Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 MOAR Riflescope, this feature can greatly improve accuracy at extreme ranges.

For low power variable optics (LPVO) with FFP reticles, such as the Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24 F1 .1 Mil-Radian NVD PTL FC-DMX Riflescope, the user can dial back the magnification and use the riflescope as an impromptu red dot sight for targets at close range.

There are a few drawbacks to FFP scopes, however. They are generally more expensive than their SFP counterparts. FFP reticles might also be too small at low magnification to use holdover points or too large at high magnification, obscuring the target.



While SFP scopes lack the more advanced features of a FFP scope, they are still an excellent option and typically cost less. This makes a SFP scope like the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 BRH Riflescope a great choice for typical hunting scenarios.

Should You Choose Exposed Turrets or Capped Turrets?

When choosing a riflescope, you should also consider whether you want exposed or capped turrets.



Scopes with exposed turrets (like the Schmidt Bender 6-36x56mm PM II US LPI P5FL Riflescope) allow shooters to instantly make changes to elevation (and sometimes windage) in the field without the use of tools, in order to “dial” to their target at extended range.



Exposed turrets generally have a locking feature (to prevent unintentional adjustments) and a ballistic stop function (to allow the user to return to their original zeroing after adjusting). Similar to FFP optics, scopes with exposed turrets tend to be more expensive and can be difficult for beginners.

Conversely, scopes with capped turrets (like the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 Dead-Hold Riflescope) are usually less expensive and have a slimmer profile, but since the adjustment dials are covered or “capped,” making adjustments in the field is more tedious.

More Features to Consider When Choosing a Riflescope

After you’ve considered magnification, reticle, focal plane, and turret configuration, there are a few more details to keep in mind.



You may want to pursue a riflescope with an illuminated reticle, like the one found on

the Schmidt Bender 3-12x42 Klassik LM L3 Riflescope. This may cost a little more but will enable more accurate shooting in low-light environments.



Glass quality is another detail that many people ignore. Swarovski offers some of the highest-quality glass on the market (and therefore the best images), providing a significantly noticeable difference in both brightness and clarity.

Final Thoughts



When choosing the best riflescope for your money, there is a lot to consider. Whether you’re tracking game across wide-open terrain or lining up a shot in low-light conditions, the right scope gives you the exceptional clarity, accuracy, and confidence you need to make every shot count.



The right riflescope is the key to precision and long-range shooting success. Take the time to evaluate your hunting style, environment, and budget, so you can invest in optics that won’t let you down when it matters most.