Hey there, fellow night stalkers and precision shooters! Joel Mccartan here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving deep into the world of long eye relief scopes, and trust me, your eyes (and your forehead) will thank you later.
Now, before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight – if you’re packing some serious firepower or planning on doing any kind of scout-style shooting, a long eye relief scope isn’t just nice to have, it’s downright essential. And with 2024 bringing us some jaw-dropping advancements in optics technology, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your glass game.
Alright, gather ’round, and let me spin you a tale from my early hunting days. Picture this: Young Joel, eager to take down his first big game, borrowing his uncle’s heavy-hitting .300 Win Mag. I was so excited that I completely ignored the warnings about proper eye relief. One shot later, and BAM! I had a scope-shaped bruise that made me look like I’d gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson.
Learn from my mistakes, folks. Long eye relief isn’t just some fancy term cooked up by marketing gurus. It’s the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens that allows you to see the full sight picture. For standard scopes, this is usually around 3-4 inches. But for long eye relief scopes? We’re talking 6 inches or more!
Why does this matter? Well, unless you enjoy the idea of your scope giving you an impromptu nose job every time you fire, that extra distance is crucial. It’s especially important for:
High-recoil rifles: That .300 Win Mag I mentioned? Yeah, it kicks like a mule. Long eye relief keeps your precious peepers safe.
Scout-style rifles: These bad boys have the scope mounted forward on the barrel, requiring more distance between your eye and the optic.
Handguns: Ever tried to use a standard scope on a pistol? It’s like trying to thread a needle while riding a rollercoaster. Long eye relief makes it possible.
The Cream of the Crop: Top 10 Long Eye Relief Scopes for 2024
Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the good stuff. I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing these scopes, and let me tell you, narrowing it down wasn’t easy. But for you, dear reader, I’ve managed to pick the cream of the crop. Here are my top 10 picks for the best long eye relief scopes of 2024:
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
Oh, Vortex, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This Scout Scope is a testament to why Vortex has become a darling of the hunting world. With a generous 9.45 inches of eye relief, it’s perfect for forward-mounted applications.
What I love:
– Crystal clear glass (I swear you can count the whiskers on a squirrel at 100 yards)
– Tough as nails construction (I may have dropped it… more than once)
– Dead-hold BDC reticle that makes holdovers a breeze
The only downside? The relatively low magnification range might not cut it for extreme long-range shooting. But for most hunting scenarios, it’s spot-on.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×28 IER Scout
Leupold has been in the game for ages, and it shows. This scope is like the Swiss Army knife of optics – versatile, reliable, and built to last. With up to 8.8 inches of eye relief, it’s a scout scope dream.
Highlights:
– Twilight Light Management System (fancy talk for “you can see in the dark”)
– Punched lens caps included (no more lost caps!)
– Lightweight design that won’t weigh down your rifle
The only gripe? It’s a bit pricier than some competitors. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
3. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
Burris might not have the same name recognition as some other brands, but don’t let that fool you. This scope is a hidden gem with a whopping 9.2-12 inches of eye relief.
What sets it apart:
– Ballistic Plex reticle that takes the guesswork out of longer shots
– Exceptional low-light performance (perfect for those dawn and dusk hunts)
– Lifetime warranty (because Burris stands behind their products)
The downside? The eye box can be a bit unforgiving, especially at higher magnifications. But with practice, it becomes second nature.
4. UTG 2-7X44 30mm Long Eye Relief Scout Scope
UTG has been making waves in the budget-friendly optics market, and this scout scope is no exception. With 11-9.5 inches of eye relief, it’s one of the most forgiving options out there.
What’s to love:
– 36-color illuminated reticle (because sometimes you want your crosshairs in hot pink)
– Side wheel adjustable turret for easy parallax adjustment
– Surprisingly robust build quality for the price point
The catch? The illumination can be a bit overpowering in low-light conditions. But hey, at least you have 35 other colors to choose from!
5. Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex
If simplicity and reliability are your jam, look no further than the Leupold FX-II Scout. With a fixed 2.5x magnification and 9.3 inches of eye relief, it’s a no-fuss option for scout rifle enthusiasts.
