As an avid hunter and firearms enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours testing and evaluating rifle scopes over the years. Finding the perfect optic for those challenging 600-yard shots can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for success in long-range shooting. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a dedicated hunter, or a tactical operator, having the right scope can make all the difference between hitting your mark and missing by a mile. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 rifle scopes for 600 yards available in 2024, diving deep into their features, performance, and real-world applications.

Before we delve into our list, let’s discuss why a high-quality scope is essential for long-range shooting. When you’re aiming at a target 600 yards away, even the slightest error in your optics can result in a significant miss. A superior scope provides crystal-clear image quality, precise adjustments, and reliable performance in various conditions. It allows you to see your target in detail, accurately judge distance, and make necessary adjustments for factors like wind and elevation.

Now, let’s examine the cream of the crop for 2024:

1. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56

The Vortex Razor HD Gen III stands at the pinnacle of rifle scope technology. With its impressive 6-36x magnification range, this scope is versatile enough to handle everything from mid-range shots to extreme long-distance targeting. The optical clarity of the Razor HD Gen III is truly remarkable, providing a crystal-clear image even at maximum magnification.

One of the standout features of this scope is the EBR-7D reticle. This advanced reticle provides all the necessary information for precise holdovers and windage corrections without cluttering your field of view. The first focal plane design ensures that the reticle scales with your magnification, maintaining accurate ranging at any zoom level.

The Razor HD Gen III also boasts exceptional light transmission, thanks to its 56mm objective lens and high-quality glass. This makes it an excellent choice for low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk hunting scenarios. The robust construction, featuring aircraft-grade aluminum, ensures that this scope can withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil.

2. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56

Leupold has long been a respected name in the optics industry, and the Mark 5HD lives up to that reputation. This scope offers a magnification range of 5-25x, which is ideal for long-range shooting while still providing versatility for closer targets.

What sets the Mark 5HD apart is Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System. This advanced technology optimizes light transmission and reduces glare, resulting in a clearer, brighter image in challenging lighting conditions. I’ve personally used this scope during late evening hunts where other optics struggled to provide a clear picture, but the Mark 5HD delivered crisp, detailed images.

The zero lock system is another feature that deserves praise. It prevents accidental adjustments to your zero, which can be a lifesaver when you’re moving through rough terrain or in high-stress situations. The Mark 5HD also features a first focal plane reticle, ensuring that your holdovers remain consistent across all magnification levels.

3. Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1

When it comes to ruggedness and precision, the Nightforce ATACR is hard to beat. This scope is built like a tank, designed to withstand the harshest conditions while delivering unparalleled accuracy. The 5-25x magnification range is perfect for 600-yard shots and beyond.

The first focal plane reticle is a key feature of the ATACR. It allows for consistent holdovers and ranging regardless of the magnification setting. This is particularly valuable when you need to make quick adjustments in the field. The glass quality is exceptional, providing excellent light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity.

One of the most impressive aspects of the ATACR is its tracking accuracy. The adjustments are precise and repeatable, which is crucial for long-range shooting where small errors can lead to significant misses. The ZeroStop feature allows you to quickly return to your zero setting without counting clicks or losing your place.

4. Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56

Burris has made significant strides in the optics world, and the XTR III is a testament to their commitment to quality. This scope offers features that rival much more expensive options, making it an excellent value for serious long-range shooters.

The SCR 2 MIL reticle is a standout feature of the XTR III. It provides a wealth of reference points for holdovers and wind corrections without becoming overly busy or distracting. The zero stop is rock solid, allowing you to confidently return to your zero after making field adjustments.

One aspect of the XTR III that I particularly appreciate is its forgiving eye relief. When you’re in awkward shooting positions, which is often the case in long-range hunting scenarios, that extra bit of leeway can make a significant difference in your ability to acquire targets quickly and maintain a clear sight picture.

5. Athlon Optics Cronus BTR GEN2 4.5-29×56

Athlon may not be as well-known as some other brands, but they’re quickly making a name for themselves with high-quality optics like the Cronus BTR GEN2. This scope offers an impressive array of features at a competitive price point, making it an excellent option for shooters who want premium performance without breaking the bank.

The glass quality of the Cronus BTR GEN2 is surprisingly good, rivaling scopes that cost significantly more. The edge-to-edge clarity is excellent, and the light transmission is impressive, especially in low-light conditions. The illuminated reticle is a nice touch, providing clear aiming points even in challenging lighting situations.

