The Ruger Precision Rifle has revolutionized the world of long-range shooting, offering exceptional accuracy and performance at a competitive price point. To truly unlock its potential, pairing it with a high-quality scope is essential. As we enter 2024, the market offers a wide array of options to suit every need and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 12 of the best scopes available for the Ruger Precision Rifle, delving into their features, benefits, and how they can elevate your shooting experience.
Understanding the Ruger Precision Rifle
Before we dive into the scopes, it’s worth appreciating the rifle we’re working with. The Ruger Precision Rifle, manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., has become a staple in the precision shooting community. Known for its exceptional accuracy, modularity, and value for money, this rifle has set a new standard in the world of long-range shooting.
Available in various calibers, including popular options like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, the Ruger Precision Rifle is capable of consistently hitting targets at extreme distances. Its adjustable stock, ergonomic grip, and free-floating handguard contribute to its excellent ergonomics and shootability. When paired with the right optic, this rifle can truly shine, allowing shooters to maximize their accuracy potential.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope
Before we get into specific recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the key factors that should influence your scope selection:
Magnification Range: For a precision rifle like the Ruger, you’ll want a scope with a wide magnification range. This allows for versatility in shooting distances, from closer range engagements to extreme long-range shots.
Optical Quality: Clear, bright optics are essential for precision shooting, especially in low-light conditions. Look for scopes with high-quality glass and effective lens coatings.
Reticle Type: First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles are generally preferred for long-range shooting as they maintain their subtensions at all magnifications. However, Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles can also be effective for certain applications.
Turret System: Precise, repeatable adjustments are crucial. Look for scopes with well-designed turret systems that allow for easy zeroing and adjustments in the field.
Durability: Your scope should be able to withstand recoil and harsh environmental conditions. Look for robust construction and weather-resistant features.
Parallax Adjustment: For precision shooting, especially at longer ranges, a side parallax adjustment is very useful.
Price: While quality often comes at a premium, there are excellent options available at various price points. Consider your budget and intended use when making your selection.
Now, let’s explore the 12 best scopes available for the Ruger Precision Rifle in 2024:
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical is an excellent entry-level option for those looking to get into precision shooting without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane EBR-2C MOA reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Exposed tactical turrets with zero reset
- Glass-etched reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
The Diamondback Tactical offers impressive features at its price point. The first focal plane reticle is a standout, allowing for consistent holdovers across the entire magnification range. The glass-etched reticle ensures durability and provides clean, crisp aiming points.
The optical quality is good for its class, with fully multi-coated lenses providing clear, bright images. The exposed tactical turrets allow for easy adjustments in the field, with a zero reset feature for convenience.
While it may not match the optical clarity of more expensive options, the Diamondback Tactical provides excellent value for money and is a great starting point for those new to long-range shooting.
2. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
The Vortex Viper HS-T is a step up from the Diamondback, offering improved optical quality and features for those who want a bit more performance.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane VMR-1 MOA reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) zero stop
- Precision-force spring system
- Extra-low dispersion glass
The Viper HS-T impresses with its optical clarity, thanks to the extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses. The second focal plane reticle may not be everyone’s preference for long-range shooting, but it does offer a cleaner sight picture at lower magnifications.
The CRS zero stop is a nice feature, allowing you to quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments. The precision-force spring system in the turrets provides consistent, repeatable adjustments.
While not as feature-rich as some higher-end options, the Viper HS-T offers a good balance of performance and value, making it a solid choice for many Ruger Precision Rifle owners.
3. Steiner T5Xi 5-25×56 Tactical Riflescope
Steiner is known for producing high-quality optics, and the T5Xi lives up to that reputation.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane SCR (Special Competition Reticle)
- 5-25x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens
- Illuminated reticle with 11 intensity levels
- Tenebraex flip-up lens covers included
- Rugged U.S. construction
The T5Xi stands out with its excellent optical quality and robust construction. The SCR reticle is well-designed for long-range shooting, offering a good balance of precision aiming points without cluttering the sight picture.
The illuminated reticle is a nice touch, with 11 intensity levels to suit any lighting condition. The included Tenebraex flip-up lens covers are a valuable addition, protecting your investment in the field.
While on the pricier side, the Steiner T5Xi offers top-tier performance and durability, making it a worthy consideration for serious long-range shooters.
4. NightForce SHV 5-20×56 Riflescope
NightForce has a reputation for producing some of the most rugged and reliable scopes on the market, and the SHV (Shooter, Hunter, Varminter) series brings that quality to a more accessible price point.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane MOAR reticle
- 5-20x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens
- ZeroSet feature for easy return to zero
- Ample internal adjustment range
- Illuminated reticle option available
The SHV offers the legendary NightForce durability and optical clarity in a more budget-friendly package. The MOAR reticle is clean and intuitive, providing necessary holdover information without cluttering the sight picture.
The ZeroSet feature is particularly useful, allowing you to quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments. The large 56mm objective lens provides excellent light gathering capabilities, enhancing low-light performance.
While not as feature-rich as NightForce’s top-tier offerings, the SHV provides excellent value for money and is more than capable of maximizing the potential of your Ruger Precision Rifle.
5. Burris Optics XTR II 8-40×50 Riflescope
For those who want to push their long-range shooting to the extreme, the Burris XTR II offers an incredible magnification range.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane F-Class MOA reticle
- 8-40x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Zero Click Stop adjustment system
- Side parallax adjustment
- High-grade optical glass
The XTR II impresses with its optical clarity and extreme magnification range. The F-Class MOA reticle is designed specifically for long-range target shooting, offering precise aiming points for windage and elevation holds.