Why it stands out:
– Incredibly light at just 7.5 ounces
– Leupold’s legendary durability (this thing could survive the apocalypse)
– Simplicity that lets you focus on shooting, not fiddling with knobs
The downside? The fixed magnification might be limiting for some shooters. But for quick target acquisition at moderate ranges, it’s hard to beat.
6. Hammers 2-7X32 Long Eye Relief Pistol Scout Scope
Don’t let the “pistol” in the name fool you – this scope is just as at home on a rifle. With 9-9.5 inches of eye relief, it’s versatile enough for various platforms.
What I dig:
– Affordable price point (great for those on a budget)
– Quick-focus eyepiece for rapid target acquisition
– Comes with mounting rings (one less thing to worry about)
The trade-off? The optical clarity isn’t quite on par with higher-end options. But for the price, it’s a solid performer.
7. AIM Sports 2-7X42 30mm Scout Scope
AIM Sports might be the new kid on the block, but they’re making some serious noise. This scope offers 8.5-10.5 inches of eye relief and some features you’d expect to see on much pricier options.
Standout features:
– Rangefinder reticle for easy distance estimation
– Nitrogen-purged for fog-proof performance
– Green-coated lenses for enhanced light transmission
The drawback? Some users report that the mounting hardware could be more robust. But a little Loctite goes a long way.
8. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, this isn’t a scout scope!” And you’re right, but hear me out. With 3.8 inches of eye relief, it’s on the longer end for standard scopes and perfect for those who want versatility.
Why it made the list:
– Incredible value for the price
– Dead-hold BDC reticle (a Vortex staple)
– Versatile magnification range for various hunting scenarios
The catch? It’s not suitable for extreme forward mounting like true scout scopes. But for traditional mounting on hard-recoiling rifles, it’s a winner.
9. Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm Handgun Scope
For the handgunners out there, this Leupold is a dream come true. With a generous 15 inches of eye relief, it’s perfect for even the most powerful hand cannons.
What’s to love:
– Twilight Max Light Management System for unparalleled low-light performance
– Duplex reticle for fast target acquisition
– Leupold’s legendary durability and clarity
The downside? It’s one of the pricier options on this list. But for serious handgun hunters, it’s worth every penny.
10. Trijicon TA44 ACOG 1.5×16
Last but certainly not least, we have the compact powerhouse from Trijicon. While it’s got the shortest eye relief on our list at 2.4 inches, it’s still longer than many standard scopes and offers some unique benefits.
Why it’s worth considering:
– Virtually indestructible (I’m pretty sure this thing could survive a nuclear blast)
– Battery-free illumination using fiber optics and tritium
– Incredibly fast target acquisition
The trade-off? It’s eye-wateringly expensive. But for those who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, the ACOG is hard to beat.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Joel, these all sound great, but how do I choose?” Well, my friend, it comes down to a few key factors:
Your rifle: Are you mounting this on a hard-kicking magnum, a scout rifle, or a handgun? This will dictate the minimum eye relief you need.
Your shooting style: Are you a run-and-gun hunter or a methodical long-range shooter? This affects the magnification range you’ll want.
Your budget: Let’s face it, some of us have champagne tastes on a beer budget. But remember, a scope is an investment in your shooting future.
Your environment: Will you be in the misty Pacific Northwest or the arid Southwest? Different climates call for different durability features.
Before we wrap up, let me share a few pearls of wisdom I’ve gathered over the years:
Practice, practice, practice: The longer eye relief can take some getting used to. Spend time at the range getting comfortable with your new setup.
Mount it right: Proper mounting is crucial. If you’re not confident, don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional gunsmith.
Keep it clean: Long eye relief means your scope is often more exposed to the elements. A little TLC goes a long way in maintaining optical clarity.
Know your limits: Just because your scope can theoretically shoot to 500 yards doesn’t mean you should be taking ethical shots at game at that distance. Know your effective range and stick to it.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to long eye relief scopes for 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie looking to up your game, one of these ten scopes will serve you well in the field.
Remember, at the end of the day, the best scope is the one that meets your specific needs and helps you shoot more accurately. So take your time, do your research, and most importantly, get out there and practice!
Until next time, keep your eyes sharp and your shots true. This is Joel Mccartan, signing off from the NightVisionGears team. Happy hunting!