One of the most impressive aspects of this scope is the precision of its adjustments. Each click is both audible and tactile, allowing you to make accurate adjustments even without looking at the turrets. This can be invaluable when you’re in the field and need to make quick corrections.

6. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50

The Viper PST Gen II is like the more affordable sibling of the Razor HD, offering many of the same features at a more accessible price point. With a magnification range of 5-25x, it’s well-suited for those 600-yard shots while still providing versatility for closer ranges.

The EBR-7C reticle is a joy to use, providing plenty of reference points for holdovers and wind calls without becoming cluttered or confusing. The glass clarity is excellent, especially considering the price point. Light transmission is also impressive, making this a viable option for dawn and dusk hunting scenarios.

One of the standout features of the Viper PST Gen II is its user-friendliness. The turrets are easy to read and adjust, even when wearing gloves. This might seem like a small detail, but when you’re out in cold weather trying to make quick adjustments, it can make a significant difference in your shooting experience.

7. Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm FFP Rifle Scope

Primary Arms has been making waves in the optics world, and the PLx 6-30x56mm is a prime example of why. This first focal plane scope is designed with long-range shooters in mind, offering features that rival much more expensive options.

The DEKA AMS MIL reticle is one of the most intuitive I’ve used. It provides all the information you need for ranging and holdovers without cluttering your field of view. The zero stop is also rock solid, which is crucial for those long-range shots where you need to dial significant elevation adjustments.

What impresses me most about this scope is how well it performs in low light conditions. The 56mm objective lens and high-quality glass coatings result in excellent light transmission, allowing you to extend your shooting time well into twilight hours.

8. Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II 4.5-30×50

Bushnell has long been a respected name in the optics world, and the Elite Tactical XRS II shows why. This scope is built to withstand the toughest conditions while delivering precise performance that long-range shooters demand.

The G3 reticle is a standout feature, providing detailed yet uncluttered reference points for holdovers and wind calls. The RevLimiter Zero Stop ensures you can always return to your zero quickly and accurately, which is crucial when you’re making significant elevation adjustments for those 600-yard shots.

I’ve found the tracking on this scope to be exceptionally reliable. When you’re dialing for those long shots, you need to trust that your scope will adjust exactly as you expect. The XRS II delivers on this front, with precise and repeatable adjustments that you can count on.

9. Steiner T5Xi 5-25×56

German engineering meets long-range precision with the Steiner T5Xi. This scope is built like a tank but performs with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, making it an excellent choice for serious long-range shooters.

The SCR reticle (Special Competition Reticle) is a joy to use, providing all the reference points you need without cluttering your field of view. The illumination is also top-notch, with 11 brightness settings to suit any lighting condition. This can be particularly useful during those critical dawn and dusk hunting periods.

What I love about this scope is its consistency. Whether you’re shooting in scorching heat or freezing cold, the T5Xi performs flawlessly. That kind of reliability is priceless when you’re out in the field, especially when you’re taking those challenging 600-yard shots.

10. Sig Sauer TANGO6T 3-18×44

Rounding out our list is the Sig Sauer TANGO6T. While it might have a lower maximum magnification than some others on this list, don’t let that fool you. This scope is more than capable of handling 600-yard shots with ease, while also providing excellent performance at closer ranges.

The MRAD reticle is clean and intuitive, providing just the right amount of information without becoming distracting. The LevelPlex digital anti-cant system is a game-changer, helping you eliminate rifle cant even on the most awkward shots. This can be particularly valuable when you’re shooting at extreme angles, which is often the case in long-range hunting scenarios.

I’ve found this scope to be particularly versatile. While it excels at those long 600-yard shots, it’s equally at home for closer range work. That kind of flexibility is invaluable when you’re not sure what ranges you’ll be shooting at during a hunt or competition.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope for 600 Yards

When selecting a rifle scope for long-range shooting, there are several key factors to keep in mind:

Magnification Range

For 600-yard shooting, a magnification range that includes at least 18x at the upper end is generally recommended. However, it’s important to remember that higher magnification isn’t always better. Excessive magnification can lead to a narrower field of view and increased image shake, making it harder to acquire and track targets. Look for a scope with a versatile range, such as 5-25x or 6-24x, which will allow you to adapt to various shooting scenarios.