The Zero Click Stop system is intuitive and allows for quick return to zero after dialing for long shots. The side parallax adjustment is smooth and easy to use, even when in awkward shooting positions.
While the high magnification range may be overkill for some shooters, it can be incredibly useful for those shooting at extreme distances or engaging in F-Class competition.
6. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
For those on a tight budget, the Bushnell Banner offers surprising performance at an extremely affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane Multi-X reticle
- 3-9x magnification range
- 40mm objective lens
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
While the Banner may not have the advanced features of more expensive scopes, it offers solid performance for its price. The DDB lens coatings provide good light transmission, enhancing performance in low-light conditions.
The Multi-X reticle is simple and uncluttered, making it easy to acquire targets quickly. The 3-9x magnification range may be limiting for extreme long-range shooting, but it’s suitable for most hunting and medium-range target shooting scenarios.
For those just getting started with precision shooting or working with a limited budget, the Bushnell Banner provides a good entry point without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.
7. Athlon Optics Midas TAC 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
Athlon has been making waves in the optics world by offering feature-rich scopes at competitive prices, and the Midas TAC is no exception.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane APRS MIL reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Exposed tactical turrets with zero stop
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Argon purged for fog and waterproofing
The Midas TAC offers an impressive array of features typically found on much more expensive scopes. The optical quality is surprisingly good for its price point, with the fully multi-coated lenses providing clear, bright images throughout the magnification range.
The first focal plane reticle is well-designed, offering a good balance of precision aiming points without becoming overly cluttered. The exposed tactical turrets provide easy adjustments in the field, with a zero stop feature for quick return to zero.
For shooters on a budget who still want high-end features, the Athlon Midas TAC is an excellent choice that punches well above its weight class.
8. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II has consistently been a favorite among precision shooters, offering an excellent balance of features, performance, and value.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane EBR-2C MRAD reticle
- 5-25x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Laser-etched turrets with RZR zero stop
- Illuminated reticle with 10 intensity levels
- Argon purged for fog and waterproofing
The Viper PST Gen II excels in its optical clarity, providing crisp, clear images even in challenging light conditions. The first focal plane reticle is a standout feature, allowing for consistent holdovers regardless of magnification.
The turret system on this scope is another highlight. The tactile clicks are positive and repeatable, inspiring confidence in your adjustments. The RZR zero stop is a nice touch, allowing you to quickly return to your zero after dialing for long shots.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Viper PST Gen II is its value proposition. While not the cheapest option on the market, it offers performance that rivals much more expensive scopes at a more accessible price point.
9. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
The Viper HS LR (High Speed Long Range) is designed specifically for long-range shooting, offering features tailored to this discipline.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane XLR MOA reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) zero stop
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Extra-low dispersion glass
The Viper HS LR impresses with its optical clarity, thanks to the extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses. The XLR MOA reticle is designed specifically for long-range shooting, offering holdover and windage corrections out to extreme distances.
The CRS zero stop is a valuable feature, allowing you to quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments. The side focus parallax adjustment is smooth and easy to use, ensuring a parallax-free image at any distance.
For those focused primarily on long-range shooting, the Viper HS LR offers a feature set specifically tailored to this discipline at a competitive price point.
10. Trijicon AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope
Trijicon is perhaps best known for their combat-proven ACOG sights, but their AccuPoint line brings that same ruggedness and reliability to the precision rifle world.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane Mil-Dot reticle
- 5-20x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Fiber optic illumination system (no batteries required)
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
The AccuPoint stands out with its unique fiber optic illumination system, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the reticle based on ambient light conditions. This system requires no batteries, ensuring your reticle is always ready when you need it.
The optical quality is excellent, with fully multi-coated lenses providing bright, clear images. The Mil-Dot reticle is clean and uncluttered, offering holdover and windage information without overwhelming the sight picture.
While the second focal plane design may not be everyone’s preference for long-range shooting, the AccuPoint offers exceptional durability and reliability, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize these qualities.
11. Primary Arms PLx 6-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Primary Arms has been making waves in the optics world with their feature-rich, competitively priced scopes, and the PLx series represents their push into the premium market.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane DEKA MIL reticle
- 6-30x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens
- Locking turrets with zero stop
- Illuminated reticle with night vision compatibility
- Lifetime warranty
The PLx impresses with its optical quality and feature set. The DEKA MIL reticle is well-designed for long-range shooting, offering a good balance of precision aiming points without cluttering the sight picture.
The locking turrets with zero stop are a nice touch, preventing accidental adjustments in the field and allowing for quick return to zero. The illuminated reticle with night vision compatibility extends the usability of this scope into low-light conditions.
While Primary Arms may not have the brand recognition of some other premium scope manufacturers, the PLx offers performance that can compete with scopes costing significantly more.
12. Vortex RAZOR HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 Riflescope
For those who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, the Vortex Razor HD Gen II is hard to beat.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane EBR-2C MRAD reticle
- 4.5-27x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens
- L-TEC turret system with zero stop
- APO optical system with HD lens elements
- Extremely robust construction
The Razor HD Gen II is Vortex’s flagship offering, and it shows in every aspect of its design and performance. The optical quality is outstanding, rivaling scopes that cost significantly more. The APO system with HD lens elements provides excellent color fidelity and clarity across the entire magnification range.
The L-TEC turret system is a joy to use, with positive clicks and a zero stop feature that allows for confident and repeatable adjustments. The build quality is top-notch, with the scope feeling solid and durable in hand.
While the Razor HD Gen II is one of the more expensive options on this list, it offers exceptional performance that can maximize the potential of your Ruger Precision Rifle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for your Ruger Precision Rifle is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your shooting experience and performance. Each of the scopes we’ve discussed offers unique features and benefits,