Objective Lens Size

The objective lens size plays a crucial role in light transmission and low-light performance. For long-range scopes, objective lenses of 50mm or larger are common. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter, clearer image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses also mean increased weight and bulk, so consider your specific needs and the type of rifle you’ll be using.

Reticle Type

The reticle is a critical component of any long-range scope. For 600-yard shooting, a reticle with mil-dot or MOA hash marks can be extremely helpful for rangefinding and making holdover adjustments. First focal plane (FFP) reticles are particularly useful for long-range shooting, as the reticle size changes with magnification, allowing for consistent ranging and holdovers at any magnification level.

Turret System

Look for scopes with precise, repeatable turret adjustments. Target-style turrets with clearly marked graduations make it easier to dial in exact adjustments for elevation and windage. A zero-stop feature is also valuable, allowing you to quickly return to your zero setting after making adjustments.

Glass Quality

The quality of the glass used in the scope’s lenses has a significant impact on image clarity, color fidelity, and low-light performance. High-quality glass with advanced coatings can provide superior light transmission and reduce chromatic aberration, resulting in a clearer, brighter image.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Long-range shooting often involves exposure to harsh weather conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Many high-quality scopes are nitrogen or argon-purged to prevent internal fogging and are sealed with O-rings to keep out moisture and dust.

Parallax Adjustment

At long ranges, parallax error can significantly impact accuracy. Look for scopes with parallax adjustment, either via a side focus knob or an adjustable objective. This allows you to eliminate parallax at various distances, ensuring your reticle appears in the same spot regardless of your eye position behind the scope.

Tips for Successful 600-Yard Shooting

Now that we’ve covered the essential features to look for in a long-range scope, let’s discuss some tips to help you make the most of your equipment and improve your 600-yard shooting skills:

Master the Fundamentals

Before attempting long-range shots, ensure you have a solid grasp of basic marksmanship principles. Proper breathing, trigger control, and follow-through are even more critical at extended ranges.

Understand Ballistics

At 600 yards, factors like bullet drop and wind drift become much more significant. Familiarize yourself with your rifle’s ballistics data and learn how to use ballistic calculators to determine proper holdovers or turret adjustments.

Practice Range Estimation

Accurate range estimation is crucial for long-range shooting. While laser rangefinders are incredibly useful, it’s also important to develop your ability to estimate distances using your reticle or other methods.

Learn to Read Wind

Wind is one of the biggest challenges in long-range shooting. Learn to read wind indicators like mirage, vegetation movement, and flags. Practice estimating wind speed and direction, and understand how it affects your bullet’s trajectory.

Use a Stable Shooting Position

At 600 yards, even tiny movements can result in significant misses. Use a bipod, shooting rest, or other stable support whenever possible. Practice shooting from various positions to prepare for field conditions.

Keep a Detailed Log

Maintain a shooting log to record your shots, including environmental conditions, scope settings, and results. This information can be invaluable for improving your long-range shooting skills over time.

Regularly Maintain Your Equipment

Clean your rifle and scope regularly, and check your scope’s zero before each shooting session. Even small shifts in zero can result in significant misses at 600 yards.

Understand Your Limitations

Know your effective range and the limitations of your equipment. Ethical hunters should practice at distances beyond their intended shooting range to ensure they can make clean, humane shots in the field.

Conclusion

Mastering 600-yard shooting is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. With the right equipment, including a high-quality rifle scope, and dedicated practice, you can achieve impressive accuracy at these extended ranges. Remember that long-range shooting is as much about skill and knowledge as it is about equipment. Invest time in learning the nuances of ballistics, weather effects, and proper shooting technique.

As you embark on your long-range shooting journey, don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. Every experienced long-range shooter started as a beginner. With patience, practice, and the right mindset, you’ll find yourself consistently hitting targets at 600 yards and beyond.

Whether you’re a competitive shooter looking to dominate your next match, a hunter preparing for that once-in-a-lifetime long-range shot, or simply an enthusiast pushing the limits of your shooting skills, the world of long-range shooting offers endless opportunities for growth and achievement. So mount up that new scope, head to the range, and start stretching your shooting abilities to new distances. The satisfaction of ringing steel at 600 yards is an experience like no other in the shooting world. Happy shooting, and remember: aim small, miss small!